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Bigler, North Carolina #2
I Want Candy
Candace Carmichael was just getting used to the lavish life when everything went sour. Now the down-on-her-luck real estate agent is back in Bigler, North Carolina, jobless and illegally rooming with her mother in a swank retirement community. All this makes her wonder why she ever considered her BFF Cheri’s invitation to move back home. Life in this small mountain town may not be as glamorous as the one she had in Tampa, but she knows a girl can’t be too choosy in this market. Besides, everyone’s happy to welcome Candy back—especially one handsome widower named Turner…
Turner has grown up to be one fine-looking piece of man candy—and looks even tastier in his sheriff’s uniform. Maybe that’s why she couldn’t resist kissing him when he pulled her over for a traffic violation. Even if a relationship was part of Candy’s business plan, Turner would be off limits—he still wears his wedding ring, four years after his wife died. If falling in love too fast is a crime, Candy is soon guilty as charged and ready to be fingerprinted. But is she ready to lock away her dreams and hand Turner the keys to her heart?
Turner has grown up to be one fine-looking piece of man candy—and looks even tastier in his sheriff’s uniform. Maybe that’s why she couldn’t resist kissing him when he pulled her over for a traffic violation. Even if a relationship was part of Candy’s business plan, Turner would be off limits—he still wears his wedding ring, four years after his wife died. If falling in love too fast is a crime, Candy is soon guilty as charged and ready to be fingerprinted. But is she ready to lock away her dreams and hand Turner the keys to her heart?
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 28, 2012
17 people are currently reading
846 people want to read
About the author
Susan Donovan
46 books935 followersSUSAN DONOVAN's novels have won accolades for being witty, sexy, and entertaining. A former newspaper reporter with journalism degrees from Northwestern University, Susan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author whose novels have been translated into dozens of languages. Susan is a two-time RITA Award finalist, and her novel TAKE A CHANCE ON ME was named Best Contemporary Romance of 2003 by RT Book Reviews magazine. She lives in New Mexico with her family and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
July 15, 2014
This was cute. A little all over the place with regards to it's plot, but it was fun. I listened to the audio and the narration was good.
I think what held me back from loving this was that it couldn't decide whether it wanted to be funny and sweet or intense and sexy. At first, Candy was pretty goofy, and it was easy to let her silliness overtake her character. But when the serious parts come into play, it made her seem a little more air-headed than she should be. There was a good message here, some past abuse, but that was the parts that were lost somewhere for me.
I did like that we got a biracial couple...Candy is a blonde eyed white girl, Turner is a black man. And it played a pretty large part of the story when the town of Bigler, North Carolina starts to realize that there is more to their relationship than pure friendship. A few bigots pop up, but it was nice to get a lot of support as well. After all, Turner is the sheriff...they'd better trust him and like him enough if that's his job.
It was a great small town story...the usual busybodies sticking their noses where it doesn't belong. Mostly with good intentions, so it was quirky more than annoying.
A cute story. This is my second book by Susan Anderson, and for some reason the spice level of this surprised me. Something I've never come across in all my romance/erotica reads gave me a moment of pause.
Of course, Turner eats up on it (no pun intended) but it wasn't something I was prepared for, so I'm not sure what to think about it. Raise my eyebrows and be jealous? Smirk and roll my eyes? I guess just laugh and move on. Good for her, I suppose ☺ ☻
I think what held me back from loving this was that it couldn't decide whether it wanted to be funny and sweet or intense and sexy. At first, Candy was pretty goofy, and it was easy to let her silliness overtake her character. But when the serious parts come into play, it made her seem a little more air-headed than she should be. There was a good message here, some past abuse, but that was the parts that were lost somewhere for me.
I did like that we got a biracial couple...Candy is a blonde eyed white girl, Turner is a black man. And it played a pretty large part of the story when the town of Bigler, North Carolina starts to realize that there is more to their relationship than pure friendship. A few bigots pop up, but it was nice to get a lot of support as well. After all, Turner is the sheriff...they'd better trust him and like him enough if that's his job.
It was a great small town story...the usual busybodies sticking their noses where it doesn't belong. Mostly with good intentions, so it was quirky more than annoying.
A cute story. This is my second book by Susan Anderson, and for some reason the spice level of this surprised me. Something I've never come across in all my romance/erotica reads gave me a moment of pause.
Of course, Turner eats up on it (no pun intended) but it wasn't something I was prepared for, so I'm not sure what to think about it. Raise my eyebrows and be jealous? Smirk and roll my eyes? I guess just laugh and move on. Good for her, I suppose ☺ ☻
August 27, 2016
Yes!
*Fist Pump*
Yes!
Finally. It is weird how I was just wondering how I don't see any romances with a Black character paired up with a White character. And I unwittingly came across this.
I went completely blind into it and boy was it a hot read. Turner is a hot character. So hot, my metaphorical hands are covered with ice packs. He is not the traditional ripped hunk. Oh no no. He's the average fit man who makes the reader drool with the sweetest words and the most swoon worthy actions. When he describes his attraction for Candy, you actually feel it. It is not forced like so many books are these days. You know his love and lust for everything that Candy is comes from heart.
Kudos to Susan for handling the deceased wie plot so well. Very well executed indeed. Yeah it is a little weird how both the characters go on talking to the dead person's spirit in their heads but at least both were ready to move on.
Candy was pretty great. Could be better. And the last chapter's resolution felt rushed. Thus the 4 star rating. But it is a memorable book. I may be in the minority here but I stand by my opinion. It is definitely worth a read.
*Fist Pump*
Yes!
Finally. It is weird how I was just wondering how I don't see any romances with a Black character paired up with a White character. And I unwittingly came across this.
I went completely blind into it and boy was it a hot read. Turner is a hot character. So hot, my metaphorical hands are covered with ice packs. He is not the traditional ripped hunk. Oh no no. He's the average fit man who makes the reader drool with the sweetest words and the most swoon worthy actions. When he describes his attraction for Candy, you actually feel it. It is not forced like so many books are these days. You know his love and lust for everything that Candy is comes from heart.
Kudos to Susan for handling the deceased wie plot so well. Very well executed indeed. Yeah it is a little weird how both the characters go on talking to the dead person's spirit in their heads but at least both were ready to move on.
Candy was pretty great. Could be better. And the last chapter's resolution felt rushed. Thus the 4 star rating. But it is a memorable book. I may be in the minority here but I stand by my opinion. It is definitely worth a read.
February 6, 2017
This is the second in the series and reading the first is probably helpful. Only I hated the first, so maybe not. The characters from the first show up a lot and Candy is introduced there so it's a reasonably heavy dependency, at any rate.
This would have been good as a romance. Which is to say, if it had only been a romance. The tacked-on thriller story was complete crap and warped the characters (characters that I really liked) all out of shape.
I enjoyed Candace, even though she's kind of shallow at the beginning. I liked her determination to be independent, even as I was frustrated with her refusal to accept help from anyone, even the friends who love her and welcome her into their lives. I particularly liked how well Donovan depicts her finding a place in her hometown even as she resists it on the basis of her previous (well-deserved) dislike. And her being willing to deal with all her setbacks was just lovely.
Turner is even better. I love his strong maturity and determination and competence. I love how he handles people in the town and particularly how he handles racial prejudice (as he's the town's first black sheriff and some of the older citizens are pretty stupid). Again, Donovan does a good job with the character as she shows his quiet authority and absolute certainty that things will go his way (even as they obviously aren't). Even better (and trickier) was Donovan's handling of him coming to terms with the loss of his first wife to a tragic accident years prior. Seriously, tears may have been involved.
Unfortunately, Donovan also has a drug ring plot that is stupid on every conceivable level. The people in it are violently stupid and, bonus, we get to spend time in the head of the creepiest of them from time to time. The specifics don't work, the "mystery" isn't one, and every time a character comes into contact with that plot they become a dumber version of themselves. This hurts worst when Candy has to have a crisis of faith/love . Donovan had been so original and fresh with the relationship and characters that seeing her devolve in this one aspect was, frankly, crushing.
This was a solid four stars for most of the book as the crime stuff was backgrounded for large portions of the story. Unfortunately, it intrudes enough in the last parts that it dragged the whole thing to three-stars (and nearly lower). This leaves me seriously torn on whether to continue the series. I suspect they'll all have a tacked-on thriller/crime addition and that just makes me sad.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene (though some foreplay goes far enough others may count it higher) but it's a long, drawn-out one and full of descriptive superlatives. So this is the middle of my steam tolerance. Also, both main characters become rather crude when talking sex and I found that a bit off-putting as well. It just felt out of character to me.
This would have been good as a romance. Which is to say, if it had only been a romance. The tacked-on thriller story was complete crap and warped the characters (characters that I really liked) all out of shape.
I enjoyed Candace, even though she's kind of shallow at the beginning. I liked her determination to be independent, even as I was frustrated with her refusal to accept help from anyone, even the friends who love her and welcome her into their lives. I particularly liked how well Donovan depicts her finding a place in her hometown even as she resists it on the basis of her previous (well-deserved) dislike. And her being willing to deal with all her setbacks was just lovely.
Turner is even better. I love his strong maturity and determination and competence. I love how he handles people in the town and particularly how he handles racial prejudice (as he's the town's first black sheriff and some of the older citizens are pretty stupid). Again, Donovan does a good job with the character as she shows his quiet authority and absolute certainty that things will go his way (even as they obviously aren't). Even better (and trickier) was Donovan's handling of him coming to terms with the loss of his first wife to a tragic accident years prior. Seriously, tears may have been involved.
Unfortunately, Donovan also has a drug ring plot that is stupid on every conceivable level. The people in it are violently stupid and, bonus, we get to spend time in the head of the creepiest of them from time to time. The specifics don't work, the "mystery" isn't one, and every time a character comes into contact with that plot they become a dumber version of themselves. This hurts worst when Candy has to have a crisis of faith/love . Donovan had been so original and fresh with the relationship and characters that seeing her devolve in this one aspect was, frankly, crushing.
This was a solid four stars for most of the book as the crime stuff was backgrounded for large portions of the story. Unfortunately, it intrudes enough in the last parts that it dragged the whole thing to three-stars (and nearly lower). This leaves me seriously torn on whether to continue the series. I suspect they'll all have a tacked-on thriller/crime addition and that just makes me sad.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene (though some foreplay goes far enough others may count it higher) but it's a long, drawn-out one and full of descriptive superlatives. So this is the middle of my steam tolerance. Also, both main characters become rather crude when talking sex and I found that a bit off-putting as well. It just felt out of character to me.
September 15, 2025
If you are looking for a good solid Romance without a lot of angst, this is a great series. It also has just a touch of mystery/suspense for those, like me, who get bored with the whole "will they ever get it together'" stick of most romance genre books. "I Want Candy" was a fun read with some serious themes thrown in, not too much, mind you, just enough to keep it real.
Candace Carmichael was riding high on the real estate market in Floridia. Then is all crashed leaving her with not much more than the clothes on her back and "Sophie" a diamond bracelet she plans to use for her new start. But, for now, she is back where she began - Bigler, North Carolina. She is definitely not planning to stay: this is just a rest stop. But keeping a roof over her head is a lot more traumatic than she had planned and she ends up bunking with her mother at her retirement home and the management takes a dim view of that. This is just temporary and the last thing she wants is to lose her heart to the town Sheriff.
Turner is the Sheriff of Bigler. He grew up always wanting to be the Sheriff of Bigler. He did a stint in the military, went to college, married the love of his life and came back to Bigler. There has never been any other place for him. When Junie died in a tragic accident, Turner dove headfirst into his work and only emerged when Candy hit town. My, of my, she is as sweet as he remembered. Best not hanker for a taste of that, for a lot of reasons. But some things are just meant to be, and Candy is the first woman that has made him want to live again instead of just existing. But there is a Federal Task Force in town and Candy has gotten mixed up with the wrong sort and that could prove fatal to whatever is happening between them.
Candace Carmichael was riding high on the real estate market in Floridia. Then is all crashed leaving her with not much more than the clothes on her back and "Sophie" a diamond bracelet she plans to use for her new start. But, for now, she is back where she began - Bigler, North Carolina. She is definitely not planning to stay: this is just a rest stop. But keeping a roof over her head is a lot more traumatic than she had planned and she ends up bunking with her mother at her retirement home and the management takes a dim view of that. This is just temporary and the last thing she wants is to lose her heart to the town Sheriff.
Turner is the Sheriff of Bigler. He grew up always wanting to be the Sheriff of Bigler. He did a stint in the military, went to college, married the love of his life and came back to Bigler. There has never been any other place for him. When Junie died in a tragic accident, Turner dove headfirst into his work and only emerged when Candy hit town. My, of my, she is as sweet as he remembered. Best not hanker for a taste of that, for a lot of reasons. But some things are just meant to be, and Candy is the first woman that has made him want to live again instead of just existing. But there is a Federal Task Force in town and Candy has gotten mixed up with the wrong sort and that could prove fatal to whatever is happening between them.
September 17, 2025
I enjoyed this audio book while driving to and from work. It was funny and cute with what I would consider light spice. I do wish there was more of the “happy couple” at the end of the book to enjoy but I hope there is more of them in the next stand alone connected to this.
May 7, 2012
Posted on Romancing the Book blog
Reviewed by~Marissa
Review Copy Provided by~the Publisher
I Want Candy is one of those “going home” books. You know, girl goes through a rough patch (like losing her business, her house, her expensive jewelry and her expensive car) and tucks her tail to return to the hometown she swore she’d never see again. Then she runs into an old classmate/friend and things heat up. What I don’t understand about these books (and others) is how two people can be just good buddies and in one fell swoop decide they love each other. Perhaps because it’s never happened to me… *sigh* Yes, there are a few old classmates I wouldn’t mind running into and find that we should have gotten better acquainted in high school, but I have my doubts as to the reality of one kiss being a deciding factor as to any relationship.
That aside, I Want Candy is an enjoyable read. It is what I call a light read. There is no heavy mystery to solve, no bad-guy to run from (or chase), no horrifying childhood trauma from which to recover. Well, there is one childhood trauma but it is dealt with smoothly and without over-dramafying. (Yes, that’s a word. I just made it up.) The scene is built up during the book so it does not come as a blow, and it does not weigh you down with sadness or grief. In fact, it’s over with fairly quickly and the author gets on with the real story – bringing Candy and Turner together for a happy ending.
I appreciate Susan Donovan’s writing and can always depend on her for a nice, even, romantic read. Her writing flows and is untarnished by heavy, harrowing plots. Not that there is anything wrong with those (I read them all the time) but when I want to read a nice HEA, I know Donovan will deliver.
Reviewed by~Marissa
Review Copy Provided by~the Publisher
I Want Candy is one of those “going home” books. You know, girl goes through a rough patch (like losing her business, her house, her expensive jewelry and her expensive car) and tucks her tail to return to the hometown she swore she’d never see again. Then she runs into an old classmate/friend and things heat up. What I don’t understand about these books (and others) is how two people can be just good buddies and in one fell swoop decide they love each other. Perhaps because it’s never happened to me… *sigh* Yes, there are a few old classmates I wouldn’t mind running into and find that we should have gotten better acquainted in high school, but I have my doubts as to the reality of one kiss being a deciding factor as to any relationship.
That aside, I Want Candy is an enjoyable read. It is what I call a light read. There is no heavy mystery to solve, no bad-guy to run from (or chase), no horrifying childhood trauma from which to recover. Well, there is one childhood trauma but it is dealt with smoothly and without over-dramafying. (Yes, that’s a word. I just made it up.) The scene is built up during the book so it does not come as a blow, and it does not weigh you down with sadness or grief. In fact, it’s over with fairly quickly and the author gets on with the real story – bringing Candy and Turner together for a happy ending.
I appreciate Susan Donovan’s writing and can always depend on her for a nice, even, romantic read. Her writing flows and is untarnished by heavy, harrowing plots. Not that there is anything wrong with those (I read them all the time) but when I want to read a nice HEA, I know Donovan will deliver.
March 3, 2016
This was a sweet 2nd installment to Donovan's sweet series. Candy is back in her hometown of Bigler NC a failure. She and her friend Cheri lost it all in the Florida commercial real estate bust. She has reinvented herself in the past, she can do it again. But this time it feels different as there is a sexy dark eyed sheriff that can't keep his eyes or hands off of Candy. Turner had always had the hots for Candy-Pants, but their paths never traveled together. Until now and Turner is determined that Candy won't slip through his hands again. Candy has had a hard time herself keeping her hands or lips off of Turner's body. But she doesn't intend to stay in tiny Bigler. She has bigger fish to fry. But between being homeless and being in the love-sick cross-hairs of a drug dealer Candy has a lot on her plate. Never mind the biases of a small town that caused Candy to run in the first place. Can Turner's love and ties hold Candy back from leaving or can they set her free to do what she was always meant to do? This was a fun light read perfect for a Sunday morning. It wasn't total fluff though as it deals with inter-racial relationships and even today how hurtful racist attitudes can hurt. We also got glimpses of who our next couples are and wait until you get a load of the new and improved "Tater" Wayne. ;-) All I can say is, YUMMY!
December 17, 2013
I don't think I'd ever read Susan Donovan before...I just happened to select this book to listen to while I was walking my dogs.
Likes -
1. Fairly likeable characters
2. Pretty hot sex scenes (even if they did seem a little off to me...can't really put my finger on why)
3. There was a plot...so that was good.
Dislikes -
1. I don't know. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for contemporary romance, but I got bored and decided I just didn't care.
2. The writing was a little irritating to me. Or maybe it was the dialogue. And I might not have even noticed, except I listened to the book and I think you notice things like that more often with audiobooks.
3. The reader. She bugged me. And maybe thats why I'm not all that enthusiastic about the book. I think I would have enjoyed it with someone else reading.
Likes -
1. Fairly likeable characters
2. Pretty hot sex scenes (even if they did seem a little off to me...can't really put my finger on why)
3. There was a plot...so that was good.
Dislikes -
1. I don't know. Maybe I wasn't in the mood for contemporary romance, but I got bored and decided I just didn't care.
2. The writing was a little irritating to me. Or maybe it was the dialogue. And I might not have even noticed, except I listened to the book and I think you notice things like that more often with audiobooks.
3. The reader. She bugged me. And maybe thats why I'm not all that enthusiastic about the book. I think I would have enjoyed it with someone else reading.
May 13, 2016
Standard formula predicable romance chick lit but well written and fun.
April 30, 2025
I think if I rolled my eyes any harder they would have popped out of my head. I’m sorry, but this whole book was ridiculous. Also the spicy scenes were laugh out loud funny and not in a good way.
September 17, 2025
Quick read. Turner and Candy. In western NC small town of Bigler. Fluff.
July 22, 2025
Although I am technically in a mixed race marriage, and I am sure this is an issue for other people, this storyline was not for me and felt very 1960s.
April 14, 2012
3.5/5 (C+)
Hmmmmm, it's hard to describe how I feel about I Want Candy. On one hand, there was a lot going on at the same time with some inconsistencies and questions... but at the same time, I don't know, it works LOL. I found myself continuing reading and that's something given my current reading mood. So kudos to Ms Donovan LOL.
Overall, I liked both Candy and Turner's characters. Turner was just a good buy all around and while he was a widower, he wasn't too hung up on his dead wife. Yes, he wanted to find out the truth behind her death for closure and J.J. and his brother thought he was a bit obsessed with it, that he should resign himself. However, his behavior didn't come across as obsessive, mainly because he had healthy fantasies about Candy, LOL, but also because there was so much going on that Ms Donovan did not focus too much attention on that aspect ^_^; As for Candy, I like that knew she was materialistic. She has difficulty giving up her previous life, but she was still a pretty good girl... and she was brave to want to pick up the broken pieces and want to start over. What bothered me though with her character is that Candy kept saying she couldn't stay in Bigler. It was okay for Cheri, but for her, being Candace Carmichael, it was not an option to stay... and that part, I didn't really get. The way Candy talked, it was as if she really had a bad past or her family had a bad reputation in Bigler and everyone would be out throwing stones at her... But it really wasn't the case. Also, there were parts where it seemed Candy was traumatized in her past, but when it came to light, in the scheme of all things, it didn't feel that bad. I know this is subjective and it varies from person to person... but I guess reading so much fiction and listening to news, there are so many horror stories out there that it made me immune and insensitive...? I just found that there were characters I've read who had worst and seemed to cope better than Candy ^_^;
Once again, the romance between Candy and Turner was pretty hot and heavy. I like the chemistry between the two and I think it helps that they had an history. I liked that Turner didn't want to make Candy obliged to stay, that he wanted her to stay in Bigler not just because of him, but for herself as well. Once again though, I wished there was a bit more development... a push as to why the two of them would jump each other now besides attraction and lust. Also, Ms Donovan touched lightly on the racial aspect... I don't know how I feel about that. I'm sad that it is still a current problem in our society and good for Ms Donovan for addressing it. At the same time, I kind of have a problem with the way she did it... Because there was so much going on, Ms Donovan didn't dwell on it very long and as a result, it felt superficial and superfluous ^_^; It seems to me, if Ms Donovan really wanted to tackle this issue, she should have devoted more of the book to it. Otherwise, she should simply not have brought it up. As it is, the in-between does not do much.
Also, I thought the mystery in Cheri on Top was well done... but not so much in I Want Candy. I think it again comes back to too much going on. The whole drug investigation was a good idea as another storyline, but it was muggled with the whole night clerk's - who's a part of the drug lab organization - delusion that Candy was his girlfriend. The way this story thread was resolved was a bit unrealistic and anti-climatic.
One last inconsistency that bothered me was about Candy's mother, Jacinda. She did such a 180 degrees in behavior that it was hard to believe. I mean, in the beginning of the book, when Candy visits her mother to let her know what happened to the money she lent her, the reaction you get was that Jacinda didn't expect to see the money back because she knew Candy would fail... Then at the end, you find out everything that Jacinda has done for Candy. Don't mistake me, I'm glad that her mother turned out to be a better woman and Candy will probably have a better relationship with her... but it seems like a bit of bad characterization, because it's hard to believe ^_^;
So it seemed like I had a lot of issues with I Want Candy and I guess I did... but as I said earlier, there was just something about this book that was compelling and made me continue reading it and at the end, I had a good time :)
Once again, not the best nor the worst book, but an enjoyable one :) I have no idea if Ms Donovan plans any other books in Bigler, but I wouldn't be against it :)
Hmmmmm, it's hard to describe how I feel about I Want Candy. On one hand, there was a lot going on at the same time with some inconsistencies and questions... but at the same time, I don't know, it works LOL. I found myself continuing reading and that's something given my current reading mood. So kudos to Ms Donovan LOL.
Overall, I liked both Candy and Turner's characters. Turner was just a good buy all around and while he was a widower, he wasn't too hung up on his dead wife. Yes, he wanted to find out the truth behind her death for closure and J.J. and his brother thought he was a bit obsessed with it, that he should resign himself. However, his behavior didn't come across as obsessive, mainly because he had healthy fantasies about Candy, LOL, but also because there was so much going on that Ms Donovan did not focus too much attention on that aspect ^_^; As for Candy, I like that knew she was materialistic. She has difficulty giving up her previous life, but she was still a pretty good girl... and she was brave to want to pick up the broken pieces and want to start over. What bothered me though with her character is that Candy kept saying she couldn't stay in Bigler. It was okay for Cheri, but for her, being Candace Carmichael, it was not an option to stay... and that part, I didn't really get. The way Candy talked, it was as if she really had a bad past or her family had a bad reputation in Bigler and everyone would be out throwing stones at her... But it really wasn't the case. Also, there were parts where it seemed Candy was traumatized in her past, but when it came to light, in the scheme of all things, it didn't feel that bad. I know this is subjective and it varies from person to person... but I guess reading so much fiction and listening to news, there are so many horror stories out there that it made me immune and insensitive...? I just found that there were characters I've read who had worst and seemed to cope better than Candy ^_^;
Once again, the romance between Candy and Turner was pretty hot and heavy. I like the chemistry between the two and I think it helps that they had an history. I liked that Turner didn't want to make Candy obliged to stay, that he wanted her to stay in Bigler not just because of him, but for herself as well. Once again though, I wished there was a bit more development... a push as to why the two of them would jump each other now besides attraction and lust. Also, Ms Donovan touched lightly on the racial aspect... I don't know how I feel about that. I'm sad that it is still a current problem in our society and good for Ms Donovan for addressing it. At the same time, I kind of have a problem with the way she did it... Because there was so much going on, Ms Donovan didn't dwell on it very long and as a result, it felt superficial and superfluous ^_^; It seems to me, if Ms Donovan really wanted to tackle this issue, she should have devoted more of the book to it. Otherwise, she should simply not have brought it up. As it is, the in-between does not do much.
Also, I thought the mystery in Cheri on Top was well done... but not so much in I Want Candy. I think it again comes back to too much going on. The whole drug investigation was a good idea as another storyline, but it was muggled with the whole night clerk's - who's a part of the drug lab organization - delusion that Candy was his girlfriend. The way this story thread was resolved was a bit unrealistic and anti-climatic.
One last inconsistency that bothered me was about Candy's mother, Jacinda. She did such a 180 degrees in behavior that it was hard to believe. I mean, in the beginning of the book, when Candy visits her mother to let her know what happened to the money she lent her, the reaction you get was that Jacinda didn't expect to see the money back because she knew Candy would fail... Then at the end, you find out everything that Jacinda has done for Candy. Don't mistake me, I'm glad that her mother turned out to be a better woman and Candy will probably have a better relationship with her... but it seems like a bit of bad characterization, because it's hard to believe ^_^;
So it seemed like I had a lot of issues with I Want Candy and I guess I did... but as I said earlier, there was just something about this book that was compelling and made me continue reading it and at the end, I had a good time :)
Once again, not the best nor the worst book, but an enjoyable one :) I have no idea if Ms Donovan plans any other books in Bigler, but I wouldn't be against it :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2012
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Candace Carmichael enjoyed living the high life until the Florida real estate market crashed. Suddenly out of a job and in debt up to her ears, Candy has no choice but to return to her hometown of Bigler, North Carolina. The adjustment is anything but smooth, yet despite the constant stream of disasters there’s one bright spot to Candy’s return; Sheriff Turner Halliday. Turner is an old friend of Candy’s, but the sparks that fly between them are totally new. Candy would love to see the sexy sheriff out of uniform, but two things are holding her back; first, Turner’s a widower who still wears his wedding ring and second, Candy has no intention of staying in Bigler permanently. Will Candy and Turner be able to let go of their pasts and create a future – together – unlike any either had ever dreamed of?
I WANT CANDY makes me say “I want more of Susan Donovan’s books!” The bright and fun sequel to CHERI ON TOP has humor and heart to spare, making it a delightful read. Candy and Turner are characters who thought they had it all together, but clearly their lives aren’t as figured out as they thought they were. It was a joy to watch them learn what they wanted out of life, whether it was the ability to move on and find love again or learning that it was okay to find a new dream when the old one failed. Ms. Donovan had me cheering for Candy and Turner to get together, but more importantly, she had me eagerly turning the pages of I WANT CANDY to see how the two protagonists developed over the course of the story.
I WANT CANDY is a tasty treat from start to finish. Candy and Turner are a couple you can root for and the oftentimes zany residents of Bigler will make you chuckle. Fans of contemporary romance with a healthy dose of comedy are sure to enjoy I WANT CANDY.
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
Original Review Link
Candace Carmichael enjoyed living the high life until the Florida real estate market crashed. Suddenly out of a job and in debt up to her ears, Candy has no choice but to return to her hometown of Bigler, North Carolina. The adjustment is anything but smooth, yet despite the constant stream of disasters there’s one bright spot to Candy’s return; Sheriff Turner Halliday. Turner is an old friend of Candy’s, but the sparks that fly between them are totally new. Candy would love to see the sexy sheriff out of uniform, but two things are holding her back; first, Turner’s a widower who still wears his wedding ring and second, Candy has no intention of staying in Bigler permanently. Will Candy and Turner be able to let go of their pasts and create a future – together – unlike any either had ever dreamed of?
I WANT CANDY makes me say “I want more of Susan Donovan’s books!” The bright and fun sequel to CHERI ON TOP has humor and heart to spare, making it a delightful read. Candy and Turner are characters who thought they had it all together, but clearly their lives aren’t as figured out as they thought they were. It was a joy to watch them learn what they wanted out of life, whether it was the ability to move on and find love again or learning that it was okay to find a new dream when the old one failed. Ms. Donovan had me cheering for Candy and Turner to get together, but more importantly, she had me eagerly turning the pages of I WANT CANDY to see how the two protagonists developed over the course of the story.
I WANT CANDY is a tasty treat from start to finish. Candy and Turner are a couple you can root for and the oftentimes zany residents of Bigler will make you chuckle. Fans of contemporary romance with a healthy dose of comedy are sure to enjoy I WANT CANDY.
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
May 23, 2023
First of all, I have no idea how I ended up reading a cop romance, but I tried to look past my ACAB belief for the sake of the story.
Unfortunately for me, there wasn't much of a story.
But there was a fair bit of thinly veiled misogyny.
One of the things the love interest, Turner, liked about Candy was that she let old men flirt with her and didn't bite their heads off about it, whilst she worked as a waitress. Eww. Tell me you're a boomer, without telling me you're a boomer. Don't worry though, Candy was such a "Stacy" that she couldn't been seen in a small town she never intended to stay in without mascara, so naturally, every male wanted her.
Candy was down on hard times and had EVERYTHING she needed to solve all of her problems, yet refused to use any of them and literally slept in her car instead?!? Whenever anyone offered her help she refused it, until it was the big burly love interest. Candy had to 'make it' on her own, while also asking for favours (places to stay for free unless that it means staying with lifelong friends), and special treatment (cash advances before payday, a rental without first and last month's rent, staying at her mother's retirement home longer than the rules permit, borrowing money from her mother -making millions- and yet never actually paying her mother back before going completely broke, then the business we do get to see her 'set up' was literally completely gifted to her, but don't worry,she felt guilty over not contributing enough to her own business, so that's settled).
This is peak boomer complaining that they had to walk 10km uphill to school rain or shine and through multiple feet of snow without mentioning that their parents gifted them a new car after they made the "trek" once.
Unfortunately for me, there wasn't much of a story.
But there was a fair bit of thinly veiled misogyny.
One of the things the love interest, Turner, liked about Candy was that she let old men flirt with her and didn't bite their heads off about it, whilst she worked as a waitress. Eww. Tell me you're a boomer, without telling me you're a boomer. Don't worry though, Candy was such a "Stacy" that she couldn't been seen in a small town she never intended to stay in without mascara, so naturally, every male wanted her.
Candy was down on hard times and had EVERYTHING she needed to solve all of her problems, yet refused to use any of them and literally slept in her car instead?!? Whenever anyone offered her help she refused it, until it was the big burly love interest. Candy had to 'make it' on her own, while also asking for favours (places to stay for free unless that it means staying with lifelong friends), and special treatment (cash advances before payday, a rental without first and last month's rent, staying at her mother's retirement home longer than the rules permit, borrowing money from her mother -making millions- and yet never actually paying her mother back before going completely broke, then the business we do get to see her 'set up' was literally completely gifted to her, but don't worry,she felt guilty over not contributing enough to her own business, so that's settled).
This is peak boomer complaining that they had to walk 10km uphill to school rain or shine and through multiple feet of snow without mentioning that their parents gifted them a new car after they made the "trek" once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2012
This review posted on Guilty Pleasures
CREME de la CREME
I Want Candy is the follow up book to Donovan's Cheri On Top. In this story we finally get the scoop on what's happening with Candy and Bigler's Hottie Sheriff Turner Halliday.
Turner and Candy have been friends for their whole lives but while he's been harboring a crush for her all these years she has been completely in the dark about it. After moving to Florida with her best friend Cheri and becoming one of the most successful women in the Florida real estate bubble Candy finds herself back in her hometown of Bigler with nothing to show for her accomplishments. The last thing she was expecting to happen was for her to fall for her life long friend, Turner.
This book is suspenseful, funny, and steamy all at the same time. The relationship between Candy and Turner was something I couldn't pull myself away from so I managed to read the entire book in less than one day. With all of the twists and turns in the story I guarantee that you will not be able to put this book down. Donovan has a true talent for making her characters blunt, hilarious, and completely lovable. You will fall for Candy and Turner just as I did and I promise you won't be disappointed. This book deserved all of the 5 stars that I've given it so I hope you'll run out and grab/download to your e-reader ASAP! :) If you can't get enough of Bigler (I couldn't either) be sure to get Cheri On Top as well. You'll love that story just as much!!!
CREME de la CREME
I Want Candy is the follow up book to Donovan's Cheri On Top. In this story we finally get the scoop on what's happening with Candy and Bigler's Hottie Sheriff Turner Halliday.
Turner and Candy have been friends for their whole lives but while he's been harboring a crush for her all these years she has been completely in the dark about it. After moving to Florida with her best friend Cheri and becoming one of the most successful women in the Florida real estate bubble Candy finds herself back in her hometown of Bigler with nothing to show for her accomplishments. The last thing she was expecting to happen was for her to fall for her life long friend, Turner.
This book is suspenseful, funny, and steamy all at the same time. The relationship between Candy and Turner was something I couldn't pull myself away from so I managed to read the entire book in less than one day. With all of the twists and turns in the story I guarantee that you will not be able to put this book down. Donovan has a true talent for making her characters blunt, hilarious, and completely lovable. You will fall for Candy and Turner just as I did and I promise you won't be disappointed. This book deserved all of the 5 stars that I've given it so I hope you'll run out and grab/download to your e-reader ASAP! :) If you can't get enough of Bigler (I couldn't either) be sure to get Cheri On Top as well. You'll love that story just as much!!!
September 8, 2022
Ok book, like characters, steamy and cheesy at times.
September 24, 2025
This book is fine. Some parts made me laugh, others made me cringe. I found myself asking a lot of stupid questions like “why doesn’t she stay with Sherry?” Or “Why doesn’t the sheriff just tell her Jerrell is dangerous?” Because he could easily say that without telling her why. Most of it is predictable, but all in all it’s just a small town romance, so complaining about it too much seems silly.
Okay one complaint. Candice has been gone for a decade, fine, but everyone else lives in that town and knows everything that is going on down to how many houses she’s hopped around. So why wouldn’t they warn Candice about Jerrell and his family? It makes no sense. Even her mom said he comes from a bad family. So he clearly is a threat along with his father. She somehow thinks he’s just a weird kid and no one tells her any different. Literally everyone in town knows to stay away from his dad. They can’t gossip about everything except the important things just for the story.
Maybe two. Love that he wasn’t willing to tell her to be careful around the stalker because it would jeopardize the case then tells her all the details after he writes her a letter. SMH.
Okay three complaints. I get that Candy is used to her life being a mess as of late and it’s a lot to take in especially considering the prospect of staying in her trigger town, but the time for her meltdown is not at 93%. It should’ve been sooner. Like the book is almost over and this is just annoying because of course she’s going to change her mind in 10 pages.
These cops are genuinely the worst. Every character in here is the worst. I was almost rooting for Jerrell of all people, but he’s an idiot too. This is not the first time that I’ve read a romance and the “mystery” has fallen super short. I would’ve kept it at 3 stars if not for the end.
Okay one complaint. Candice has been gone for a decade, fine, but everyone else lives in that town and knows everything that is going on down to how many houses she’s hopped around. So why wouldn’t they warn Candice about Jerrell and his family? It makes no sense. Even her mom said he comes from a bad family. So he clearly is a threat along with his father. She somehow thinks he’s just a weird kid and no one tells her any different. Literally everyone in town knows to stay away from his dad. They can’t gossip about everything except the important things just for the story.
Maybe two. Love that he wasn’t willing to tell her to be careful around the stalker because it would jeopardize the case then tells her all the details after he writes her a letter. SMH.
Okay three complaints. I get that Candy is used to her life being a mess as of late and it’s a lot to take in especially considering the prospect of staying in her trigger town, but the time for her meltdown is not at 93%. It should’ve been sooner. Like the book is almost over and this is just annoying because of course she’s going to change her mind in 10 pages.
These cops are genuinely the worst. Every character in here is the worst. I was almost rooting for Jerrell of all people, but he’s an idiot too. This is not the first time that I’ve read a romance and the “mystery” has fallen super short. I would’ve kept it at 3 stars if not for the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2023
I didn't read the first one in the series, not realizing there was another one. I have a love/hate relationship with tihs book.
It hooked me right away, and I did love some of the witty writing, though on the flip side, some of it made me cringe. I also loved that the main character was not perfect; she made silly decisions, didn't always know what she was doing, made mistakes. That felt authentic and relatable. I liked the love interest, however, I didn't feel their connection like we were expected. It just wasn't showing through to me, and happened fast.
There is a high amount of "romance", which I absolutely didn't mind. But, the words being used seemed so out of character for the two that it was hard to take it seriously. I'm about 50 pages from the end, and trying to get back to it, though not sure I will.
It hooked me right away, and I did love some of the witty writing, though on the flip side, some of it made me cringe. I also loved that the main character was not perfect; she made silly decisions, didn't always know what she was doing, made mistakes. That felt authentic and relatable. I liked the love interest, however, I didn't feel their connection like we were expected. It just wasn't showing through to me, and happened fast.
There is a high amount of "romance", which I absolutely didn't mind. But, the words being used seemed so out of character for the two that it was hard to take it seriously. I'm about 50 pages from the end, and trying to get back to it, though not sure I will.
March 11, 2022
4.5 stars but not quite to round up.
This book had me screaming. The romance was MUAH and the drama of the meth lab was great but ended a little flat? Turner and Candy had chemistry for days even if they couldn’t see that themselves.
The spicy scene was beautifully done. The romance and longing made me think about reading the rest of the series. These two also reminded me of Amber and Alfie from House of Anubis which I loved deeply so it made sense.
Turner Hallway I love you. Perfect book character. Never change
This book had me screaming. The romance was MUAH and the drama of the meth lab was great but ended a little flat? Turner and Candy had chemistry for days even if they couldn’t see that themselves.
The spicy scene was beautifully done. The romance and longing made me think about reading the rest of the series. These two also reminded me of Amber and Alfie from House of Anubis which I loved deeply so it made sense.
Turner Hallway I love you. Perfect book character. Never change
December 18, 2017
Down-on-her-luck real estate agent Candace Carmichael returns to her hometown to discover a new love interest, in this new entertaining, sizzling romance from New York Times bestselling author Susan Donovan.
I love books centered around small towns with quirky people, and this one fits the bill. 5 stars.
I love books centered around small towns with quirky people, and this one fits the bill. 5 stars.
August 11, 2017
I enjoyed listening to the narrated story. This is the first book by Donovan that I have read and I would definitely read another. I liked the story line and the romance with a little bit of thriller in it. I love stories where people return to their hometown whether they want to or not and find the piece that they are looking for.
July 15, 2020
I really liked the story and would have given it 4 stars, but the sex scenes made me cringe. I was reading this great story about two adults and then wham I was treated to a 15 year old boy’s version of what sex would be like.
November 12, 2022
3.75 stars
A sweet, funny romp with a little suspense thrown in. Donovan's writing reminds me of Jennifer Crusie and Rachel Gibson - light, romantic, and a bit quirky. It took me a while to warm up to Candy, but I ended up liking her a lot.
A sweet, funny romp with a little suspense thrown in. Donovan's writing reminds me of Jennifer Crusie and Rachel Gibson - light, romantic, and a bit quirky. It took me a while to warm up to Candy, but I ended up liking her a lot.
February 13, 2023
Needed an audiobook for long road trip-searched for romance and this was one that was available through Libby. It was typical predictable romance-a little risqué for my taste, but entertaining for the drive.
November 17, 2024
3.5
A deeper story than the cover and title suggest.
An interracial relationship, racism, law enforcement relations, murder and drug trafficking... All in a small mountain town outside of Asheville in Western North Carolina.
A deeper story than the cover and title suggest.
An interracial relationship, racism, law enforcement relations, murder and drug trafficking... All in a small mountain town outside of Asheville in Western North Carolina.
May 12, 2025
While it was an alright book, I found the storyline a bit hard to follow at times. I did listen to the audio book so maybe that was part of the problem but I did get lost a few times and felt some things may have been unnecessary.
June 20, 2017
it was okay, not great..the sex scenes were over done and rather ridiculous.
May 4, 2018
Not as melodramatic as others
May 4, 2018
This book had it all: sad and sweet, tinged with regrets and new beginnings a very good romance novel. All components meshed well for a smooth story that kept my interest.
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