Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Candy Cane Key

Tidal Ides

Rate this book
My job as mayor of the most Christmasy town South of the North Pole comes with enough perks to overlook the headaches of municipal leadership. Most of the time. The new owner of Candy Cane Key’s Community Playhouse is putting that theory to the test.

Austie Norman, with her holly berry red lips and evergreen eyes, fits in perfectly. If I ignore the way she’s messing with tradition and making changes. And if I ignore the way she blazes past tradition and brings fresh energy to town. Definitely if I ignore the way she makes my heart trip over itself every time we argue about her plans to produce an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Ides of March. We can’t do Shakespeare when we’re meant to be doing Seuss. This is Candy Cane Key and people have certain expectations when they come here.
***

The MAN OF THE MONTH CLUB is a steamy small-town collection featuring a new hottie (or two!) every month. In 2023, escape to Candy Cane Key, Florida, and celebrate ALL the holidays with your favorite group of romance authors and their delicious men. Can’t wait to see you there!

I can ignore all of that to fall in love. I just need to find a way to make Austie ignore all the ways I drive her crazy so she falls in love with me, too.

37 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2023

17 people are currently reading
38 people want to read

About the author

Layne Daniels

142 books215 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
47 (38%)
4 stars
42 (34%)
3 stars
30 (24%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Marie.
5,154 reviews52 followers
March 15, 2023
The Mayor's a Grinch!

But never fear his Cindy Lou Who will sort him out, the usually laid back and calm Mayor Stout becomes Mayor Shout - hilarious! Colter more than meets his match as he is brought to his knees by the Candy Cane Key instalove bug, fortunately his knees are the perfect place to worship her body and do deliciously naughty things!
A fun read on Kindle Unlimited.
2,444 reviews15 followers
March 18, 2023
Layne Daniels joins the multi-author Candy Cane Key / Man of the Month series with the entertaining instalove romance, Tidal Ides. Colter Stout, the slightly uptight mayor of Candy Cane Key, and Austie Norman, the new owner of the local playhouse theatre, get off on the wrong foot - something Colter instantly regrets once he lays eyes on the curvy Austie for the first time. Can he quickly change her opinion of him and win over the woman he knows is meant to be his? An entertaining, fun, short and steamy instalove to heat up your Ides of March!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nikki_Kate.
1,762 reviews
January 19, 2024
I enjoyed this one, the storyline was alright, it was a quick read. I have read several of this authors books, but I didn't feel any connection to the characters in this book.

Colter and Austie met at town hall, he calls his assistant in because he doesn't understand why a production of The Grinch isn't being planned. In it's place Austie plans to do The Bard’s Ides of March, she's having tryouts. While Colter is throwing a tantrum Austie walks in, and wants to know why this play doesn't hold up to the one they have every year. Austie leaves the mayors office but Colter runs after her. Austie goes to see her granny at Tranquili-tea, and Colter finds her there. He suggest they have some tea to discuss things. Austie tells him she has things to do and leaves. After Austie leaves her granny tells Colter whatever he did to her keep it up. Colter is confused, Austie granny tells him that her granddaughters life has been to boring thanks to her parents. Colter figures out Austie's granny is trying to match them together, she tells him the stars lined up perfect for them. Colter takes off to go after Austie but he knows where she is headed, to the playhouse. Colter tries the front door but they're locked but he know where the side door is. He doesn't want to walk on her so he knocks and it takes several knocks for her to answer. Austie asks him if he's following her and he tells her he is. He wants to work this out and he'll follow her until she lets them talk. Austie invites him into her office to look over her plans. He sits on the couch while she sits at her desks, it's not long that she realizes she's been looking over he same inventory. When Colter is finished reading he tells her how incredibly it is. Colter tells her she's the Cindy Lou Who to his grinch. Colter asks her if he can order lunch for them and Austie agrees. When Colter walks over to her he puts his hand out for her to stand then sits in her seat pulling her on top of him. Colter asks her if he can have her, if she feels the connection between them. Austie begins to kiss him, they get carried away. Colter makes Austie understand he's not agree to her plans because he wants her her ideas will be great for the community. Austie tells him they're on the same page she wants him. They strips out of their clothes then make love. Colter tells her they have a lifetime to take their time right now he wants her. This year at the annual production instead of Colter playing the grinch he'll be cast as Marcus Antonius, avenger of Caesar and obsessed partner of the famed Queen Cleopatra. While Austie plays Cleopatra, she is pregnant and they're married. Every day, Austie makes Candy Cane Key, and Colter's life, better than the day before. He knows what they say, Happy wife, happy life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews361 followers
March 16, 2023
Taking the Plunge . . .

Why is it people just hate change and resist trying something new? Colter is the Mayor of his Christmas-loving town and finds out the new owner of the Candy Cane Key’s Community Playhouse wants to do something different. Doesn’t she realize you cannot mess with tradition? Austie Norman doesn’t back down, though. She has many more plans, and most especially around Christmas. Can Colter try to see if her ideas are accepted by the community before he goes to battle with her? Can he convince her that maybe the two of them can instead work on a relationship and see how that goes?

The story is cute and it’s fun to watch the characters as they interact with each other while he pushes tradition versus her insistence on innovation and creativity. Who will win? Or won’t it matter if they can finally work things out as they fall for each other in a relationship?

1,594 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2023
This book is a part of the Candy Cane Key series and focuses on Colter and Austie. Colter is the mayor of Candy Cane Key, a year long Christmas obsessed town, and is not one for an outsider trying to do things differently in their town. He is not happy with the new owner of the town's playhouse wanting to switch up the annual summer play. However, one look at Austie has him spinning. He knows that he has just found his woman but knows that he has to work a little bit harder to get her to give him a chance after he had a less than stellar first impression. Thankfully, Austie feels the same undeniable connection to Colter so they quickly move into their forevers. This was a great story and a great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,725 reviews206 followers
March 19, 2023
Mayor Shout & Cindy Lou Who

I love the... chaotic nature laced with animosity of their initial encounters and how those heightened emotions quickly turn to more amorous events. It's funny and entertaining with a nice bite of searing heat.

“Mayor Shout, I’d say it’s a pleasure to see you again so soon, but, well…” The frost is back. Normally such whiplash would be a turnoff, but there’s something utterly fascinating about the way she holds so tightly to her control only to get flustered unexpectedly.
-- Austie Norman and Mayor Colter Stout

I really would've been happier had we had more of their very explosive passion and the interfering biddies but it's still a good, light read. Hehehe....

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
March 17, 2023
His job as mayor of the most Christmasy town South of the North Pole comes with enough perks to overlook the headaches of municipal leadership. Most of the time. The new owner of Candy Cane Key’s Community Playhouse is putting that theory to the test. Austie Norman, with her holly berry red lips and evergreen eyes, fits in perfectly. If he ignored the way she’s messing with tradition and making changes. And if I ignore the way she blazes past tradition and brings fresh energy to town. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
11.5k reviews49 followers
April 5, 2023
She is Cindy Lou Who to his Grinch

Tidal Ides by Layne Daniels is part of the multi-author Candy Cane Key series. This is a very quick, fun and entertaining story about Austie Norman and Colter Stout. He is the mayor of Candy Cane Key, one of the Florida Keys that has taken it's name all the way to being a Christmas key 365 days a year. Austie has bought the old Playhouse and is wants to blow some of the Christmas cobwebs out of the town. This sets the two of them up on a collision course that ignites with more than a spark.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.6k reviews28 followers
March 17, 2023
Colter is the mayor of Candy Cane Key and this small town is known for being a Christmas town all year long. Austie is new to town and is looking to change some things but Colter isn't too happy about it. This enemies to lovers, small town romance is a very quick read with great characters, and a fun and unique storyline. Tidal Ides is part of the multi-author Candy Cane Keys series and I look forward to reading the rest of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
2,333 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2023
Very short. Austie is new to town and making a bit of change, which Colter is against since he really has no idea what she is actually doing. She gets to witness him having a tantrum and basically runs from him a couple times after that until he hunts her down. I like her grandmother telling him he needs to keep doing what he is doing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Fran.
2,457 reviews4 followers
March 18, 2023
Colter Stout and Austie are in the Candy Cane Keys where it’s Christmas year round. Austie has just reopened the theatre in town with The Ides of March about to open, not a Christmas play. Mayor Colter Stout or Shout as Austie calls him wants a Christmas play. This story is about a couple who are angry, hot, steamy, happy almost love at first sight and an excellent funny fast read. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,314 reviews26 followers
March 20, 2023
A quick and steamy enemies to lovers instalove romance. Colter and Austie initially don’t see eye to eye on her plans for the local community theater. They are definitely on the same page as far as chemistry goes. Definitely hot and spicy!!! Layne Daniels does what she does best in a bite sized romance with fun characters, spicy heat, and a sweet ending.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aliama.
2,351 reviews9 followers
April 6, 2023
A short instant attraction story between Colter, the uptight Mayor, and Austie, the sweet but sexy developer of the playhouse in Candy Cane Key. Their first meeting is rocky but they both feel the underlying chemistry that arcs between them. Colter is man enough to realize he screwed up and Austie is smitten enough to accept his apology. Another great story in Candy Cane Key. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,235 reviews90 followers
March 13, 2023
Colter (H), mayor of Candy Cane Key and year-round Christmas town, is upset to find out that the new owner of the town theater, Austie (h) plans a summertime production of the Ides of March rather than the Grinch. Tempers may be raging but so is the attraction between the two in this quickie romantic read.
2,543 reviews29 followers
March 16, 2023
I absolutely love the newest book by the amazing Layne Daniels. Moving to Candycane Key, Austie opens up a theater where she has new ideas in a town that is set in its ways. Colter the mayor starts out rising Austie's feathers. I love how these two get the greatest story, and you will absolutely love Austie grandmother.
Profile Image for Donna.
2,110 reviews31 followers
March 19, 2023
Mayor Shout to Mayor tamed in one day

Colton Stout is the Mayor of Candy Cane Keys but when Austie Norman threatens his vision for the town's theatre he goes ballistic till he sees her and falls immediately in love. Enemies to lovers quick read. Even her Grammy loves the Mayor and tried to tell him to just give in he'll be so much happier. Cute fun and feisty!
1,586 reviews21 followers
April 11, 2023
Austie

Austie has bought and remodeled the playhouse. She now lives in a town that revolves around Christmas. She's putting in a play, but it's not the yearly one they normally have. The mayor is not happy about this and demands her to change back. When he meets her for the first time he's surprised by how attractive she is and he wants to talk some more about her plans.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,276 reviews23 followers
December 19, 2023
Cute, Fun, Sweet

Watching the mayor of CCK Colter fall hard for Austie is a fun and sexy ride. Colter loves his town but this attraction to Austie is uncontrollable and he has to make her his. She's a breath of fresh air and she's going to make CCK even more special than it already is. Enjoy this adorable and sweet instalove between these two hotties. Happy Reading!!
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,627 reviews34 followers
March 12, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The first encounter for Austie and Colton was not good but the second leads to love and the enrichment of the community.
12k reviews75 followers
March 12, 2023
The author has given us a wonderful enemies-to-lovers story that pulls us into the lives of Colter and Austie. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, misconceptions and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,186 reviews
March 13, 2023
This is only a short story but it tells a great love story. An enemies to lovers story. A one day love affair turns into a lifetime love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenifer.
2,757 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2023
This is a quick and fun story about two people who initially seem to hate each other but quickly turn that around to a romp in the office and then into a happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,261 reviews20 followers
March 17, 2023

A Fun and Fast Romance

At their first meeting, Mayor Colton and new-resident Austie butt heads. The anger translates into passion and a fast-and-furious romance. I loved the banter these two shared, so feisty! A great quick read with a spicy finish.
Profile Image for Shawn.
3,165 reviews
March 22, 2023
delicious read

This was a delicious little read. Theater is something that is special to me and I loved the part it played in this book. The characters were fun and funny and heated. It was a great fast paced read.
4,330 reviews27 followers
March 28, 2023
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Austie and Colter have very different personalities but they actually match up pretty good. The story has humor and attraction packed into a short read. I wish that there was more to it but it blends in well with the series
Profile Image for Jenny Supporting Authors Book  Reviews.
374 reviews15 followers
May 19, 2023
Candy Cane Key always has great characters. This one is no different. As the characters personalities challege each other it nakes for a entertaining read. Great quick read. Recomnend all the candy cane key books!
1,123 reviews3 followers
November 29, 2023
This was was decent. I loved the play on words that Layne did and the nods to the theater. I felt this book was a little too rush for what I'm used to with Layne but overall the book was still enjoyable.

Coulter and Austie had a whirlwind romance!
Profile Image for Angela Hodge.
399 reviews13 followers
December 28, 2023
Sweet

Tidal Ides by Layne Daniels was a fun read and a cute addition to the Candy Cane Key series. The main characters were funny and things heated up quickly between them, recommend for a super quick, fun read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.