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Candy Man #1
Candy Man
A Candy Man Book
Adam Macias has been thrown a few curve balls in his life, but losing his VA grant because his car broke down and he missed a class was the one that struck him out. One relative away from homelessness, he's taking the bus to Sacramento, where his cousin has offered a house-sitting job and a new start. He has one goal, and that's to get his life back on track. Friends, pets, lovers? Need not apply.
Finn Stewart takes one look at Adam as he's applying to Candy Heaven and decides he's much too fascinating to leave alone. Finn is bright and shiny—and has never been hurt. Adam is wary of his attention from the very beginning—Finn is dangerous to every sort of peace Adam is forging, and Adam may just be too damaged to let him in at all.
But Finn is tenacious, and Adam's new boss, Darrin, doesn't take bullshit for an answer. Adam is going to have to ask himself which is harder—letting Finn in or living without him? With the holidays approaching it seems like an easy question, but Adam knows from experience that life is seldom simple, and the world seldom cooperates with hope, faith, or the plans of cats and men.
Adam Macias has been thrown a few curve balls in his life, but losing his VA grant because his car broke down and he missed a class was the one that struck him out. One relative away from homelessness, he's taking the bus to Sacramento, where his cousin has offered a house-sitting job and a new start. He has one goal, and that's to get his life back on track. Friends, pets, lovers? Need not apply.
Finn Stewart takes one look at Adam as he's applying to Candy Heaven and decides he's much too fascinating to leave alone. Finn is bright and shiny—and has never been hurt. Adam is wary of his attention from the very beginning—Finn is dangerous to every sort of peace Adam is forging, and Adam may just be too damaged to let him in at all.
But Finn is tenacious, and Adam's new boss, Darrin, doesn't take bullshit for an answer. Adam is going to have to ask himself which is harder—letting Finn in or living without him? With the holidays approaching it seems like an easy question, but Adam knows from experience that life is seldom simple, and the world seldom cooperates with hope, faith, or the plans of cats and men.
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2014
38 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,487 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
January 29, 2015
It's no secret that I adore Amy Lane's work, particularly her lower angst, sweeter books.
Christmas Kitsch, which I read last year, remains one of my all time favorites.
And this book? Well, this one's worthy of a Snoopy dance:
Finn, who wears a Jake the Dog hat complete with floppy ears, is bright and alive and persistent. He reminds me of Oliver from Christmas Kitsch. Finn is a force of joy, and he just wants to hold Adam and make everything better.
Adam, who spent eight years in the Army, may be 27, but he seems younger than Finn's 24 years in many ways. Adam feels lost and unlovable, like he's one stop away from the road to nowhere. He doesn't think he deserves Finn, or anyone at all.
The book revolves around Candy Heaven, a little candy store ran by the kind, intuitive Darrin (Amy writes about the real Darrin in her Author's Note; don't skip it!). Darrin reads magic in Pixy Stix dust and takes care of everyone.
The quirky secondary characters are wonderful! I loved the banter, camaraderie, and friendship.
Adam's cousin, Rico, is a gem. He is so understanding and supportive of Adam, and their last text conversation brought tears to my eyes.
Finn's family is all kinds of fantastic. Finn's dad explaining about Finn's bathroom habits? Seriously, only Amy Lane could make that funny. But funny it was, like the rest of this book: charming and JOYFUL.
The Candy Man isn't all ease and laughter. Adam's been hurt, and his loneliness and feelings of unworthiness threaten to take over.
There's a "homicidal little fucker" of a cat and a big, enthusiastic dog. And there's another cat too, and an impromptu Thanksgiving meal and garlic fries that make you fart and kissing (barely-there kisses and gropey kisses and kisses that take over your very core).
I cried a little and laughed a whole lot. I rooted for Finn and for Adam and for Darrin, who really deserves a story of his very own.
Do not wait to read this one! Sweetness and hope await.
Also. Just because.
Cos play with Finn the human and Jake the dog!
How fucking great is that?
*******************************************************
Dog on cover? CHECK.
Sweet, seemingly low angst Amy Lane? TRIPLE CHECK.
Dani freaking the hell out from excitement? FUCK YEAH!
Also, CATS.
CATS, people!
Christmas Kitsch, which I read last year, remains one of my all time favorites.
And this book? Well, this one's worthy of a Snoopy dance:
Finn, who wears a Jake the Dog hat complete with floppy ears, is bright and alive and persistent. He reminds me of Oliver from Christmas Kitsch. Finn is a force of joy, and he just wants to hold Adam and make everything better.
"This is real," [Finn] said, and Adam knew what he was talking about. "The sun, the river, and us."
Adam, who spent eight years in the Army, may be 27, but he seems younger than Finn's 24 years in many ways. Adam feels lost and unlovable, like he's one stop away from the road to nowhere. He doesn't think he deserves Finn, or anyone at all.
Maybe Finn had the right of it. Maybe you never really lose those pictures that hurt you. But maybe they could become less and less of all of the pictures in your heart.
The book revolves around Candy Heaven, a little candy store ran by the kind, intuitive Darrin (Amy writes about the real Darrin in her Author's Note; don't skip it!). Darrin reads magic in Pixy Stix dust and takes care of everyone.
The quirky secondary characters are wonderful! I loved the banter, camaraderie, and friendship.
Adam's cousin, Rico, is a gem. He is so understanding and supportive of Adam, and their last text conversation brought tears to my eyes.
Finn's family is all kinds of fantastic. Finn's dad explaining about Finn's bathroom habits? Seriously, only Amy Lane could make that funny. But funny it was, like the rest of this book: charming and JOYFUL.
"I was going to fall in love with you whether I liked it or not, and it's just a good thing you were awesome, or I would have been fucking doomed."
The Candy Man isn't all ease and laughter. Adam's been hurt, and his loneliness and feelings of unworthiness threaten to take over.
There's a "homicidal little fucker" of a cat and a big, enthusiastic dog. And there's another cat too, and an impromptu Thanksgiving meal and garlic fries that make you fart and kissing (barely-there kisses and gropey kisses and kisses that take over your very core).
His lips on Adam's tasted like the kind of wine they talk about in church. The kind that fills the soul.
I cried a little and laughed a whole lot. I rooted for Finn and for Adam and for Darrin, who really deserves a story of his very own.
Do not wait to read this one! Sweetness and hope await.
Also. Just because.
Cos play with Finn the human and Jake the dog!
How fucking great is that?
*******************************************************
Dog on cover? CHECK.
Sweet, seemingly low angst Amy Lane? TRIPLE CHECK.
Dani freaking the hell out from excitement? FUCK YEAH!
Also, CATS.
CATS, people!
September 8, 2018
This book was SERIOUSLY only 136 pages??? I know it's true, but this one was so chocked full of complete and utter AWESOME that I still find that difficult to comprehend.
The book begins with Darrin, the eclectic owner of a sweets shop in Sacramento named Candy Heaven, pouring the contents of a Pixy Stix packet onto the counter at the shop and finger drawing in the sugary dust.
Of course at that point, I'm thinking "WTF?", but knowing this was an Amy Lane read, I knew it would take us somewhere undoubtedly great. And boy, did it ever, as Darrin sees a vision of a scared little boy cowering under the bed. And the Candy Man just knows that he and the boy are about to cross paths.
Enter Adam. Ex-military, down on his luck and new to town, Adam walks into Candy Heaven and Darrin quickly throws an apron on him and, BAM, instant employee, which is when Adam's life begins to change for the better. Much, much better.
Enter Finn (wearing his Adventure Time hat.) Fresh out of a 3 year relationship with a boy unworthy of his amazing rainbow sparkliness, Finn sees the tall, handsome new Candy Heaven employee during a food drop and that's it. 'Game over, man', let the pursuing begin. : )
Both Adam and Finn carry emotional scars from the doucheholery of unworthy love interests from their pasts, but Adam is the only one who allows those past hurts to stop him from going after what he truly wants. Which is Finn.
But hell to the no, Finn isn't having any of that ridiculous bullshit. Adam will be his, end of story, say no more, say no more, can I get an Amen, sister?
And how does a burger joint employee / delivery guy court his soon-to-be man? Well, that's a pretty damn stupid question. With *garlic fries*, of course! *Psssssh*
Adam tries his best, he really does, but who can resist the advances of a hot blond boy in an Adventure Time hat with garlic fries? No one in their right mind.
Once Finn finally wriggles his way past Adam's defenses, it becomes apparent very quickly that the two were MFEO, with Finn able to pull Adam past his insecurities and Adam always able to voice exactly what Finn needs to hear to reassure Finn that Adam is his person.
I loved how comfortable Adam and Finn were with one another, when Adam wasn't fighting it.
“This is real,” [Finn] said, and Adam knew what he was talking about. “The sun, the river, and us.”
And when Finn kissed him...? *tingles*
His lips on Adam’s tasted like the kind of wine they talk about in church. The kind that fills the soul.
But, of course, Adam's insecurities gave out one last dying breath and we saw the requisite break up for a short while, but we get our much anticipated happy ending. Again, who can resist a hottie with garlic fries and an easy smile that personifies sunshine itself? : )
“You totally stalked me. You said you weren’t sure how it happened. You… you brought me food and made me come to your workplace and took me shopping and all but attacked me in the minivan, and I didn’t have a chance against you! You were everywhere. I was going to totally fall in love with you whether I liked it or not, and it’s just a good thing you were awesome, or I would have been fucking doomed!”
The book was so full of humor and happiness that it made me sad to see the last page arrive.
But at the end, we see Darrin pulling out his psychic Pixy Stix again, so maybe this read will spawn more sparkly little rainbow unicorn babies that poop out happy glitter!
More? Yes, please!
** Dear Amy, you make me laugh, you make me cry and, at times, you make me want to yank my heart out, toss it on the floor and stomp the bastard to make it stop, but you always, always, ALWAYS make me *feel*, for which I am so very grateful. Keep up the great work. **
December 7, 2015
completely deranged, gratuitously heartbreaking, and spearheaded by a meddling manic pixie dreamqueer who can see the future but not the tragic consequences of his willy wonka wardrobe.
i broke my face trying to do WTF-face and GFYS-face at the same time during the scene where because it didn't satisfy his expectations.
the book had me pulling my hair out. nothing made any sense, and angels fear to tread where amy lane has to literally and actually to bring a story home.
i broke my face trying to do WTF-face and GFYS-face at the same time during the scene where because it didn't satisfy his expectations.
the book had me pulling my hair out. nothing made any sense, and angels fear to tread where amy lane has to literally and actually to bring a story home.
June 16, 2022
Candy Man by Amy Lane
Contemporary M - M romance.
Adam is down to his last chance, housesitting for a cousin in Sacramento. He applies for a job at a candy store where Finn decides to take Adam under his wing. And maybe start a little romance on the side.
Great chemistry between Adam and Finn. While Adam is on his last chance, he is strong and so willing to do whatever must be done, even if that means sandwiches for every meal because that’s all he can afford. I loved that he took care of the cat so well.
A sexy romance with strong characters and a positive outlook.
Contemporary M - M romance.
Adam is down to his last chance, housesitting for a cousin in Sacramento. He applies for a job at a candy store where Finn decides to take Adam under his wing. And maybe start a little romance on the side.
Great chemistry between Adam and Finn. While Adam is on his last chance, he is strong and so willing to do whatever must be done, even if that means sandwiches for every meal because that’s all he can afford. I loved that he took care of the cat so well.
A sexy romance with strong characters and a positive outlook.
March 21, 2020
Lovely book. Both MCs and secondary characters loveable. Typical Amy Lane in that there is some angst, but that's nicely dealt with. Lots of humour to counteract the angst. Perfect read for the holiday season. Definitely a must read.
September 1, 2016
This is a really hard review for me to write, because I *ADORE* Amy Lane, and I especially adore Amy Lane's holiday stories. In fact, some of my favorite Amy Lanes have been her holiday novellas (like Christmas Kitsch). However, I think this one got away from me, and I'm putting a lot of the blame on the audiobook version.
Audiobooks are the most subjective way to interpret a story. You can love the story, but if the narrator doesn't agree with you in some way, it can blow it for you. Something like the tone of a reader's voice, the age of the reader, how well they do female voices; these things all contribute to how I feel about an audiobook.
I've listened to Philip Alces before, and I probably shouldn't have given him another shot. I looked back at my previous review of his narration, and I feel much the same way again. I find him to be too theatrical, too over-the-top, too MUCH for a realistic narration. He makes the characters sound cartoonish, IMO, and I don't enjoy his style. I give him credit for effort, and I think he really put his all into the narration, but it reads all wrong to me, especially for an Amy Lane book, which tend to have some serious angst. I thought that Philip Alces read the characters awkwardly, and I think it made me less invested in the romance.
Perhaps because of the way that this audiobook was narrated, I just didn't feel that spark between the MCs. The story felt a little rushed, and I had trouble staying focused on what was happening. I enjoyed parts of it, but it wasn't that feeling of awe that I get from most of my Amy Lane stories.
I want to read this book in ebook form to see if I could feel more connected to the story. I suspect that I would. I would recommend people skip the audio for this one.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
February 17, 2015
Ho hum. I can't believe I'm giving only 3 stars to an Amy Lane book, but there it is. Please remember that 3 stars means I liked it. It was very sweet and had some good moments, but there was just something missing with this one for me.
December 14, 2014
This was such a sweet and fluffy story! Low in angst and drama, “Candy Man” tells the story of Adam and Finn.
Adam had a hard life. Living with his mother and his grandmother as a child wasn’t easy for him. He felt unloved all his life or judged by them and the other later, because he is gay. He fells lost and he lost hope. Recently he lost his job and his place in the college program. He doesn’t have any money or friends, but his cousin Rico is willing to help him, so he moves to Sacramento to live in his cousin’s apartment, while Rico is away in another city. He gets a job in a small candy shop, “Candy Heaven” where he will make great friends and where he will meet Finn.
Adam’s life change when he meets Finn. Finn is very different from Adam. He is a happy guy, very optimistic who is more than ready to help Adam in any way and give him what wants and needs. They like each other from the beginning, but Adam feels unworthy, but Finn will show him how to open his heart, how to forget, how to trust and love and how to move on.
I really liked this one! I loved Finn. He’s amazing, full of life, just adorable. He has such a big heart. He’s loving and caring and I loved the fact that he never gave up on Adam. He is patient with the other man, he knows what to say every time to help him move on and make him realize that he matters.
My heart broke for poor Adam. I really felt for him! I liked how Mrs Lane developed his character. I enjoyed how Adam and Finn’s relationship progressed. Even if it wasn't a full length novel, nothing felt rushed and everything progressed naturally. I liked the secondary characters too – the Candy Heaven’s stuff, Finn’s family and even Rico, Adam’s cousin who only “appears” in Adam’s phone conversations.
Overall, an enjoyable heartwarming holiday story!
July 25, 2016
3.5 Stars!
This one was cute.
I liked the whole Candy Heaven back drop.
When I first started the book I thought Darrin was one of the MCs. I didn't realize it was Finn until a bit later.
Not much steam here.
Low angst.
Just an easy, fluffy read that made me smile.
This one was cute.
I liked the whole Candy Heaven back drop.
When I first started the book I thought Darrin was one of the MCs. I didn't realize it was Finn until a bit later.
Not much steam here.
Low angst.
Just an easy, fluffy read that made me smile.
July 25, 2021
amy’s books almost always make me cry — even her sweeter, less angsty stories tend to get to me at least once — but i wasn’t sure this one would elicit any tears.
well, it did. it took until nearly the 60%, but it finally got me. i’ll keep this spoiler-free and not mention what happened that made me bawl, but needless to say, her record for making me ugly cry remains intact.
this was a pretty mild read for her standards, though, overall. there was still angst (because this is amy lane and there always is) but this was like a teaspoon of angst compared to the cupful she usually includes nn.
Adam and Finn were both such sweet, lovable babies and i was incredibly invested in their relationship. Finn was such a perfect boyfriend, and i was really rooting for Adam to work through his issues and make things work!! there are three more books in this series, i believe, so i hope they’ll pop up again at some point in at least one of them.
well, it did. it took until nearly the 60%, but it finally got me. i’ll keep this spoiler-free and not mention what happened that made me bawl, but needless to say, her record for making me ugly cry remains intact.
this was a pretty mild read for her standards, though, overall. there was still angst (because this is amy lane and there always is) but this was like a teaspoon of angst compared to the cupful she usually includes nn.
Adam and Finn were both such sweet, lovable babies and i was incredibly invested in their relationship. Finn was such a perfect boyfriend, and i was really rooting for Adam to work through his issues and make things work!! there are three more books in this series, i believe, so i hope they’ll pop up again at some point in at least one of them.
January 2, 2016
*** 3.75 Stars***
It's no secret that I'm a BIG fan of Amy Lane's darker, more angsty books - her Johnnies series is serious book crack for me. I mean, call me a masochist, but I love when she rips my heart right out of my chest and leaves me sobbing on my living room couch (there's something about the tears that are just so cathartic). If I'm being honest, though, I'm typically less of a fan of her fluffier books. So, it was with some trepidation that I started reading Candy Man.
The story was exactly as advertised - a sweet, low angst affair with a bitchy cat, a lovable mutt, a irrepressible Finn, and a slightly tarnished Adam trying his best to rebuild his life.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I thought Lane did a great job of capturing the spirit of Sacramento (a part of the USA that I've never visited nor heard much about), of creating an unlikely pair of characters that still somehow made sense as a couple, of showing us real growth in Adam's character throughout the story, and of sprinkling in touching, heartfelt moments that caught me in the feels every single time. The things that Adam says! They're just... so... Gah!
(Articulate, aren't I? *rolls eyes*)
I also liked the cast of secondary characters (though I probably could have done with half as many in a story this short). Even though we only met him through text messages and Adam's recollections of him, I found myself fascinated by Rico. I kept thinking, here is a good man. Here is someone I'd like to meet and read about. Do you think that if I'm really, really good in 2015 Lane will write me Rico and Ezra's Hanukkah story next year?! 'Cuz I'd be first in line for that one, angst or no angst.
But as much as I felt for Adam and adored Finn, I have to admit that these characters didn't always jive for me within the context of a romance novel. Despite both men being in their mid to late twenties, they felt incredibly childlike to me. Not juvenile, per say, but definitely childlike - hopeful, exuberant, emotionally open and vulnerable. Even Adam, who had been kicked in the nads by life more than a few times, still felt... innocent and in need of protection. And because their personalities naturally informed their actions and dialogue, all of Finn's jumping for joy and fist pumping and stomping around when he was upset made his character seem closer to eight than twenty-eight. Which made me feel all kinds of uncomfortable when they got to the mutual blowjob portion of their relationship. Sorry, but I just can't reconcile a man who uses the term "stupid-head" with one that has come dripping down his chin in the next scene; it makes me feel pervy just reading about it.
I also wasn't crazy about Darrin's weird Pixy Sticks fortunetelling shtick. I appreciate whimsy as much as the next girl, but with the rest of the story so rooted in reality, it seemed a little out of place.
But as I said before, I enjoyed this story overall. There's no denying that it is a feel-good story that will have you grinning at its silliness and heart. A perfect light read for the month of December!
It's no secret that I'm a BIG fan of Amy Lane's darker, more angsty books - her Johnnies series is serious book crack for me. I mean, call me a masochist, but I love when she rips my heart right out of my chest and leaves me sobbing on my living room couch (there's something about the tears that are just so cathartic). If I'm being honest, though, I'm typically less of a fan of her fluffier books. So, it was with some trepidation that I started reading Candy Man.
The story was exactly as advertised - a sweet, low angst affair with a bitchy cat, a lovable mutt, a irrepressible Finn, and a slightly tarnished Adam trying his best to rebuild his life.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I thought Lane did a great job of capturing the spirit of Sacramento (a part of the USA that I've never visited nor heard much about), of creating an unlikely pair of characters that still somehow made sense as a couple, of showing us real growth in Adam's character throughout the story, and of sprinkling in touching, heartfelt moments that caught me in the feels every single time. The things that Adam says! They're just... so... Gah!
(Articulate, aren't I? *rolls eyes*)
I also liked the cast of secondary characters (though I probably could have done with half as many in a story this short). Even though we only met him through text messages and Adam's recollections of him, I found myself fascinated by Rico. I kept thinking, here is a good man. Here is someone I'd like to meet and read about. Do you think that if I'm really, really good in 2015 Lane will write me Rico and Ezra's Hanukkah story next year?! 'Cuz I'd be first in line for that one, angst or no angst.
But as much as I felt for Adam and adored Finn, I have to admit that these characters didn't always jive for me within the context of a romance novel. Despite both men being in their mid to late twenties, they felt incredibly childlike to me. Not juvenile, per say, but definitely childlike - hopeful, exuberant, emotionally open and vulnerable. Even Adam, who had been kicked in the nads by life more than a few times, still felt... innocent and in need of protection. And because their personalities naturally informed their actions and dialogue, all of Finn's jumping for joy and fist pumping and stomping around when he was upset made his character seem closer to eight than twenty-eight. Which made me feel all kinds of uncomfortable when they got to the mutual blowjob portion of their relationship. Sorry, but I just can't reconcile a man who uses the term "stupid-head" with one that has come dripping down his chin in the next scene; it makes me feel pervy just reading about it.
I also wasn't crazy about Darrin's weird Pixy Sticks fortunetelling shtick. I appreciate whimsy as much as the next girl, but with the rest of the story so rooted in reality, it seemed a little out of place.
But as I said before, I enjoyed this story overall. There's no denying that it is a feel-good story that will have you grinning at its silliness and heart. A perfect light read for the month of December!
January 13, 2015
5 Shining Joyful Stars
What a wonderful and joyful story.
Adam and Finn
Christmas
Lots of candy
I fell from MC from the first page. I absolutely loved Finn. He’s amazing and full of life and just adorable with such a big heart. He’s loving and caring and I loved the fact that he never gave up on Adam. He was so patient with Adam and eventually made him realize that he really matters.
Adam is a sweet, kind man and as he tries to make a new start, everyone can see that truth except Adam himself. My heart broke for him...
I enjoyed how Adam and Finn’s relationship progressed. They were so goo for each other *sigh*
Christmas theme was truly wonderful and I really enjoyed Adan and Finn during this magical time of the year.
Absolutely loved. Highly recommended.
This is one of Amy’s relatively “low angst” stories. Of course she will make you cry (for me it was at least twice) but most of the story is full of “awwww” moments.
Amazing. Not to be missed!
Enjoyed with friends here
"All of that happiness—it needed to be protected."
What a wonderful and joyful story.
Adam and Finn
Christmas
Lots of candy
I fell from MC from the first page. I absolutely loved Finn. He’s amazing and full of life and just adorable with such a big heart. He’s loving and caring and I loved the fact that he never gave up on Adam. He was so patient with Adam and eventually made him realize that he really matters.
Adam is a sweet, kind man and as he tries to make a new start, everyone can see that truth except Adam himself. My heart broke for him...
I enjoyed how Adam and Finn’s relationship progressed. They were so goo for each other *sigh*
“His lips on Adam’s tasted like the kind of wine they talk about in church. The kind that fills the soul.”
Christmas theme was truly wonderful and I really enjoyed Adan and Finn during this magical time of the year.
“Yeah, but I want to get you….”(...) “What?” Finn asked, blinking those Finn-blue eyes at him. “The world,” Adam said simply, and Finn laughed. “Well, all I want for Christmas is Adam,” he said, nuzzling Adam’s cheek as they walked.”
Absolutely loved. Highly recommended.
“This is real,” [Finn] said, and Adam knew what he was talking about. “The sun, the river, and us.”
This is one of Amy’s relatively “low angst” stories. Of course she will make you cry (for me it was at least twice) but most of the story is full of “awwww” moments.
Amazing. Not to be missed!
Enjoyed with friends here
December 26, 2014
Sweet and lovely, this story of Adam, a broken-hearted Army veteran, and Finn, one of those guys who make you feel better just by smiling, was perfect for the holidays.
I loved these men, but it was Darrin, the owner of the sweets store, who got under my skin. Hopefully, we'll get a sequel and a happy ending for him.
Let's be honest, you can't go wrong with an Amy Lane book, a cold winter night, and a cup of hot chocolate (sugar free for us diabetics).
Warm, insightful, beautifully written, this is one I'll pull out and read every Christmas.
Give it a try.
Tom
I loved these men, but it was Darrin, the owner of the sweets store, who got under my skin. Hopefully, we'll get a sequel and a happy ending for him.
Let's be honest, you can't go wrong with an Amy Lane book, a cold winter night, and a cup of hot chocolate (sugar free for us diabetics).
Warm, insightful, beautifully written, this is one I'll pull out and read every Christmas.
Give it a try.
Tom
September 9, 2015
I fell for the cover. I have only myself to blame. It is in my defense a pretty damn terrific cover.
The book though *sigh* super-strength sugar rush with a sideline of heavy angst. I surrender! Amy Lane doesn't work for me, she doesn't appear able to write sweet without adding huge melodrama and for me the balance is always off.
Here Adam is a serious downer, all the bad things happen to him. ALL of them! Personally I'd consider PTSD and suggest therapy. BUT forseen by Pixie Stick magic - I'm not even joking here, did wonder if dear Amy got confused and was snorting them! - he's suddenly employed and has a cutie hat wearing cutie boyfriend and a legion of quirky colleagues to badge him into going out with the cute boy. Seriously he had no other option. He HAD TO go out with the boy or his super-quirky boss would ram sweets into his gob and start reigning down derisive looks.
Let the man breath, let this reader catch her breath!
Their eyes meet and Kaboom. Finn is all gushing frothy lightness hiding a judgemental soul - Adam drew him a picture overnight and he got all pouty, because.. - what was with that?
A poor cat is used as a metaphor for life. I get that the cousin was showing his zen-master/best supporiting role shtick, but that was not a normal reaction.
Adam often forgets he's a poor depressed anti-social bod to gush at people about how Finn is too sweet, and he is too damaged and it's all too too.
There was probably intended to be some getting to know each other time but it was all predestined by sugar and everyone waiting impatiently for Adam to get with the program already.
In fairness there were things I liked, but my impression was an overwhelming frenetic rush and the book honestly exhausted me, it was a battle to finish it. The last Amy Lane I'm attempting.
The book though *sigh* super-strength sugar rush with a sideline of heavy angst. I surrender! Amy Lane doesn't work for me, she doesn't appear able to write sweet without adding huge melodrama and for me the balance is always off.
Here Adam is a serious downer, all the bad things happen to him. ALL of them! Personally I'd consider PTSD and suggest therapy. BUT forseen by Pixie Stick magic - I'm not even joking here, did wonder if dear Amy got confused and was snorting them! - he's suddenly employed and has a cutie hat wearing cutie boyfriend and a legion of quirky colleagues to badge him into going out with the cute boy. Seriously he had no other option. He HAD TO go out with the boy or his super-quirky boss would ram sweets into his gob and start reigning down derisive looks.
Let the man breath, let this reader catch her breath!
Their eyes meet and Kaboom. Finn is all gushing frothy lightness hiding a judgemental soul - Adam drew him a picture overnight and he got all pouty, because.. - what was with that?
A poor cat is used as a metaphor for life. I get that the cousin was showing his zen-master/best supporiting role shtick, but that was not a normal reaction.
Adam often forgets he's a poor depressed anti-social bod to gush at people about how Finn is too sweet, and he is too damaged and it's all too too.
There was probably intended to be some getting to know each other time but it was all predestined by sugar and everyone waiting impatiently for Adam to get with the program already.
In fairness there were things I liked, but my impression was an overwhelming frenetic rush and the book honestly exhausted me, it was a battle to finish it. The last Amy Lane I'm attempting.
December 3, 2014
Don't mind me, i'll just be over here sobbing all over my dog.
November 13, 2016
Oh...I'm going to go against the grain here...
I'm not really sure what to think about this book. My friends all loved it...
I don't know why it didn't really work for me like I'd hoped. I don't know if it was the writing or what. I just didn't feel the connection between Finn and Adam until the last 10-15 pages. Everything seemed to go at warp speed as well. I don't know...
I did love Finn though. He was awesome even though at one point I felt he came across as kind of desperate in his pursuit of Adam. But overall, he was so sweet and patient.
So many times I wanted to shake Adam and tell him to get over it all ready. I realize he had a hard childhood and then what happened to him in the army left a bitter taste in his mouth. But all the self-deprecation was exhausting. When he got his head out of his ass is when it started to pick up for me.
So overall, it was a bit above "OKAY" for me but I definitely did not "LOVE" it...
**2.5 "I need some lemon sours" Stars**
I'm not really sure what to think about this book. My friends all loved it...
I don't know why it didn't really work for me like I'd hoped. I don't know if it was the writing or what. I just didn't feel the connection between Finn and Adam until the last 10-15 pages. Everything seemed to go at warp speed as well. I don't know...
I did love Finn though. He was awesome even though at one point I felt he came across as kind of desperate in his pursuit of Adam. But overall, he was so sweet and patient.
So many times I wanted to shake Adam and tell him to get over it all ready. I realize he had a hard childhood and then what happened to him in the army left a bitter taste in his mouth. But all the self-deprecation was exhausting. When he got his head out of his ass is when it started to pick up for me.
So overall, it was a bit above "OKAY" for me but I definitely did not "LOVE" it...
**2.5 "I need some lemon sours" Stars**
July 30, 2015
*3.5 stars*
First of all, how freaking awsome is it that Candy Haven exists and Darrin is a real person! I googled it. It's awsome!
It goes without saying that the writing is solid because...Amy Lane. I liked a lot of things:
*the funny moments
*the dog
*the asshole cat
*Finn
*Darrin, especially that the story starts and finishes with
his narration.
Adam pissed me off big time at some point with his "I'm not good for you attitude". Also, I didn't get the analogy
Not my favorite from miss Lane, but great read nonetheless.
Looking forward to Rico's story.
First of all, how freaking awsome is it that Candy Haven exists and Darrin is a real person! I googled it. It's awsome!
It goes without saying that the writing is solid because...Amy Lane. I liked a lot of things:
*the funny moments
*the dog
*the asshole cat
*Finn
*Darrin, especially that the story starts and finishes with
his narration.
Adam pissed me off big time at some point with his "I'm not good for you attitude". Also, I didn't get the analogy
Not my favorite from miss Lane, but great read nonetheless.
Looking forward to Rico's story.
December 12, 2014
WTF? Even Amy Lane "lite" made me cry. Twice!
I loved this sweet, heart-warming story. Amy Lane can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned.
Recommended!
I loved this sweet, heart-warming story. Amy Lane can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned.
Recommended!
January 25, 2016
Another amazing Amy Lane Christmas story...on a par with Christmas Kitsch?? Yes, I definitely think so. That one made me bawl like a baby, and this one brought tears to my eyes too, so once again, I can only salute you, Oh Goddess of the Christmas tale, and give this one 5 golden stars full of Hope…cos we all need that don’t we??
Quotes?? Too many, but you betcha…..
Finn didn’t look up – he was too busy. Sucking, stroking, licking, tasting, laving – all of the good ‘ing’ words, that was what Finn was doing to Adam’s tender, vulnerable bits.
Maybe Finn had the right of it. Maybe you never really lost those pictures that hurt you. But maybe they could become less and less of all of the pictures in your heart.’
And I would KILL for a story about Rico and Ezra!!
July 29, 2024
I go a bit easy on the Holiday stories. I am not going easy on this one. It deserves my rating. I found absolutely nothing wrong with this story, it did nothing but make me happy.
I think if you are reading Christmas type stories this is one you should read, for sure.
It is quite lovely.
I think if you are reading Christmas type stories this is one you should read, for sure.
It is quite lovely.
April 21, 2018
3.5 stars
Sweet, low angst, holiday fluff from Amy Lane. The main characters came off as a bit younger than their stated age, but nonetheless I enjoyed Finn's unwavering optimism in light of Andrew's near loss of hope for a happy future.
Sweet, low angst, holiday fluff from Amy Lane. The main characters came off as a bit younger than their stated age, but nonetheless I enjoyed Finn's unwavering optimism in light of Andrew's near loss of hope for a happy future.
January 28, 2015
This is fluffy, Amy Lane-lite. It has a tiny bit of angst, but nothing like Johnnies or Promise Rock levels of angst, but just enough to keep an angst lover like me interested.
Finn is shiny and happy and has never had life to rough him up. Adam is the exact opposite. He comes from a crap family who always made him feel worthless, a stint in the military where things didn't end the way he expected, and now he's lost his school grant, and is trying to figure out his future. Love and dating are NOT a part of his plan, but then again, he didn't count on Finn.
I loved both characters here, Finn was just delightful, and Adam broke my heart. The side characters were great, too. I loved Darren, reading things in Pixy Sticks! I've love to see more of him, and also hope to one day read about Adam's cousin, Rico, I know there's a story there!
Finn is shiny and happy and has never had life to rough him up. Adam is the exact opposite. He comes from a crap family who always made him feel worthless, a stint in the military where things didn't end the way he expected, and now he's lost his school grant, and is trying to figure out his future. Love and dating are NOT a part of his plan, but then again, he didn't count on Finn.
I loved both characters here, Finn was just delightful, and Adam broke my heart. The side characters were great, too. I loved Darren, reading things in Pixy Sticks! I've love to see more of him, and also hope to one day read about Adam's cousin, Rico, I know there's a story there!
March 15, 2016
"Right now you and me are - we're a sketch. And we could be a real picture someday, with ink and oils or watercolor, and hell, we may even be a movie. But not right now."
That was ridiculous. I've all the warm fuzzies and I very much want to visit Candy Land.
I was told I would definitely cry. I definitely cried. A good deal.
But it's also so sweet and so cute and is kind of a hug in a book.
My thanks to Kat for the recommendation.
December 6, 2014
Even though I couldn't connect to the story or the characters in this one, I found it had some sweetly emotional and angsty moments.
December 6, 2014
This is sweet, lovely and warm, with enough pain in the back-story to keep it from being saccharine. There's not a lot of plot, and not much external conflict. This story is about Adam, a guy whose childhood was so full of disdain and resentment from his nasty grandmother and mother that he spent his time hiding from them. His experiences in the military also ended in rejection by people he considered friends, which has left him feeling pretty worthless. He then left the service to go to school, and lost his place in the college program. In a last hope, he heads for Sacramento to apartment-sit for his cousin Rico and try to start again.
Adam is a sweet, kind man and as he tries to make a new start, everyone can see that truth except Adam himself. One person who clearly sees the real man inside Adam is Finn, a college student with big dreams, and a positive attitude that just won't quit. No matter how unworthy Adam feels, Finn is going to try to get to know him and stick with him.
Adam's misfortune at the beginning of the story is one that poor folk face all the time - one little thing, an unexpected expense, can send a whole life tumbling. The car breaks down - for most of us that's annoying. For someone living paycheck to paycheck it can be a disaster. Even a minor repair, if you can't afford to fix it or rent something, can mean you lose your job, which means you lose your apartment, so you don't have a stable address for job applications, so you can't get a new job... In Adam's case, missing work and class meant losing his college grant, and only his cousin's offer keeps him from being on the street.
Adam would have every right to be prickly and angry, but he's not. That's just not this guy. He's so sure he's not worth much that he's grateful for every tiny saving grace. And he is proud, so at the same time he doesn't want anything that smacks of being a handout. Finn has to work around both Adam's lack of self-worth and his fragile pride.
I liked this a lot - it has a warm holiday feel to it. It doesn't have the emotional range of some of Amy Lane's other novellas (especially, for me, Christmas Kitsch) but it is a lovely cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter night. With a dog, a cat, and some excellent and supportive family to make the world seem like a better place.
Adam is a sweet, kind man and as he tries to make a new start, everyone can see that truth except Adam himself. One person who clearly sees the real man inside Adam is Finn, a college student with big dreams, and a positive attitude that just won't quit. No matter how unworthy Adam feels, Finn is going to try to get to know him and stick with him.
Adam's misfortune at the beginning of the story is one that poor folk face all the time - one little thing, an unexpected expense, can send a whole life tumbling. The car breaks down - for most of us that's annoying. For someone living paycheck to paycheck it can be a disaster. Even a minor repair, if you can't afford to fix it or rent something, can mean you lose your job, which means you lose your apartment, so you don't have a stable address for job applications, so you can't get a new job... In Adam's case, missing work and class meant losing his college grant, and only his cousin's offer keeps him from being on the street.
Adam would have every right to be prickly and angry, but he's not. That's just not this guy. He's so sure he's not worth much that he's grateful for every tiny saving grace. And he is proud, so at the same time he doesn't want anything that smacks of being a handout. Finn has to work around both Adam's lack of self-worth and his fragile pride.
I liked this a lot - it has a warm holiday feel to it. It doesn't have the emotional range of some of Amy Lane's other novellas (especially, for me, Christmas Kitsch) but it is a lovely cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter night. With a dog, a cat, and some excellent and supportive family to make the world seem like a better place.
September 23, 2015
As always, Amy Lane writes beautifully. The fault is not in the writing that I didn't connect to the character of Adam. I just felt...he was a downer. The thing is he totally had reason. Some pretty horrible things had happened to him. It just wasn't really that uplifting to me seeing how he dealt with it.
On the other hand I adored Finn! He's the reason I stuck it out and eventually got my HEA.
On the other hand I adored Finn! He's the reason I stuck it out and eventually got my HEA.
December 19, 2014
BR with my friends here...
Review soon ...
December 18, 2014
Christmas BR!!!
Adorable!!!! Review later!
Adorable!!!! Review later!
December 3, 2014
This novella is like a charge of adrenaline-fueled happiness. Adam is the best guy with the best heart but between his family and circumstances, he's gotten nothing but pain. But he keeps trying and he's finally rewarded. It's like a grounded fairytale because you sigh at the end and you're happy but it will take work too and that makes it real. Finn is like sunshine rolled up into one guy and he loves Adam furiously which is good since Adam needs him like air. This is not to be missed.
May 19, 2016
It wouldn't be an Amy Lane book without the tears, but I loved the happiness and joy that came after.
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