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Candy Man #2
Bitter Taffy
6 hours and 48 minutes
Rico Gonzalves-Macias didn't expect to fall in love during his internship in New York—and he didn’t expect the boss’s son to out them both and get him fired either. When he returns to Sacramento stunned and heartbroken, he finds his cousin, Adam, and Adam's boyfriend, Finn, haven't just been house-sitting—they've made his once sterile apartment into a home.
When Adam gets him a job interview with the adorable, magnetic, practically perfect Derek Huston, Rico feels especially out of his depth. Derek makes it no secret that he wants Rico, but Rico is just starting to figure out that he’s a beginner at the really important stuff and doesn’t want to jump into anything with both feet.
Derek is a both-feet kind of guy. But he’s also made mistakes of his own and doesn’t want to pressure Rico into anything. Together they work to find a compromise between instant attraction and long-lasting love, and while they’re working, Rico gets a primer in why family isn’t always a bad idea. He needs to believe Derek can be his family before Derek’s formidable patience runs out—because even a practically perfect boyfriend is capable of being hurt.
Rico Gonzalves-Macias didn't expect to fall in love during his internship in New York—and he didn’t expect the boss’s son to out them both and get him fired either. When he returns to Sacramento stunned and heartbroken, he finds his cousin, Adam, and Adam's boyfriend, Finn, haven't just been house-sitting—they've made his once sterile apartment into a home.
When Adam gets him a job interview with the adorable, magnetic, practically perfect Derek Huston, Rico feels especially out of his depth. Derek makes it no secret that he wants Rico, but Rico is just starting to figure out that he’s a beginner at the really important stuff and doesn’t want to jump into anything with both feet.
Derek is a both-feet kind of guy. But he’s also made mistakes of his own and doesn’t want to pressure Rico into anything. Together they work to find a compromise between instant attraction and long-lasting love, and while they’re working, Rico gets a primer in why family isn’t always a bad idea. He needs to believe Derek can be his family before Derek’s formidable patience runs out—because even a practically perfect boyfriend is capable of being hurt.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 29, 2015
26 people are currently reading
484 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 191 reviews
July 26, 2015
~4.5~
Oh, Amy Lane, you do have a way with words.
Flufftastic Lane stories have a special place in my heart, and I j'adore this series.
I was very glad to visit with Adam and Finn once again. Adam's come a long way, even though he's still vulnerable around the edges. And Finn is ... pure joy, like his big, boisterous, giving family.
Now Adam has not only Finn but Rico. The two cousins have a special bond, which is good, because Rico comes home early, unannounced, and is almost taken down by a rather scary, half-naked Finn wielding a weapon.
I expected this to be Rico and Ezra's story. But this isn't a story about first love.
It's a story about REAL love, the kind that takes you to baseball games and holds your hand in public.
Rico is unprepared for the force that is Derek.
Derek smiles, and Rico just melts.
This bitter taffy doesn't last; you only have to eat it once.
I wasn't entirely sold on the family-drama storyline (Rico and Adam's family sucks donkeyballs), but I was glad to see Rico's mamí at least come round.
Derek and Rico's relationship is brightness and sweetness and CANDY, just like the story.
A part of me wanted more bite, a bit more angst. It all came so easily.
But I can't complain too much. This is Amy Lane after all—pure pleasure to read.
I am very satisfied with the ending, especially knowing that Ezra's story is in the works and Candy Heaven magic continues.
"Is your life always this ... I don't know — "
"Tide of chaos washing ashore on the beach of what the fuck?"
Oh, Amy Lane, you do have a way with words.
Flufftastic Lane stories have a special place in my heart, and I j'adore this series.
I was very glad to visit with Adam and Finn once again. Adam's come a long way, even though he's still vulnerable around the edges. And Finn is ... pure joy, like his big, boisterous, giving family.
Now Adam has not only Finn but Rico. The two cousins have a special bond, which is good, because Rico comes home early, unannounced, and is almost taken down by a rather scary, half-naked Finn wielding a weapon.
I expected this to be Rico and Ezra's story. But this isn't a story about first love.
It's a story about REAL love, the kind that takes you to baseball games and holds your hand in public.
Rico is unprepared for the force that is Derek.
Derek smiles, and Rico just melts.
And the feel of his mouth under Rico's was ... amazing. It transcended hot dogs and soda, even transcended hot and wet. Derek tasted like dust and joy and baseball and Derek, and Rico let go of his hand so he could cup both cheeks and plunder and taste and taste and plunder some more.
This bitter taffy doesn't last; you only have to eat it once.
I wasn't entirely sold on the family-drama storyline (Rico and Adam's family sucks donkeyballs), but I was glad to see Rico's mamí at least come round.
Derek and Rico's relationship is brightness and sweetness and CANDY, just like the story.
A part of me wanted more bite, a bit more angst. It all came so easily.
But I can't complain too much. This is Amy Lane after all—pure pleasure to read.
I am very satisfied with the ending, especially knowing that Ezra's story is in the works and Candy Heaven magic continues.
August 10, 2016
Confession time. I may or may not have a bit of a thing for Finn from book 1 of this series, so when I heard that the sequel, "Bitter Taffy," was coming out, I immediately jumped on it.
The story picks up shortly where "Candy Man" leaves off, when Adam's cousin, Rico, is abruptly fired and returns to Sacramento months ahead of schedule.
You see, formerly-straight Rico had been caught sleeping with his boss' son, Ezra, who also worked at the at his father's company in New York.
Dear old dad didn't care much for "the gay" that close to home, so he sent Rico packing and pulled his son, Ezra's, leash hard enough to let Rico go, without much of a protest. To quote TJ Klune, " Like an asshole. "
But in former "Candy Man" fashion, Darrin's psychic Pixy Stix foresee Rico's return and he has just the man lined up to solve all of Rico's problems.
Enter entrepreneur Derek from the first book, who had (casually) hit on Adam, then (respectfully) backed off when he heard that he was already taken by (my beloved) Finn.
After licking his wounds for a bit, Rico needs a job, so Adam introduces him to Derek, who is immediately smitten with Adam's look-alike cousin.
This book was extremely slow burn, as Derek makes his intentions to woo Rico known right up front, but Rico's heart is still tender from his first foray into dating another man.
So Derek waits. And waits. And waits, but makes good use of his time as he and Rico get to know one another better and Rico's heart opens to Derek's subdued, patient interest.
One of my favorite parts of the book was how Finn's (most awesome) family pulls Rico into the fold, the same as they did with Adam, fiercely protecting them both -- like when the same 3 women who made Adam's life growing up a complete hell come a callin'.
Not that the suddenly confident Rico needed much protection when his hot-tempered Latina Mami, Abuela and Tia showed up shouting on his doorstep after coming out to them, then ignoring their calls.
“Hola, harpies from hell,” Rico called, feeling his jaw tighten.I loved how Rico finally grew himself a pair and that was that.
“Don’t you have small children to frighten? Husbands to please? Dogs to euthanize?”
You may 'technically' be family, but...
We also get to see a bit more of an impatient, slightly-bitchy side of Darren in "Bitter Taffy."
“And please tell me why you two aren’t moved in together and setting off car alarms with your loud annoying monkey sex every night!” Darrin demanded.
Rico took two flailing steps back. “You know, that’s a little personal—”
“You don’t like it? Then resolve your love life and get out of my Pixy Stix powder. It’s irritating how long you two are taking.
I would like to focus on the poor feral little kitten who’s going to walk through my door, but now I’ve got two metrosexuals who apparently can’t find commitment with two hands and a backhoe!”
This book was lots of fun, with tons of feels, so I really enjoyed watching the cat and mouse chase between Rico and Derek.
And once they finally got out of the starting blocks, the book was pretty smoking hot in the knocking boots department, too.
But what happens when Darren's newest soon-to-be employee shows up unexpectedly on Rico's doorstep without a job or a place to live, skyrocketing Derek's insecurities through the roof and causing him to retreat home?
It all works out in the end and we get our hard-won HEA, but not without some drama up front. Hello, this *is* Amy Lane we're talking about, so it's not a shock that there's some angst to work through.
My only real wish for this book that didn't come true was that there had been a bit more Finn than what I got. But that's just my 'Finn Crush' talking. : )
So a solid 4.25 *tell-me-it's-after* stars for book 2, as I'm (impatiently) awaiting book 3 in the series.
-------------------------------------------------------
My copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
July 29, 2015
ARC of Bitter Taffy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This review has been cross-posted at Reviews by Jessewave.
4.5 Stars
Candy Man was my first Amy Lane book and I loved it so much that when Bitter Taffy popped up on my radar, I knew it would go on my must read list. I loved Bitter Taffy even more than I did Candy Man.
Rico Gonzalves-Macias was so excited about his 6 month internship at a firm in New York. He never expected to fall for the boss's son, but life kind of happens and Rico and Ezra were in love. But, it wasn't a strong love. It wasn't the love. Even still, when the boss found out and very publicly fired Rico, he came back to California with a broken heart. Seeing his cousin Adam so happy with Finn was a bit bittersweet for Rico. He loved that Adam finally had some happiness, but Rico longed for some happiness of his own.
Adam sent Derek Huston Rico's way to talk about a job. Derek runs a consulting firm, with a human touch. He's not cut-throat, or ruthless at all. He simply wants to make the needs of small businesses easier to meet and so he networks with people that have needed skill sets and sends them work and takes a fee. It's really a very cool concept for a business. I love how friendly it is and I would love to see a real life example of it in action. Anyway, Derek is immediately taken with Rico and makes no secret of it. But Derek is also a good guy and he really doesn't want to be the guy that sexually harasses his employees, so he makes it clear that the ball is in Rico's court. He prods, but not intrusively so.
Rico is rather taken with Derek, as well, but he's a bit gun-shy. He's figured out that this being a grown-up thing is rather new and he doesn't want to be the one that hurts Derek. So they take things pretty slow. But let me tell ya, when they finally decide to have sex? Oh, man, I thought my Kindle was going to melt under the heat of it. And still, they took things slow - much to the ever-mystical Darrin's chagrin, let me tell you. Because, you see, he's already seeing someone new in his dreams that needs help and Darrin can only really focus on one "project" at a time.
I loved the pacing of this story. I loved that Rico was cautious, but not so much so that he drove Derek away. And I loved that when we hit the point where things could have fallen apart that Rico was the strong one. That he was able to keep everything together. I think Rico needed that control and the confidence it brought.
Bitter Taffy is a light, low-angst story that I think could melt even the iciest of hearts. But don't make the mistake in thinking there is not depth here. The story is light, but the characters are fully three-dimensional. They've been hurt before and like all of us in real life, they just want someone to love them for who they are. It's beautiful.
4.5 Stars
Candy Man was my first Amy Lane book and I loved it so much that when Bitter Taffy popped up on my radar, I knew it would go on my must read list. I loved Bitter Taffy even more than I did Candy Man.
Rico Gonzalves-Macias was so excited about his 6 month internship at a firm in New York. He never expected to fall for the boss's son, but life kind of happens and Rico and Ezra were in love. But, it wasn't a strong love. It wasn't the love. Even still, when the boss found out and very publicly fired Rico, he came back to California with a broken heart. Seeing his cousin Adam so happy with Finn was a bit bittersweet for Rico. He loved that Adam finally had some happiness, but Rico longed for some happiness of his own.
Adam sent Derek Huston Rico's way to talk about a job. Derek runs a consulting firm, with a human touch. He's not cut-throat, or ruthless at all. He simply wants to make the needs of small businesses easier to meet and so he networks with people that have needed skill sets and sends them work and takes a fee. It's really a very cool concept for a business. I love how friendly it is and I would love to see a real life example of it in action. Anyway, Derek is immediately taken with Rico and makes no secret of it. But Derek is also a good guy and he really doesn't want to be the guy that sexually harasses his employees, so he makes it clear that the ball is in Rico's court. He prods, but not intrusively so.
Rico is rather taken with Derek, as well, but he's a bit gun-shy. He's figured out that this being a grown-up thing is rather new and he doesn't want to be the one that hurts Derek. So they take things pretty slow. But let me tell ya, when they finally decide to have sex? Oh, man, I thought my Kindle was going to melt under the heat of it. And still, they took things slow - much to the ever-mystical Darrin's chagrin, let me tell you. Because, you see, he's already seeing someone new in his dreams that needs help and Darrin can only really focus on one "project" at a time.
I loved the pacing of this story. I loved that Rico was cautious, but not so much so that he drove Derek away. And I loved that when we hit the point where things could have fallen apart that Rico was the strong one. That he was able to keep everything together. I think Rico needed that control and the confidence it brought.
Bitter Taffy is a light, low-angst story that I think could melt even the iciest of hearts. But don't make the mistake in thinking there is not depth here. The story is light, but the characters are fully three-dimensional. They've been hurt before and like all of us in real life, they just want someone to love them for who they are. It's beautiful.
July 29, 2015
The book was totally cute – Amy Lane at her floofy best– but I found that she fell into a trap of her own making with this book; in trying to make it cute and quirky and like nothing you’ve ever read before, she actually ended up making all of her characters sound like the same person. Before you grab your pitchforks, friends, think about it: was there really anything that distinguished between the voice of Finn, his sister, his father, Darrin, and oftentimes even Derek?
(If you say “yes,” I call bullshit.)
Regardless, I still really liked Rico and Derek. I still found myself rooting for their happiness (and for someone to drop a house on Rico's family members).
If you like Amy Lane's sweeter side, I predict you'll love this book. If you are a little more hit and miss with it (like I am), you'll probably still enjoy it (you probably just won't feel the need to rave about it).
I still say "Long Live Angsty Lane!"
(If you say “yes,” I call bullshit.)
Regardless, I still really liked Rico and Derek. I still found myself rooting for their happiness (and for someone to drop a house on Rico's family members).
If you like Amy Lane's sweeter side, I predict you'll love this book. If you are a little more hit and miss with it (like I am), you'll probably still enjoy it (you probably just won't feel the need to rave about it).
I still say "Long Live Angsty Lane!"
August 2, 2015
This second story in the series is about Rico, Adam's cousin and once-protector. Rico thought he was on his way to the life he wanted, with a job and a sweet boyfriend. But the boyfriend was his boss's son, and when it all fell apart, Rico was minus the job and the relationship. Bruised in both his heart and his confidence, Rico went home to Sacramento and his old apartment, now crowded with Adam, his boyfriend Finn, the dog and the cat. They are a new version of family, and Rico desperately needs that, but he also needs something, or someone, more.
Derek is a good foil for Rico, as a man who has been out for a while, whose family is supportive, and whose confidence seems unshakable. But as they make progress around Rico's need to heal, and Derek's uncertainty about how hard to push, it also becomes clear that Derek has a few insecurities of his own.
I enjoyed this book, although I loved the first one more. This one is softer and less angsty, mostly about the process of moving from one relationship to another, without a lot of worry about where things will end up. Rico and Derek dance around obstacles, but their goal of being together stays pretty solid. There are also themes of family and support, presenting a bit of a stark contrast between the Sac parents and siblings, and Rico and Adam's family. It's tempting to call them exaggerated, except that I just read about another real life teen tossed out with nothing by his parents. I look forward to the day when characters like Rico's grandmother and father are unrealistic anachronisms. But sadly we're not there yet.
Rico was pretty resilient through all his changes, and I found myself still worrying more about Adam. The relationship between the cousins was as vivid as the romance. This is not Amy Lane in heart-ripping mode, but I always connect with her guys and I did read straight through to see how things worked out for Rico. It's pretty clear who the next couple will be too, and I'm looking forward to that.
Derek is a good foil for Rico, as a man who has been out for a while, whose family is supportive, and whose confidence seems unshakable. But as they make progress around Rico's need to heal, and Derek's uncertainty about how hard to push, it also becomes clear that Derek has a few insecurities of his own.
I enjoyed this book, although I loved the first one more. This one is softer and less angsty, mostly about the process of moving from one relationship to another, without a lot of worry about where things will end up. Rico and Derek dance around obstacles, but their goal of being together stays pretty solid. There are also themes of family and support, presenting a bit of a stark contrast between the Sac parents and siblings, and Rico and Adam's family. It's tempting to call them exaggerated, except that I just read about another real life teen tossed out with nothing by his parents. I look forward to the day when characters like Rico's grandmother and father are unrealistic anachronisms. But sadly we're not there yet.
Rico was pretty resilient through all his changes, and I found myself still worrying more about Adam. The relationship between the cousins was as vivid as the romance. This is not Amy Lane in heart-ripping mode, but I always connect with her guys and I did read straight through to see how things worked out for Rico. It's pretty clear who the next couple will be too, and I'm looking forward to that.
September 26, 2016
3.5 Stars!
I don't think this series is for me. I mean it's alright I guess. But it kind of made me roll my eyes.
INSTA-INSTA-INSTA love....like super INSTA love.
A bit cheesy. Yeah, I said it.
I mean, it was cute. It was fluffy. It was sweet. But at some point I had to start skimming, I don't need anymore cavities thank you.
I often don't read books in the series in order. I did read book 1 first and then I tried to read book 3 but one page in and I had no clue what was going on. Everyone sounds the same. Everyone is connected. So, yeah I do think these need to be read in order.
However, I don't think I will be re-visiting this series. It's just not for me.
I don't think this series is for me. I mean it's alright I guess. But it kind of made me roll my eyes.
INSTA-INSTA-INSTA love....like super INSTA love.
A bit cheesy. Yeah, I said it.
I mean, it was cute. It was fluffy. It was sweet. But at some point I had to start skimming, I don't need anymore cavities thank you.
I often don't read books in the series in order. I did read book 1 first and then I tried to read book 3 but one page in and I had no clue what was going on. Everyone sounds the same. Everyone is connected. So, yeah I do think these need to be read in order.
However, I don't think I will be re-visiting this series. It's just not for me.
August 11, 2015
So…I’m conflicted.
You see…it’s kind of impossible not to love the small pocket of the world Amy Lane invites us to in this Candy Man series. I mean…it’s centered around a candy shop, for goodness sakes! And it’s all about the happy! And book 1, Candy Man, managed to take a sad, down-on-his-luck, hard-edged character and turn him into a almost-sap!
Sadly, I feel like book 2, Bitter Taffy, lost some of the charm.
It started off strong…Rico, Adam’s cousin who we hear about in book 1, comes back to town after having his heart broken in New York. He also decides to come out of the closet. We have an adorable meet-cute with his future employer, Derek (who I loved from the start!), and away we go!
Rico is understandably gun shy to rebound with Derek. He was still heartbroken and lost. And though Derek made it known early on that he was interested in Rico, they begin a friendship & working relationship only. There’s flirtation, but it’s careful. I thought the two of them were sweet.
Somewhere along the line, however, I felt the book kinda lost it’s way. There was a lot of Adam and Finn in this book. And though I love them, and normally don’t mind revisiting other characters in series, the book at times felt like it was more Adam/Finn’s than Rico/Derek’s. And the more I read, the more I realized I didn’t really get a good sense of who Rico was and who Derek was. I did on the surface, but it didn’t deepen as I continued on.
Really, towards the end, I almost lost interest altogether!
There’s a bit-rushed plot twist at the very end that sets up the story for the next book in the series. I’m intrigued by this future coupling, but the way it went down in this book didn’t entirely work for me.
All in all…it was…okay. I didn’t love it. I didn’t like as much as I did book 1. And I’m more interested in what will happen in book 3. Middle-child syndrome…
August 1, 2015
4 STARS
This was a really really great one. I was pretty sure I was only going to give this book a 3 star rating but then at one point in this book I decided to give it 4 stars. Although the 1 star was not because of the love story nor the main plot.
I liked Rico as the point of view of this story. He had a lot to offer to us readers with his thoughts and experiences in life. I really liked how he progressed in this story. Although I can say that he was nothing really special compared to Adam in the first book.
Derek was a perfect guy for Rico. He was really confident and he knew what he wanted but he also knew that he got to let Rico decide whether he really was ready to date again or even to fall in love again. He was very charming and I loved it when his shy personality came out in the book.
The way their relationship moved forward was really great. The pacing was great although again, it felt... okay. Just okay. The sex was freaking hot tho. Like seriously freaking hot. UNFFFF.
The thing that really made me love this story was Rico and his relationship with Adam. That pushed me to give this the extra star. Honestly, if Adam (and Finn) weren't a big part of this story, this would be in a low rate. Anyway, I loved how he viewed Adam like a real family. That scene while they were watching a baseball game? I kind of teared up a bit. It wasn't an emotional scene but dang it, I felt really touched and warmed by that part. Also, the way Rico tried to explain to Derek that Adam needs Rico and Rico needs Adam (way more to be honest) in their lives.
I loved every scene that concerns Adam getting the feel and sense of care from families. I loved every scene Rico felt happy whenever he saw Adam receiving love from his friends and family (not from their bigoted and asshole blood related families).
The thing with Rico's mother was leading to a good plot but it was ignored in the end. No closure to that small subplot. The thing with Ezra was kind of... extra? It was obvious he's going to be in the next book with probably a guy that was in this and the first book.
Overall, a great read.
This was a really really great one. I was pretty sure I was only going to give this book a 3 star rating but then at one point in this book I decided to give it 4 stars. Although the 1 star was not because of the love story nor the main plot.
I liked Rico as the point of view of this story. He had a lot to offer to us readers with his thoughts and experiences in life. I really liked how he progressed in this story. Although I can say that he was nothing really special compared to Adam in the first book.
Derek was a perfect guy for Rico. He was really confident and he knew what he wanted but he also knew that he got to let Rico decide whether he really was ready to date again or even to fall in love again. He was very charming and I loved it when his shy personality came out in the book.
The way their relationship moved forward was really great. The pacing was great although again, it felt... okay. Just okay. The sex was freaking hot tho. Like seriously freaking hot. UNFFFF.
The thing that really made me love this story was Rico and his relationship with Adam. That pushed me to give this the extra star. Honestly, if Adam (and Finn) weren't a big part of this story, this would be in a low rate. Anyway, I loved how he viewed Adam like a real family. That scene while they were watching a baseball game? I kind of teared up a bit. It wasn't an emotional scene but dang it, I felt really touched and warmed by that part. Also, the way Rico tried to explain to Derek that Adam needs Rico and Rico needs Adam (way more to be honest) in their lives.
I loved every scene that concerns Adam getting the feel and sense of care from families. I loved every scene Rico felt happy whenever he saw Adam receiving love from his friends and family (not from their bigoted and asshole blood related families).
The thing with Rico's mother was leading to a good plot but it was ignored in the end. No closure to that small subplot. The thing with Ezra was kind of... extra? It was obvious he's going to be in the next book with probably a guy that was in this and the first book.
Overall, a great read.
March 14, 2016
Ending the year on a happy note!!!
Bitter Taffy is the second book in Amy Lane's Candy Man series and I loved it at least as much as the first one if not more.
In book one we got to meet Adam and watch as he and Finn fell in love. To say it was freakin' adorable is an understatement. So now in book 2 we see Adam's cousin Rico return from New York after what turned into a disastrous ending to his relationship with the man who he thought was the love of his life.
Adam and Finn are there for Rico and they force him to pick himself up, dust himself off and carry on. In the course of doing this we see a bit more of Darrin and wouldn't I love a book for him (yes, I would in case there's any doubt) but best of all we get to watch as Derek walks into Rico's life and shows him that first loves aren't always forever and aren't always the best. While they may be special in their own way, often we think of them as our 'first' love for a reason and that reason is because they're only the start of a journey that if we're luck will lead us to our last love. The one who is forever. That person who makes our heart think of home.
I loved this book it was full of fluff and fun and sweetness. I smiled and remembered all the reasons that this author is one of my favorites and then I discovered that book 3 is due out later this month and I did a happy dance because I have every intention of buying it and reading it ASAP!!!
Bitter Taffy is the second book in Amy Lane's Candy Man series and I loved it at least as much as the first one if not more.
In book one we got to meet Adam and watch as he and Finn fell in love. To say it was freakin' adorable is an understatement. So now in book 2 we see Adam's cousin Rico return from New York after what turned into a disastrous ending to his relationship with the man who he thought was the love of his life.
Adam and Finn are there for Rico and they force him to pick himself up, dust himself off and carry on. In the course of doing this we see a bit more of Darrin and wouldn't I love a book for him (yes, I would in case there's any doubt) but best of all we get to watch as Derek walks into Rico's life and shows him that first loves aren't always forever and aren't always the best. While they may be special in their own way, often we think of them as our 'first' love for a reason and that reason is because they're only the start of a journey that if we're luck will lead us to our last love. The one who is forever. That person who makes our heart think of home.
I loved this book it was full of fluff and fun and sweetness. I smiled and remembered all the reasons that this author is one of my favorites and then I discovered that book 3 is due out later this month and I did a happy dance because I have every intention of buying it and reading it ASAP!!!
July 30, 2015
My second Amy Lane in as many weeks and it couldn't have been more different. Lighter on the angst and heavy on the sweet. The story is about Rico and Derek but has A LOT of Adam and Finn in it, which I loved.
I must say that Derek had quite a bit of patience and faith to stand true as Rico worked out what he needed to work out. This was quite a lovely little romance and very family focused. I could see the end coming a mile away but that never impacted my enjoyment of the read, it just added to the anticipation. I couldn't wait to see how things were going to work out.
Sign me up for book #3!
I must say that Derek had quite a bit of patience and faith to stand true as Rico worked out what he needed to work out. This was quite a lovely little romance and very family focused. I could see the end coming a mile away but that never impacted my enjoyment of the read, it just added to the anticipation. I couldn't wait to see how things were going to work out.
Sign me up for book #3!
August 13, 2015
It was okay, but there was a lot of OTT language and way too flowery dialogue for me. Maybe it's just me, but it felt like the characters didn't really fit together, like the emotion between them was manufactured just for the purpose of this story. I don't know if that makes sense. I guess I mean it just didn't seem to flow naturally.
And don't even get me started on the bullshit with Rico and Adam's family. Talk about OTT drama.
Anyway, this one didn't work for me as well as most of Amy's other stories.
And don't even get me started on the bullshit with Rico and Adam's family. Talk about OTT drama.
Anyway, this one didn't work for me as well as most of Amy's other stories.
September 9, 2015
Really nice one
BRd with here
BRd with here
Read
March 23, 2020Rating and review removed.
July 30, 2015
Amy Lane fluff!
I tend to like Amy's brand of angst better than her fluff, but even her fluff usually manages to bring at least one tear to my eye, and this one was no exception. This series is well worth the read, and I can't wait to read about Ezra and Miguel.
I tend to like Amy's brand of angst better than her fluff, but even her fluff usually manages to bring at least one tear to my eye, and this one was no exception. This series is well worth the read, and I can't wait to read about Ezra and Miguel.
September 14, 2018
Absolutely adored this book and series!!!!!!! 😍 This is a somewhat light and fun read 😚
August 6, 2015
*3.5 stars*
It seems that, while I like this series a lot, it is not my favourite from Amy Lane.
This was a good story. I completely adore all the characters in both books. It's the chemistry between Rico and Derek that didn't convince me. TBH I felt Rico had more chemistry with Ezra than Derek who seemed a little...bland? The "I love you" came a bit too quickly too.
Despite all this I'm really looking forward to book number three and Derrik was delightful as always.
It seems that, while I like this series a lot, it is not my favourite from Amy Lane.
This was a good story. I completely adore all the characters in both books. It's the chemistry between Rico and Derek that didn't convince me. TBH I felt Rico had more chemistry with Ezra than Derek who seemed a little...bland? The "I love you" came a bit too quickly too.
Despite all this I'm really looking forward to book number three and Derrik was delightful as always.
September 9, 2015
What a lovely story!
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Read with Friends!
August 22, 2017
Cute but I liked Candy Man a little bit more. I look forward to the next book.
May 21, 2017
This is a lovely romance about a heartbroken hero with family issues and a wonderful man.
The circle around these two is half the goodness in the book. We also have a great dog and cat.
The drama level with the family is pretty high but the love between the cousins is powerful.
There are large slices of weird, funny, and too good to be true here but I really enjoyed this love story overall and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
The circle around these two is half the goodness in the book. We also have a great dog and cat.
The drama level with the family is pretty high but the love between the cousins is powerful.
There are large slices of weird, funny, and too good to be true here but I really enjoyed this love story overall and can't wait to read the rest of the series.
December 21, 2015
This installment of Candy Man remained consistent with the series so far; it's light, sugary sweet, and an enjoyable read/listen. If you liked book 1 then you will like this one as well, and same as me, will eagerly be awaiting book 3 (MC's are clear early on but also set-up nicely at the end). I still enjoy this narrator for these light Amy Lane books, and he did a good job differentiating the two MC's voices without either one being OOT.
Now, all that being said, I didn't love the love story as much as in book 1. Derek was a bit pushy for me. I thought he was pretty inappropriate from the beginning. You can express interest in someone, employee or not, without being so in your face. And almost immediately after saying that he would give Rico time, he asked him out on a date. Slightly reminiscent to Finn from book 1 in that he pushed Rico to open up in a way that in real life would be premature and out of bounds. But in book 1 Finn was endearing and it worked. Here, with Rico just having his heart broken, it felt a bit much.
But I chose to ignore that and enjoy the ride. Once they're together these guys are sweet and it was nice to see Rico get his HEA. We learned more about his and Adam's family, and I liked how Finn and Adam were incorporated into this book.
Once again, I think this series works great in audio format. Easy, breezy, and with a smidgen of angst. Darren was a little more forceful here in his commentary, which I was iffy on. I like the touch of magic but not the pressure that was put on the guys in this installment. Hopefully they'll all ease up in book 3, since one MC in particular seems like he'll need some TLC.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
Now, all that being said, I didn't love the love story as much as in book 1. Derek was a bit pushy for me. I thought he was pretty inappropriate from the beginning. You can express interest in someone, employee or not, without being so in your face. And almost immediately after saying that he would give Rico time, he asked him out on a date. Slightly reminiscent to Finn from book 1 in that he pushed Rico to open up in a way that in real life would be premature and out of bounds. But in book 1 Finn was endearing and it worked. Here, with Rico just having his heart broken, it felt a bit much.
But I chose to ignore that and enjoy the ride. Once they're together these guys are sweet and it was nice to see Rico get his HEA. We learned more about his and Adam's family, and I liked how Finn and Adam were incorporated into this book.
Once again, I think this series works great in audio format. Easy, breezy, and with a smidgen of angst. Darren was a little more forceful here in his commentary, which I was iffy on. I like the touch of magic but not the pressure that was put on the guys in this installment. Hopefully they'll all ease up in book 3, since one MC in particular seems like he'll need some TLC.
Received audio version from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
August 23, 2015
What a sweet read – exactly what I needed this weekend.
I remember liking the first book in this series – but don’t remember it packing a huge punch. It was one of those books where I thought I didn’t necessarily HAVE TO HAVE the next book in order for my life to be complete. But knew I’d probably get around to reading it at some point because !AMY LANE!
I feel like I’ve been in a book slump lately. And I had the light bulb moment and remembered that this came out last month so now was the time and it was exactly what the book-slump ordered.
It was light, it was sweet, it was kind of funny, it had feels. I actually fucking cried (just a little bit – maybe like two tears). And the sex was pretty darned scorching once they got around to it.
I didn’t think I’d missed Darrrin, Adam, and Finn…but turns out I did. And Clopper!
The story of Cousin Rico and his new man-love Derek was a beautifully grown slow-burn romance of the best kind. They talked, got to know each other, respected each other, overcame fears and insecurities together. It’s the kind of romance I can believe in.
Adam and Rico’s family…jus UGH. They’re despicable, the lot of them.
I don’t want to like Ezra. But I’m guessing Amy Lane has some tricks up her sleeve to make us like him and believe he deserves an HEA.
I remember liking the first book in this series – but don’t remember it packing a huge punch. It was one of those books where I thought I didn’t necessarily HAVE TO HAVE the next book in order for my life to be complete. But knew I’d probably get around to reading it at some point because !AMY LANE!
I feel like I’ve been in a book slump lately. And I had the light bulb moment and remembered that this came out last month so now was the time and it was exactly what the book-slump ordered.
It was light, it was sweet, it was kind of funny, it had feels. I actually fucking cried (just a little bit – maybe like two tears). And the sex was pretty darned scorching once they got around to it.
I didn’t think I’d missed Darrrin, Adam, and Finn…but turns out I did. And Clopper!
The story of Cousin Rico and his new man-love Derek was a beautifully grown slow-burn romance of the best kind. They talked, got to know each other, respected each other, overcame fears and insecurities together. It’s the kind of romance I can believe in.
Adam and Rico’s family…jus UGH. They’re despicable, the lot of them.
I don’t want to like Ezra. But I’m guessing Amy Lane has some tricks up her sleeve to make us like him and believe he deserves an HEA.
December 7, 2017
* 4 stars !*
First of, I think Amy Lane has a Bipolar disorder. Either it's a tear jerking angsty story, or a fluffy one. And I like the both side of her.
Bitter Taffy is a second installment of Candy Man.
And don't mind at all that I can visit Finn and Adam again in Rico and Derek's story.
I liked that Finn and Adam's relationship is going stronger and stronger. And they can be a good example for Derek and Rico, how a great relationship should be.
I loved the dialogue, it's all Amy Lane's fresh from oven ! And it's adorable.
It's all fluffy and sweet. And at some point, I'm kinda like Ezra, i hope Darrin can 'teach' him to smell like Sacramento.Wink.
Loved how patient Derek with Rico, and I liked it that they're not jumping to bed soon after one date. Their relationship is growing, to the point that Rico realized, Derek is his home.
How sweet.
And Ezra? What about him?
Well, let Darrin do the deed,deal?
"Sometimes love just fucking hurt, even if it was a good kind of pain."
First of, I think Amy Lane has a Bipolar disorder. Either it's a tear jerking angsty story, or a fluffy one. And I like the both side of her.
Bitter Taffy is a second installment of Candy Man.
And don't mind at all that I can visit Finn and Adam again in Rico and Derek's story.
I liked that Finn and Adam's relationship is going stronger and stronger. And they can be a good example for Derek and Rico, how a great relationship should be.
I loved the dialogue, it's all Amy Lane's fresh from oven ! And it's adorable.
It's all fluffy and sweet. And at some point, I'm kinda like Ezra, i hope Darrin can 'teach' him to smell like Sacramento.Wink.
Loved how patient Derek with Rico, and I liked it that they're not jumping to bed soon after one date. Their relationship is growing, to the point that Rico realized, Derek is his home.
How sweet.
""Being with you is the only home I've ever had""
And Ezra? What about him?
Well, let Darrin do the deed,deal?
September 3, 2015
2.5 Stars
Sadly, this one kinda bored me. I sorta liked Rico and Adam but I wasn't really invested in their story. The story was slow moving and a little much to do about nothin'.
Bottom line: I wish I liked it more.
Sadly, this one kinda bored me. I sorta liked Rico and Adam but I wasn't really invested in their story. The story was slow moving and a little much to do about nothin'.
Bottom line: I wish I liked it more.
August 9, 2015
I enjoyed this one, maybe not as much as the first, but definitely an enjoyable read. Starting to really love these characters and looking forward to more stories. :)
January 28, 2016
5 Stars for the Return of The Candy Man
This is book 2 in the Candy Man series and Amy Lane has written an emotional, funny, sexy, raunchy, and good ol' love story all in one. Rico, is Adams cousin and he is back in Sacramento after his internship ended early (that's putting it nicely) when he gets back to Sacramento Adam takes him to meet his boss at Candy Heaven and Darrin makes a bunch of comments that Rico can't quite understand, but he waves off the eccentric man and keeps moving. While sitting in front on Finn's family's restaurant doing a job search he first meets Derrik and from that first meeting, it's on like donkey kong between these two. Oh they try to take it slow, even attempt to date a bit but sooner rather than later they end up having some against the wall hot as hell sex! But their relationship isn't all about sex, no these two connect on a very deep emotional level..much like Finn and Adam. See Derrik is Rico's home and Rico can't imagine being anywhere else but with Derrik. Rico is unsure at times that what they have will last and that maybe they shouldn't move forward because, why fix something that isn't broken. Derrik, explains to him quite well I think that you have to take chances to get to enjoy the best things in life:
“That I’m not positive this is going to work out—but I sure do hope it will. I get being a little bit nervous, but don’t let that… that fear keep this from becoming something amazing. ’Cause no matter how good something looks in fantasy, real life is better.”
When an unexpected visitor shows up at the end of the story, Derrik becomes unsure of his and Rico's relationship and actually drives off and leaves him! This is enough to have Rico and Clopper running a mile in the heat to Derriks house to lay down the law - gotta love a man and his doggy.
This was a fun book. As mentioned above there is some really raw scenes in it and some pretty bawdy sex so enjoy! It's Amy Lane at her best!!
*Review Galley provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
This is book 2 in the Candy Man series and Amy Lane has written an emotional, funny, sexy, raunchy, and good ol' love story all in one. Rico, is Adams cousin and he is back in Sacramento after his internship ended early (that's putting it nicely) when he gets back to Sacramento Adam takes him to meet his boss at Candy Heaven and Darrin makes a bunch of comments that Rico can't quite understand, but he waves off the eccentric man and keeps moving. While sitting in front on Finn's family's restaurant doing a job search he first meets Derrik and from that first meeting, it's on like donkey kong between these two. Oh they try to take it slow, even attempt to date a bit but sooner rather than later they end up having some against the wall hot as hell sex! But their relationship isn't all about sex, no these two connect on a very deep emotional level..much like Finn and Adam. See Derrik is Rico's home and Rico can't imagine being anywhere else but with Derrik. Rico is unsure at times that what they have will last and that maybe they shouldn't move forward because, why fix something that isn't broken. Derrik, explains to him quite well I think that you have to take chances to get to enjoy the best things in life:
“That I’m not positive this is going to work out—but I sure do hope it will. I get being a little bit nervous, but don’t let that… that fear keep this from becoming something amazing. ’Cause no matter how good something looks in fantasy, real life is better.”
When an unexpected visitor shows up at the end of the story, Derrik becomes unsure of his and Rico's relationship and actually drives off and leaves him! This is enough to have Rico and Clopper running a mile in the heat to Derriks house to lay down the law - gotta love a man and his doggy.
This was a fun book. As mentioned above there is some really raw scenes in it and some pretty bawdy sex so enjoy! It's Amy Lane at her best!!
*Review Galley provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
August 26, 2015
REVIEW @Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words
Bitter Taffy is the second book in the Candy Man series by Amy Lane. I loved the first one and this was no exception. Amy Lane has a way with words that are unmistakable. Even if I’m her huge fan I haven’t read some of her more famous series, cause she scares me with the emotional things she can write. So I picked Candy Man because the cover suggested some fun and sweetness and I wasn’t wrong. Bitter Taffy was a great reconfirmation. You know how I always say I’m a sucker for sweet stories? Well since this series in some parts is set around a candy shop with a strange owner, it was really for me.
You know you can’t go wrong with any af Miss Lane books but what I loved in this one was specifically the relationship between the MCs. It could have been the usual insta love/lust story, but nope. It was slow (the right slow, not the boring one) and perfect and real and daily like our relationships. The chemistry was still there, but it was right and patient. Something like only Amy Lane can create.
What I appreciated moreover was the huge part that Adam and Finn have in this story too. Since I fell in love with their story, I was so happy to meet then again. They both grew up a lot in the little time left them, especially Finn, who will be my fave characters in this series regardless you will be come later.
I liked the sense of family between Adam and Rico, supporting no matter they both come from a unbelievable homophobic family. And the little redemption at the end was deserved, finally!
Talking about the ending I can’t wait for the next one to come out (hoping really soon) and to live with Ezra another fluffy and cute book.
I want to highly recommended Bitter Taffy and the whole Candy Man series. Really well done!
Cover art by Paul Richmond Of course it’s Paul’s. You can see him in every little detail. I so love all the colors he used in this cover and the one of Candy Man too. Perfect!!
Bitter Taffy is the second book in the Candy Man series by Amy Lane. I loved the first one and this was no exception. Amy Lane has a way with words that are unmistakable. Even if I’m her huge fan I haven’t read some of her more famous series, cause she scares me with the emotional things she can write. So I picked Candy Man because the cover suggested some fun and sweetness and I wasn’t wrong. Bitter Taffy was a great reconfirmation. You know how I always say I’m a sucker for sweet stories? Well since this series in some parts is set around a candy shop with a strange owner, it was really for me.
You know you can’t go wrong with any af Miss Lane books but what I loved in this one was specifically the relationship between the MCs. It could have been the usual insta love/lust story, but nope. It was slow (the right slow, not the boring one) and perfect and real and daily like our relationships. The chemistry was still there, but it was right and patient. Something like only Amy Lane can create.
What I appreciated moreover was the huge part that Adam and Finn have in this story too. Since I fell in love with their story, I was so happy to meet then again. They both grew up a lot in the little time left them, especially Finn, who will be my fave characters in this series regardless you will be come later.
I liked the sense of family between Adam and Rico, supporting no matter they both come from a unbelievable homophobic family. And the little redemption at the end was deserved, finally!
Talking about the ending I can’t wait for the next one to come out (hoping really soon) and to live with Ezra another fluffy and cute book.
I want to highly recommended Bitter Taffy and the whole Candy Man series. Really well done!
Cover art by Paul Richmond Of course it’s Paul’s. You can see him in every little detail. I so love all the colors he used in this cover and the one of Candy Man too. Perfect!!
August 14, 2015
4.5 stars
I admit, I love the angst the most when it comes to Amy Lane's book, but I can't help being impressed with the way Amy can play with your heartstrings even when you read one of her low angst stories. Even though this was one of those low angst stories I mentioned, I still felt it in my soul and I still manage to eat up a couple of times, because I can't seem to help it.
One of the things I loved the most while reading this book however, was the feeling of bubbling happiness I got; not all the time, granted, but the funny parts made me smile, like Finn's digestive problems. I'm not one for explicit bodily functions in my books, unless it's about gallons of cum spewing during sex, but I love how Amy managed to mention all those human things without making too big of a deal out of them; they just happened and it made the characters human and easy to relate to without being gross. There's really no way for me to express how much I admire this writer's talent.
I loved both Rico and Derek, as a couple and separately; they're both very complex characters, with depth and uniqueness, very likeable and easy to relate to. I also enjoyed tremendously seeing more of Adam and Finn together, it simply warmed my soul. Now that I know Ezra's story's coming up, I'm excited and impatient, even though I can see who his love interest is going to be. But I can't help wonder when is Darrin's turn going to come? Such a great person who wants to see those around him happy deserves a healthy dose of love to blindside him, catch him unaware, for his pixie stick powder to fail him...you know, he deserves his own story.
I admit, I love the angst the most when it comes to Amy Lane's book, but I can't help being impressed with the way Amy can play with your heartstrings even when you read one of her low angst stories. Even though this was one of those low angst stories I mentioned, I still felt it in my soul and I still manage to eat up a couple of times, because I can't seem to help it.
One of the things I loved the most while reading this book however, was the feeling of bubbling happiness I got; not all the time, granted, but the funny parts made me smile, like Finn's digestive problems. I'm not one for explicit bodily functions in my books, unless it's about gallons of cum spewing during sex, but I love how Amy managed to mention all those human things without making too big of a deal out of them; they just happened and it made the characters human and easy to relate to without being gross. There's really no way for me to express how much I admire this writer's talent.
I loved both Rico and Derek, as a couple and separately; they're both very complex characters, with depth and uniqueness, very likeable and easy to relate to. I also enjoyed tremendously seeing more of Adam and Finn together, it simply warmed my soul. Now that I know Ezra's story's coming up, I'm excited and impatient, even though I can see who his love interest is going to be. But I can't help wonder when is Darrin's turn going to come? Such a great person who wants to see those around him happy deserves a healthy dose of love to blindside him, catch him unaware, for his pixie stick powder to fail him...you know, he deserves his own story.
August 2, 2015
I am extremely sad to say that this did not work for me at all.
Perhaps I should not have reread Candy Man before this, because it was too similar? Maybe the angst was too low for me? Perhaps I am tired of the Amy-Lane-formula?
I REALLY don't know what happened. But I did not care for the characters AT ALL. They were like little perfect Ken Dolls playing the perfect relationship in which everything went just fine and everyone said all the right things. I read two books in-between before reluctantly reading this to the end.
And always felt reminded of an out-of-context-quote in Houllebesque's Whatever:
"Might as well watch lobsters march up the side of an aquarium."
I really hope that the next Amy Lane is able to grip me more. I have not given up, yet.
December 29, 2015
The writing was as usual, very good and the characters are vibrant. There’s still Adam and Finn which I feel made the story stronger. Rico and Derek are an okay couple but Adam and Finn just totally stole the show here. Gawd, Rico and Adam’s family are just plain horrible! Nothing to say about it, just evil and they have the nerve to come visit Sacramento! I loved Finn’s protectiveness towards Adam. He’s such a good boyfriend.
But this is Rico and Derek’s story…
I feel that it went too fast for them. I find Derek lacking personality. I dunno, I didn’t enjoy this couple that much but I loved that they care so much for baby Adam! Hah!
And jeez, that ending with Ezra! Can’t wait for that!
But this is Rico and Derek’s story…
I feel that it went too fast for them. I find Derek lacking personality. I dunno, I didn’t enjoy this couple that much but I loved that they care so much for baby Adam! Hah!
And jeez, that ending with Ezra! Can’t wait for that!
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