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Lean Dogs Legacy #2
Tastes Like Candy
Raised by a widower and a pack of uncles, Michelle Calloway has known only one way of life, that of the Lean Dogs MC, London chapter. When circumstances force her to flee to America, she fears her days of working alongside the club are over. But Derek Snow isn't the sort of man to let talent go to waste. In Amarillo, Texas, Vice President Candyman faces the challenge of preserving his club and protecting his growing family. If Charlie Fox's niece has a head for numbers, he's going to put her to use. But he never would have guessed little Michelle would be so grown up already... Club prince meets MC princess in book II of the Lean Dogs Legacy Series.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2016
55 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 8, 2019
Re-read #gazillion. And still too lazy to review...
Review later. Maybe.
Review later. Maybe.
May 31, 2016
Having followed the progress of this story on Wattpad, I already had a pretty good picture of how awesome this book is shaping up to be. But nothing beats one-clicking and DEVOURING the entire thing in one sitting. With extended and added scenes, I might add! So YAY!!
It's no secret I am a HUGE fan of Lauren Gilley and her work but this book is something special indeed. Filled with so many things that I personally consider 'winners' [age gap, macho male lead, kick ass female lead, PHENOMENAL supporting cast, etc] it checked off ALL the points for it to be a 5☆ read. Now throw in Lauren's INCREDIBLE writing skills and you get a book that's in a league of it's own.
I am IN LOVE with Candy. That's all. This big, tough MC prez who loves his sister and his club as well as being in control of so many things in his life but his heart ... a heart wants what it wants, right? Enter Michelle ... his 'little baby thing' ... I mean, if this isn't THE best endearment EVER, I don't know what is! The two of them catapulted straight to the top of my 'favorite couples' list because a club daughter who can fend for herself coupled together with one of THE best male leads I had a pleasure of reading about is always a winner in MY book!
Once again, supporting cast and ongoing storyline is what makes me love Lauren's books so much. You get to know the main couple but you also get to catch up with the characters you already know and love. This story was super special because it took us to the UK chapter of the Lean Dogs MC and that trip had some GREAT scenes, including ones with Auntie Raven (who managed to make me fall in love with her even more!) as well as Phillip and all of Michelle's uncles.
And I know I say this ALL the time BUT ... I can't stop highlighting when I read Lauren's books. It gets to the point that 90% of the book or even more is yellow because the way she writes is something special. Truly! There is only one other author whose writing takes my breath away and makes me forget the outside world exists the way Lauren's does. I feel so fortunate to have found this author (thanks to a fellow reader!) because when I read passages such as this one:
my heart is literally bursting and I never want the book to end!
If you appreciate exceptional writing, you will fall in love with Lauren Gilley and amazing families she creates for her readers to enjoy. Be it the Walkers, the Russells or the Lean Dogs MC family, you can't help but appreciate the amazing family dynamics she writes!
Cheers!
March 22, 2020
This is one of those books I'm so glad I re-read because my rating and thoughts are much improved on the first time around. First read and I struggled at times to connect with the characters, and the story didn't really grab me. This time around? I totally got their connection and dynamic and actually loved the London story line. Upping my rating to 4.5 stars
Original review -3.75 stars
I really like Lauren Gilley’s writing, it's so rich - the way she develops the story and the characters is brilliant, nothing is rushed. That said, this one took me a few days to finish. I struggled to get into it and didn’t really connect with them as a couple for a large part of the book and I think that was largely in part due to the 19 year age difference between Candy and Michelle. This normally wouldn’t worry me (unless she’s the older party then I hit a total brick wall … me and my double standards) but Michelle’s insecurities got on my wick a bit. She also teetered on the dreaded TSTL line a couple of times, but fortunately Candy more than made up for her. He was a fabulous hero, all in from the get-go.
I really loved the interaction with her London family – Fox and Tommy are a real trip! Loved the cute epilogue too, but felt the ending was rather rushed, briefly jumping from plot line to character to plot line which didn’t work with the pacing of the rest of the story.
Original review -3.75 stars
I really like Lauren Gilley’s writing, it's so rich - the way she develops the story and the characters is brilliant, nothing is rushed. That said, this one took me a few days to finish. I struggled to get into it and didn’t really connect with them as a couple for a large part of the book and I think that was largely in part due to the 19 year age difference between Candy and Michelle. This normally wouldn’t worry me (unless she’s the older party then I hit a total brick wall … me and my double standards) but Michelle’s insecurities got on my wick a bit. She also teetered on the dreaded TSTL line a couple of times, but fortunately Candy more than made up for her. He was a fabulous hero, all in from the get-go.
I really loved the interaction with her London family – Fox and Tommy are a real trip! Loved the cute epilogue too, but felt the ending was rather rushed, briefly jumping from plot line to character to plot line which didn’t work with the pacing of the rest of the story.
February 5, 2017
I'm loving this series.
I've quickly become addicted to these books, it started with 'Fearless' and with each book it just gets worse.
We already know and love Candy but Michelle is new, she needs to leave London and the Amarillo branch of the Lean Dogs needs an accountant, well they actually need a lottery win since they're broke but they'll settle for an accountant and so it seems a good match.
Michelle remembers Candy from when she was a child but she's not prepared for the attraction she feels when they meet, Candy is also gone the minute he sees her but the nineteen year age gap holds him back as he battles with what he wants yet feels isn't right.
I loved this book, I liked the characters, the story, the humour, the multiple POV and all the Devin Green's children I just think if they all got together and really put their minds to it they could take over the world...:))
But seriously these books and this author are incredible and I can't wait for the next one 'The Prodigal Son'
September 21, 2016
I am sitting here trying to figure out how to say that this is another awesome book by Lauren Gilley without sounding like a broken record, I am just going to have to (sorry).
First off Candy the Hero is AWESOME!! Big, Alpha, Loyal, Funny and Gooey on the inside how could anyone not fall in love and I do not usually like blondes but hey thats just how good this author is.
Chelle the heroin is one KICKASS chick who is a daughter of the London chapter of the club, she is like the chick you always wanted to be but never will LOL.
Again we are taken on a journey with two main characters but also told the story from other POV. The way it just smoothly goes between characters is another reason why this is one of my favourite authors.
The Chemistry is high between the H & h and you can not put it down.
Real life got in the way this week so I was starting to get a bit like this
If you have not started the Dartmoor series yet I strongly suggest you do but every one should...........
First off Candy the Hero is AWESOME!! Big, Alpha, Loyal, Funny and Gooey on the inside how could anyone not fall in love and I do not usually like blondes but hey thats just how good this author is.
Chelle the heroin is one KICKASS chick who is a daughter of the London chapter of the club, she is like the chick you always wanted to be but never will LOL.
Again we are taken on a journey with two main characters but also told the story from other POV. The way it just smoothly goes between characters is another reason why this is one of my favourite authors.
The Chemistry is high between the H & h and you can not put it down.
Real life got in the way this week so I was starting to get a bit like this
If you have not started the Dartmoor series yet I strongly suggest you do but every one should...........
August 5, 2016
Hero’s and legends is what comes to mind when reading one of Lauren Gilley’s novels. She brings the right amount of drama, heartbreak, action and suspense. There’s never a dull moment to where you wanna set the book down & it's why I love her stories so much. Okay enough of the mushy, onto the five star review.
Michelle is no simpering wildflower. She was born and raised in the life. Despite her age she carries the weight of responsibilities just as strongly as the men. Sometimes more being the daughter of the president in the London chapter. But when violence strikes close to home her family rethinks their priorities….maybe safety isn’t found in the homelands but abroad.
What can I say about a character I absolutely adore, who is all that and a bag of chips! Candyman is everything you’d want in an older biker. Sinful looks, southern charms, deadly when needs be and the title of being Prez.
I loved seeing the inner workings of both MC’s and all the characters. You have at least three storylines running simultaneously and the way this crafty author integrates them, it's flawless and with perfect balance. She leaves you craving more, happy reading….enjoy!
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 16, 2020
02/13/2017 -- Re-read
I bought this to read again. First time, I read on Wattpad. I'm not a fan of that format. I think I enjoyed this book much better this round. This author writes such incredible character driven books with detailed and well developed stories and backgrounds. This is a really enjoyable and relate-able book.
Happy Reading!
Overall Rating = X Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 / 5 = 4.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4.5 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 4.5 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Steamy
484 pages
First sentence:Funny thing about legends. Generally, they're more powerful than facts.
Last sentence: Daddy laughed a little. "I think you ought to ask Mama about that." "Why?" "Because she is one."
+++++++++++++++++++++++
05/18/2016 --
This is one of my favorite new authors. I enjoyed this book, but it isn't one of my favorites by her. I think this is true for a few reasons:
1 -- I read it on Wattpad and that isn't the best experience. My bad. I think next time I may wait [but I'm terribly inpatient] for it to be published.
2 -- One of the things I like about Lauren's other books is how she takes her time to develop rich, full-bodied characters. Likewise, she develops a story that is multidimensional with detail without the tedious monotony that you see so much in authors with less talent. Saying this, I didn't connect with either this story or the characters like I have in the past. Also, the ending felt rushed. It really was a good story but not what I've come to expect from this author.
I was disappointed a bit. It was still a 4 Star read for me, but had the potential to be so much more.
Happy Reading!!
I bought this to read again. First time, I read on Wattpad. I'm not a fan of that format. I think I enjoyed this book much better this round. This author writes such incredible character driven books with detailed and well developed stories and backgrounds. This is a really enjoyable and relate-able book.
Happy Reading!
Overall Rating = X Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 4 / 4 / 5 = 4.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4.5 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 5 / 4 = 4.5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 4.5 Stars
Ending = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars -- [$3.99 on Amazon]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild to Steamy
484 pages
First sentence:Funny thing about legends. Generally, they're more powerful than facts.
Last sentence: Daddy laughed a little. "I think you ought to ask Mama about that." "Why?" "Because she is one."
+++++++++++++++++++++++
05/18/2016 --
This is one of my favorite new authors. I enjoyed this book, but it isn't one of my favorites by her. I think this is true for a few reasons:
1 -- I read it on Wattpad and that isn't the best experience. My bad. I think next time I may wait [but I'm terribly inpatient] for it to be published.
2 -- One of the things I like about Lauren's other books is how she takes her time to develop rich, full-bodied characters. Likewise, she develops a story that is multidimensional with detail without the tedious monotony that you see so much in authors with less talent. Saying this, I didn't connect with either this story or the characters like I have in the past. Also, the ending felt rushed. It really was a good story but not what I've come to expect from this author.
I was disappointed a bit. It was still a 4 Star read for me, but had the potential to be so much more.
Happy Reading!!
October 26, 2018
Loved this one....Candyman was awesome and so was the heroine. Can't wait for the next book....in the meantime, I'm gonna finish the Dartmoor series ;)
5 stars !!!
5 stars !!!
December 11, 2017
4.5*
Loved it!
This spin-off series is less intense than the Dartmoor series, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. I loved the MCs, their relationship and the family bonds. A lil' bit of action, suspense and drama, and lots of love.
Safety:
I'd love to read novels with the heroine's uncles or aunts as a main character. Or the baby's. Yes, I wanna read TJ's story.
Loved it!
This spin-off series is less intense than the Dartmoor series, but I enjoyed it nevertheless. I loved the MCs, their relationship and the family bonds. A lil' bit of action, suspense and drama, and lots of love.
Safety:
I'd love to read novels with the heroine's uncles or aunts as a main character. Or the baby's. Yes, I wanna read TJ's story.
August 1, 2017
This is my latest Binge series. It's one that a 21st century woman shouldn't like... but somehow you can't stop reading about these outlaw bikers and the women who love them. Although not quite as dark and heart breaking as Susan Fanetti's Night Horde series, Lauren Gilley manages to get to the heart of her characters in much the same way showing that there is more to these men than the stereotypes of misogyny and violence.
Tastes like Candy is part of the Lean Dogs Legacy and features legendary hard man Derek "Candyman" Snow and Michelle Calloway daughter of one of the original London Club legends and nineteen years his junior. Immediately I couldn't help rolling my eyes at my assumption of a man who has played hard and gets to a certain age and looks for a woman a lot younger to settle down with. Please. But there is more to their story and if ever two people are made for each other these two are. It is how Lauren Gilley portrays this and the changing role of women in one of the last bastions of male supremacy that made this such a good read.
PS And I can't wait to read more about the other bastard children of Devin Green, there are a heap of characters with unresolved endings yet to look forward to.
4.5 stars.
Tastes like Candy is part of the Lean Dogs Legacy and features legendary hard man Derek "Candyman" Snow and Michelle Calloway daughter of one of the original London Club legends and nineteen years his junior. Immediately I couldn't help rolling my eyes at my assumption of a man who has played hard and gets to a certain age and looks for a woman a lot younger to settle down with. Please. But there is more to their story and if ever two people are made for each other these two are. It is how Lauren Gilley portrays this and the changing role of women in one of the last bastions of male supremacy that made this such a good read.
PS And I can't wait to read more about the other bastard children of Devin Green, there are a heap of characters with unresolved endings yet to look forward to.
4.5 stars.
June 15, 2016
I wish I could give this one more than 5 stars. Candy Man captured my interest in previous books and I was waiting for his story. He's one bad ass alpha man who loves his sister deeply and has never been romantically in love. He's sexy, compassionate, sweet, hard and an all around bad ass that even the hardest Lean Dog members respect. Michelle has always tried to be the son her father never had and is also one bad ass, independent woman. Candy fights his attraction to Michelle and feels guilty because of the 19 year age difference but in the end he can't let her go. He's strong enough to not try to change her and he's strong enough to know that it's alright for a big, bad ass alpha to show his feelings. This is undoubtedly one of the best romances I have read this year.
March 8, 2017
I don't have the right words to sum up this story, but I always feel like I'm right there. When I read LG's books, it feels like I'm right there, experiencing the highs, the lows, and the environmental changes right along with her characters. As a new reader of literary fiction, it's one of those delicious feelings that every writer doesn't grant the reader, but with Gilley's work, it's a given. Her characters are written with such glorious depth! They're the kind of characters that stick with you and I love that about her work. Her characters and their journeys are always memorable!
This book was splendid! I wasn't sure that I could enjoy another brood of characters the way that I love her characters of the Dartmoor series, but that's a lie, because this book was flawless! I've read more than a handful of books catering to the fictitious lifestyle of bikers and motorcycle clubs, but Gilley's work is exceptional and speaks for itself. She doesn't rely on endless f-bombs to demonstrate character strength and her heroines aren't needy with TSTL traits. It's always a bittersweet feeling when I get to the end of one of her books because while I know the epilogue is going to soothe me, I'm also desperate to know what will become of the other scene stealers she's gotten me attached to. Another great read!
This book was splendid! I wasn't sure that I could enjoy another brood of characters the way that I love her characters of the Dartmoor series, but that's a lie, because this book was flawless! I've read more than a handful of books catering to the fictitious lifestyle of bikers and motorcycle clubs, but Gilley's work is exceptional and speaks for itself. She doesn't rely on endless f-bombs to demonstrate character strength and her heroines aren't needy with TSTL traits. It's always a bittersweet feeling when I get to the end of one of her books because while I know the epilogue is going to soothe me, I'm also desperate to know what will become of the other scene stealers she's gotten me attached to. Another great read!
May 15, 2021
Almost as good as Mercy and Ava’s book! 😍
I love the very clever heroine and the super manwhore extraordinaire, Candyman head over heels in love with the girl! 😘😂
What are you waiting for? Start reading this series! 😍
❤️❤️❤️
I love the very clever heroine and the super manwhore extraordinaire, Candyman head over heels in love with the girl! 😘😂
What are you waiting for? Start reading this series! 😍
❤️❤️❤️
August 2, 2018
First I have to say- LAUREN GILLEY is author who I have discovered in 2017.
I love her storytelling ways, pure magic with the way she writes the most simple of things, she got me so addicted, I just want more and more.
Because this is sort of a spin off of Dartmoor series I have a good guess about book one so I skipped it and went on strait to reading book two. Maybe I go back and read book one - someday.
Soooo welcome to Texas!
Book is a biker romance with 19 year age gap between the lead characters.
It is another family saga. Told with multiple points of views.
Most of characters previously mention in Dartmoor series.
Heroine is biker legacy, grown up as daughter of the president with huge family of uncles.
She is sent out from London to Texas, to kept safe from bad things that happened there.
And there she meets the hero Candyman Snow.
I do NOT care for his first, a name Candy as biker name is just amazing.
He is great, protective, smart, alpha male. Who takes care of everyone around him. But I love his heart, it is pure gold.
And of course they fell in love.
There is a bunch of bad things that happen around them, guns selling, undercover agents, Mexican cartel, injuries, bombing etc.
Things that I loved about this book;
-fantastic badass and smart heroine
- alpha older hero
- writing
I cannot wait to read more.
I love her storytelling ways, pure magic with the way she writes the most simple of things, she got me so addicted, I just want more and more.
Because this is sort of a spin off of Dartmoor series I have a good guess about book one so I skipped it and went on strait to reading book two. Maybe I go back and read book one - someday.
Soooo welcome to Texas!
Book is a biker romance with 19 year age gap between the lead characters.
It is another family saga. Told with multiple points of views.
Most of characters previously mention in Dartmoor series.
Heroine is biker legacy, grown up as daughter of the president with huge family of uncles.
She is sent out from London to Texas, to kept safe from bad things that happened there.
And there she meets the hero Candyman Snow.
I do NOT care for his first, a name Candy as biker name is just amazing.
He is great, protective, smart, alpha male. Who takes care of everyone around him. But I love his heart, it is pure gold.
And of course they fell in love.
There is a bunch of bad things that happen around them, guns selling, undercover agents, Mexican cartel, injuries, bombing etc.
Things that I loved about this book;
-fantastic badass and smart heroine
- alpha older hero
- writing
I cannot wait to read more.
December 27, 2017
3.7 stars
Its a Biker romance with a solid age gap.
Fei sweety you should check this out!
I know how much you love a strong heroine with an alpha❤
But check my spoiler first too.. ;)
It was my first book by this author and yeah i know what you guys are thinking!
Yes! Even after knowing this book is a spin off and second in the series..
I read this first like even before the doormat series😜
Yup! M kinda like that👇🏼
So may be my rating was affected because of the lack of bg..
And the other reason i did'nt find this worthy of my 5 star was the length of this book..
It was a long ass book and i had to take too many breaks to count to finish this book..
And because i have read long ass books before without any breaks i decided it was not a 5 star def.
Other than that it was a good read i enjoyed a heroine who had true business women persona and ability to handle shit as best as she can..
A hero who sure had a funny name "Candy"😂 but was a true alpha😍
The age factor was a good add and epilogue was too cute to miss...
In short it was a good one time read!
Its a Biker romance with a solid age gap.
Fei sweety you should check this out!
I know how much you love a strong heroine with an alpha❤
But check my spoiler first too.. ;)
It was my first book by this author and yeah i know what you guys are thinking!
Yes! Even after knowing this book is a spin off and second in the series..
I read this first like even before the doormat series😜
Yup! M kinda like that👇🏼
So may be my rating was affected because of the lack of bg..
And the other reason i did'nt find this worthy of my 5 star was the length of this book..
It was a long ass book and i had to take too many breaks to count to finish this book..
And because i have read long ass books before without any breaks i decided it was not a 5 star def.
Other than that it was a good read i enjoyed a heroine who had true business women persona and ability to handle shit as best as she can..
A hero who sure had a funny name "Candy"😂 but was a true alpha😍
The age factor was a good add and epilogue was too cute to miss...
In short it was a good one time read!
September 28, 2018
Lauren Gilley has an incredible knack - she knows how to write. She produces wonderful characters, a story that connects (with me) and keeps me engaged. Since the beginning when I 'stumbled' over the Dartmoor series each book has cleverly connected building up the bigger picture of this MC club.
Tastes Like Candy - story of Candyman and Michelle and book 2 of the Lean Dogs Legacy series.
Michelle Calloway was raised by a widower Dad, a pack of uncles and only knew one kind of life - the life of the Lean Dogs MC London. That life changes when circumstances forces her to flee to the US. For Michelle her biggest fear is not the introduction to a new life or a new country but the fear that her days of working alongside the club are now over.
Derek Snow - Candyman and VP of the American unit. His biggest challenge was to protect his club, preserving what it stood for until he met Michelle Calloway. The last time these two met they were children - Michelle is now 26 and Candyman is 45. When club prince meets MC princess - life as they knew if would never be the same.
I absolutely love this series - but don't go into it thinking you are going to get your run of the mill, typical MC storyline. You wont because this story goes much further than that. It is long (which I love) and delivered at a slow pace but continues to build the bigger picture of this club and its wonderful characters.
Tastes Like Candy - story of Candyman and Michelle and book 2 of the Lean Dogs Legacy series.
Michelle Calloway was raised by a widower Dad, a pack of uncles and only knew one kind of life - the life of the Lean Dogs MC London. That life changes when circumstances forces her to flee to the US. For Michelle her biggest fear is not the introduction to a new life or a new country but the fear that her days of working alongside the club are now over.
Derek Snow - Candyman and VP of the American unit. His biggest challenge was to protect his club, preserving what it stood for until he met Michelle Calloway. The last time these two met they were children - Michelle is now 26 and Candyman is 45. When club prince meets MC princess - life as they knew if would never be the same.
I absolutely love this series - but don't go into it thinking you are going to get your run of the mill, typical MC storyline. You wont because this story goes much further than that. It is long (which I love) and delivered at a slow pace but continues to build the bigger picture of this club and its wonderful characters.
June 16, 2016
I started out a big fan of Lauren Gilley’s Lean Dogs books but after reading Taste Like Candy I think I’ve become a Lean Dog addict and I can’t wait for my next fix. I adored almost everything about this book and the teeny tiny little things that I found wrong didn’t get on my nerves at all, I even giggled at one or two. I’m not sure it’s completely necessary to read the Dartmoor Series and the first Lean Dogs Legacy book before reading this one, but I think if you dive into this one first you’ll be missing out on some back story and nuances that made this story even better.
One of the reasons I love Lauren Gilley books is her mastery at making you feel as if you are right in the midst of the story. I could almost taste the dust in the air or feel the rain pelting down from a Texas storm. Part of the story involves a bar being refurbished like the old Pasadena Gilley’s (featured in the old Travolta movie Urban Cowboy), a bar my cousin and I would sneak into when we were teenagers so we could two-step our hearts out with hot cowboys. I was in my nostalgic Texas happy place.
Although I’ve really liked most of LG’s heroines, Michelle is now the favorite. Abruptly taken from everything she loves and holds dear, her pragmatic attitude won me over. Being raised amidst the Lean Dogs, she was determined to be a help to the club in whatever capacity she could. It’s good that she seemed to inherit the best bits from her very talented family, including her Uncle Walsh’s intelligence and keen insight and her Uncle Fox’s attention to detail. She also had an extremely dry wit that had me smiling.
I liked Candy from previous books, but he had a lot on his shoulders and it showed. In the midst of rebuilding after the Amarillo Chapter was practically gutted from betrayal, the last thing he needed was Walsh and Fox’s niece to land on his doorstep. Candy won me over by always putting the club and his sister’s needs first. He’s definitely an alpha but my favorite kind. Once he was all in with Michelle, he gave her what she needed by allowing her to use her many talents to help his club instead of holding her back because of her gender.
When I finished I had the biggest smile on my face. Yes, there were a couple of issues but I just didn’t care. With a wonderful love story, great characters, hilarious family banter, lots of action, suspense, mystery, and even some nasty terrorists, not only was I in my nostalgic happy place, I was in my biker book happy place.
What I Struggled With:
1. Phillip’s decision to send Michelle away, and what his end game was
2. The Colin/Penny side story. It was a distraction and felt unnecessary.
3. Agent Riley being allowed to work a case against the Lean Dogs despite the personal history. This would never happen in real life.
What I Loved:
1. Michelle’s need to keep busy and contribute despite her whole world imploding.
2. Candy’s willingness to be upfront with Michelle’s very scary father about their relationship.
3. The love, care, and loyalty of Michelle’s family, despite their beginnings and their sometimes huge differences.
4. Each Aunt and Uncle taking the time to let Michelle know they loved her and were there for her.
5. The fact that LG can craft a character that you fall in love with despite their faults.
5 I Loved It But Now I Have a Book Hangover Stars
For this review and more, check out EDGy Reviews
One of the reasons I love Lauren Gilley books is her mastery at making you feel as if you are right in the midst of the story. I could almost taste the dust in the air or feel the rain pelting down from a Texas storm. Part of the story involves a bar being refurbished like the old Pasadena Gilley’s (featured in the old Travolta movie Urban Cowboy), a bar my cousin and I would sneak into when we were teenagers so we could two-step our hearts out with hot cowboys. I was in my nostalgic Texas happy place.
Although I’ve really liked most of LG’s heroines, Michelle is now the favorite. Abruptly taken from everything she loves and holds dear, her pragmatic attitude won me over. Being raised amidst the Lean Dogs, she was determined to be a help to the club in whatever capacity she could. It’s good that she seemed to inherit the best bits from her very talented family, including her Uncle Walsh’s intelligence and keen insight and her Uncle Fox’s attention to detail. She also had an extremely dry wit that had me smiling.
I liked Candy from previous books, but he had a lot on his shoulders and it showed. In the midst of rebuilding after the Amarillo Chapter was practically gutted from betrayal, the last thing he needed was Walsh and Fox’s niece to land on his doorstep. Candy won me over by always putting the club and his sister’s needs first. He’s definitely an alpha but my favorite kind. Once he was all in with Michelle, he gave her what she needed by allowing her to use her many talents to help his club instead of holding her back because of her gender.
When I finished I had the biggest smile on my face. Yes, there were a couple of issues but I just didn’t care. With a wonderful love story, great characters, hilarious family banter, lots of action, suspense, mystery, and even some nasty terrorists, not only was I in my nostalgic happy place, I was in my biker book happy place.
What I Struggled With:
1. Phillip’s decision to send Michelle away, and what his end game was
2. The Colin/Penny side story. It was a distraction and felt unnecessary.
3. Agent Riley being allowed to work a case against the Lean Dogs despite the personal history. This would never happen in real life.
What I Loved:
1. Michelle’s need to keep busy and contribute despite her whole world imploding.
2. Candy’s willingness to be upfront with Michelle’s very scary father about their relationship.
3. The love, care, and loyalty of Michelle’s family, despite their beginnings and their sometimes huge differences.
4. Each Aunt and Uncle taking the time to let Michelle know they loved her and were there for her.
5. The fact that LG can craft a character that you fall in love with despite their faults.
5 I Loved It But Now I Have a Book Hangover Stars
For this review and more, check out EDGy Reviews
June 7, 2016
I honestly don't know if I can read any other MC series by any other author. Lauren Gilley has managed to ruin me for other books. No one will write in her family saga style. And at this point, I don't care! Just give me more by this author and I will be content.
The Lean Dogs MC is international. This spin off series follows the club that is in Texas but they all are closely tied together. Characters from the Lean Dogs series show up again in this book. We get to catch up on all the HEA's as the story allows. This Texas chapter is struggling a bit financially and needs s boost. It just so happens, there is some trouble in England and the Mother Chapter's President sends his daughter to Derek Snow for safety and to use her brilliant mind to help the chapter pull it's self together again.
This book explores what it means to be a legacy. Is it like Derek "The Candyman" Snow? A man who is legendary for fighting and knocking opponents teeth out? Is a legacy what remains when a prolific sire loves em and leaves em along with all his progeny? The banding together of his children results in each one have specific skills that help further the interests of the Lean Dogs MC. Or is a legacy what we hope to impart on our children to give them better than we had?
I think the book touches on all of these. Ultimately the legacy becomes the strengthening of the club by bonding the VP of the Texas chapter with the Princess of the whole club. Michelle is a strong alpha female, well trained by her father and her uncles. She can hold her own. But in Candy, she finds a matching soul. Something inside each of them needs the other. Their joining becomes the future, the legacy of what the Lean Dogs will become.
Fantastic author. Fantastic book. So happy to have stumbled upon her work. Loved <3
The Lean Dogs MC is international. This spin off series follows the club that is in Texas but they all are closely tied together. Characters from the Lean Dogs series show up again in this book. We get to catch up on all the HEA's as the story allows. This Texas chapter is struggling a bit financially and needs s boost. It just so happens, there is some trouble in England and the Mother Chapter's President sends his daughter to Derek Snow for safety and to use her brilliant mind to help the chapter pull it's self together again.
This book explores what it means to be a legacy. Is it like Derek "The Candyman" Snow? A man who is legendary for fighting and knocking opponents teeth out? Is a legacy what remains when a prolific sire loves em and leaves em along with all his progeny? The banding together of his children results in each one have specific skills that help further the interests of the Lean Dogs MC. Or is a legacy what we hope to impart on our children to give them better than we had?
I think the book touches on all of these. Ultimately the legacy becomes the strengthening of the club by bonding the VP of the Texas chapter with the Princess of the whole club. Michelle is a strong alpha female, well trained by her father and her uncles. She can hold her own. But in Candy, she finds a matching soul. Something inside each of them needs the other. Their joining becomes the future, the legacy of what the Lean Dogs will become.
Fantastic author. Fantastic book. So happy to have stumbled upon her work. Loved <3
October 3, 2020
This book focuses on legendary Derek "Candyman" Snow and Michelle Calloway daughter of one of the original London Club legends. When things get a tad too hairy in the eyes of her dad, Michelle is sent from London to Texas, to the Amarillo branch of the Lean Dogs, her dad thinks she needs a life outside the MC but it's in her blood and nothing will change that.
Age gap of about 18 or 19 years between Michelle and Derek (him being older).
Really enjoyed Michelle's interactions with her uncles, cousin and aunt.
Dual POV ensures I was engaged throughout.
Good depth to the main characters and their interactions.
Age gap of about 18 or 19 years between Michelle and Derek (him being older).
Really enjoyed Michelle's interactions with her uncles, cousin and aunt.
Dual POV ensures I was engaged throughout.
Good depth to the main characters and their interactions.
March 27, 2020
second Review-
for some strange reason I didn't leave a review for this the first time I read it. Oh Well. Again got the idea to read this again because the author was doing a read a long on facebook. I don't have facebook so I just read it on my own.
Love Candy, sweet guy(LOL). He was strong yet vulnerable at the same time. He was a little unsure how to tell Michelle his feelings. I think it was neat how the author wrote it that the man would be heartbroken in this situation more than the woman.
Michelle is tough as nails. I like how she realized she could be tough as nails yet lean on her man when she needed to. Her family made me mad and she is way more forgiving then I would have been.
Great read. I love my Lean Dogs!!
for some strange reason I didn't leave a review for this the first time I read it. Oh Well. Again got the idea to read this again because the author was doing a read a long on facebook. I don't have facebook so I just read it on my own.
Love Candy, sweet guy(LOL). He was strong yet vulnerable at the same time. He was a little unsure how to tell Michelle his feelings. I think it was neat how the author wrote it that the man would be heartbroken in this situation more than the woman.
Michelle is tough as nails. I like how she realized she could be tough as nails yet lean on her man when she needed to. Her family made me mad and she is way more forgiving then I would have been.
Great read. I love my Lean Dogs!!
June 29, 2016
Amazing series can't wait for more!!
April 18, 2025
4.5 Star
Enjoyed every sweet and sticky minute :)
Review:
Another great book from Lauren Gilley! The writing was paced surprisingly smooth , especially considering the drama filled plot. Tastes Like Candy or TLC (Was this deliberate? because it works either way) brings together the London and Texas chapters of The Lean Dogs. Time is spent in both countries, providing two parallel settings while still having their common ground as MCs. A perfect blend of club life and romance engaged me from beginning to the end.
Michelle has the combined dilemma (in her father’s eyes) of being female and smart and some members of her family believe she’d be better off away from them. She loves her family as much as they love her. Their solution is to send her over to Texas to keep her safe and to get a fresh start in life.
Candy is a strong, solid character who was always presented as a mature man, yet he came across as youthful without looking foolish. There's an age gap between Michelle and Candy but he had an ageless air and never appeared out of Michelle’s reach. Then again Michelle had seen and done a lot from an early age and it gave her a level of credibility, appearing older than she actually was.
This was far from being an insta-love story. The angst leading up to whether or not it was right for them to be together was justified and it gave both characters time to evolve as individuals. There was an undeniable attraction between them but it took a while for them to consider going beyond a physical arrangement.
Being the ‘boss’s daughter’ meant being treated equally was not a given. Michelle didn’t expect nor did she want to be given any passes because of who her father was. She was prepared to show them what she was capable of and hung in there for the chance to arrive. Belonging was a strong theme with a good number of people always willing to step up to make a difference. It took a while to realise that home is where the heart is…the trouble was her heart was more than often drawn between the two continents.
This story was a value plus read, with plenty of pages that connected with past books adding a layer of familiarity and strength to the book. Special mention goes to Mercy, his and Ava’s story set the bar for me in the Lean Dog’s Legacy series, and it was so good to ‘hear’ from him in this story, even if it was only a short moment. Can’t wait to see what Ms. Gilley has in store for her readers next!
What I struggled with:
*Michelle’s loneliness and feelings of abandonment
*Paul’s indifference and naivety as to what the cost would be
What I loved:
*Candy’s reputation, he came with considerable TLC
*Michelle’s ability to see opportunities and seize them
*The sisterhood
*The title was clever and Tastes like Candy / TLC that made me smirk!
Enjoyed every sweet and sticky minute :)
Review:
Another great book from Lauren Gilley! The writing was paced surprisingly smooth , especially considering the drama filled plot. Tastes Like Candy or TLC (Was this deliberate? because it works either way) brings together the London and Texas chapters of The Lean Dogs. Time is spent in both countries, providing two parallel settings while still having their common ground as MCs. A perfect blend of club life and romance engaged me from beginning to the end.
Michelle has the combined dilemma (in her father’s eyes) of being female and smart and some members of her family believe she’d be better off away from them. She loves her family as much as they love her. Their solution is to send her over to Texas to keep her safe and to get a fresh start in life.
Candy is a strong, solid character who was always presented as a mature man, yet he came across as youthful without looking foolish. There's an age gap between Michelle and Candy but he had an ageless air and never appeared out of Michelle’s reach. Then again Michelle had seen and done a lot from an early age and it gave her a level of credibility, appearing older than she actually was.
This was far from being an insta-love story. The angst leading up to whether or not it was right for them to be together was justified and it gave both characters time to evolve as individuals. There was an undeniable attraction between them but it took a while for them to consider going beyond a physical arrangement.
Being the ‘boss’s daughter’ meant being treated equally was not a given. Michelle didn’t expect nor did she want to be given any passes because of who her father was. She was prepared to show them what she was capable of and hung in there for the chance to arrive. Belonging was a strong theme with a good number of people always willing to step up to make a difference. It took a while to realise that home is where the heart is…the trouble was her heart was more than often drawn between the two continents.
This story was a value plus read, with plenty of pages that connected with past books adding a layer of familiarity and strength to the book. Special mention goes to Mercy, his and Ava’s story set the bar for me in the Lean Dog’s Legacy series, and it was so good to ‘hear’ from him in this story, even if it was only a short moment. Can’t wait to see what Ms. Gilley has in store for her readers next!
What I struggled with:
*Michelle’s loneliness and feelings of abandonment
*Paul’s indifference and naivety as to what the cost would be
What I loved:
*Candy’s reputation, he came with considerable TLC
*Michelle’s ability to see opportunities and seize them
*The sisterhood
*The title was clever and Tastes like Candy / TLC that made me smirk!
June 8, 2016
OMG. Lauren Gilley gets better every book. I read this book hot on the heels of Snow in Texas, so I was already well entrenched in Lean Dog lore and itching to find out more about Candy.
His story didn't disappoint and he will be taking the mantle for hottest book boyfriend of 2016.....Candy is perfect.....broken, mean and completely unattainable.
Enter Michelle, fresh from her life of mayhem in London (and niece of the terrifyingly stoic and lethal Walsh boys) and Candy's carefully controlled life starts to unravel.
I loved watching their relationship unfold. Gilley writes mature characters and her relationships, thankfully lack the angsty immature drama that is often shovelled on, preferring to develop the more realistic uncertainty that fledgling couples stumble through. Of course it's pure fantasy....the hot, murderous alpha tamed in an instant by the intsalove he feels for the h........but the trick is Gilley makes you believe, and for a glorious moment in time the reader is transported into the world she creates.
There is the prerequisite biker drama and near death experiences that keep the story clipping along at a good pace. But it's really Candy's book and I didn't want to let him go. Adored every minute.
Beware.....book hangover ahead!
5 glorious Fat Boy stars
His story didn't disappoint and he will be taking the mantle for hottest book boyfriend of 2016.....Candy is perfect.....broken, mean and completely unattainable.
Enter Michelle, fresh from her life of mayhem in London (and niece of the terrifyingly stoic and lethal Walsh boys) and Candy's carefully controlled life starts to unravel.
I loved watching their relationship unfold. Gilley writes mature characters and her relationships, thankfully lack the angsty immature drama that is often shovelled on, preferring to develop the more realistic uncertainty that fledgling couples stumble through. Of course it's pure fantasy....the hot, murderous alpha tamed in an instant by the intsalove he feels for the h........but the trick is Gilley makes you believe, and for a glorious moment in time the reader is transported into the world she creates.
There is the prerequisite biker drama and near death experiences that keep the story clipping along at a good pace. But it's really Candy's book and I didn't want to let him go. Adored every minute.
Beware.....book hangover ahead!
5 glorious Fat Boy stars
June 2, 2016
Lauren Gilley can honestly do no wrong. I've read most of her books and each one has been spectacular. And the best part, is that all of them are different. Different plot, courtship, romance, suspense, angst. So whenever I open a new book of hers I know I'm in for a treat.
We meet Candy in her Dartmoor series and also in Snow in Texas, but we had no idea how wonderful he really is until Taste Like Candy. Michelle is his love interest and there is no one better suited for him than her. She was born into the life and it's part of her soul.
What I loved most, was the interactions between Michelle and her family. Walsh, Albie, Fox. I cannot wait to get more of them. The way Lauren writes their dialogue is just PERFECTION. Her choice of words and how she delivers them just makes my heart sing.
This is one of my favorite books and series and I cannot wait for more.
We meet Candy in her Dartmoor series and also in Snow in Texas, but we had no idea how wonderful he really is until Taste Like Candy. Michelle is his love interest and there is no one better suited for him than her. She was born into the life and it's part of her soul.
What I loved most, was the interactions between Michelle and her family. Walsh, Albie, Fox. I cannot wait to get more of them. The way Lauren writes their dialogue is just PERFECTION. Her choice of words and how she delivers them just makes my heart sing.
This is one of my favorite books and series and I cannot wait for more.
October 10, 2022
5+ "Tastes Like Candy" Stars
I read this book as an on-going project on Wattpad. I love all things Lean Dog. Candy and Michelle's story is a great romance but more it's a great book on the power of relationships within the MC culture. Lauren Gilley's writing is brilliant. It's layered and nuanced and intelligent making it so easy to get lost in Candy's world. I can't wait for more Lean Dogs Legacy books.
Second read: September 2020 - I'm loving reading thru the Dartmoor and Lean Dogs Legacy books in publishing order and getting all the little wonderful details together in order. Candy and Michelle are fantastic and so are all the relationships in this book that make the MC work.
I read this book as an on-going project on Wattpad. I love all things Lean Dog. Candy and Michelle's story is a great romance but more it's a great book on the power of relationships within the MC culture. Lauren Gilley's writing is brilliant. It's layered and nuanced and intelligent making it so easy to get lost in Candy's world. I can't wait for more Lean Dogs Legacy books.
Second read: September 2020 - I'm loving reading thru the Dartmoor and Lean Dogs Legacy books in publishing order and getting all the little wonderful details together in order. Candy and Michelle are fantastic and so are all the relationships in this book that make the MC work.
May 1, 2025
I knew I’d like this book before I read it, and it turns out, I was right. Candy’s book was delicious (pun intended). And that 20-ish year age gap? Hoooo boy! It worked. Yeah, it worked really, really well. 😮💨
June 1, 2017
What I liked:
The beginning.
What I didn't like:
Everything else.
The beginning.
What I didn't like:
Everything else.
May 30, 2016
Loved everything single thing about this book!
May 12, 2018
Once again, I know I’ve said this over and over now, but this series is just so damn fantastic!! This book is the second in the new Lean Dogs MC series, a spin off of Dartmoor.
It’s about the VP, Candyman and Michelle, the London Mother branch’s Princess, she’s Phillip’s daughter, born and raised within the club.
After a major event that happens in London, Phillip ships Michelle off to the Amarillo branch in Texas, for her safety and to help them out with a bit of bookwork. It’s a long way from home & Michelle has to deal with a huge bout of home sickness while trying to adjust and fit in with the new boys & club.
I adored their story, it’s filled with drama and a bit of suspense and it’s just one hell of a great story.
This series and the Dartmoor series are ones I’ll go back to again for sure, such great reads!
It’s about the VP, Candyman and Michelle, the London Mother branch’s Princess, she’s Phillip’s daughter, born and raised within the club.
After a major event that happens in London, Phillip ships Michelle off to the Amarillo branch in Texas, for her safety and to help them out with a bit of bookwork. It’s a long way from home & Michelle has to deal with a huge bout of home sickness while trying to adjust and fit in with the new boys & club.
I adored their story, it’s filled with drama and a bit of suspense and it’s just one hell of a great story.
This series and the Dartmoor series are ones I’ll go back to again for sure, such great reads!
September 29, 2018
This one didn’t do it for me like some of Lauren Gilley’s other books. For me Michelle and Candy didn’t connect as a couple and for me that needs to hold the whole story together.
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