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Sweet Treats #3
Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons
-Tavin-
Ever since Toben told me to make my first birthday wish, I always wish for the same thing: for us to run away to a beautiful place where they won't ever find us or hurt us again. He's the only person in the world who loves me. I love him too. He's says we're the same, that we're halfpeople. He tries to protect me from the monster. The monster does't love us, but Toben says we don't need him to. Toben is all I need. He's the reason I keep waking up every morning, in this scary life, praying for the day my eyes stay closed.
-Toben-
Tavin is the most precious thing in my life. She gives me a purpose. I love her more than the air in my lungs, and it's because of her that I'm able to hang on to some semblance of who I once was. His sinister cruelty has taken its toll, causing something to change inside of me. She can't ever know the things I've done. The things he's made me do, and the things I've done because of my own darkening heart. She wouldn't understand that I did those things for her. Everything breath I take, every soul I crush is for her. It's all for her.
***Trigger Warning: This novel contains drug use, explicit sexual content, violence, extreme child abuse, and sensitive subject matter which may be triggering to some readers.
Ever since Toben told me to make my first birthday wish, I always wish for the same thing: for us to run away to a beautiful place where they won't ever find us or hurt us again. He's the only person in the world who loves me. I love him too. He's says we're the same, that we're halfpeople. He tries to protect me from the monster. The monster does't love us, but Toben says we don't need him to. Toben is all I need. He's the reason I keep waking up every morning, in this scary life, praying for the day my eyes stay closed.
-Toben-
Tavin is the most precious thing in my life. She gives me a purpose. I love her more than the air in my lungs, and it's because of her that I'm able to hang on to some semblance of who I once was. His sinister cruelty has taken its toll, causing something to change inside of me. She can't ever know the things I've done. The things he's made me do, and the things I've done because of my own darkening heart. She wouldn't understand that I did those things for her. Everything breath I take, every soul I crush is for her. It's all for her.
***Trigger Warning: This novel contains drug use, explicit sexual content, violence, extreme child abuse, and sensitive subject matter which may be triggering to some readers.
382 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2018
37 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 17, 2018
I’ve honestly never felt the feelings I felt while reading this book. I have never, ever been so emotionally invested in a series! Before I even got halfway through this book, I was already dreaded reaching the final words! The depth of feelings this book and the entire SWEET TREATS series evoked in me is kind of scary but the fact that so much emotion ran through me is also insanely impressive and awe-inspiring! If you’ve read any of these books, you probably know what I mean…
In a style totally unlike anyone else I’ve read, in
CUPCAKES & CROOKED SPOONS Charity takes us back to the very beginning, starting with Tavin at the young age of 7. We get to experience everything from how she was neglected by her drug addicted parents to how she meets Logan and Toben. After reading this book, you will understanding why their relationships are so deeply, disturbingly enmeshed. Tavin‘s insecurities and odd behaviors will all make sense! I don’t believe in re-reading books (there are way too many books I want to read for the first time) however, CUPCAKES & CROOKED SPOONS made me want to go back to re-read this series from the start! Now that I know how everything came to be, I am so excited to go back to book #1 to watch each character’s life evolve again!
If you are at all squeamish or don’t think you can tolerate reading about child abuse, this book may not be for you. Being a lover of dark erotica, I was flabbergasted by how well Charity wrote the dark parts, giving us just the right amount of detail without being crude or disgusting. Don’t get me wrong, this is one of the darkest book I’ve ever read and there were times I actually caught myself frowning, cringing, etc. (something us twisted, dark erotica lovers crave)! Charity‘s writing is incredibly eloquent though, painting a picture in my mind of what the characters were going through. I literally felt like I was with the characters, watching them or standing by their side… the way she writes is truly remarkable!
I could go on and on about how freaking amazing this book and the entire series is! By far, these books touched me more than any books ever have! When I’ve been asked what my favorite book title or series is, I‘ve never been able to name just one but that is no longer the case! I am soooooo incredibly grateful that I came across Charity B and was given the opportunity to read her books! Now I just hope she writes more or I may forever be searching for something comparable...
***ARC provided by Author in exchange for my honest feedback and review***
In a style totally unlike anyone else I’ve read, in
CUPCAKES & CROOKED SPOONS Charity takes us back to the very beginning, starting with Tavin at the young age of 7. We get to experience everything from how she was neglected by her drug addicted parents to how she meets Logan and Toben. After reading this book, you will understanding why their relationships are so deeply, disturbingly enmeshed. Tavin‘s insecurities and odd behaviors will all make sense! I don’t believe in re-reading books (there are way too many books I want to read for the first time) however, CUPCAKES & CROOKED SPOONS made me want to go back to re-read this series from the start! Now that I know how everything came to be, I am so excited to go back to book #1 to watch each character’s life evolve again!
If you are at all squeamish or don’t think you can tolerate reading about child abuse, this book may not be for you. Being a lover of dark erotica, I was flabbergasted by how well Charity wrote the dark parts, giving us just the right amount of detail without being crude or disgusting. Don’t get me wrong, this is one of the darkest book I’ve ever read and there were times I actually caught myself frowning, cringing, etc. (something us twisted, dark erotica lovers crave)! Charity‘s writing is incredibly eloquent though, painting a picture in my mind of what the characters were going through. I literally felt like I was with the characters, watching them or standing by their side… the way she writes is truly remarkable!
I could go on and on about how freaking amazing this book and the entire series is! By far, these books touched me more than any books ever have! When I’ve been asked what my favorite book title or series is, I‘ve never been able to name just one but that is no longer the case! I am soooooo incredibly grateful that I came across Charity B and was given the opportunity to read her books! Now I just hope she writes more or I may forever be searching for something comparable...
***ARC provided by Author in exchange for my honest feedback and review***
June 12, 2018
The final book in the Sweet Treats Trilogy is now LIVE!!!
*Please be advised this is NOT a standalone and is the last book in a trilogy. This is easily the darkest book in the series. It contains nearly every trigger, so please be prepared for that.*
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cupcakes-Crook...
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cupc...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cupc...
Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K8ol...
A percentage of all book sales will be donated to the To Write Love On Her Arms charity
*Please be advised this is NOT a standalone and is the last book in a trilogy. This is easily the darkest book in the series. It contains nearly every trigger, so please be prepared for that.*
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cupcakes-Crook...
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cupc...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cupc...
Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K8ol...
A percentage of all book sales will be donated to the To Write Love On Her Arms charity
June 2, 2018
There is a warning on this book for a reason. If you are sensitive to any triggers please hear this as another warning before you even open this book!
That being said, welcome to the dark and twisted life of Tavin and Toben. This story does contain love but it is in no way a romance.
I read books 1 & 2 and I’m still blown away. Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons starts when Tavin and Toben are young and walks you through their very traumatic life. (Again, this book is not for the faint of heart!) This book is very dark and at times and even I had to take a deep breath to get through the chapter.
This book ripped my heart into little pieces and then used a blowtorch on them all while sewing the pieces together with a dull rusty needle.
The Sweet Treats Trilogy was one hell of a ride! I look forward to much more from this amazing author!!!!
That being said, welcome to the dark and twisted life of Tavin and Toben. This story does contain love but it is in no way a romance.
I read books 1 & 2 and I’m still blown away. Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons starts when Tavin and Toben are young and walks you through their very traumatic life. (Again, this book is not for the faint of heart!) This book is very dark and at times and even I had to take a deep breath to get through the chapter.
This book ripped my heart into little pieces and then used a blowtorch on them all while sewing the pieces together with a dull rusty needle.
The Sweet Treats Trilogy was one hell of a ride! I look forward to much more from this amazing author!!!!
June 3, 2018
What an amazing conclusion to the series by Charity B! I will start this review by stressing that you should take the trigger warnings on this one seriously. Even being a lover of everything dark, this book took my breath away and I had to stop reading and clear my head a couple of times.
In this book, Charity B. takes us to the beginning and we get to see how the story of Tavin, Toben and Logan came to be. This story is heartbreaking and poignant, and I am still processing all the feelings it evoked. Charity's writing is becoming more beautiful with every book. It almost feels wrong to say that I enjoyed reading this book given the subject matter but, somehow, this author made it possible for me not only to enjoy it but to ensure that I will be re-reading this series in the future.
In this book, Charity B. takes us to the beginning and we get to see how the story of Tavin, Toben and Logan came to be. This story is heartbreaking and poignant, and I am still processing all the feelings it evoked. Charity's writing is becoming more beautiful with every book. It almost feels wrong to say that I enjoyed reading this book given the subject matter but, somehow, this author made it possible for me not only to enjoy it but to ensure that I will be re-reading this series in the future.
June 11, 2018
Omg this book is the darkest of the 3 books.I loved every minute of knowing where Tavin and Toben come from. I want to kill Logan from the very beginning. love this series. This book is the perfect end to the series. It helps you to understand why Tavin is the way she is. I can understand her more after reading this book. I would recommend this whole series to anyone who wants a dark read. on a personal level I can relate to some of the things in the book.
April 24, 2022
I’m still very emotional from this book, the third of this trilogy.
It’s a haunting story, we get the full tale of Tavin and Toben from childhood to adults. It gives the details and answers that explain how they came to be what and how they are.
Definitely heed the trigger warnings. It’s extremely dark and difficult subject matter. I don’t say that lightly. ( I feel that it was written in a way that wasn’t meant to be sensational or gratuitous, just true to the situation, story and characters)
It’s Tavin and Toben’s story, But I really connected with Toben’s character in this book. I had a soft spot for him that developed in the second book...this book spoke to my emotions in a deep, dark and haunting way. He’s not a hero in any traditional sense. He’s very dark and conflicted. But I found beauty in his devotion to Tavin and his fight for their survival. Their bond is so beautiful even though it’s born from horrific circumstance.
Toben and Tavin’s fight to maintain anything resembling love and caring is the beauty of this story.
Tavin’s childlike joy in the small things is so heart wrenching and touching.
Toben’s love and confused feelings towards Tavin
broke my heart.
So very original.
The love that these two characters have for each other is so tragic in a beautifully twisted way. I know these characters will stay with me forever. That’s very rare. I felt so much for them/with them.
It’s extremely dark and difficult to process, but the story and characters were worth it!!
It’s a haunting story, we get the full tale of Tavin and Toben from childhood to adults. It gives the details and answers that explain how they came to be what and how they are.
Definitely heed the trigger warnings. It’s extremely dark and difficult subject matter. I don’t say that lightly. ( I feel that it was written in a way that wasn’t meant to be sensational or gratuitous, just true to the situation, story and characters)
It’s Tavin and Toben’s story, But I really connected with Toben’s character in this book. I had a soft spot for him that developed in the second book...this book spoke to my emotions in a deep, dark and haunting way. He’s not a hero in any traditional sense. He’s very dark and conflicted. But I found beauty in his devotion to Tavin and his fight for their survival. Their bond is so beautiful even though it’s born from horrific circumstance.
Toben and Tavin’s fight to maintain anything resembling love and caring is the beauty of this story.
Tavin’s childlike joy in the small things is so heart wrenching and touching.
Toben’s love and confused feelings towards Tavin
broke my heart.
So very original.
The love that these two characters have for each other is so tragic in a beautifully twisted way. I know these characters will stay with me forever. That’s very rare. I felt so much for them/with them.
It’s extremely dark and difficult to process, but the story and characters were worth it!!
June 12, 2018
Oh man. The final book out of Charity B's Sweet Treats series is just amazing. It fits in with the rest of the series so well. It gives us some backstory for Toben and Tavin, and gives us some context into what happens to them in the first two books.
Toben and Tavin are best friends from the moment he gets shoved into the basement where she's been kept her entire life. A few months later, everything changes and their bond goes from being just best friends to being the other half of each other's soul. They spend 5 long years locked in that basement together, with only each other for support.
There are so many layers and levels in this book. Charity B has done something that a lot of veteran authors would have a hard time with, coming up with a story that is so involved and so deep and one that makes you feel for a character that might otherwise be completely hateable. It's a true talent to do that. Charity does it so well. I look forward to seeing what else she has to come, because I think it's going to be great.
Toben and Tavin are best friends from the moment he gets shoved into the basement where she's been kept her entire life. A few months later, everything changes and their bond goes from being just best friends to being the other half of each other's soul. They spend 5 long years locked in that basement together, with only each other for support.
There are so many layers and levels in this book. Charity B has done something that a lot of veteran authors would have a hard time with, coming up with a story that is so involved and so deep and one that makes you feel for a character that might otherwise be completely hateable. It's a true talent to do that. Charity does it so well. I look forward to seeing what else she has to come, because I think it's going to be great.
June 3, 2018
Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons is excruciatingly dark but shows that the light of the human spirit and a pure heart can never truly be broken. It’s a heavy and tragic read but definitely worth it. Charity B. beautifully weaves this tale to unravel through a message of hope and unconditional love. Beyond all the darkness, it’s this unwavering bright star of hope, love and friendship that drives the story. As we follow the lives of Tavin and Toben, and the horrors they must endure from children into adulthood, it is their bond that keeps the gravitational pull of tragedy and depravity from overtaking the plot. Through their connection and resilience we can see the redemptive aspects of two lives set on a course to inevitable ruin.
June 4, 2018
This book was amazingly written but was very difficult to read. Although this is a prequel to Candy Coated Chaos and Sweetened Suffering it is perfectly placed as the third book. You will definitely get more insight into what Tavin and Toben went through up to and through the first two books.
Keep in mind, however, if you have difficulty with extensive physical and mental child abuse and drug addiction, you may want to heed all the trigger warnings. This book broke my heart into millions of pieces and although the subject matter was not particularly one of my choosing, the author did an excellent job in making me feel.
Keep in mind, however, if you have difficulty with extensive physical and mental child abuse and drug addiction, you may want to heed all the trigger warnings. This book broke my heart into millions of pieces and although the subject matter was not particularly one of my choosing, the author did an excellent job in making me feel.
November 29, 2022
Even better than the last two.
Darker, more brutal. Definitely my favorite series of the year, I was so sad of finishing it ...
If you have any triggers I'm not sure this book is for you. I'm not kidding. The writing was magnificent. Can I give this series 6 stars on 5 ?
Goddamn. I'm pretty lucky those covers got me because I'm not sure I would have read them knowing it was dark romance. And now I can't get enough of this author. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
Darker, more brutal. Definitely my favorite series of the year, I was so sad of finishing it ...
If you have any triggers I'm not sure this book is for you. I'm not kidding. The writing was magnificent. Can I give this series 6 stars on 5 ?
Goddamn. I'm pretty lucky those covers got me because I'm not sure I would have read them knowing it was dark romance. And now I can't get enough of this author. 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
May 30, 2018
Charity’s writing is beyond amazing.
I’m emotional drained from reading this book. I thought the first two books were beautifully tragic but Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons...I’m speechless.
Toben and Tavin’s stories are heartbreaking but brutally honest.
I truly feel that everyone needs to read all three books.
Wow...just wow.
Toben singing her their lullaby will stay with me forever.
I’m emotional drained from reading this book. I thought the first two books were beautifully tragic but Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons...I’m speechless.
Toben and Tavin’s stories are heartbreaking but brutally honest.
I truly feel that everyone needs to read all three books.
Wow...just wow.
Toben singing her their lullaby will stay with me forever.
December 10, 2020
Book 3 of the sweet treats series is almost a companion book to 1 and 2. The timeline for book 3 starts from the beginning. Where it all began.
Where our dynamic duo met and found themselves stuck in.
The questions we may have had throughout book 1 and 2 are answered in this companion book. Like, what's up with the dog cage in Tavin's room? Why is Tavin's room in the basement? How did Toben even find himself becoming a sweet boy along with Tavin becoming a sweet girl? What's up with all the candy and sweets?
We thought we knew Logan, his type, what he's about. Oh dear friends, we only knew the tip of the iceberg. Book 3 will open your eyes to what Logan is truly capable of.
Our dear druggies we may have offhandedly [mis]judged in book 1 and 2 ... well, book 3 will have you wanting to escape too.
__________________________
We like to pretend that when we get high, we’re actually dead for a few hours and our souls are free to be together without torment. Logan fades into the shadows as we float away to ecstasy…
__________________________
Your heart will ache. Your heart will be torn. How do you choose between 2 evils? 3 evils? 4 evils? it's endless. And none of the choices are great. Just different levels of hell.
__________________________
“Do you know why we bend the handle of the spoon?” I nod and I’m so glad I know the answer. “Yes, Logan. It’s so it doesn’t spill.”
__________________________
...And the misery spills. Oh does it spill. Onto all the tortured souls that got sucked into Logan's little Lotus sweet factory.
The timeline towards the end of book 3 crosses over to what we experienced in book 1 and 2, just through the eyes of Toben. His side. His version. My my, he is a complicated character. One you fell in love with, one we got mad at, one we still love. Our poor tortured soul. Tavin's and Toben's souls were stretched so thin we're surprised they still retained a little bit of who they were in the beginning.
Hope flickers and dies. Flickers and dies. Fluttering with just one wing left intact. It shouldn't have been but it was. Drowning and burning alive. Take a sip of air to live another day, only to be destroyed once more.
_________________________
It can always get worse.
_________________________
Where our dynamic duo met and found themselves stuck in.
The questions we may have had throughout book 1 and 2 are answered in this companion book. Like, what's up with the dog cage in Tavin's room? Why is Tavin's room in the basement? How did Toben even find himself becoming a sweet boy along with Tavin becoming a sweet girl? What's up with all the candy and sweets?
We thought we knew Logan, his type, what he's about. Oh dear friends, we only knew the tip of the iceberg. Book 3 will open your eyes to what Logan is truly capable of.
Our dear druggies we may have offhandedly [mis]judged in book 1 and 2 ... well, book 3 will have you wanting to escape too.
__________________________
We like to pretend that when we get high, we’re actually dead for a few hours and our souls are free to be together without torment. Logan fades into the shadows as we float away to ecstasy…
__________________________
Your heart will ache. Your heart will be torn. How do you choose between 2 evils? 3 evils? 4 evils? it's endless. And none of the choices are great. Just different levels of hell.
__________________________
“Do you know why we bend the handle of the spoon?” I nod and I’m so glad I know the answer. “Yes, Logan. It’s so it doesn’t spill.”
__________________________
...And the misery spills. Oh does it spill. Onto all the tortured souls that got sucked into Logan's little Lotus sweet factory.
The timeline towards the end of book 3 crosses over to what we experienced in book 1 and 2, just through the eyes of Toben. His side. His version. My my, he is a complicated character. One you fell in love with, one we got mad at, one we still love. Our poor tortured soul. Tavin's and Toben's souls were stretched so thin we're surprised they still retained a little bit of who they were in the beginning.
Hope flickers and dies. Flickers and dies. Fluttering with just one wing left intact. It shouldn't have been but it was. Drowning and burning alive. Take a sip of air to live another day, only to be destroyed once more.
_________________________
It can always get worse.
_________________________
June 4, 2018
This book has honestly left me speechless. Let me start by saying that the trigger warnings need to be taken seriously with this book. It is very dark at times & the child abuse in intense. However Charity B. did an amazing job of written my about this horrifying subject in what can only be described as an elegant & heartbreaking way. The story will make you cry while taking your breath away.
I have never read a series that waits until the last book to go back to the beginning to explain how the characters became who they are & to explain the way their relationships were built. But that is exactly what Charity did. I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to like this aspect of the book, but I was so wrong. It was amazing & poignant to go back & see how everything began with Tavon, Toben, & Logan. Reading the beginning of the story at the end makes me want to go back & reread the first two books now that I know so much more.
There were times in this book that I had to lay the book down & take a step back because it made me feel as if I was experiencing the horrible events with the characters. I shed many tears & at times felt like someone had sucker punched me. For the author to be able to write this story in such a way that not only does it make me feel what the characters are feeling even in the darkest times, but also makes me want to continue reading & experiencing these things with the characters is amazing & a true gift.
I have never read a series that waits until the last book to go back to the beginning to explain how the characters became who they are & to explain the way their relationships were built. But that is exactly what Charity did. I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to like this aspect of the book, but I was so wrong. It was amazing & poignant to go back & see how everything began with Tavon, Toben, & Logan. Reading the beginning of the story at the end makes me want to go back & reread the first two books now that I know so much more.
There were times in this book that I had to lay the book down & take a step back because it made me feel as if I was experiencing the horrible events with the characters. I shed many tears & at times felt like someone had sucker punched me. For the author to be able to write this story in such a way that not only does it make me feel what the characters are feeling even in the darkest times, but also makes me want to continue reading & experiencing these things with the characters is amazing & a true gift.
June 10, 2018
How do I start this review?!
By telling that sometimes we are lucky to come across a book like this, that gets into you so completely and emotionally!!
For a lot of people this is the conclusion of Sweet Treats series, but to me this is simply the book of Toben and Tavin, the story they needed to tell us since the beginning.
We get to know how everything started for this two. How she was neglected, how he lived unwanted, about drug addicted parents,their pain, how they meet Logan and how they create a strong relationship for life.
We whiteness their few moments of happiness.
And begin to understand the characters as adults.
In the very end we will understand that family isn't where we are born but who we choose to be with. Who love and wants to protect us until the end.
Now I should warn you about some triggers that maybe makes this book unbearable to be read by a few.
Yes this talk about child abuse, drugs, rape, pain, but you have an amazing writer that guides you through her story with her heart and so much respect for this characters and their story that you will not be disgusted in the most dark parts.
Charity B., you wrote the most amazing and remarkable books I will stand anxious for what you will bring next!!
By telling that sometimes we are lucky to come across a book like this, that gets into you so completely and emotionally!!
For a lot of people this is the conclusion of Sweet Treats series, but to me this is simply the book of Toben and Tavin, the story they needed to tell us since the beginning.
We get to know how everything started for this two. How she was neglected, how he lived unwanted, about drug addicted parents,their pain, how they meet Logan and how they create a strong relationship for life.
We whiteness their few moments of happiness.
And begin to understand the characters as adults.
In the very end we will understand that family isn't where we are born but who we choose to be with. Who love and wants to protect us until the end.
Now I should warn you about some triggers that maybe makes this book unbearable to be read by a few.
Yes this talk about child abuse, drugs, rape, pain, but you have an amazing writer that guides you through her story with her heart and so much respect for this characters and their story that you will not be disgusted in the most dark parts.
Charity B., you wrote the most amazing and remarkable books I will stand anxious for what you will bring next!!
June 11, 2018
Talk about saving the best til last. This is a fantastic dark read that will stay with me for a long time.
Before you read this make sure you read the previous books Candy Coated Chaos and Sweetened Suffering before you read this book.
I’m not going to say anything about the storyline. I rarely do when it’s part of a series as I don’t want to spoil any of the books. I will say this is a brilliant read. It’s really well written.
Heed the trigger warnings before reading this. I absolutely love dark reads so I loved reading this series. I really want to find the time to re read the whole series again. If you love dark reads then I highly recommend you read the Sweet Treat trilogy. I absolutely loved it.
Before you read this make sure you read the previous books Candy Coated Chaos and Sweetened Suffering before you read this book.
I’m not going to say anything about the storyline. I rarely do when it’s part of a series as I don’t want to spoil any of the books. I will say this is a brilliant read. It’s really well written.
Heed the trigger warnings before reading this. I absolutely love dark reads so I loved reading this series. I really want to find the time to re read the whole series again. If you love dark reads then I highly recommend you read the Sweet Treat trilogy. I absolutely loved it.
June 6, 2018
3.5 Stars
This was a very difficult book to read.
The abuse of children is hard and this book described a lot, but it was in such form that you want to know more and see what happens next.
The book is heartbreaking, I cried almost all the book. I have to say I finished just because I read the other two. But I had to take a lot of pauses.
The story is sad and sweet in between, the innocens of children is something wonderful.
The story of Tavin and Toben is one that it would stay with me for sometime
This was a very difficult book to read.
The abuse of children is hard and this book described a lot, but it was in such form that you want to know more and see what happens next.
The book is heartbreaking, I cried almost all the book. I have to say I finished just because I read the other two. But I had to take a lot of pauses.
The story is sad and sweet in between, the innocens of children is something wonderful.
The story of Tavin and Toben is one that it would stay with me for sometime
June 11, 2018
This was one of the most difficult books to read I've ever read. This book was really, really dark...it will take you to places you really don't want to go. If you have any triggers with child abuse, molestation, drug abuse, this is not the book for you. If you can handle those dark and difficult subjects, this was the perfect conclusion to this series. You will fall in love with young Tavin and Toben, and your heart will break for them and what they have to endure. Seeing them fight for love is bittersweet. This book just gutted me. It was written so well.
June 28, 2018
My Heart...
This book is the same as the first two in the series, told from Tobin and Tavin’s POVs.
It nearly gutted me.
Amazing finale to an amazing series.
This book is the same as the first two in the series, told from Tobin and Tavin’s POVs.
It nearly gutted me.
Amazing finale to an amazing series.
June 13, 2018
It has taken me a long time for me to write my review for this third book in The Sweet Treats series. I had been hoping to finish processing all of my thoughts and feelings, but I'm beginning to realize that it's going to take me a long time to do that.
This book, and the entire series, is one that will stay with the reader for a long time. There's so much going on, so many emotions, many of which are conflicting, and sifting through them has proven to be a painful task.
There are such horrors brought to light in this story of Tavin and Toben's beginnings.
We met Logan in the previous books, and were given a peak into his abuse of both characters, but in Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons, the reader gets a front row seat to the horrific, disturbing, and unspeakable acts Logan inflicts on both children's bodies, minds, and (mostly Toben) souls. And to add another layer of emotional distress, this abuse is told from the POV of Tavin and Toben starting at the age of 10.
As I read each book in the series I found myself so surprised that these are Charity B's first published books. Her writing is flawless. Her character development is so well done that I felt like I truly knew these people. Coming into this last book I was unsure of my feelings toward Toben, but I had had a difficult time liking him based on his behavior in the first two books.
After reading CC&CS, I have so much love for him. My heart is broken for everything he endured. I Know that many disagree, but he is as much a victim as Tavin, regardless of anything he did. Toben loved Tavin with his entire being. Everything he did was to keep her safe. I truly believe he was inherently good, even through his bad actions.
My heart hurts when I think if what he could have become had he not been exposed to, and forced to be a part of, Logan's twisted and depraved world.
That thought is what makes me cry, still, over two weeks after reading the book.
To me, that's the mark of great writing and story telling.
This book, and the entire series, is one that will stay with the reader for a long time. There's so much going on, so many emotions, many of which are conflicting, and sifting through them has proven to be a painful task.
There are such horrors brought to light in this story of Tavin and Toben's beginnings.
We met Logan in the previous books, and were given a peak into his abuse of both characters, but in Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons, the reader gets a front row seat to the horrific, disturbing, and unspeakable acts Logan inflicts on both children's bodies, minds, and (mostly Toben) souls. And to add another layer of emotional distress, this abuse is told from the POV of Tavin and Toben starting at the age of 10.
As I read each book in the series I found myself so surprised that these are Charity B's first published books. Her writing is flawless. Her character development is so well done that I felt like I truly knew these people. Coming into this last book I was unsure of my feelings toward Toben, but I had had a difficult time liking him based on his behavior in the first two books.
After reading CC&CS, I have so much love for him. My heart is broken for everything he endured. I Know that many disagree, but he is as much a victim as Tavin, regardless of anything he did. Toben loved Tavin with his entire being. Everything he did was to keep her safe. I truly believe he was inherently good, even through his bad actions.
My heart hurts when I think if what he could have become had he not been exposed to, and forced to be a part of, Logan's twisted and depraved world.
That thought is what makes me cry, still, over two weeks after reading the book.
To me, that's the mark of great writing and story telling.
June 11, 2018
The writing magnificence of Charity B is in all its glory with this book and the entire Sweet Treats Trilogy. I have never been as emotional as I was while reading this book. My love for Tavin and Tobin was always real, but became cemented as I worked my way into Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons. I had moments when I thought my heart was going to be torn from my body. I was crying to the point that I had to stop reading.
It is a gift to be able to write with such visual clarity that a person feels like they actually know your characters. It speaks volumes about the magic of an author who can take subjects such as child abuse, neglect, drug use and sexual depravity and write them in such a way that you feel compelled afterwards to take a stand in real life. I feel the need to reach out, look at the world around me and offer up help to those in need in a way that I didn’t before reading this book. Bravo Charity B for opening my eyes and heart.
This book is raw, this book is incredibly painful, this book is unfortunately real and this book is also not for everyone. I had a real struggle, I wanted to quit and I could hardly stomach some of the horrendous things these poor children were subject to in their lives. That is the genius of Charity B’s writing. It grips you, moves you and makes you sit up and take notice. In all truthfulness, I cannot say this book is for everyone, because I do not believe that is the case. However, I do believe this book is an eye opener to the abuse that sometimes goes on inside homes with no help or hope in sight.
If you loved Candy Coated Chaos and Sweetened Sufferings then buy this book. Even if you can’t completely read it due to tough subject matter, buy it to support the work of a magnificent writer. She rocks my reading world and has jumped to a one click writer for me.
It is a gift to be able to write with such visual clarity that a person feels like they actually know your characters. It speaks volumes about the magic of an author who can take subjects such as child abuse, neglect, drug use and sexual depravity and write them in such a way that you feel compelled afterwards to take a stand in real life. I feel the need to reach out, look at the world around me and offer up help to those in need in a way that I didn’t before reading this book. Bravo Charity B for opening my eyes and heart.
This book is raw, this book is incredibly painful, this book is unfortunately real and this book is also not for everyone. I had a real struggle, I wanted to quit and I could hardly stomach some of the horrendous things these poor children were subject to in their lives. That is the genius of Charity B’s writing. It grips you, moves you and makes you sit up and take notice. In all truthfulness, I cannot say this book is for everyone, because I do not believe that is the case. However, I do believe this book is an eye opener to the abuse that sometimes goes on inside homes with no help or hope in sight.
If you loved Candy Coated Chaos and Sweetened Sufferings then buy this book. Even if you can’t completely read it due to tough subject matter, buy it to support the work of a magnificent writer. She rocks my reading world and has jumped to a one click writer for me.
March 18, 2020
This series..might best be enjoyed if judgements are set aside ...choose to view it with an open heart and mind.
Wow..initially I didn't think I was going to make it through Tavin and Tobin's experience a second..more detailed time.But I pushed on and a sense of calming familiarity overcame the dread and doom. ..and even as my heart fractured for what Tobin was forced to become,these characters and the evidence of inherent strength of the human spirit they displayed will remain with me .
Although Tobin gave into the evil machinations of their captor he never lost sight of his priority...his connection with Tavin and she never truly lost the childlike wonder that was so long suppressed .
This tale points to the potential highs...and lows of human nature. And although the male leads each are essentially hero's in their own right,their darkness and disturbing truths may entirely obfuscate this for those who are blind to all but the conventional.
I found this to be an exceptional ,gut-wrenching yet wondrous eye opening experience that reminds us that everything in life is intense ,multifaceted and complex .. so much more than black and white....even evil. We are reminded that there are so many layers to the human psyche and that there is so much potential .And that truly..the gifts of acceptance,understanding and forgiveness can be transformative.
Wow..initially I didn't think I was going to make it through Tavin and Tobin's experience a second..more detailed time.But I pushed on and a sense of calming familiarity overcame the dread and doom. ..and even as my heart fractured for what Tobin was forced to become,these characters and the evidence of inherent strength of the human spirit they displayed will remain with me .
Although Tobin gave into the evil machinations of their captor he never lost sight of his priority...his connection with Tavin and she never truly lost the childlike wonder that was so long suppressed .
This tale points to the potential highs...and lows of human nature. And although the male leads each are essentially hero's in their own right,their darkness and disturbing truths may entirely obfuscate this for those who are blind to all but the conventional.
I found this to be an exceptional ,gut-wrenching yet wondrous eye opening experience that reminds us that everything in life is intense ,multifaceted and complex .. so much more than black and white....even evil. We are reminded that there are so many layers to the human psyche and that there is so much potential .And that truly..the gifts of acceptance,understanding and forgiveness can be transformative.
June 3, 2018
Cupcakes and Crooked Spoons is the third book in this amazing but incredibly dark series. It traces Tavin and Toben story right back to the beginning, to their childhood. These two were doomed from the start and were never destined for a happy ever after. There is so much conflicting emotion in their stories, so much tragedy and heartache. This book is harrowing and deals with the complex and awful consequence of child abuse so take heed of the warnings and don’t read it if these are triggers for you. We get to see it all from another prospective and that worked really well for me. I thought it might be repetitive but the author made sure that never happened. She raises all sorts of questions and the complex character of Toben is certainly challenging. My heart bleeds for dear Tavin, her innate sweetness shines through despite all that she endures. It’s well written with some amazing lines and those characters will stay with me for a very long time. A well deserved five stars from me and I look forward to reading more from this talented author
June 3, 2018
PROCEED WITH CAUTION!!!!
The warning on books that tell me it has Triggers always makes me look at that book like i did the last, with skeptical glances wcaise i love a good book full of triggers but let me tell you, if you have issues reading books with triggers this book is not for you and to take the authors warning seriously.
Holy F*@K!!!! Charity......... I’m a huge fan of all thing that go bump in the dark!! I love the gut wrenching triggers and emotional roller coaster that happens with the dark books i read and let me tell you my heart is wrecked, just literally shredded, do you hear me !!!! I feel as if I was literally right there the whole time and caught myself having to put my kindle down and breath because i would hold my breath till I was gasping for air. I have read all 3 books and theough each one i would get more and more connected with the characters of the book. I’m super sad to see tavin and toben and Lex come to a end 😭😭😭😭😭 But I’m super excited to see what you come up with next for us!
The warning on books that tell me it has Triggers always makes me look at that book like i did the last, with skeptical glances wcaise i love a good book full of triggers but let me tell you, if you have issues reading books with triggers this book is not for you and to take the authors warning seriously.
Holy F*@K!!!! Charity......... I’m a huge fan of all thing that go bump in the dark!! I love the gut wrenching triggers and emotional roller coaster that happens with the dark books i read and let me tell you my heart is wrecked, just literally shredded, do you hear me !!!! I feel as if I was literally right there the whole time and caught myself having to put my kindle down and breath because i would hold my breath till I was gasping for air. I have read all 3 books and theough each one i would get more and more connected with the characters of the book. I’m super sad to see tavin and toben and Lex come to a end 😭😭😭😭😭 But I’m super excited to see what you come up with next for us!
August 18, 2018
I am so glad that the author included this in the trilogy. The first two books told such a complete tale that she definitely could have just concluded the story there, but this last book gives you Tavin and Toben’s story from the beginning. It just completes it, and as dire or ghastly that the account of events are, I think it is essential in understanding who Tavin and Toben really are and how they came to be. This recount is done from Toben and Tavin’s perspective, starting from the very early age when their nightmare began.
The love and the bond they shared was deeper than any other I have seen because of what they endured together bringing understanding; empathy; a connection. They knew first hand of the pain and immorality that happened as they experienced it together. We have experienced the tragic and repugnant events in the first two books but this segment just opens the wounds wider and illuminates the vile that slithers in the dark.
Bravo Charity B!! A stellar premiere introduction to you as an author and you’re impressive talent!
The love and the bond they shared was deeper than any other I have seen because of what they endured together bringing understanding; empathy; a connection. They knew first hand of the pain and immorality that happened as they experienced it together. We have experienced the tragic and repugnant events in the first two books but this segment just opens the wounds wider and illuminates the vile that slithers in the dark.
Bravo Charity B!! A stellar premiere introduction to you as an author and you’re impressive talent!
June 11, 2018
4,5 stars.
Love, sympathy, hate.
I'm still not sure what to feel for Toben.
Everybody is talking about the deep love and friendship between Tavin and Toben. I don't doubt this from Tavin's p.o.v. But Toben???
I wonder if Tavin would still feel the same about Toben if she knew all the things he did. Especially the things he did without Logan's persuasion.
All the choices he had to make in the beginning started from love. It was heartbreaking.
But his love turned into obsession. And if it was't for Alexander, Toben would have kept Tavin in that hell, simply because he wanted to keep playing with his own toys. But then again, how could he not turn out the way he did in such poor circumstances?
This wasn't an easy read. It takes guts to write a story like this, so well done Charity B.
Love, sympathy, hate.
I'm still not sure what to feel for Toben.
Everybody is talking about the deep love and friendship between Tavin and Toben. I don't doubt this from Tavin's p.o.v. But Toben???
I wonder if Tavin would still feel the same about Toben if she knew all the things he did. Especially the things he did without Logan's persuasion.
All the choices he had to make in the beginning started from love. It was heartbreaking.
But his love turned into obsession. And if it was't for Alexander, Toben would have kept Tavin in that hell, simply because he wanted to keep playing with his own toys. But then again, how could he not turn out the way he did in such poor circumstances?
This wasn't an easy read. It takes guts to write a story like this, so well done Charity B.
June 3, 2018
WOW! This book placed everything into perspective. The abuse that Tavin and Toben faced as kids before Logan came along was unbelievable. The depravity after Logan was absolutely deplorable. The saving grace was their ability to find solace in one another, although Logan attempted to fracture their bond just for his sick enjoyment. Told from more of Toben's point of view, this book shows how he lived his life outside of the basement. The way Logan was able to manipulate both of them by threatening the other proved to be his biggest accomplishment. Using Toben's love for Tavin to mold him into the person he became was the absolute worst thing Logan could have done. Overall, the author delivered another emotional roller coaster that I didn’t want to get off.
June 17, 2018
This was the start of a fantastic story.
You have seen what happens when Tavin meets Alexander and what they can survive together.
Now read what happened in the beginning this tells the story of how it all began.
Charity B does it again this book is an eye opener into the life that Tavin and Tobin lived and how they survived under the watchful eye and torture of Logan their master. He bought them from their 'parents' and he kept them locked away from life. They were his Lotus and his Sweet Boy and their life did not belong to themselves while they were still under his rule.
Tavin wanted to be a normal girl for one night - What she didn't know at that time was that that night would change her world from that day on.
You have seen what happens when Tavin meets Alexander and what they can survive together.
Now read what happened in the beginning this tells the story of how it all began.
Charity B does it again this book is an eye opener into the life that Tavin and Tobin lived and how they survived under the watchful eye and torture of Logan their master. He bought them from their 'parents' and he kept them locked away from life. They were his Lotus and his Sweet Boy and their life did not belong to themselves while they were still under his rule.
Tavin wanted to be a normal girl for one night - What she didn't know at that time was that that night would change her world from that day on.
October 13, 2018
The end to the Sweet Treats trilogy.
We've known about Tavin and Toben since the beginning, but this story goes into the gory details of everything that made them who they were. Every horrible thing that Logan did.
I knew what was coming. But at the same time, I wasn't completely prepared for just how horrible Logan truly was.
The story was incredible but hard to read and stomach at times. It's a dark read, but honestly soooo worth it. Even through all the pain and suffering, Tavin and Toben came out STRONG fighters.
This was the perfect ending to the Sweet Treats Trilogy, but I almost didn't want it to end.
We've known about Tavin and Toben since the beginning, but this story goes into the gory details of everything that made them who they were. Every horrible thing that Logan did.
I knew what was coming. But at the same time, I wasn't completely prepared for just how horrible Logan truly was.
The story was incredible but hard to read and stomach at times. It's a dark read, but honestly soooo worth it. Even through all the pain and suffering, Tavin and Toben came out STRONG fighters.
This was the perfect ending to the Sweet Treats Trilogy, but I almost didn't want it to end.
June 6, 2018
This is the final book of the trilogy and it takes the reader back to where it all began. A little boy and a little girl in a basement. Both abused and unloved. Both sold to a monster. Tavin and Toben have known very little good in their short lives and things are only going to get worse. This book is heartbreaking. Parts of it are nauseating. But to understand how they became the people that they grew up to be this story needed to be told. I understood Tavin and Toben's actions and decisions in the first two books so much better. I don't think that I will ever forget these two characters.
June 5, 2018
Cupcakes and Crooked spoons is the third and final book in the series. It goes into depth of Tavins and Tobens growing up. How they met, how Logan came to be and the event that led up to who they are. You get a look inside of the person Toben was and became. This heartbreaking, dark story has all the feels and will leave you heartbroken and wanting more . Charity really knows how to make you feel and fall in love with these characters. Definitely a must read series
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