USAT Bestselling Author Loki Renard presents a dark, dirty, wickedly funny coming of age capture romance.
You don't belong in my world, Candi. I don't belong in yours. But the moment I set eyes on you, you were mine. You took something from me. So I'm going to take something too: You.
Amazon Top 100, USA Today bestselling, and #1 bestselling author in multiple Amazon categories, Loki Renard writes sizzling hot, occasionally dark and twisted stories of dominance, submission and discipline.
Ok, wooooowwwwww. I am pledging my book love to Loki Renard right now....like right now. This book killed me, laughed so hard. Candi and her friends were just so funny, and their reactions were spot on. Candi was a bit of a handful, and when I say a bit, I mean a huge handful. So damn funny. I really think Dante is the only guy that could handle her, and handle her he does. This book kept me glued to the pages, it was just that good and I will definitely read it again.
These two meet when she...uh “borrows” some things from him and then he comes to collect those things back from her and her ornery friends. OMG, she really is such a handful, if there was any trouble she could get into, she totally did, every time. And then he just takes her with him, here’s the thing, she always goes with him. She doesn’t want to like him, but she does. Dante is controlled and not a man to be messed with. She warrants many, many spankings. At first I felt a little bad for her, but she warranted them and knew she did. See, handful that one. These two had so much heat, with the back and forth. He wants her submission and she does not want to give in. He pretty much seen what he wanted and he took her.
I'm not sure if this really makes sense to say, but this was a dark read, but funny af. This book had you feeling every emotion you could go through and I loved it. It was a safe read, no ow drama, a little incident with om, but she saves herself. Dante is an OTT alpha for sure, like an alpha of the alphas. A virgin with lots of hot af baby batter, an epilogue and an hea. This is my first book by this author and there is no way it will be last. Such a great writer, apparently I have been under a rock, in a bubble or maybe just my head in the clouds, but I can't wait to stalk this author...let the stalking...errr following begin. Oh and you're welcome by the way.
Oh wow, this story was a riot! It initially seems like some hardened gangster teaching a spoiled brat a lesson, but it's more than that. From the outside, Candi looks like a stereotypical bimbo cheerleader coed-but she's also a klepto. Dante seems like some brutal gang member-but he's immediately hooked by this little nitwit thief. Despite her dumb decisions, I really did enjoy Candi's character, and hers and Dante's head butting had me laughing. Every scrape she gets into, he's after her, and she just doesn't learn! Every punishment she gets, she deserves.
I'll say his final drastic maneuver to keep her in line I did NOT see coming, but it was hilarious and made sense given the situation she'd created for everyone. And I liked that there wasn't some magical transformation for both of them. They were attracted by each other's shortcomings, and that's what keeps them together.
I’ve been reading primarily dark romance for ages but somehow this was my first Loki Reynard book. She has a huge catalogue of books too so I was surprised that in all the time I’ve read this genre I’d never picked up one of hers. I found the answer in the pages though. I don’t think I’ll read more of this author.
The authors style and narrative are most definitely not for me. There was nothing flowing or smooth about the writing style. The characters were more caricatures than actual developed people. I suffered second hand embarrassment most of the book for Candi’s behavior.
I think her character was meant to give that vibe. Childish, immature, bratty spoiled. All so the big had H could punish her and teach her lessons. 🙄
Stylistic issues aside the punishment trope is the clincher for me. I love dark romance but there are so many books out there I have to pass over or grit my teeth and bear the punishment trope to get the story it’s hiding. I hate bratty heroines and non consensual punishment. I don’t care if the h gets wet, if she doesn’t consent to punishment it’s non con.
The book sets up all these scenes to showcase what a brat she is and what a twat the H is throughout with the heroine hating all of it until 85% when it’s all magically okay and they love each other. Then we get a weird ending where the h needs therapy for kleptomania.
No cheating, no OW/OM drama. I’d consider this safe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Stealing Candi by Loki Renard is the story of Candi and Dante. Candi is a college age young women with a secret that ends up getting her to meet Dante. Dante is a tough alpha male leader of his group when he comes to take back something that was his that was taken. This leads him to meet Candi where his feelings go into taking mode. This although had some dark moments also has some funny ones. I really hope to read more from this author soon!
At first I was really annoyed with Candi. She’s a little psycho who does impulsive stupid stuff but yet calls Dante a criminal. Once I got to the meat of the story and understood why she was doing the things she did it was hilarious. I couldn’t quit laughing at her antics. Dante was the only man who could have handled that spoiled brat . The end of this book left me laughing and smiling so hard. Dante has his work cut out for him keeping up with that woman. Also this cover is super hot .
1) Trademark humor: “The nice young man I spoke to earlier told me you were at a bible camp. I never thought you’d go back to one of those after what happened in sixth grade, remember we had to pick you up?”
2) Trademark obsession with barely pubescent young women and older men: Candi is 18 and a college freshmen (btw Ms. Renard -- college students in the US have health insurance).
3) Trademark obsession with reproduction (though this one doesn't emphasize it as much as the others).
4) Trademark borderline psychotic hero and heroine who would probably drive any other partner to an early grave, but seem right for each other: .
5) Trademark "let's see how many boundaries I, the author, can push": Dante is a drug-dealer and unlike many books in this genre with this kind of character, we actually see him work in the factory that, you know, sells drugs to people (including probably children), killing at least some of them in the process. "It reminds me a little of Santa’s Toy Shop, except instead of Christmas toys, people are packing drugs. Lots and lots a lots of very druggy looking drugs. There are powders, pills, buds, gummies, all manner of probably illicit treats."
6) Trademark disdain for education: .
7) Trademark uneven tone: Only at the end of the book do we discover that Candi .
I would have rated this slightly more highly, but one young woman gets slapped across the face hard enough to leave a bruise. While the H does not do this, one of his men does and the H never does anything about it.
I also warn you that there is a near-rape.
This has many of Ms. Renard's, well, trademarks. If you like them, you'll like this book.
I so very much enjoy the stories that Loki has written. Stealing Candi is another romantic hit that kept my attention from beginning to end.
Here our main characters are Candi and Dante. These two together are gold!! Candi and her friends are freaking hilarious. Candi, man I don't know how to describe her except to say she is more than a handful. And Dante is really the only one who can handle her. They meet when Candi lifts something off of him. But Dante does not let any one take anything from him so he goes and collects. From there, sparks explode. These two together are just so hot!!! There is a lot of push and pull. Mostly a lot of pushing from Candi. Did I mention she is a handful?
So overall, this is a slightly dark read with hilarious moments. I hope that catches your attention because this is one fantastic read!!
Candi steals, it's what she does but when she steals from Dante, her life changes drastically. Dante is a leader of men, not so nice men that do not so nice things but Candi is worse in some ways. Their story is, funny and pathetic but in every way entertaining to read. Candi just can't seem to help herself, she gets into more trouble so many times, I am surprised she doesn't pay the ultimate price. At one point, a cop comes to arrest her but ends up leaving her to Dante's devices, the cop just warns Dante not to leave marks on her. I enjoyed the constant not knowing what Candi might do next and cheered Dante on when she gets what she deserves. There are many hot, sexy times between the two also, it's like there is no telling who is doing who at any given time, such fun!
Stealing Candi is a steamy, sexy, and brings a dark world to light. Candi is a college student who gets her hands caught in the cookie jar. To bad that cookie jar ends up being something horrible and Dante needs it back bad.
Dante thinks he is dealing with a sweet and honest college student, but what he finds is a trouble maker under all her sweetness.
Stealing Candi was a highly enjoyable story. I couldn't put my kindle down. Dante is so damn awesome we all should have one.
I went into this not know what I was going to get. If Loki writes it, you reads it. This is what I classify as a fairly enjoyable and easy read. There were parts that were very hilarious and then just down right adorable!
Completely recommend if your in need of a Palate Cleanser!
Great read! This book had me laughing at the antics, squirming at the steamy bits, and attached at the hip to my Kindle just to see what would happen next. Dante and Candi have personalities that come to life on the pages. A fast, cheeky, steamy read that as always leaves me anxiously waiting for where this author will take me next.
Candi and Dante are the most unlikely couple. They meet under the worse of scenarios and they explode from there. Candi can't help herself and Dante just wants her! Such a quick read and cute entertaining story.
I loved all of this book! Every part! Candi and Dante make the strangest perfect couple, but it takes a while for them to figure it out. There is so much heat in this story, but it doesn't happen right away, and the story around it is completely addictive, it's hard to put down even when you have to get up early for work the next day. The way the two characters are portrayed just make you think you know them until you realize that you never really did know them at all, but you still love them even more than you thought you did at the beginning. I loved all the gangster action and the yuppie facade dichotomy, and the way all of that just fades away as the relationship grows. I can't recommend this book enough.
Definitely something that keeps you on your toes, even if it is a little too short . Candi was impulsive + reckless . She was fun but at times came across abit too spoilt and bratty. And although it’s a ridiculously unrealistic story line , the reason I guess why everyone is all hot and excited about it is because Dante is our hypothetical fantasy in truck loads !! Youl know what I mean when you start reading all his little bombs he keeps shocking you with , making you grin from ear to ear , and hear yourself say F*#@YEAH!
I’m basically afraid to read this author. I think dark romance has some kind of imaginary, subjective sliding scale the same as horror. Any type of captive romance is too dark for me but I liked the title and cover and thought what the hell. I am here to tell you other readers who are afraid of the dark (see what I did there) that it is a-okay to take a shot on this one! Is there a smidge of violence in this story - sure. Is there a spoonful of rope play - okay yes. But there is also a crap ton of funny. Funny is the star of this story only made possible by freakin’ Candi. Holy crap that girl is something else. I totally got Dante because she truly was exasperating and endearing all at once. So glad I took a risk with this one because it was totally worth it!
This was okay if you just want some forgettable smutty read. I liked Dante, even if Candi was a bit insufferable (and has kleptomania?) I am realizing that make or female, that author writes a lot of really obnoxious submissives. Like super bratty, snobby, spoiled, nasty rich girls (and boys). It's kind of fun to see them submit but I am hoping for some more depth.
WARNING: once begun, this story will OWN YOU! Loki Renard is one of my top ten indie authors. Every story is so completely different from the one preceding it, I am always amazed and never know where she’s going to take me. Yet, I am always very glad I get to come along for the ride. Her prose is eloquent and descriptive; so good that I feel like that proverbial fly, but one with mind meld powers which allow me to hear what the characters are thinking and feeling. In addition, author Renard introduces the most realistic characters and finds a way to make me care for each and every one of them – especially the bad boys. They are not the traditional bad boys who fall in love and turn into good guys. Surely not, they are bad boys who stay bad but still able to create a love relationship that is as intense as it is unique. Perhaps the only standard that is carried throughout her novels are the amazing women she creates as her heroines. They are always strong – even when broken by the circumstances which surround them – and they are survivors no matter what they must endure to get there. Now having said that, Candi, the heroine in STEALING CANDI pulled every emotion from me and I fell in love with her completely, while I loved to hate Dante until I didn’t . . . However, I don’t want to spoil anyone’s experience so that is all I can say about them beyond the book’s blurb other than tell you that STEALING CANDI is well worth the time and cost! I volunteered to read a copy of STEALING CANDI, and this is my VOLUNTARY, honest review. I STRONGLY suggest that you purchase your copy of STEALING CANDI today! Happy pages! 😉
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "STEALING CANDI" OMG!!!!! What a unique fantastic storyline this book grabs you right from the first page hold on tight things are going to get bumpy. Candi steals something she shouldn't have she driving with here besties Steffy, Miranda and Madison there heading to their place they rented off campus for College they've been together since grade school. The party gets interrupted by a few men that look like gang they've come looking for what was stolen from them Madison goes missing they find her outside cornered by the guys one of them hurts her and that's when Candi steps in tells them to leave. Candi meets Dante the leader of the gang he comes forward, when their eyes meet its electric they definitely have a connection but he wants his product back. Things go from bad to worse for Candi, Dante decides he doesn't just want his money he wants her and he's going to take her, she owes him after all. This was one of the best stories I've read in a long time it holds your interest right to the last page. I just love Dante and Candi's charaters they are strong, humorous and the banter back and forth is terrific a bit of a shocking ending, the things that come to light fill in some of the problems that Candi has and some surprises also, it's defintely a must have book.
I have to be honest, when I originally started Stealing Candi, I fully expected a whole different story. I'm not saying it was a bad thing, who doesn't love to be surprised in their stories?! I mean there's this spoiled girl, Candi, who stole a couple cases of Dante's liquor with her friends, never expecting the series of events afterwards. See, there's a bit more to those cases, so Dante & his boys are coming for her, especially since the booze was stolen from her party so she couldn't return any of it. This started a crazy as hell journey with the crazy as hell Candi, who I was conflicted about. In some senses she had me rolling in laughter with her antics, but in others, she was a bit too annoying to be honest, especially when she was okay with everything going on. See, I wasn't down with Dante at the beginning, as I wanted to seriously hurt him for things, but he did grow on me, especially by the end, when the f-bomb worthy twist or two was dropped. I really believe that if this story were a tad bit longer, Candi would have grown on me more. So anyway, I really want more of these two, because I would be very interested in how Candi grew up. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Consider yourself stolen. You're so sweet Candi. You don't belong in my world. I don't belong in yours. But the moment I set eyes on you, you were mine. You took something from me. So I'm going to take something too: You.
Candi is a college girl that carries around some secrets. However one night she decides to steal some liquor bottles or cases for a party but decides it just might not need to be used for the party the girls are throwing. Fast forward to this party and a gang shows up looking for the bottles and this is how Dante meets Candi. You guys are going to love this book so much. Candi and her friends will have you laughing out loud, plus there is some darkness. This book hooks you from page one and you will not be able to put it down. This is only the second book that I have read from Loki Renard but she is quickly becoming a must read author for me. She has this way of pulling you inot a book and hooking you so hard you can not put it down.
I’m such a fan girl of Loki Renard. Every time I get into one of her books, I end up completely enjoying myself, escaping into the interesting worlds she’s so very good at creating. Stealing Candi is yet another engaging story from this author. I was drawn in from the first chapter and finished the book in a few hours. I loved it; I had fun reading it, and I highly recommend it.
This is the story of Dante and Candi. As usual with Loki, these characters are unique and interesting. Dante, multi-faceted and dominant, steals Candi when she decides to give in to a dangerous impulse, an act that puts her squarely in Dant’e’s sites, and this wonderful story unfolds from there.
It’s fun, exciting and well written, the usual fare of Loki Renard. Don’t miss this one. I loved it.
Candi did the wrong thing. You never steal from him. Things go from bad to worse really fast. Now $3.4 mil is owed. He isn’t the type of man you steal from. But he wants more than his money, Dante plans to take Candi. There is something about her fire that he like and wants to keep her.
I have to say, I love the “innuendo” in the story at times. These two are meant to be together. Let’s go over some things. Candi is a good girl but she just happens to keep getting herself into trouble. You would that that Karma is playing a nasty joke on her. Dante plans to teach her a lesson but I think he sees so much more in her then she sees in herself. Plus he has the hots for her. He can try and fight it all he wants but you can just tell. This is an adventure you don’t want to miss out on.
As long as you go in with the right expectations.....
.......you will enjoy this.At first I thought I was getting a dark captive romance ,so therefore I thought the storyline was a bit silly unrealistic and even disappointing....the heroine's actions borderline ludicrous. Then I quickly began to realize the story was more of a sarcastic ,light hearted rom.com.,dub con fairytale within the guise\setting of my favorite genre and as I chose to view this scenario as a twist in the tale,I could relax and enjoy it smiling all the way to the HEA! And wouldn't you know it,the author surprised me again in the epilogue by dealing with a serious mental health issue adding another layer to the story\characters . So with expectations in perspective,🤔I can recommend.
However I had to give it 4 stars I usually rate most of her books 5 stars but I noticed more errors then I've ever seen in any of her books. I liked the characters it made me laugh I would recommend anyone to check it out.
This is a totally fascinating, electrifying story of what a series of trials and tribulations can follow one stupid little mistake in judgement. The two main characters immediately drew me into their dilemma. Dante gave hints of being way better than he acted at first, and Candi just continued to muddle my brain. Their interaction was HOT, punitive and exciting. I really enjoyed the way these two characters (and the reader) slowly learned more and more about each other; and I am impressed by how their behavior changed as necessary. As usual, this is a thoroughly enjoyable story by Loki Renard that each person should read and enjoy.
Loki is a prolific author, but I would count "Stealing Candi" as her best book so far this year (and that's saying something".
The set up is similar to an earlier novella, "Shamed" (which you can claim for free on Prolific Works and by signing up for newsletter, so go to do that!) but longer, hotter, with even more of her trademark quirkiness and sense of humor.
The characters here are just delightful. Your antihero hero is an honest to Hades *bad guy*. Really, he does bad things! He's your wrestling heel with no surprise face turn. And in Candi, he finds his his match.
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ + ლ ლ ლ ლ ლ (<- Emoji hands to spank you with!)
I liked this book a lot. A compelling blend of intensity, heat, drama and humor is combined with action, excitement and a bit of an OTT feel to create a book that will keep you highly entertained. At times this romance will have you shaking your head at the shenanigans that these two get up to, or smiling at the zany humor of it all or have have your heart melting at what a perfect pair this couple is. I thought that Candi and Dante's story had a very unique flavor to it, even though if you boiled it down to its simplest form it is basically a good girl/bad boy romance. I am posting an independent, impartial review.
Yes! This book was fantastic. After Candi takes something very important from Dante, her whole world is turned upside down. She didn't realize just how spoiled and entitled she acted until she got a taste of the darker side of things. Dante is so hot! He's very matter of fact and doesn't put up with anything. But he's also got a soft side waiting to come out. Candi is hilarious! One of my favorite characters ever. I love her sass and her spunk. Even Dante's fierce personality can't knock her down. I was so sad to reach the end of this amazing story. Loki, please tell me you are going to give us another glimpse of these two in the future? Five really big stars!