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I Love Candy #1
Crushin’ Candy
So damn sweet, I cause cavities.
S’up? I’m Candy. Excuse the name. The old walking womb was a stripper back in her prime and I was a client gone wrong. She thought after years of group homes and rejection, I’d run back into her arms and join the family business. No thanks. The only circles I run in are the ones my bubblegum bubbles make. Don’t worry about my teeth though, sugar-free as always. I’m not a complete psycho. Oh except for my passive-aggressive, potty-mouthed, imaginary best friend who happens to be a gummy bear. That part is pretty nuts.
I was thoroughly enjoying myself, doing whatever the hell I wanted until a group of model-worthy bikers try to muscle in on my heist. They don’t seem to realise those with barely any personal belongings tend to grow protective of what’s theirs, and by taking one of my beloved possessions, they’ve signed their own death warrants. Fooling them with my sickly sweet smile, I’ll slip past their defences and claim back what’s rightfully mine, no matter the cost. Despite how hard they try, I won’t be deterred from my new mission. Putting bullies back in their place when no one else can. I’ve got you in my sights now boys, and no one screws over Candy Crystal twice. P.S, yeah, the stripper name game is on point.
Trigger Warning: This is book one of the I Love Candy series, featuring a feisty female lead. Candy is spontaneous, impulsive and reckless, which makes this book inappropriate for under 18’s. She gives as good as she gets, causing chaos and leaves you wondering who is bullying who! Expect excessive amounts of steam, violence and cursing throughout. This series is a RH trilogy with a HEA…eventually.
S’up? I’m Candy. Excuse the name. The old walking womb was a stripper back in her prime and I was a client gone wrong. She thought after years of group homes and rejection, I’d run back into her arms and join the family business. No thanks. The only circles I run in are the ones my bubblegum bubbles make. Don’t worry about my teeth though, sugar-free as always. I’m not a complete psycho. Oh except for my passive-aggressive, potty-mouthed, imaginary best friend who happens to be a gummy bear. That part is pretty nuts.
I was thoroughly enjoying myself, doing whatever the hell I wanted until a group of model-worthy bikers try to muscle in on my heist. They don’t seem to realise those with barely any personal belongings tend to grow protective of what’s theirs, and by taking one of my beloved possessions, they’ve signed their own death warrants. Fooling them with my sickly sweet smile, I’ll slip past their defences and claim back what’s rightfully mine, no matter the cost. Despite how hard they try, I won’t be deterred from my new mission. Putting bullies back in their place when no one else can. I’ve got you in my sights now boys, and no one screws over Candy Crystal twice. P.S, yeah, the stripper name game is on point.
Trigger Warning: This is book one of the I Love Candy series, featuring a feisty female lead. Candy is spontaneous, impulsive and reckless, which makes this book inappropriate for under 18’s. She gives as good as she gets, causing chaos and leaves you wondering who is bullying who! Expect excessive amounts of steam, violence and cursing throughout. This series is a RH trilogy with a HEA…eventually.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2021
985 people are currently reading
1895 people want to read
About the author
Maddison Cole
38 books617 followersMaddison Cole is a married mum of two, and a serial daydreamer. As a huge fan of fantasy romance novels for the past 7 years, she has finally decided to put pen to paper (finger to keyboard doesn't sound as poetic) and begin to write her own.
As a child, life was moving around the UK and a short stint in the Caribbean, before Maddison has found herself back in the south east of England where she is now happily settled. With a double award in applied arts and an A-level in art history, Maddison is just your average musical-loving, Disney-obsessed, jive-dancing woman with a dark passion for steamy fantasy books.
As a child, life was moving around the UK and a short stint in the Caribbean, before Maddison has found herself back in the south east of England where she is now happily settled. With a double award in applied arts and an A-level in art history, Maddison is just your average musical-loving, Disney-obsessed, jive-dancing woman with a dark passion for steamy fantasy books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
August 13, 2022
2⭐️
This book had so much potential especially with the fmc being amazing!!
Honestly Candy is one of the craziest girls ever, I love her so much. She has an imaginary gummy bear friend called Angus who has a smokers voice 😭 Throughout the book I realised he only shows up when she’s in trouble or sad.😪 it’s a coping mechanism for her.
Now the reason why I took off 3 stars was for the harem. I HATE every single man in it, they are all scum. Jasper was my favourite but he soon turned that to shit. Normally I would give the guys a chance to redeem themselves but there is no way in hell that is gonna happen.
Ace is the worst. He’s disgusting, yeah yeah he has trauma I get it. But that is no excuse to beat up a woman (the fmc) and leave her in the middle of the woods over night during a gunfight. The amount of times these guys punch her throughout the book is insane and she just forgives it. Like no wonder Angus appears all the time when she goes through all this shit.
As much as I love Candy I won’t be carrying on this series🥲
This book had so much potential especially with the fmc being amazing!!
Honestly Candy is one of the craziest girls ever, I love her so much. She has an imaginary gummy bear friend called Angus who has a smokers voice 😭 Throughout the book I realised he only shows up when she’s in trouble or sad.😪 it’s a coping mechanism for her.
Now the reason why I took off 3 stars was for the harem. I HATE every single man in it, they are all scum. Jasper was my favourite but he soon turned that to shit. Normally I would give the guys a chance to redeem themselves but there is no way in hell that is gonna happen.
Ace is the worst. He’s disgusting, yeah yeah he has trauma I get it. But that is no excuse to beat up a woman (the fmc) and leave her in the middle of the woods over night during a gunfight. The amount of times these guys punch her throughout the book is insane and she just forgives it. Like no wonder Angus appears all the time when she goes through all this shit.
As much as I love Candy I won’t be carrying on this series🥲
July 21, 2022
There’s a “trigger warning” at the beginning of the book with no mention of a near sexual assault and a self harm scene describing how good it feels. I’m at 8% and had to quit. I have suffered with self harm for years, the careless description of self harm is bringing my urges back. If you are going to write about that type of material and make it sound exhilarating, the least you can do is warn your readers, I don’t see how not putting a proper warning is worth triggering someone’s self harm urges.
October 6, 2021
Just from the cover you can get an idea of how crazy Candy is going to be but trust me you are not prepared for just how coco loco she really is. Even though Candy is always up beat and doesn't let anything effect her or bring her down we get a couple of rare glimpses as a lonely girl who just wants to be loved and you cant help feeling heartbroken for her. Then of course she will do something psycho and you cant help but laugh and cringe over her adventures with her trusty sidekicks Angus and Candy Crusher.
The guys are more reserved than Candy but that doesn't stop them from having a few crazy moments and being shady ass characters. Candy comes crashing into their world, like a tornado wrecking havoc on their lives and yet they cant seem to escape her, they love to hate yet deep down they know they don't really want to break free from it all.
They are all broken in one way or another yet they seem to fit perfectly together as if they are one being put back together again. I cant wait for the next book to get my sugar fix!
The guys are more reserved than Candy but that doesn't stop them from having a few crazy moments and being shady ass characters. Candy comes crashing into their world, like a tornado wrecking havoc on their lives and yet they cant seem to escape her, they love to hate yet deep down they know they don't really want to break free from it all.
They are all broken in one way or another yet they seem to fit perfectly together as if they are one being put back together again. I cant wait for the next book to get my sugar fix!
d-n-f
July 17, 2022DNF @ 40%
Boreddddd. It was fun for a bit and then it wasn’t. Meh. Maybe I’ll give it another try one day.
Boreddddd. It was fun for a bit and then it wasn’t. Meh. Maybe I’ll give it another try one day.
April 30, 2022
no words.
What in the fuck kind of coked out Harley Quinn and The Royal Flush gang fanfic bullshit did I just read?
What in the fuck kind of coked out Harley Quinn and The Royal Flush gang fanfic bullshit did I just read?
June 28, 2024
an even more unhinged harley quinn with a reverse harem trope
but i loved it
but i loved it
October 12, 2021
Well that told me nothing. I’m curious but unsure if I’ll read the next one or not. Crazy Candy with her imaginary gummy bear Angus and the guys who crossed her path and now can’t get rid of her. Jack, Ace, Spade and Malik. Jasper was confusing but definitely the most interesting character. I have no idea how this one is going to go. Crazy violence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
Overall ⭐️⭐️/5
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶 /5
Spice quality 🔥🔥/5
Honestly, this book is all over the place. It has a great premise, but it's just not something that I would even think of re reading.
Candy is a bad ass don't get me wrong, and has a gummy bear imaginary friend, which I find funny. But one minute, she's shooting a guy, and then suddenly, she is all about being his. There is no lead up to gaining feelings it's just one minute, they all hate her, and the next, they can't be without her.
There are time skips in the story where there shouldn't be. Like her setting up for a ladies' night and saying the boys can't come downstairs to suddenly they are downstairs having a drink.
All the boys just apprently hate her one second, and then the next they don't with no context as to how or why they suddenly like her.
I hope the second book gets better because I don't like leaving the series unfinished, but I really hope that I am not disappointed.
Spicy content 🌶🌶🌶 /5
Spice quality 🔥🔥/5
Honestly, this book is all over the place. It has a great premise, but it's just not something that I would even think of re reading.
Candy is a bad ass don't get me wrong, and has a gummy bear imaginary friend, which I find funny. But one minute, she's shooting a guy, and then suddenly, she is all about being his. There is no lead up to gaining feelings it's just one minute, they all hate her, and the next, they can't be without her.
There are time skips in the story where there shouldn't be. Like her setting up for a ladies' night and saying the boys can't come downstairs to suddenly they are downstairs having a drink.
All the boys just apprently hate her one second, and then the next they don't with no context as to how or why they suddenly like her.
I hope the second book gets better because I don't like leaving the series unfinished, but I really hope that I am not disappointed.
January 12, 2023
I don't know what I just read, but I do know I enjoyed it, kind of. The story is confusing and then it makes sense in a confusing way because I can't figure out why we had Jack POV when it wasn't Jack. Honestly the plot twist at the end and the humor in it was its saving grace.
Also I'd have preferred to see the individual relationships develop then just be told they happened. Everything was tense and the build up was there and then we're just told "Oh I'm sleeping with them all now and I'm joining the gang".
But overall I won't be finishing the series because it just fell flat for me and took me almost 3 hours to finish the last 30 pages.
Also I'd have preferred to see the individual relationships develop then just be told they happened. Everything was tense and the build up was there and then we're just told "Oh I'm sleeping with them all now and I'm joining the gang".
But overall I won't be finishing the series because it just fell flat for me and took me almost 3 hours to finish the last 30 pages.
May 4, 2023
My Review on:
I Love Candy Series ( books 1-3)
Crushin' Candy (Book one)
Smashin' Candy (Book two)
Friggin' Candy (Book three)
By: Maddison Cole
I have to say this series is complete fire 🔥! It will make you laugh, cry, and wanna beat someone's a**. You won't wanna put down this series, It's sexy. It'll make you drip if you know what I mean. This series had my complete attention from start to finish. This was my first time reading anything by Maddison Cole, and I will say she doesn't disappoint. She sure can tell a steamy, hot, suspenseful romance.
This series tells Story of Candy and how she grew up, well skims on it. It helps you get a little back story about how she is the way she is. She's a little crazy with her imaginary gummy friend Angus. She loves her bat and her bubble gum. She is loud, she takes care of herself, and she wants out from the Cheese. (Mafia guy who helps her). She does jobs for him.. How she meets her man (Ace, Spade, Jake, Malik, and Jasper) after they take over a job she butchers for The Cheese as she calls him. You'll love how she has each interaction with each of the five. Their little gang/family is it just what she needs?
This series definitely has a lot of twist and turns. Some of the events you'll be surprised at, others you'll be screaming why! There are a lot of heat and sexy scenes. There are some m/m scenes. This series doesn't disappoint at all, and you'll be glad you read it. So get sucked into Candy's story!
I Love Candy Series ( books 1-3)
Crushin' Candy (Book one)
Smashin' Candy (Book two)
Friggin' Candy (Book three)
By: Maddison Cole
I have to say this series is complete fire 🔥! It will make you laugh, cry, and wanna beat someone's a**. You won't wanna put down this series, It's sexy. It'll make you drip if you know what I mean. This series had my complete attention from start to finish. This was my first time reading anything by Maddison Cole, and I will say she doesn't disappoint. She sure can tell a steamy, hot, suspenseful romance.
This series tells Story of Candy and how she grew up, well skims on it. It helps you get a little back story about how she is the way she is. She's a little crazy with her imaginary gummy friend Angus. She loves her bat and her bubble gum. She is loud, she takes care of herself, and she wants out from the Cheese. (Mafia guy who helps her). She does jobs for him.. How she meets her man (Ace, Spade, Jake, Malik, and Jasper) after they take over a job she butchers for The Cheese as she calls him. You'll love how she has each interaction with each of the five. Their little gang/family is it just what she needs?
This series definitely has a lot of twist and turns. Some of the events you'll be surprised at, others you'll be screaming why! There are a lot of heat and sexy scenes. There are some m/m scenes. This series doesn't disappoint at all, and you'll be glad you read it. So get sucked into Candy's story!
October 3, 2021
Holy Gummy Bears!! Crushin Candy is a kaleidoscope of awesomeness. Maddison Cole sucks you in from beginning to end, starting with that amazing cover.
Candy is a friggin psycho bada**. I absolutely loved her crazy character. Plus who wouldn’t want a pink gummy bear for a sidekick. She gives no F’s and can kicka** all while chewing gum.
Her men are no price charmings. They’re equally crazy, broken, and shady AF. The chemistry between Candy and each of her guys is off the charts.
The cliffhanger has you itching for the next book. If you want a fantastic humorous dark reverse harem romance, Crushin Candy is not one to miss and will have you singing, “I want Candy!” 🍭🍬
Candy is a friggin psycho bada**. I absolutely loved her crazy character. Plus who wouldn’t want a pink gummy bear for a sidekick. She gives no F’s and can kicka** all while chewing gum.
Her men are no price charmings. They’re equally crazy, broken, and shady AF. The chemistry between Candy and each of her guys is off the charts.
The cliffhanger has you itching for the next book. If you want a fantastic humorous dark reverse harem romance, Crushin Candy is not one to miss and will have you singing, “I want Candy!” 🍭🍬
July 31, 2023
This books reflects exactly what the FMC is: crazy, chaotic, disorganized, spontaneous and reckless! I liked it, I'm invested in the story and knowing where it goes from here, so I'm going to continue reading the series! It is a good read, but not amazing! It's a bit to chaotic and messy in my opinion! This is the third book I've read from this author (including the prequel novella in this series) and I'm starting to think/wonder if it's just her writing style!
September 26, 2021
Crushin’ Candy by Maddison Cole is a dark reverse harem horror romance. This is the first book in the I Love Candy trilogy.
I absolutely love Maddison's books! I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't help but binge it in one sitting. I really enjoyed getting Candy, Ace, Jack, Spade, Malik, and Jester's points of view throughout the book. The chemistry between Candy and each guy is off the charts!
The book ends on an amazing cliffhanger which wasn't a surprise since its the first book in the trilogy. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be announced so I can get more of Candy and her men's story.
I would highly recommend this book if you like dark romances, horror romance, or reverse harem romances.
I absolutely love Maddison's books! I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't help but binge it in one sitting. I really enjoyed getting Candy, Ace, Jack, Spade, Malik, and Jester's points of view throughout the book. The chemistry between Candy and each guy is off the charts!
The book ends on an amazing cliffhanger which wasn't a surprise since its the first book in the trilogy. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be announced so I can get more of Candy and her men's story.
I would highly recommend this book if you like dark romances, horror romance, or reverse harem romances.
September 12, 2023
Candy is an absolute psych0 and I am here for it! She takes what she wants with no excuses! And I love her imaginary Gummy Bear Angus - he's a hoot! Cliffhanger left me wondering what will happen next!
December 28, 2023
Candy is unhinged and I love it. Definitely finished this book in one sitting.
Read
December 29, 2023I’m good on this one
DNF
DNF
August 21, 2025
This book is worth reading for the FMC, who goes off the rails. Crazy, psychotic, funny, brave, she knows what she wants, and isn't ashamed to use her body. The male protagonists aren't worth much.
July 19, 2023
Candy is a character I'll tell you that. Shes an unhinged wildcard with a pink gummy bear for a conscience. I loved her character I just wished I also liked the rest of the story.
Violence against women just turns me off straight away nope. And then it doubles down with OW drama I am just not fond of it really.
The biggest plot hole is found at the ending after we find out Jasper's motives. Surely he couldve at least confided in his brother Jack while hes off gathering evidence. I dont know, Spade and Jasper were the only ones that treated Candy decent and she shot Spade in the leg for fawks sake why are the rest so.....
Violence against women just turns me off straight away nope. And then it doubles down with OW drama I am just not fond of it really.
The biggest plot hole is found at the ending after we find out Jasper's motives. Surely he couldve at least confided in his brother Jack while hes off gathering evidence. I dont know, Spade and Jasper were the only ones that treated Candy decent and she shot Spade in the leg for fawks sake why are the rest so.....
May 26, 2022
This book had a lot of potential, but overall was disappointing. Candy is funny, crazy and a very interesting character. I just wish she was stronger physically. She is constantly being beaten and hurt by the people around her. There was a scene earlier on with Riley, that was what i was wanting more of in this book. A good solid dose of revenge. Unfortunately that didn't happen. Her idea of revenge was childish, although it is in character for her.
My biggest irritation was the harem.
They were all interchangeable, forgettable and unlikable. The romance was not believable at all and by the end of the book i just didn't care about them at all.
This book has some solid ideas, but the characters need a bit more work.
My biggest irritation was the harem.
They were all interchangeable, forgettable and unlikable. The romance was not believable at all and by the end of the book i just didn't care about them at all.
This book has some solid ideas, but the characters need a bit more work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2022
4 stars.
This is insane.
Also.
I’m conflicted on every single character in this entire book.
I can’t tell if I love them or hate them.
I like them enough to continue, I think they’re completely insane badasses…but also they’re super questionable. There are zero heros in this book.
The sex and violence is constant. The entertaining thoughts of the FMC are mostly hilarious.
It’s fun.
Though, the OW drama is blegch…
🤷🏻♀️
This is insane.
Also.
I’m conflicted on every single character in this entire book.
I can’t tell if I love them or hate them.
I like them enough to continue, I think they’re completely insane badasses…but also they’re super questionable. There are zero heros in this book.
The sex and violence is constant. The entertaining thoughts of the FMC are mostly hilarious.
It’s fun.
Though, the OW drama is blegch…
🤷🏻♀️
June 8, 2024
2⭐️ 2🌶️
I wasn't going to write a review for this but I kinda want to reiterate what I saw in other reviews.
-CW/TW, I just read this and can't remember where the sexual assault scene is but I did mark that as a CW in storygraph but it was missing from the author's list as well as a very graphic self-harm scene early in the book so WTF is with that? Later in the book, another character - Ace - also mentions self-harming tendencies so that definitely should have been a CW
-the spice is mid, honestly there are maybe 4 scenes...bus, bathroom, pool table, garage. A few that are hinted at so closed door. I guess I was expecting more given Candy's description of herself and her libido even know that usually in a series it takes awhile to build up to group scenes.
-this one is silly, but I couldn't tell which characters where British and which weren't. Some it was clear but others said kind of British things like "to hospital" instead of "to the hospital" and it just bugged me cause I couldn't tell
-it was fun until it wasn't, I didn't DNF but thought about it a few times. I won't continue the series.
-the twist wasn't really a twist because it made absolutely no sense to have a Jack POV. That's writing yourself into a corner, especially with the other POV later in the book which is different so the two voices are not the same.
Things like plot holes or nonsense get easier to by pass if there are other things to balance it out - like engaging characters or a compelling narrative or spicy spice scenes - but overall, this story lacked that. Also, I'm not opposed to books being inspired by characters or even straight-up fan fiction (I read and loved Lovesick Gods and didn't realize until after that it was The Flash) but in the beginning third of the book Candy is just Harley Quinn and it gets annoying really fast.
TW provided by author: expected excessive amounts of steam, violence and cursing throughout.
I wasn't going to write a review for this but I kinda want to reiterate what I saw in other reviews.
-CW/TW, I just read this and can't remember where the sexual assault scene is but I did mark that as a CW in storygraph but it was missing from the author's list as well as a very graphic self-harm scene early in the book so WTF is with that? Later in the book, another character - Ace - also mentions self-harming tendencies so that definitely should have been a CW
-the spice is mid, honestly there are maybe 4 scenes...bus, bathroom, pool table, garage. A few that are hinted at so closed door. I guess I was expecting more given Candy's description of herself and her libido even know that usually in a series it takes awhile to build up to group scenes.
-this one is silly, but I couldn't tell which characters where British and which weren't. Some it was clear but others said kind of British things like "to hospital" instead of "to the hospital" and it just bugged me cause I couldn't tell
-it was fun until it wasn't, I didn't DNF but thought about it a few times. I won't continue the series.
-the twist wasn't really a twist because it made absolutely no sense to have a Jack POV. That's writing yourself into a corner, especially with the other POV later in the book which is different so the two voices are not the same.
Things like plot holes or nonsense get easier to by pass if there are other things to balance it out - like engaging characters or a compelling narrative or spicy spice scenes - but overall, this story lacked that. Also, I'm not opposed to books being inspired by characters or even straight-up fan fiction (I read and loved Lovesick Gods and didn't realize until after that it was The Flash) but in the beginning third of the book Candy is just Harley Quinn and it gets annoying really fast.
TW provided by author: expected excessive amounts of steam, violence and cursing throughout.
January 24, 2023
Where do I even start with my review of Crushin Candy? I say this entirely in a good way as I absolutely loved and hated it at the same time, and so I must start my review by applauding the Author on a highly entertaining, sweet and sassy, unexpected, imaginative and thoroughly crazy read!
Crushin Candy is the first book in the I Love Candy series and a brilliant introduction to this fiery female protagonist. The trigger warning at the beginning sums up Candy’s character perfectly, so there is no need to elaborate further, except to say that she is a well developed character (an understatement!), and is so easy to form a connection with, however off the wall the readers find her.
Normally the image of a bubble gum blowing female on the front cover of a book in vibrant pink wouldn’t have enticed me to pick it up and read it as a first choice, but curiosity got the better of me and I dived straight in. Now I find myself weirdly addicted and looking forward to reading Book Two.
I literally could not put Crushin Candy down and kept turning the pages over. Her character is so completely outrageous that you simply cannot help yourself. You have to read on to see what she gets up to next, and how she manages to get into and out of the situations that she does, and completely get away with it!
A very cleverly written story about a feisty and brash female with a devil may care attitude, and a very strange jelly companion who is Candy’s equivalent of Jiminy Cricket. Amongst the madness of Candy and her insane world there is a rather touching story as she finds a place she belongs and can call home…amongst a family of attractive men who are very happy to share the sugar and spice amongst them!
For all of the above, we have to award 5 stars.
Crushin Candy is the first book in the I Love Candy series and a brilliant introduction to this fiery female protagonist. The trigger warning at the beginning sums up Candy’s character perfectly, so there is no need to elaborate further, except to say that she is a well developed character (an understatement!), and is so easy to form a connection with, however off the wall the readers find her.
Normally the image of a bubble gum blowing female on the front cover of a book in vibrant pink wouldn’t have enticed me to pick it up and read it as a first choice, but curiosity got the better of me and I dived straight in. Now I find myself weirdly addicted and looking forward to reading Book Two.
I literally could not put Crushin Candy down and kept turning the pages over. Her character is so completely outrageous that you simply cannot help yourself. You have to read on to see what she gets up to next, and how she manages to get into and out of the situations that she does, and completely get away with it!
A very cleverly written story about a feisty and brash female with a devil may care attitude, and a very strange jelly companion who is Candy’s equivalent of Jiminy Cricket. Amongst the madness of Candy and her insane world there is a rather touching story as she finds a place she belongs and can call home…amongst a family of attractive men who are very happy to share the sugar and spice amongst them!
For all of the above, we have to award 5 stars.
January 10, 2023
Gang/RH/Psycho FC
SYNOPSIS (of Trilogy): Damaged FC who is completely psychotic with a hit out on her and 5 MCs trying to get her to fall for them. The story starts with the FC going after the MCs to get her beloved baseball bat back and then they start to fall for her and want to keep her. The story revolves around the MCs trying to get the FC to fall for them and trying to contain her psychosis whilst she is being targeted by a killer. She is very resistant to falling in love but eventually has a HEA
On the whole this is a good story, enjoyable and with a well written and structured plot (if quite OTT). The writing style is out there with Candy being larger than life. There are some humorous and laugh out loud moments. It's not particularly dark but it is violent. The FC is completely psychotic and for me, a bit too much. I found Candy, on occasion, just too psycho in her actions and reactions. She mellows a bit by Book 3 but the result was that I found it hard to believe that one, let alone 5, MCs would be desperate to keep her and chase her to put up with her behaviour. Talk about high maintenance.
The reason that I gave this 4 stars (and considered 3 stars) was that (1) there are a few plot gaps which grated such as which of the 5 beat up Candy at the beginning (because it's hard for me to justify an MC beating up a woman)? How can you gloss over what Malik did and what that says about him? Who killed Sphynx? Why does the author not provide any detail of Candy's backstory? (2) the editing, especially in Books 2 and 3, is appalling. There are sentences that make absolutely no sense and it creates consistent jarring in the story. I find it so annoying that so many authors these days cannot be bothered to properly edit or proof read their stories. It's just lazy and annoying for readers who pay for their books.
If you like completely psychotic ( in a Harlequinesque way) heroines, RH and a thrill ride then you'll enjoy this.
SYNOPSIS (of Trilogy): Damaged FC who is completely psychotic with a hit out on her and 5 MCs trying to get her to fall for them. The story starts with the FC going after the MCs to get her beloved baseball bat back and then they start to fall for her and want to keep her. The story revolves around the MCs trying to get the FC to fall for them and trying to contain her psychosis whilst she is being targeted by a killer. She is very resistant to falling in love but eventually has a HEA
On the whole this is a good story, enjoyable and with a well written and structured plot (if quite OTT). The writing style is out there with Candy being larger than life. There are some humorous and laugh out loud moments. It's not particularly dark but it is violent. The FC is completely psychotic and for me, a bit too much. I found Candy, on occasion, just too psycho in her actions and reactions. She mellows a bit by Book 3 but the result was that I found it hard to believe that one, let alone 5, MCs would be desperate to keep her and chase her to put up with her behaviour. Talk about high maintenance.
The reason that I gave this 4 stars (and considered 3 stars) was that (1) there are a few plot gaps which grated such as which of the 5 beat up Candy at the beginning (because it's hard for me to justify an MC beating up a woman)? How can you gloss over what Malik did and what that says about him? Who killed Sphynx? Why does the author not provide any detail of Candy's backstory? (2) the editing, especially in Books 2 and 3, is appalling. There are sentences that make absolutely no sense and it creates consistent jarring in the story. I find it so annoying that so many authors these days cannot be bothered to properly edit or proof read their stories. It's just lazy and annoying for readers who pay for their books.
If you like completely psychotic ( in a Harlequinesque way) heroines, RH and a thrill ride then you'll enjoy this.
September 26, 2021
What a surprisingly, imperfectly perfect book, I'm new to the author, but I'm so happy I got my sugary hands on this one...I'm even going as far as to say ‘I'm your new book stalker.’
When I first saw this book it had me singing to myself ‘Sugar Sugar’ by The Archies...but I have a feeling this leading lady is not as sweet as her name?
This book is dark, more towards the vicious side of the world, with ani-heroes and some mind twists that leave you guessing? It also has some dark backstories that might be triggering…but it also has its improper moment’s that are hilarious...(coffee isn't safe while reading this book)
Candy, she is a dark Harley Quinn on a massive sugar rush, with her extreme sexual urges, and a sailors mouth to boot, with no morals, yet… has a surprising amount of goodness, she seemed to play the game much better than the boys…and has a gummy-bear-imaginary-friend that plays as her conscious, or a little devil, he is cheeky...that's for sure.
The boys are broken, lost, unforgiving, full of deception and only see enemies…until a sparkly-pink-bubblegum-popping-crazy-girl, kick their boring world upside down…they hate her with a passion, that gives you a rise to want to strangle them through the pages of the book, but Candy’s quirky personality keeps it from effecting her like the water sliding off a duck back.
The ending leaves you confused with what it all means for the next book, I'm not going to ruin it...but....oh, how that book will be very interesting.
XOXO Lottie.
When I first saw this book it had me singing to myself ‘Sugar Sugar’ by The Archies...but I have a feeling this leading lady is not as sweet as her name?
This book is dark, more towards the vicious side of the world, with ani-heroes and some mind twists that leave you guessing? It also has some dark backstories that might be triggering…but it also has its improper moment’s that are hilarious...(coffee isn't safe while reading this book)
Candy, she is a dark Harley Quinn on a massive sugar rush, with her extreme sexual urges, and a sailors mouth to boot, with no morals, yet… has a surprising amount of goodness, she seemed to play the game much better than the boys…and has a gummy-bear-imaginary-friend that plays as her conscious, or a little devil, he is cheeky...that's for sure.
The boys are broken, lost, unforgiving, full of deception and only see enemies…until a sparkly-pink-bubblegum-popping-crazy-girl, kick their boring world upside down…they hate her with a passion, that gives you a rise to want to strangle them through the pages of the book, but Candy’s quirky personality keeps it from effecting her like the water sliding off a duck back.
The ending leaves you confused with what it all means for the next book, I'm not going to ruin it...but....oh, how that book will be very interesting.
XOXO Lottie.
October 26, 2023
So when Jasper was pretending to be Jack and bitchface was at the bar for the party "Jack" went up to Candy to see what was wrong and she was all mad about Jasper screwing her and she was looking at Jack. Well, she said 'its just Jack' and Jasper got mad and I don't understand why. Like I can understand why Jack would get mad, but he seriously got mad about it. The only reason I can think of is that Jasper truly believed that Candy knew it was him and not Jack so when she said it's just Jack, he got mad because he realized she actually thought he was Jack? IDK I was so confused about that once we figured it out that it wasn't Jack.
Speaking of Jack, when they found him and he basically hated her... the way she felt like she was getting close to him all to just lose him... mannn that broke my heart.
This story was funny and absolutely amazing. I fucking Love Candy and Agnus. Seriously, she has a freaking pink gummy bear that she talks to and he guides her like he is her conscience.. Who tf wouldn't want a pink gummy bear named Agnus guiding you in life. Candy is wild and lives in the moment
The second I started reading this story, I knew I would love it. I was immediately sucked into Candy's story and was incapable of setting it down.
I cannot wait to see where this goes.
spice 2/5
humor 1/5
emotional 1/5
world building 5/5
overall 5/5
Speaking of Jack, when they found him and he basically hated her... the way she felt like she was getting close to him all to just lose him... mannn that broke my heart.
This story was funny and absolutely amazing. I fucking Love Candy and Agnus. Seriously, she has a freaking pink gummy bear that she talks to and he guides her like he is her conscience.. Who tf wouldn't want a pink gummy bear named Agnus guiding you in life. Candy is wild and lives in the moment
The second I started reading this story, I knew I would love it. I was immediately sucked into Candy's story and was incapable of setting it down.
I cannot wait to see where this goes.
spice 2/5
humor 1/5
emotional 1/5
world building 5/5
overall 5/5
December 9, 2025
Too much Candy will make you sick…
So that is what my dearest grams always told me. Too much candy will make you sick. Will this Candy isn’t exactly living in the sane category. At first I was all here for this crazy girl that seems to just have a deaths wish. She is aware but not aware. Acts oblivious, but is deviously smart. It is really hard to actually get a vibe for her. Now the good in these books )yes I read the 3 of them) is the multiple POVs, RH, great side characters, potentially an amazing storyline but it just didn’t flush out in full. Here is the spoilers…Time passed randomly at some points. Were they in danger or was there a plan? Cherry was taken but then suddenly there then gone again but then there again. Candy trusts no one but trust this person no wait maybe not. She is really volatile even towards her MMCs and that admittedly really disturbed me. DV is never ok and she lashed out constantly. It all screamed red flags. I mean do we even know who tore up her quad? Who killed her cat? That alone seemed devastating for her but then got over it when it was never mentioned again? I don’t know just so many unanswered questions. Honestly kudos to the men for sticking with her. I’m not going to read the prequel because honestly I don’t think even that background on her upbringing can make me feel badly for her.
So that is what my dearest grams always told me. Too much candy will make you sick. Will this Candy isn’t exactly living in the sane category. At first I was all here for this crazy girl that seems to just have a deaths wish. She is aware but not aware. Acts oblivious, but is deviously smart. It is really hard to actually get a vibe for her. Now the good in these books )yes I read the 3 of them) is the multiple POVs, RH, great side characters, potentially an amazing storyline but it just didn’t flush out in full. Here is the spoilers…Time passed randomly at some points. Were they in danger or was there a plan? Cherry was taken but then suddenly there then gone again but then there again. Candy trusts no one but trust this person no wait maybe not. She is really volatile even towards her MMCs and that admittedly really disturbed me. DV is never ok and she lashed out constantly. It all screamed red flags. I mean do we even know who tore up her quad? Who killed her cat? That alone seemed devastating for her but then got over it when it was never mentioned again? I don’t know just so many unanswered questions. Honestly kudos to the men for sticking with her. I’m not going to read the prequel because honestly I don’t think even that background on her upbringing can make me feel badly for her.
March 21, 2023
I don't know what I just read, but I do know I liked it.
Tropes:
~ Psycho-FMC
~ Enemies-to-Lovers
~Mafia-Mobs-Gangs
~ Criminal-Careers
~Why choose
~
I was instantly drawn into the book just by the cover! Immediately bought the entire series! They say don't judge a book by its cover, I did with this one and I am so glad that I did!
The story is definitely an interesting one!
It keeps you on your toes and wanting to keep reading. This story kind of gives off Harley Quinn and Joker vibes just with a Harem lol! I'm here for it! Candy is ummm.. how can I say this without it being offensive... crazy! Just a little... who am I kidding a whole lot but she's a bad@ss FMC and I adore her! Her men Malik, Jack, Spade, Ace and Jasper are gang/mafia @ssholes who used to be best friends. All of them are hot. The guys have secrets some more than others, but they do grow on you eventually. There is a lot of action and spice but the best part for me I'd have to say is Angus!
SO many twists and the Cliffy at the end was exciting! I can't wait to read book two!
4/5 For the story as a whole
3/5 for the spice
If you didnt know it by now I like to leave my reviews as spoiler free as possible!
Please be mindful of the TW here as well!
Tropes:
~ Psycho-FMC
~ Enemies-to-Lovers
~Mafia-Mobs-Gangs
~ Criminal-Careers
~Why choose
~
I was instantly drawn into the book just by the cover! Immediately bought the entire series! They say don't judge a book by its cover, I did with this one and I am so glad that I did!
The story is definitely an interesting one!
It keeps you on your toes and wanting to keep reading. This story kind of gives off Harley Quinn and Joker vibes just with a Harem lol! I'm here for it! Candy is ummm.. how can I say this without it being offensive... crazy! Just a little... who am I kidding a whole lot but she's a bad@ss FMC and I adore her! Her men Malik, Jack, Spade, Ace and Jasper are gang/mafia @ssholes who used to be best friends. All of them are hot. The guys have secrets some more than others, but they do grow on you eventually. There is a lot of action and spice but the best part for me I'd have to say is Angus!
SO many twists and the Cliffy at the end was exciting! I can't wait to read book two!
4/5 For the story as a whole
3/5 for the spice
If you didnt know it by now I like to leave my reviews as spoiler free as possible!
Please be mindful of the TW here as well!
October 4, 2021
Great start to the series, I’m hooked!! I had a bit of trouble getting into the story until Candy showed up to surprise the boys, but once I got there, there was no putting it down! Candy the FMC is sugary sweet- until she’s not. She’s a bad*** and can take care of herself, but she’s lonely, bored and looking for her next high- the adrenaline rush kind. She’s got a bad influence gummy bear *Angus* as her BFF, and when she listens to him things seem to go a bit crazy. I love the multiple POV’s. As much as Candy is pink bubble gum and sugary sweet- she’s also completely crazy- I love her. This isn’t all unicorns and rainbows though. There are darker parts which make this ride so much fun. Candy is a whirlwind that swept in and threw the guys lives into complete chaos- but it’s oh so entertaining! There is so much mystery surrounding these characters and I can’t wait for more. The cliffhanger left me confused, intrigued, frustrated, but mostly wanting more. I will be anxiously waiting for the next book, I’m on this crazy train, lets see where it goes next!! If you are looking for a dark romance with great humor and love reverse harem’s read this!
October 9, 2021
I want Candy!
I want an Angus... No I NEED an Angus!
Oh be still my candy loving heart. This book was an absolute knock out. Candy was amazingly crazy in the best way possible. She stayed true to herself throughout the entire book and didn't try to be anything she wasn't even if it might have made life a little easier for her. From the first moment in that cell I knew she was going to be a new favorite for me and just like that, I was done for hook, line and sinker.
I want to hate Jasper... I really really want to hate him. But I might kinda sorta maybe love him a little, I'm not alone.... Right?
Why is Ace my favorite? I always seem to love the ones that are slightly more damaged than the others.. I make zero apologies.
This book had so many twist and turns that I was left dizzy! I mean, seriously?!? I didn't see that coming. Not at all and I'm not even talking about the hell of a hangover that cliffhanger left me with!!!
All in all a pleasure to read that left me with a craving for more Candy!!
I want an Angus... No I NEED an Angus!
Oh be still my candy loving heart. This book was an absolute knock out. Candy was amazingly crazy in the best way possible. She stayed true to herself throughout the entire book and didn't try to be anything she wasn't even if it might have made life a little easier for her. From the first moment in that cell I knew she was going to be a new favorite for me and just like that, I was done for hook, line and sinker.
I want to hate Jasper... I really really want to hate him. But I might kinda sorta maybe love him a little, I'm not alone.... Right?
Why is Ace my favorite? I always seem to love the ones that are slightly more damaged than the others.. I make zero apologies.
This book had so many twist and turns that I was left dizzy! I mean, seriously?!? I didn't see that coming. Not at all and I'm not even talking about the hell of a hangover that cliffhanger left me with!!!
All in all a pleasure to read that left me with a craving for more Candy!!
October 1, 2025
I got this book as one of those free-for-all once-a-year Kindle events (can't for the life of me remember what it's called right now). And while most of the books I got from that event have been sorely disappointing, the only disappointing thing about this book is that it doesn't have more eyes reading it.
This book is one of the best dark romances I've read in some time. Candy is epic! She's strong, she's wild, she's unpredictable, and she's a little too lovable. Her and that grumpy little candy blob manifestation of an imaginary friend.
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started this book, but this was not it, and I am pleasantly surprised.
The spice level is maybe 3.5/5, but where it comes, it's pretty spicy! And honestly, at least it actually comes with a really good plot. I highly recommend this for a quick and smooth binge-read.
Off to the next one. (pleeeeeeease be as good as the first!)
This book is one of the best dark romances I've read in some time. Candy is epic! She's strong, she's wild, she's unpredictable, and she's a little too lovable. Her and that grumpy little candy blob manifestation of an imaginary friend.
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I started this book, but this was not it, and I am pleasantly surprised.
The spice level is maybe 3.5/5, but where it comes, it's pretty spicy! And honestly, at least it actually comes with a really good plot. I highly recommend this for a quick and smooth binge-read.
Off to the next one. (pleeeeeeease be as good as the first!)
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