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I'm an atheist gym rat falling for a faithful man with a sweet tooth, and I can't help myself.

When my gym buddies said I'd be stringing up Christmas lights with Caleb, they failed to mention how adorable he is. After spending the day taking him to my favorite candy shop, making the gym shine with Christmas cheer, and showing him exactly how fun a locker room can be, it's my inexperienced new friend who's turning my world upside down.

I might not be a believer, but I'm starting to believe in the magic of Christmas.

Candy is a novella in the Wrecked series. This story takes place after the final book in the series.

95 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

82 people are currently reading
164 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Fox

55 books780 followers

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5 stars
430 (48%)
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263 (29%)
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163 (18%)
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23 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,503 reviews225 followers
December 15, 2021
Wow... The most I have ever cried in 95 pages!

A bit blown away by this... Owned this series for quite a bit but never got around to starting it. So kinda did it backwards. Needless to say I will be reading it ASAP, as if it is half as good as Candy it will be awesome. Candy was beyond sweet and filled with feels to bursting!
Profile Image for Ana  Nimity.
1,298 reviews62 followers
November 10, 2021
This sweet, lovely novella certainly lives up to its name. It's set in the Wrecked universe, and can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend you read at least Sanctuary first, if not the entire Wrecked series because they're just that good.

But on to Candy - Caleb and Jordan fit together so well in this hurt-comfort, size-difference, opposites-attract short that packs a lot of story into a short amount of time.

Warning: it does involve religion, church, and faith. Caleb's mother is a homophobic witch that I wish was a caricature but unfortunately is not. Caleb is escaping from the same church hell his brother escaped from, and Jordan...well, he's an atheist and an ex-marine.

There's no preaching in the book though, and no huge crises of faith, just gentle awakening to possibilities and reconciling differences with old ways of thinking. And sex. It's Kelly Fox, so you're guaranteed two things. Okay, three. Laughter, hot sex (Caleb's a virgin, of course!) and smart-mouthed characters.

It was great to see the Wrecked crew again, and I hope we get more from that world at some point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ⋆。°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°。⋆.
1,179 reviews230 followers
July 27, 2023
Again, why didn't I read the short novellas of this series??
My god, this is embarrasing.


Another novella that is far better than the books in this series.

A sweet, sexy romance between Jordan, an ex-marine and Caleb, Elijah's brother from their very religious family.

This was such a sweet, beautiful story. Another one of those where the authors decide to save the best characters, best dialogues and best stories for their short novellas, so the reader can spend the whole day wallowing in pain and sorrow, because the story wasn't longer. 😐

🔵 No vets, just two young gay men
🟢 Caleb is a complete virgin
🌶️ Sexy spice
🟡 Endearing and funny MMCs
🔴 Religion/atheism, but nothing serious
🟣 HEA, marriage, kids

Caleb is Elijah's brother, who's thrown out of his parents' house for being gay. He goes to find his estranged brother Elijah, who's now married to Nick, so Elijah is out and proud and has made a really nice life for himself - something Caleb never dared to dream for himself.

Caleb has always been humble and quiet, not talking or showing people who he is, mostly because he was taught to deny and hide the fact that he was gay, so when he comes to Elijah, he's just coming out of his shell and experiencing his real self for the first time in his life.

He meets Jordan, an ex-marine and the guy in the same predicament as Caleb, him also being disowned for being gay, but he's already independent.



When they meet, they're both immediately drawn to each other and the love story that develops is the sweetest in the bunch. They're so good together, everything flows naturally and it's one of those things where they both just know it's here to stay.

Jordan, for one, is just smitten.

"I bet he'd be wonderful to wake up to.
Oh, hello, random thought."

"I think your confidence is sexy."

"Jesus. He whispered the word sexy.
I bet he's even cute with morning breath."
😄

And Caleb is a sweet little cinnamon roll who's very enthusiastic about pretty much everything, he's a darling and I think out of all the characters in this series, I've liked him the most.

Jordan and Caleb had funny dialogues, funny internal monologues and I loved pretty much everything about them.
They're a sweet, very solid couple and their story was a joy to read.



I am somehow almost sad the series is over, although having read so many other series, I can see the characters are always connected, in one way or another.
The only thing that's missing here is me reading the Guardians series, which I'm absolutely about to do. Anders just keeps popping up in every Kelly Fox book I read, so yeah, let's take a closer look at who this guy is.
Profile Image for Guy Venturi.
1,081 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2021
As sweet as only a Candy boy can be.

Butt as strong as your favorite flavor to see. The fragrance of caramel and the taste of cinnamon. With hot sweaty Marines living at the gym with the son. Full of surprises and without the fear, their love of each other makes them all so dear. They care for each other and help each one now. Their scars and muscles make you go wow. But their church is different and accepts them as the are. Though families fail them and keep them afar. But marriage with bind them into a pack, protected from worry about an attack. The heroes are bonded and friends may be queer, but together they're better again this year.
Profile Image for Marthea.
1,008 reviews16 followers
October 10, 2022
W sumie całkiem urocza i słodka, świąteczna insta-love 😁
Przy czym, jeżeli nie czytało się całej serii, to idę o zakład, że frajda z czytania jest dużo, dużo mniejsza 😉
Profile Image for Jamie.
2,062 reviews93 followers
November 4, 2024
This was a cute novella. I enjoyed Jordan and Caleb's story. I do wish it was a little longer and we got more time with them, but the epilogue gave them a good wrap up.

I also liked we saw all the guys even if it was just in small doses.

I was glad that there was some resolution and happiness for Elijah and Caleb in their family.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,456 reviews103 followers
November 16, 2021
I totally could have read a full story about these two , I loved every second of their insta love holiday sweetness. I know there's spin off series but I hope the author goes back to writing more focused around the gym, I missed it. I want Plaster Brandon to get his HEA  and I'm m reaching here but Calebs dad having a bi awakening , I'd read that on a heartbeat !
Profile Image for Rin (indefinite hiatus).
595 reviews28 followers
November 8, 2021
I think I would be happy spending the rest of my life re-visiting Kelly’s Wrecked/Guardians families. And to be honest, you can’t get the full effect of this novella without having read her Wrecked books.

This novella is PACKED with feels, hilarity, sexy times, a little hurt/comfort, overcoming extreme religious teachings and homophobia, BIG found family feels, and a really satisfying HEA for such a short story. And we get a visit with Morris, who is probably my favorite smaller character from Kelly’s universe.

I’m going to tell everyone to read this, and on its own it’ll still be sweet, but to get the full effect, read her Wrecked books first.

And now I’m ready for Jules’ happy ending. :-)
Profile Image for AL.
1,720 reviews14 followers
November 17, 2021
Every single encounter with the Wrecked crowd is a pure pleasure and this story is definitely no exception. Warm, witty, charming and with jsut the rigtht amount of heat, it's a perfect read for another glimpse into the amazing world Kelly Fox created.
I loved the story so much! Caleb was a sweet character and just right for Jordan. I was charmed by the vibe they had. Only complaint? I would have loved for the book to be longer, just for the pleasure of the great writing style and all the awesome personalities.
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,239 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2021
Love this world!

I loved that this story was Elijah's brother! Caleb and Jordan were adorable and while this was a short story we got to see far enough in the future that it didn't really leave me wanting or missing any part of their romance. If you love the Wrecked world, if you love seeing the men and women in that world, then pick up this book for a quick visit.
Profile Image for Emily.
103 reviews
December 6, 2022
Short and sweet, like candy (lol). A cozy read that makes your heart (and other places) feel warm and fuzzy. I may or may not have shed a happy tear or two (you have no proof)
Profile Image for Kate.
2,570 reviews6 followers
March 9, 2022
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I enjoyed this book. In this sweet Christmas novella Candy we meet Caleb, one of Elijah’s younger brother’s whose been recently been kicked out as their mother found something of the c*cky variety on it, he just couldn’t lie even though he knew what happened. He went to the gym as he knew that was where he could find Elijah and hopefully his older brother would be able to help. Elijah and Nick instantly bring him into their Wrecked family. Caleb is a total sweetheart, I thought that Elijah was extremely nice but Caleb beats him. Caleb is happy to help them in anyway to say thanks, and they think that he could help Jordan with the Christmas decorations for Wrecked, for their Christmas party. Jordan came out to his family at Thanksgiving and they kicked him out but he still has his found family at Wrecked. Jordan doesn’t believe in feelings or getting serious with any man. That all changes when he picks up his new helper and Elijah’s younger brother Caleb and they both feel an instant connection towards the other. Things heat up between them very quickly. I wish this book was a bit longer as everything was rushed and considering Caleb comes from a highly religious background and is a v*rgin so wasn’t very believable.

Their chemistry was totally off the charts though. My heart went out to Caleb as he broke down a few times throughout but Jordan was there to hold him while he did. I loved seeing them fall in love even if it was in fast forward. I loved seeing Caleb come into his own and stood up for his brother and himself to their homophobic b*tch of a mother when she came to Wrecked to try and get Caleb back home but he wasn’t having any bar of it. I loved seeing the gym members standing behind them in solidarity, but let them fight their own battles. Morris was totally spot on what he called their mother. I did think that Caleb and Elijah forgave their father way to quickly to be believable since when Elijah was kicked out he did nothing but I suppose losing another son could be the catalyst from trying to earn their and gods forgiveness. I’m looking forward to reading the spin-off Wrecked: Guardians Series next. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
Profile Image for Jamie  Stevens.
171 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2021
It's not secret that Kelly is one of my favorite authors. Candy was just so dang sweet. My heart swelled 3 sizes reading it. This fits perfectly into the Wrecked world. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading at least book 1, Sanctuary, in the Wrecked series.

We meet Caleb, Elijah's brother. His mother found out he was gay and kicked him out. He grew up devote and deals with some internalized stuff in the story. After seeing some of the people at the gym he feels more comfortable in who he is. He wants to help out where he can until he's back on his feet. In comes Jordan, a hot 🔥 marine with troubles of his own.

Jordan just came out to his family and is turned away. While it hurts, he has his found family at Wrecked to help him through. Part of his business is putting up Christmas lights for the Wrecked family businesses. He goes to pick up his newest volunteer, Caleb. It's insta-lust.

This is a hurt/comfort, sweet heat book. Jordan is as sweet as the candy Caleb loves so much. There is some angst but it's resolved the way I always wish things would be. With the love and support of my favorite veterans. I was so glad to see the crew again. This is a MUST read holiday romance.
Profile Image for J.L..
Author 14 books72 followers
November 9, 2021
Disclaimer: I received an electronic ARC of this novella from the author.

‘Tis the season for holiday treats, and Fox provides an amazing present to her readers in the form of a return to our favorite gym for combat vets. Caleb is not a combat vet in the traditional sense, but he has just finished fighting a war of his own, and he’s come to Wrecked to seek refuge with his formerly estranged brother. There, he catches the eye of another member of the extended Wrecked family. Caleb and Jordan working together sparks feelings between the men that are unexpected but entirely welcome, and the resulting love story is the perfect holiday blend of spice and sweetness.

Faith is an important through-line of this story, but Fox makes the elements of this theme accessible to all readers, regardless of their religious persuasion (or lack thereof). I say this as someone who falls into the latter category, and I still ended this delightful novella with a huge smile and a lovely dose of warm fuzzies.

Fans of Fox’s amazing interconnected book series should definitely not miss out on this holiday story, no matter what time of year it is.
89 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2024
Cutest love as a result of homophobic families
HEA. Standalone or In Series Order. Optional. Spoilers for Full Contact.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5: Romance with several explicit sex scenes that use all the naughty words. MM Romance.
Tropes: Virgin, Military, Holiday, Hurt Comfort, Religion
Setting: Businesses & homes in Austin, TX
Subplots beyond the main & romantic plotlines: Some post-epilogues with the couples & families from Wrecked series.
Character Caleb: Sweet, Repressed, Existential, Baby Gay
Character Jordan: Understanding, Kind, Sexy, Landscaper / Vet
Best Candy Category: Existential-crisis candies need their own amazing labeling.

Note: I provide full star ratings for books I complete, aiming to accentuate their strengths while refraining from negative critiques.
Profile Image for Elle Kay.
382 reviews
November 20, 2021
Delightful, fluffy, sweet story perfect for wintertime reading. Although this is an insta-love story, which I typically avoid, I’m willing to make exceptions to my rules for pretty much anything Kelly Fox writes.

Caleb is damaged by his family of origin but so strong and, with help from the Wrecked family, quickly embraces the man he was meant to be.

Jordan is so supportive, gentle and loving, the perfect match for sweet Caleb. The fact that he’s a hot, sexy Marine doesn’t hurt either.

Because both men struggle with issues with their families of origin, the found family at Wrecked really shines.

Of course, all the regular Wrecked Crew make appearances (& one Anders mystery is explained), proving how well Fox “gets” her readers. As an aside, Morris may win for quote of the novella too.

Hoping the series continues with Jules getting her HEA. Meanwhile, I’m taking a little time to re-read the series from the beginning, just ‘cause I can!
Profile Image for Jozey.
736 reviews8 followers
November 24, 2021
OMG! Love it sooo much. Sweet like Candy!!!

Contains: religious homophobia, Kick out after coming out, atheism-christianism couple, first time/virgin, self discovering, all the love and sweet candy.

The author has the trick of taking us away in this gym filled with a big inclusive family that helps each other and make us immediately falls in love with her characters.

This book is full of inspiring quotes about being yourself, different and deep opinions about religion without it becoming the main interest.

The main line is completely devolving on finally being able to be yourself and accept yourself as you are. To speak in public in order to affirm one's love or opinion in the face of homophobia.

The chemistry between the characters is incredible . Jordan helps and protects Caleb as best he can, and it's so damn cute, adorkable, so HOT and so so so Sweet just like a candy!
453 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2021
Candy is a quick return to Kelly Fox’s Wrecked world for a fun Holiday Romance. We meet Elijah’s estranged brother Caleb after he is kicked out of home after coming out. He meets Jordan when he’s pulled into working with him on a Holiday decorating project. With his “Ultra Religious” background Caleb has always been torn with regards to his sexuality but has reached the point of no return. He and Jordan both have the experience of falling for each other quite quickly, even though Jordan is admittedly someone who doesn’t believe in relationships. Sometimes it just takes finding that “One” person who fills in all of your empty spaces and hopefully you do the same for them. I love Kelly Fox’s writing and will never complain about being brought back into the world of my favorite characters. Now the wait for Navarro! Happy Holidays Everyone!
Profile Image for Shelly.
279 reviews9 followers
November 16, 2021
This. Was. Adorable. I still can't believe this much story was packed into 95 measly pages. It's Kelly, so this was as well-written, hilarious, and sexy as I expected. I love the way her brain works and I'm so happy I found her books.

As Jordan and Caleb navigated their way to their HEA, we got to visit with all my favorite Wrecked characters, which was such a treat. It had me jonesing for a reread of the whole series. While this was romantic and sexy, Fox didn't shy away from the conflict either. There was a lot of focus on faith and religion, but it didn't feel preachy in the least to me. There were a few moments that had me spitting fire, but I couldn't have been happier with the resolutions to those subplots as well. A perfect little sweet treat to get you in the holiday season! 4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Dekaydreader.
979 reviews19 followers
December 2, 2022
Oh, the cavities! Delicious, delectable, divine, and so, so, sweet. Very aptly titled. Kelly Fox has crammed a sackful of treats into this novella - I very much enjoyed her handling of religion in this tale, as well as the delightful romance.

>>>rant break<<<
I cry for the hateful, shriveled, loveless hearts of narrow-minded folks who manage to lock their minds against love while professing adherence to the incarnation of love on earth. I cry for the damage they do to those who don't fit into their tiny box of righteousness, and I cry happy tears for those who free themselves and overcome the darkness.
How the hell can you justify loathing the light and the rainbow? Sorry for the rant; this is why I am agnostic leaning towards atheism...

Anyway, this story melted my heart and gave me light on Christians who are actually Christian. (and of course, a wonderful HEA)
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,135 reviews25 followers
November 8, 2021
Jordan, a hookups only guy, has his world knocked on its axis when he encounters the adorably sweet and innocent Caleb. The sizzling chemistry between them is practically instant and whilst they really do try to pace themselves, things get very steamy between them. It’s wonderful watching Caleb begin to embrace his authentic self and gain self confidence with the assistance of Jordan and his words of wisdom. A self confidence that is a delight to watch when he encounters his toxic mother!

We get to visit with characters from the previous books and have some feels and laughs as Jordan and Caleb journey towards their angst free HEA. This is an easy and enjoyable read for the holiday season - candy included!
Profile Image for Shana_Bobana.
403 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2021
OMG this novella is absolutely perfect!!! I thought “oh I’ll just read a chapter or two and then go to bed.” NOPE! Literally could not stop reading this book.

We met Justin in Shameless when he was flirting with Roly and it was so great getting to read his own story. Caleb was mentioned in Sanctuary by Elijah, but we never met him.

This story if full of hurt/confit as both men are their for each other. This was pretty close to insta live but I find that in novellas that really works best.

Their romance is sweet, and their friendship is perfect. I had high expectations for this story because the Wrecked series is one of my favorites, and this story did not disappoint.

I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
1,384 reviews6 followers
November 16, 2021
I love the Wrecked world and this is a wonderful addition to the series. Caleb is Elijah's younger brother. This story lets us touch base with our favorite characters while meeting a few new ones that are perfect for the family. Caleb and Jordan have both lost family due to hatred, now they have a chance to find a new family.

I love Caleb and think that he is a fantastic character. He finally gets to be himself and accept all of who he is. Jordan is the perfect counterpart for Caleb and helps pull him out of his shell and accepts Caleb for all that he is.

These two connect and raise each other up and remind them that they are not alone and that things do get better. Surprises happen and love blooms. This is a fantastic story for such a great series.
Profile Image for Katharine Lancaster.
580 reviews3 followers
March 12, 2022
Jesus' Love vs. "Sunday Christianity"

What I’ve learned in the last month has more to do with actual love than with any of the judgment you spit out. You know, there are some people who, out of a sincerity of faith, make what they call judgment calls regarding the queer community. I don’t even think you have that going for you.

No, I think you just like being judgmental. I think you like feeling superior to others with your brand of Christianity. You like to sit on a pedestal you created for yourself so you can look down at other people. The last I checked, Jesus sat in the dirt with people who society deemed unworthy. I don’t think he’d recognize you as one of his, do you? Do you really?
Profile Image for Grace ❤️.
329 reviews11 followers
November 8, 2021
This was very sweet! I love watching characters who were repressed or had to hide really come into themselves and their truth and Caleb really embodied that!! I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a big fan of religion, in books and in my life, but I thought this was done very well! I liked Jordan a lot but I didn’t really understand him or get to know him in a deeper than surface level way. It seemed a little abrupt his switch from “I’ll never even date” to “omg here’s my soulmate”. I can appreciate an insta-love story but this one left me just a little wanting. That being said Caleb was absolutely adorable and I LOVED getting to peak in on some of my favorite wrecked couples!!
3,010 reviews46 followers
November 11, 2021
I devoured this delicious, sweet morsel of a love story!
Candy gives the reader everything they could ask for in a novella. Characters to fall in love with. Visits with loved characters from previous books in the series. Heat, heart and happiness!
I could gush on and on about Caleb and Jordan. Caleb is just the most adorably sweet guy who is finally living his true self and Jordan is here for it!
These two together are everything! I loved the dynamics between these two guys. Their connection and chemistry sets the pages on fire!
What a treat to get to go back into the Wrecked world.
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
November 12, 2021
Sweet Tooth

Is it just me or is anyone else craving candy after reading this scrumptiously sweet novella? I know I’ll never be fully satisfied without the amazing Wrecked family in my life and now we can add the sexy duo of Jordan and Caleb to the mix. Though sad and angry for the why of their meeting—though just you wait it’s so worth it—Jordan’s and Caleb’s lives are most definitely richer for having found each other. “You dazzle me. From the first day I met you and every minute in between.” Sigh, the love between these two is a delicious combo of heatedly sweet and spicy. I just finished and yet I’m already hungry for more.
Profile Image for Becky A.
2,011 reviews
December 28, 2021
"Candy" received TWO AND A HALF stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."


59 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2022
Is this really the same author? Reads like fanfic

The story is light and fluffy with no body. No matter how hard I slogged through I couldn't get invested in the characters or their stories. The insta-love didn't take with me. Benning and Ivan's was rich and realistic, candyboy's was like reading a preteen fanfic.
The Wrecked story and all its many branches cover realistic people, from Scout to Rafi to Elijah. They hurt, you care for them, some stories are fantastic and some pull heartstrings, but you're invested in them. Candy was cotton-candy:spun too sweet, no substance, melts in your mouth then gone.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
1,042 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2024
Another great novella by Kelly Fox. Some authors write novellas and they leave out a lot of information and plot points to keep everything short. They feel like they're lacking in some way. Kelly has a way with writing really good, solid, novellas filled with just enough info and plot to keep you interested. There were cameos from other characters, a complete overarching plot, a steady romance, an engaging love interest and side characters, etc. I will say it's been a few years since I read Wrecked and this novella brought me right back into this series, and that's difficult to do, especially for me with my memory issues. That's how good Kelly is at writing novellas.
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