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Candy Courage
Glenn Bellamy, a divorced dad, is taking his son around trick-or-treating. He confiscates some homemade peanut brittle -- and eats it himself of course -- not knowing that the old man who made it is an alchemist who adds something special to his candy each year. This year it was Courage, so when Glenn and his son hit Neal Sampson's house, Glenn finds himself flirting and making a date for the next day. Will the candy courage wear off, or will Glenn find the guts to go after what he wants?
14 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2009
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 10, 2009
It's Halloween night and Glenn Bellamy is taking his son trick or treating. Following the warnings of his ex-wife, he doesn't allow him to eat the home made candy the boy gets. When he's reassured by the other Dad he's with that it's made by a harmless neighbor who's been living there all his life and making the special Halloween candy Glenn decides it ok and eats it himself.
What Glenn doesn't know is that while Sebastiano Fiorentelli's candy isn't harmful it definitely isn't ordinary candy. Mr Fiorentelli puts a little extra something in his candy every year and this time it's Courage.
What follows is a night and day of out of character behavior on Glenn's part that just might have a wonderful and long lasting effect on his life. This was a very entertaining short story. At only 14 pages it's part of Torquere's Sip line. I really liked the characters, the one sex scene was hot and the bit of magic was a delightful treat. Since it's so short I don't feel I can say much more without giving away too much so I'll just end by saying it's a well written little book and I enjoyed it very much.
What Glenn doesn't know is that while Sebastiano Fiorentelli's candy isn't harmful it definitely isn't ordinary candy. Mr Fiorentelli puts a little extra something in his candy every year and this time it's Courage.
What follows is a night and day of out of character behavior on Glenn's part that just might have a wonderful and long lasting effect on his life. This was a very entertaining short story. At only 14 pages it's part of Torquere's Sip line. I really liked the characters, the one sex scene was hot and the bit of magic was a delightful treat. Since it's so short I don't feel I can say much more without giving away too much so I'll just end by saying it's a well written little book and I enjoyed it very much.
February 27, 2011
Old Mr. Fiorentelli emigrated to the United States before parents started being concerned about homemade candy being given away at Halloween. Yet, no one in the neighborhood worries about his candy anymore since he’s been giving it out for so long without any problems. However, Glenn has just moved to the area, and had to remind his son of the rules (only store bought candy) when his son returns from the old man’s door with a wrapped piece of peanut brittle. What no one knows, however, is that every year the old man, an alchemist, puts something special into his candy, and this year it is Courage. So when Glenn confiscates the candy from his son and eats it himself, he finds himself coming onto Neal Sampson, an extremely hot co-worker who lives a few blocks from the old man. Glenn has no idea why he’s being so brave, he never would have been this forward normally. Yet, Neal is receptive to his advances and makes a date with him the next day. But when Glenn wakes up the next morning, the courage has worn off, and if he really wants to pursue something with Neal, he’s going to have to find the courage within himself.
There were a lot of things I loved about this story — namely the idea the story is based on. I thought it was a pretty great idea and it was showcased rather well, not only in how Glenn changes after he eats the candy and goes after what he really wants, but in the couple of little vingettes at the start of the story, which show random children and how the candy affects them. I thought the story of little Graciella, who was afraid of her big, scary dog, really cute.
The problem that I had with the story was that the two main characters, Glenn and Neal, didn’t really fit together. I have no doubt that they could if we were given more than a five or six pages of them together. The story is really about Glenn going for what he wants and ending up with a hookup, which is about all that can be told in 14 pages. If the story had been longer, I can see them forming a bond and growing to love each other, because at the end they started to seem like they were on the same page. I think that even if the story had an extra 10 pages we would have been able to get a better feel of Glenn and Neal’s budding relationship. Had Ms. Benedetti written in a scene of Glenn and Neal that wasn’t sexual but more how they are around each other not in the bedroom, I might have gotten to know the characters a little better. Though, with such a short story and a short period of time with these two guys, I’m glad that she did not make them instantly fall in love with each other. That would have been easy to do, but instead she told the story for what it was. Maybe it really was just a hookup and there is to be no lasting relationship. Maybe, because I read so much M/M Romance, I assume all authors want to send their characters down this path. We don’t know, and that is the best and worst thing about the story. I wanted more, but it worked for what it was.
This is a good story, short and sweet (the kids are sweet, but the men are definitely spicy!). I enjoyed it very much and would love to see both of these characters back again with more time to devote to their characters. Recommended for fans of the series.
For the full review, please visit Reviews by Jessewave.
There were a lot of things I loved about this story — namely the idea the story is based on. I thought it was a pretty great idea and it was showcased rather well, not only in how Glenn changes after he eats the candy and goes after what he really wants, but in the couple of little vingettes at the start of the story, which show random children and how the candy affects them. I thought the story of little Graciella, who was afraid of her big, scary dog, really cute.
The problem that I had with the story was that the two main characters, Glenn and Neal, didn’t really fit together. I have no doubt that they could if we were given more than a five or six pages of them together. The story is really about Glenn going for what he wants and ending up with a hookup, which is about all that can be told in 14 pages. If the story had been longer, I can see them forming a bond and growing to love each other, because at the end they started to seem like they were on the same page. I think that even if the story had an extra 10 pages we would have been able to get a better feel of Glenn and Neal’s budding relationship. Had Ms. Benedetti written in a scene of Glenn and Neal that wasn’t sexual but more how they are around each other not in the bedroom, I might have gotten to know the characters a little better. Though, with such a short story and a short period of time with these two guys, I’m glad that she did not make them instantly fall in love with each other. That would have been easy to do, but instead she told the story for what it was. Maybe it really was just a hookup and there is to be no lasting relationship. Maybe, because I read so much M/M Romance, I assume all authors want to send their characters down this path. We don’t know, and that is the best and worst thing about the story. I wanted more, but it worked for what it was.
This is a good story, short and sweet (the kids are sweet, but the men are definitely spicy!). I enjoyed it very much and would love to see both of these characters back again with more time to devote to their characters. Recommended for fans of the series.
For the full review, please visit Reviews by Jessewave.
October 27, 2010
Take an old gentleman who mixes magic into his yearly Halloween supply of home made peanut brittle. Stir in a single father who takes his boy trick-or-treating, and throw in a gorgeous co-worker who lives in the area. There you have the recipe for Candy Courage.
Our main character Glen Bellamy is a single father who recently moved to the neighborhood. He and his son Georgie are out trick-0r-treating when they come by Mr. Fiorentelli's old home. The peanut brittle Mr. Fiorentelli gives the kids smells wonderful, but it is not store bought, so Glen is not about to let Georgie eat it -- that doesn't mean he himself can't have it.
A couple of more blocks and they unexpectedly reach the home of Neal Sampson. He is Glen's hot and smart co-worker, and he has a bit of a lusty crush on him. To his own surprise, Glen flirts and aggressively makes a date with Neal for the following day. Will Glen continue to have the courage he needs to approach Neal once the magic wears off? Will his shyness allow it?
I found this short Torquere Halloween Sip by Ms. Benedetti to be a sweet, hot read. She captured a moment, the consequences and its possibilities quite well.
Our main character Glen Bellamy is a single father who recently moved to the neighborhood. He and his son Georgie are out trick-0r-treating when they come by Mr. Fiorentelli's old home. The peanut brittle Mr. Fiorentelli gives the kids smells wonderful, but it is not store bought, so Glen is not about to let Georgie eat it -- that doesn't mean he himself can't have it.
A couple of more blocks and they unexpectedly reach the home of Neal Sampson. He is Glen's hot and smart co-worker, and he has a bit of a lusty crush on him. To his own surprise, Glen flirts and aggressively makes a date with Neal for the following day. Will Glen continue to have the courage he needs to approach Neal once the magic wears off? Will his shyness allow it?
I found this short Torquere Halloween Sip by Ms. Benedetti to be a sweet, hot read. She captured a moment, the consequences and its possibilities quite well.
October 31, 2010
I thought it was very well written, with interesting characterization. I suppose it would be classified as gay erotica/romance. I hope I'm not getting that wrong. I know I've never read anything else quite like it. It was a bit too graphic for me in places, but I'm sure that might be a selling point for others. Angela is definitely a talented writer.
September 10, 2011
This was a fun little short story about some magic candy and what it can lead to! Quick, happy, fun read.
March 22, 2017
Sebastiano Fiorentelli likes to participate in the Halloween traditions by making homemade candy for all the kids. After being around the neighborhood for so many years, no one questions letting their kids eat the special candy but they really have no idea quite how special it is. Each year Mr. Fiorentelli adds something extra to the candy, and this year he has decided to make courage. Anyone that eats the candy gets a small burst of extra courage, that lil push they need to face their greatest fears. For Glenn Bellamy, when he hits co-worker Neal Sampson's house after eating the peanut brittle o' plenty, the candy helps him to openly flirt and make a date with the man he has been admiring from afar. The next day his fears start to break down his confidence, and Glenn struggles to hang onto the courage from his night of throwing caution to the wind by grabbing life, or someone else, by the balls.
The thing I love most about reviewing for Rainbow Reviews is that I get introduced to new authors that I otherwise might have missed and in the case of Angela Benedetti I feel that I've hit a gold mine. After reviewing In the Driver's Seat and A Spirit of Vengeance I knew I had to get the rest of her backlist and read every story. I now realize that I missed one but I will most definitely be rectifying that as soon as possible! I have loved each and every story I've read and look forward to reading more. Angela possesses a unique brand of storytelling that flows so easily and introduces characters that are engaging in just a few short pages. Each story I have read is fresh and thoroughly enjoyable, so much so that I read them more than once.
Candy Courage is a fun Halloween tale with an interesting quirk. I loved how Angela sets up the affect the candy has on people who consume it through eight-year-old Robbie who is afraid of the trampoline cage in his backyard and six-year-old Graciela who is frightened of her brothers' dog Lito. Children are so open with their feelings and the affect the candy has on their lives is touching and adorable. The story then focuses on Glenn as he is taking his son Georgie trick-or-treating. Glenn's relationship with his son is wonderful, and they have quite a bit of fun for Halloween. Eating the peanut brittle with a kick gives Glenn just the hint of courage he needs to throw caution to the wind and go after what he wants. What results, thankfully for readers, is what can only be referred to as "sextastic" which I have to say is one of my new favorite words. Unfortunately for Glenn, his insecurities start to creap back in and following along as he tries not to wimp out is capitavating and a joy to read. The two men geek out together a bit, something I always love being a fellow geek, and you just know they will hit it off quite well if Glenn can hang onto the newfound burst to his courage. Overall this is a phenomenal tale and a great Halloween story that I enjoyed immensely. Fans of Angela's writing will most definitely enjoy this story and anyone who hasn't had the chance to read any of Angela's stories must drop everything and read one immediately! You won't be disappointed!
The thing I love most about reviewing for Rainbow Reviews is that I get introduced to new authors that I otherwise might have missed and in the case of Angela Benedetti I feel that I've hit a gold mine. After reviewing In the Driver's Seat and A Spirit of Vengeance I knew I had to get the rest of her backlist and read every story. I now realize that I missed one but I will most definitely be rectifying that as soon as possible! I have loved each and every story I've read and look forward to reading more. Angela possesses a unique brand of storytelling that flows so easily and introduces characters that are engaging in just a few short pages. Each story I have read is fresh and thoroughly enjoyable, so much so that I read them more than once.
Candy Courage is a fun Halloween tale with an interesting quirk. I loved how Angela sets up the affect the candy has on people who consume it through eight-year-old Robbie who is afraid of the trampoline cage in his backyard and six-year-old Graciela who is frightened of her brothers' dog Lito. Children are so open with their feelings and the affect the candy has on their lives is touching and adorable. The story then focuses on Glenn as he is taking his son Georgie trick-or-treating. Glenn's relationship with his son is wonderful, and they have quite a bit of fun for Halloween. Eating the peanut brittle with a kick gives Glenn just the hint of courage he needs to throw caution to the wind and go after what he wants. What results, thankfully for readers, is what can only be referred to as "sextastic" which I have to say is one of my new favorite words. Unfortunately for Glenn, his insecurities start to creap back in and following along as he tries not to wimp out is capitavating and a joy to read. The two men geek out together a bit, something I always love being a fellow geek, and you just know they will hit it off quite well if Glenn can hang onto the newfound burst to his courage. Overall this is a phenomenal tale and a great Halloween story that I enjoyed immensely. Fans of Angela's writing will most definitely enjoy this story and anyone who hasn't had the chance to read any of Angela's stories must drop everything and read one immediately! You won't be disappointed!
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June 22, 2015Included in the Bits of magic anthology
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews