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Hard Candy #1
Hard Candy
Can the daughter of a notorious drug kingpin be just as bold and bad as her daddy was? Candice Hardaway is about to find out in this exciting street tale!
When Candy arrives home from school to find her entire family murdered, she turns to the only one she trusts, her uncle, Joseph "Rock" Barton.
Rock's a reclusive hitman and "cleaner" who's been in service to Candy's father for years. He takes her in, and together they vow to avenge the murders.
When she turns eighteen, her plans go into effect as she knocks off all her father's enemies, one by one, going up against some of the most dangerous killers in the game.
But has she put her trust in the right hands? Or is she destined to face the same grisly fate as the rest of her family?
When Candy arrives home from school to find her entire family murdered, she turns to the only one she trusts, her uncle, Joseph "Rock" Barton.
Rock's a reclusive hitman and "cleaner" who's been in service to Candy's father for years. He takes her in, and together they vow to avenge the murders.
When she turns eighteen, her plans go into effect as she knocks off all her father's enemies, one by one, going up against some of the most dangerous killers in the game.
But has she put her trust in the right hands? Or is she destined to face the same grisly fate as the rest of her family?
- GenresAfrican AmericanFiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 11, 2011
Discovering the bodies of her entire family at the age of 14 placed an almost unbearable strain upon Candice "Candy" Hardaway. The grisly murders of Eric "Easy" Hardaway and his family were a carefully executed strategy to overtake Easy's position as one of the major players in the NY drug scene. The newly orphaned Candy was forced to take refuge with her uncle Rock. Joseph 'Rock" Barton worked as Easy's hitman and was the one person that Easy trusted implicitly which was why Candy was instructed to turn to Rock if there was ever trouble.
Rock wasn't prepared to raise a teenager but his love for his former employer and the urge to protect Candy was all the motivation he needed. With Candy's urging Rock taught her the tools that she would need to protect herself. However Candy had other motives for her newfound knowledge and by the time she turns eighteen she's ready to put her plans of revenge in motion. Candy quickly discovers that the execution is far harder than the extensive education she received from uncle Rock.
With Hard Candy Author Amaleka McCall penned a mystery/thriller novel with an urban flair. The combination was no easy feat but Mrs. McCall pulled it off in a manner that is sure to leave her readers both intrigued and satiated.
Rock wasn't prepared to raise a teenager but his love for his former employer and the urge to protect Candy was all the motivation he needed. With Candy's urging Rock taught her the tools that she would need to protect herself. However Candy had other motives for her newfound knowledge and by the time she turns eighteen she's ready to put her plans of revenge in motion. Candy quickly discovers that the execution is far harder than the extensive education she received from uncle Rock.
With Hard Candy Author Amaleka McCall penned a mystery/thriller novel with an urban flair. The combination was no easy feat but Mrs. McCall pulled it off in a manner that is sure to leave her readers both intrigued and satiated.
January 4, 2022
This book has so many plot twists I kept going “Wayment…what?” Don’t get me wrong. They fit together. But only because the author told you they fit. There is never a gradual increase in information that makes you draw a conclusion. You kind of think one thing is going on until you’re told another thing is going on.
So Easy gets killed. Somebody named Junior is there. His oldest daughter happens to not be home and runs to Uncle Rock when she finds her family dead. 4 years later Rock is training her to kill, we assume for revenge on the people who killed her family and Junior who was Easy’s lieutenant is running shit. He got a homeboy named Tuck and a crazy lil brother named Brody. Then we find out Tuck is an undercover DEA agent. Then we find out Rock is ex CIA. Then we find out Easy, who met Rock when he stopped Easy from dying in a set up, is selling drugs for the government (think Freeway Ricky Ross). Then we find out Easy’s son, also called Junior, was given brainwash drugs by the government to kill his own father when Easy was ready to get out the game. Candace, Easy’s daughter is after Junior for killing her father when she finds out not only that it was in fact her brother that did it along with the government, but uncle Rock knew the whole time. Then we find out Rock is the other a juniors father and had Easy look out for him, which is how he became part of Easy’s organization. Then we find out Junior is still doing business with Easy’s connect, which is still the government. Rock was hired to assassinate one last person and we think it’s Tuck, but it turns out to be whatever Tucks white partner that’s fucking his wife name is.
A lot.
I mean I’m not saying it was bad. I going to read part two.
So Easy gets killed. Somebody named Junior is there. His oldest daughter happens to not be home and runs to Uncle Rock when she finds her family dead. 4 years later Rock is training her to kill, we assume for revenge on the people who killed her family and Junior who was Easy’s lieutenant is running shit. He got a homeboy named Tuck and a crazy lil brother named Brody. Then we find out Tuck is an undercover DEA agent. Then we find out Rock is ex CIA. Then we find out Easy, who met Rock when he stopped Easy from dying in a set up, is selling drugs for the government (think Freeway Ricky Ross). Then we find out Easy’s son, also called Junior, was given brainwash drugs by the government to kill his own father when Easy was ready to get out the game. Candace, Easy’s daughter is after Junior for killing her father when she finds out not only that it was in fact her brother that did it along with the government, but uncle Rock knew the whole time. Then we find out Rock is the other a juniors father and had Easy look out for him, which is how he became part of Easy’s organization. Then we find out Junior is still doing business with Easy’s connect, which is still the government. Rock was hired to assassinate one last person and we think it’s Tuck, but it turns out to be whatever Tucks white partner that’s fucking his wife name is.
A lot.
I mean I’m not saying it was bad. I going to read part two.
April 11, 2011
Nothing is as it seems...
At the tender age of 14, Candace Hardaway arrives home and finds her entire family brutally murdered. She runs to the one person that her father, known kingpin Easy Hardaway tells her to go if anything bad were ever to happen...her Uncle Rock.
Uncle Rock does not have the first clue in how to raise a child but he does his best to protect and raise Candace to the best of his ability. When Candace discovers Rock's secret of being a cleaner, she begs him to teach him everything he knows so she can exact revenge on those responsible for her family's murder when she turns eighteen.
Hard Candy by Amaleka McCall was a good story with many twists and turns. A story of lust,lies, betrayal and murder. I would have liked to see a little more background on some of the and a little more information on certain characters. After having the opportunity to chat with the author, she assured me that those questions and more would be answered in the sequel. Ms. McCall definitely knows how to tell a story and keep the reader quickly turning the pages. I look forward to reading the sequel to see how the story will unfold.
Final Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Leona
StreetLitClique
http://www.wix.com/streetlitclique/st...
At the tender age of 14, Candace Hardaway arrives home and finds her entire family brutally murdered. She runs to the one person that her father, known kingpin Easy Hardaway tells her to go if anything bad were ever to happen...her Uncle Rock.
Uncle Rock does not have the first clue in how to raise a child but he does his best to protect and raise Candace to the best of his ability. When Candace discovers Rock's secret of being a cleaner, she begs him to teach him everything he knows so she can exact revenge on those responsible for her family's murder when she turns eighteen.
Hard Candy by Amaleka McCall was a good story with many twists and turns. A story of lust,lies, betrayal and murder. I would have liked to see a little more background on some of the and a little more information on certain characters. After having the opportunity to chat with the author, she assured me that those questions and more would be answered in the sequel. Ms. McCall definitely knows how to tell a story and keep the reader quickly turning the pages. I look forward to reading the sequel to see how the story will unfold.
Final Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Leona
StreetLitClique
http://www.wix.com/streetlitclique/st...
May 20, 2015
This was a good read and the events that took place proved why Candy was so hard. Things changed for Candy after coming across the murder scene of her family. Uncle Rock stepped up in a major way as far as being there and helping Candy. With revenge constantly on her mind, Candy seeked the help of Uncle Rock to get those who caused her so much pain. Broady was very arrogant and I couldn't stand how he treated Shana. Junior wasn't much better but I did like Tuck. Brubaker was playing foul in every sense of the way. The way he lied on Tuck was messed up. Candy allowed her emotions to get in the way plenty of times and I felt she should've listened to Uncle Rock and left the situation alone. Bad things were happening left to right which left many suspecting the wrong people. I swear the government was playing a dirty game. Uncle Rock's revelations were definitely a whoa moment. It was a shocker learning which Junior played what role, as well as who Junior really was. The one responsible for trying to destroy others got what they rightfully deserve. I can't wait to get part 2 and see what's in store for those left standing.
April 5, 2011
Sweet Revenge,
Candice 'Candy' Hardaway grew up in a loving home, with two parents, siblings and plenty of money from daddy's job as a kingpin. Unfortunately, life would be anything but sweet as Candy discovers that her entire family has been murdered. Haunted by her nightmares and fueled by vengeance, Candice has vowed to make those responsible pay. Are the streets of New York ready for HARD CANDY?
HARD CANDY, a befitting title, is action-packed and steps into an abundance of emotions and intrigue. Readers will find themselves swayed by the mystique. I think Amaleka McCall gambled, and it paid off. My only issue is that while you get all of the necessary details, the story pauses instead of completely ending. I do hope that if there is to be another episode readers will not be forced to wait too long.
OOSA Online Book Club BOTM
Candice 'Candy' Hardaway grew up in a loving home, with two parents, siblings and plenty of money from daddy's job as a kingpin. Unfortunately, life would be anything but sweet as Candy discovers that her entire family has been murdered. Haunted by her nightmares and fueled by vengeance, Candice has vowed to make those responsible pay. Are the streets of New York ready for HARD CANDY?
HARD CANDY, a befitting title, is action-packed and steps into an abundance of emotions and intrigue. Readers will find themselves swayed by the mystique. I think Amaleka McCall gambled, and it paid off. My only issue is that while you get all of the necessary details, the story pauses instead of completely ending. I do hope that if there is to be another episode readers will not be forced to wait too long.
OOSA Online Book Club BOTM
June 26, 2011
Hard as Candy ~ Not as Sweet
Candice `Candy' Hardaway has been training to exact her revenge on the people who she believes made her an orphan. She's done her homework and has gotten close to the major players. Throw in an unexpected friendship and love interest and things become complicated.
Candice's Uncle Rock has taught her survival techniques and his profession as a "cleaner." He knows the truth of her family's demise and he thinks he has hidden the details from Candice. He'll do anything to protect her. Add to that an undercover DEA agent and a major government conspiracy and you have an excellent page-turner.
Amaleka McCall has impressed me again with "Hard Candy." She did a good job in keeping you intrigued. The ending tied up all the loose ends, except one, in my opinion. Good reading!
Reviewed by: Alicia
Candice `Candy' Hardaway has been training to exact her revenge on the people who she believes made her an orphan. She's done her homework and has gotten close to the major players. Throw in an unexpected friendship and love interest and things become complicated.
Candice's Uncle Rock has taught her survival techniques and his profession as a "cleaner." He knows the truth of her family's demise and he thinks he has hidden the details from Candice. He'll do anything to protect her. Add to that an undercover DEA agent and a major government conspiracy and you have an excellent page-turner.
Amaleka McCall has impressed me again with "Hard Candy." She did a good job in keeping you intrigued. The ending tied up all the loose ends, except one, in my opinion. Good reading!
Reviewed by: Alicia
January 12, 2013
I really enjoyed this novel by Amaleka G. McCall. She can really write a story that gets under your skin! I found myself hooked from the dramatic first passages and the plot had me flipping the pages (well, in this case, scrolling down on my e-reader). I love the main character, 'Candy' Hardaway. I love how independent and strong she is despite the horrible past that she went through. I think in the end she realizes that the promise of revenge is sweet and romantic at first, but it quickly unravels out of her control. I'll admit that the surprise at the end really got me, I was not expecting that twist. I actually thought someone else was responsible, but I was completely mistaken. I love when I get surprised like that. I'm really happy that I have the sequel! I can't wait to read it. Amaleka G. McCall is really talented and I definitely want to check out more of her books.
August 8, 2013
Good Book! It was very interesting and I never knew what was coming next. It wasn't predictable and I like that because most books have scenes where it is obvious what will happen next.
August 12, 2019
This was a good book. Candy was sort of forced, into a certain life style. After the death of her whole family, she turns to a trusted family associate. Who teaches her all the ways of being a cleaner, a hired killer. Candy puts her skills to the test, going after those that killed her family. The twist in this book, which I did not see coming, and I liked. Was the fact, the family had been killed by one of their own. Also everything was being orchestrated,by the government. This twist was nicely done and very realistic.
This story has action, drama, betrayal, conspiracy, and so much more. It did seem to me that Candy lost again at the end of the book. I need to read part two, to be sure.
This story has action, drama, betrayal, conspiracy, and so much more. It did seem to me that Candy lost again at the end of the book. I need to read part two, to be sure.
December 10, 2017
What would you do if you came gotta from school and found your whole family murdered?
Find out what Candy did.
This was a great book. I downloaded the audio book from Hoopla. Hoopla is a free app that you cam check out books (audio & e-books), music and movies using your library card.
You can also look it up on Amazon kindle or get the old fashioned version that you hold in your hand.
But if you are looking for something to read. Check out Hard Candy. Dont let the pretty face and tight body fool ya!
Find out what Candy did.
This was a great book. I downloaded the audio book from Hoopla. Hoopla is a free app that you cam check out books (audio & e-books), music and movies using your library card.
You can also look it up on Amazon kindle or get the old fashioned version that you hold in your hand.
But if you are looking for something to read. Check out Hard Candy. Dont let the pretty face and tight body fool ya!
October 15, 2021
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The characters were somewhat believable. The descriptive nature of the author's writing style kept me engaged, and I enjoyed the storyline. I didn't quite predict some of the plots and twists in this one, which is good for me, since I am always trying to determine what is going to happen next. I would love to read a sequel if there is one.
May 15, 2018
This is a great story with so many twists and turns. I can't wait to see where the series goes.
Read
July 2, 2019Junior but not JUNIOR(Jr.)....
All I'm gonna say.
All I'm gonna say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2021
Awful. Thank goodness it was only 6 hours long. Poor character development and cheesy lines.
September 4, 2021
It was an okay book . I tried getting into the second one and just stopped reading in well stopped listening to it , It was on audiuble.
March 20, 2012
I am blown away. Ms. McCall can tell a story. I was captured from beginning to end. There was enough twists and turns to the point of just when I thought I knew what happened I was totally wrong. I hope there is a sequel. I read her short story sucka for candy and was interested to see if I would still like her as an author. I am sold. She is now among my favorite authors. Can't wait to read more from her.
November 27, 2012
I enjoyed this read. Candace Hardaway (aka Candy) is no joke. She is a female cleaner taught by the best "Rock" who worked for her father. This book deals with the dirt of the CIA and our government. I don't want to give away too many details. I'm almost finished with the sequel: Hard Candy 2. Worth the read!!!
February 4, 2012
just when i thought who the killer was they kept switching it up on me. a very shocking ended and definitely a page turner. by the time i got to the end there was no point putting the book down. amazing.
June 15, 2012
I read this book thinking Candy was going to "hard". She had these "skills", but it was like she rarely used them. The attraction between her and Tuck just pissed me off. I don't understand how she fell so easy. I hope the next book has her using her skills more. Overall, the book was ok.
July 15, 2011
i like it so far so good
July 1, 2012
Good read!
October 26, 2012
This book was pretty good. I really didn't like the way it ended there are alot of unanswered questions left. I am going to get book 2 to see what happens next.
December 26, 2012
This was a pretty good book. The ending was shocking to me. Will read the second book.
July 13, 2014
Hard candy... Hard life
December 28, 2013
this was a good book
June 30, 2014
Hard Candy: good story, page turner leaving you hungry for more.
March 20, 2015
The book didn't get good until chapter 9 but only 13 chapters
December 8, 2015
This one is a real page turner down to the last sentence.
February 7, 2015
very good
March 30, 2017
This book took me a while to get into, it was alright.. There was nothing that stood out in it that made it "great" to me. & the ending was ridiculous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews