Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: Bitter Taffy
SERIES: Candy Man #2
AUTHOR: Amy Lane
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 192 pages
BLURB:
Rico Gonzalves-Macias didn’t expect to fall in love during his internship in New York—and he didn’t expect the boss’s son to out them both and get him fired either. When he returns to Sacramento stunned and heartbroken, he finds his cousin, Adam, and Adam’s boyfriend, Finn, haven’t just been house-sitting—they’ve made his once sterile apartment into a home.
When Adam gets him a job interview with the adorable, magnetic, practically perfect Derek Huston, Rico feels especially out of his depth. Derek makes it no secret that he wants Rico, but Rico is just starting to figure out that he’s a beginner at the really important stuff and doesn’t want to jump into anything with both feet.
Derek is a both-feet kind of guy. But he’s also made mistakes of his own and doesn’t want to pressure Rico into anything. Together they work to find a compromise between instant attraction and long-lasting love, and while they’re working, Rico gets a primer in why family isn’t always a bad idea. He needs to believe Derek can be his family before Derek’s formidable patience runs out—because even a practically perfect boyfriend is capable of being hurt.
REVIEW:
This series is the sweetest, most decadent thing EVER!!! I am completely obsessed with this world, the people, the candy store, the relationships absolutely everything. Aside from these passionate, loving, caring relationships what I really love are the life lessons learned throughout these stories. We have these men who have deep scars but the healing and forgiveness that transpires is at times more significant than the relationship that’s been built. I love how Amy Lane writes these characters and these moments that take your breath away.
In Bitter Taffy, Adam’s cousin Rico comes back to town after a heartbreaking breakup and subsequent termination. Rico is lost, heartbroken, and hurt. Adam and Finn know if left alone all Rico will do is grow more depressed so they take him and immerse him in their life. Adam introduces him to Derek, his “side job” boss and the sparks are ignited.
Derek Hutson at one time had a thing for Adam but it was fleeting and superficial. Completely dedicated and devoted to his business he’s all about getting the right team of people to work for him. Hence why he’s awestruck when someone like Rico with his exemplary resume wants to work for him and his small business, he jumps at the opportunity.
Derek however is immediately attracted to Rico and he’s upfront about it. Rico just had his heartbroken so he’s scared and hesitant. The patience that Derek showed, the care…..ahhhh, just made me all tingly inside. Rico and Derek’s chemistry is off the charts!!
Finn and Derek are cut from the same cloth. Good men. Good, supportive families. And on the other hand we have Rico and Adam; abusive, intolerant, homophobic families who have done nothing but beat these men down.
There’s a bit a forgiveness and hope in this story. A moment that brought tears to my eyes, very touching and necessary.
This is a remarkable story from a remarkable author. I think any and everyone would enjoy this series and this book!!! Highly recommend….!!
RATING: 
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