Reviewed by Amber
TITLE: Lollipop
SERIES: The Candy Man #3
AUTHOR: Amy Lane
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 250 pages
RELEASE DATE: January 25, 2016
BLURB:
Ezra Kellerman flew across country to see if he had another chance with the man he let slip through his fingers. He didn’t. Rico has moved on, but he doesn’t just leave his ex high and dry. Instead, Rico entrusts his family and friends with Ezra’s care. Ezra, confused, hurt, and lost, clings to Rico’s cousin and his boyfriend as the lifelines they are—but their friend Miguel is another story.
Miguel Rodriguez had great plans and ambition—but a hearty dose of real life crushed those flat. When Miguel finds himself partially in charge of the befuddled, dreamy, healing Ezra, he’s pretty resentful at first. But Ezra’s placid nature and sincere wonder at the simple life Miguel has taken for granted begin to soften Miguel’s hardened shell. Miguel starts to notice that Ezra isn’t just amazingly sweet—he’s achingly beautiful as well. Suddenly Miguel is fending off every single man on the planet to give Ezra room to get over Rico—while fighting a burning suspicion that the best thing to help Ezra get over his broken heart is Miguel.
REVIEW:
Awwww….Ezra’s story!!!! When we were initially introduced to Ezra in book 2 I really really wanted to hate him. That feeling of dislike never happened to me when it comes to Ezra. Right from the start I absolutely adored him and wanted to know his story.
In Lollipop, Ezra has left behind all he’s ever known and come to Sacramento in hopes of winning back his ex, Rico. Rico, having moved on and happily with Derek, Ezra finds himself at a loss. Rico, knowing what great friends he has appoints Miguel, Finn and Adam as Ezra’a welcome wagon. Miguel takes his new appointment very seriously and spends that majority of his time with Ezra.
Having just lost his business and still smarting from a crush that was never meant to be, Miguel finds a lot of peace and happiness in his and Ezra’s blossoming friendship. As these things tend to happen Miguel starts catching feelings for Ezra but feels Ezra is in no position to start anything new with him.
This story had several, “aww” moments throughout but things didn’t get “holy hell hot, Batman!!!” until about halfway in. This was a serious case of slow burn but when it ignited…GOOD LORD!!! Miguel and Ezra’s bottled up sexual tension is exquisite and one of the best things is seeing that their relationship really did start with crazy strong friendship foundation. I loved and hated the first part because I wanted that something more to happen ASAP but we had to wait…it was very much well worth the wait, I have to admit.
Things get super crazy when Ezra’s dad and brother decide to come and ruin the happiness Ezra has built in Sacramento. I loved watching Ezra stand up for himself and being proud of who he is and how far he’s come. This story had so many feel good moments.
I really enjoyed book 3 and I can’t wait to see what’s next at the candy store. This whole series has been such a treat and definitely recommend.
RATING: 
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