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bfdbookblog's review
4.0
First, let me preface this review by stating that this is my first foray into the world of urban fantasy. I’ve read a handful of paranormal books – a few shifters, some vampires, witches and warlocks. I’ve read a couple of Lissa’s books (writing as Sam Kadence) and really loved them so I thought this was as good a place as any to start with the fantasy genre. Her writing was just as good here as it was in the other books I’ve read. The stories were unlike any other I’ve read although there were some similarities in the romance department with the alpha males protecting their loved ones (although these alphas have a bit more bite to their protection), as well as some some bdsm components . I loved most of the characters – Aki, Shane, Candy, Paris, Rain, Ivy, Jack and even some of the guards at the Gem. Each of them is strong in their own ways, even if they are submissive in nature. The bad guys were great characters too…even though you hate them. One thing that took some getting used to was the reference of all the companions of the Gem and other brothels as whores. That just doesn’t seem like a positive to me so it made me cringe a bit throughout all 3 books.
I loved seeing Jack, Ivy and Candy develop a relationship. I’m not sure which of those three is my favorite; I liked them all so much.
The story also has a mystery/thriller subplot that has a lot of Jack’s attention through the book.
This book definitely should not be read as a standalone. I think you would be quite lost if you attempted to. Each story builds upon the previous and the characters are all woven together.
Definitely a must read series!
I loved seeing Jack, Ivy and Candy develop a relationship. I’m not sure which of those three is my favorite; I liked them all so much.
The story also has a mystery/thriller subplot that has a lot of Jack’s attention through the book.
This book definitely should not be read as a standalone. I think you would be quite lost if you attempted to. Each story builds upon the previous and the characters are all woven together.
Definitely a must read series!
bfdbookblog's review against another edition
4.0
First, let me preface this review by stating that this is my first foray into the world of urban fantasy. I’ve read a handful of paranormal books – a few shifters, some vampires, witches and warlocks. I’ve read a couple of Lissa’s books (writing as Sam Kadence) and really loved them so I thought this was as good a place as any to start with the fantasy genre. Her writing was just as good here as it was in the other books I’ve read. The stories were unlike any other I’ve read although there were some similarities in the romance department with the alpha males protecting their loved ones (although these alphas have a bit more bite to their protection), as well as some some bdsm components . I loved most of the characters – Aki, Shane, Candy, Paris, Rain, Ivy, Jack and even some of the guards at the Gem. Each of them is strong in their own ways, even if they are submissive in nature. The bad guys were great characters too…even though you hate them. One thing that took some getting used to was the reference of all the companions of the Gem and other brothels as whores. That just doesn’t seem like a positive to me so it made me cringe a bit throughout all 3 books.
I loved seeing Jack, Ivy and Candy develop a relationship. I’m not sure which of those three is my favorite; I liked them all so much.
The story also has a mystery/thriller subplot that has a lot of Jack’s attention through the book.
This book definitely should not be read as a standalone. I think you would be quite lost if you attempted to. Each story builds upon the previous and the characters are all woven together.
Definitely a must read series!
I loved seeing Jack, Ivy and Candy develop a relationship. I’m not sure which of those three is my favorite; I liked them all so much.
The story also has a mystery/thriller subplot that has a lot of Jack’s attention through the book.
This book definitely should not be read as a standalone. I think you would be quite lost if you attempted to. Each story builds upon the previous and the characters are all woven together.
Definitely a must read series!
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
I will admit, unabashedly, that I love the Hidden Gem series by Lissa Kasey. The third installment, Candy Land, is by far the best yet. Why? Simply put, this novel gave us more depth on the main characters that have made such an impact in every other story. This installment was a natural evolution of different plot points that had been left open-ended. It was the most satisfying of stories because you saw yet more relationships develop and long lasting ones grow and change. It was epic in that it covered incredible ground—showing exactly what the Psi’s /Am’s were capable of and how much they morphed beyond just winged creatures. Woven through all this action was the murder investigation of whores who had been brutally attacked in a series of macabre BDSM scenes.
Here is where the real genius of author Lissa Kasey stood out—she took so many loose threads from previous novels, plus added new plot points, and managed to give each one it’s much needed page time. All the while, she did it with such finesse that the reader was able to keep up with every ball she thrust aloft.
In Candy Land we see a new Candy Michelson, Jr.—he is more businesslike, taking over for the former boss at the brothel, Hidden Gem. Candy is expanding the business, making it more elite, less tawdry, and creating an oasis in City M by tearing down former whore houses to create everything from better brothels to scenic parks. However, his friends feel Candy has lost some of his joy, along with his crazy colored hair and flamboyant dress. In particular, Ivy longs for the old Candy—the one who was less involved in business and more involved in loving Ivy. While they might not agree on everything, Ivy and Candy are in accord about Jack, an investigator, who can best be described as very quiet and asexual. Given that Candy needs sex like most people need to breathe, Ivy struggles to see how he can bring the two people he cares most about together.
Before you worry that this is a typical ménage novel, think again. The beauty of this unfolding relationship is how two very sexual men deal with their partner, who is more of a cuddler than an active sexual participant. Lissa Kasey brilliantly exposes how these three can fit together and all come out satisfied when their sexual needs are so vastly different. What Jack needs is intimacy on a different level—one where simple things like holding each other as they sleep, or mere touch, suffice. Yet, he is also exceptionally tuned into what his partners need and provides them with enough sexual interaction so that all three of them are satisfied. It is a beautiful coupling each and every time these three have page time.
Beyond the fascinating people in this novel, the story is packed with action, fraught with tension and, at times, gut-wrenching. More than once, there is the real possibility that a main figure may not make it to the end of this installment. More than once, my heart was in my throat with the fear that someone I had come to love in this series could possibly not survive the onslaught of hostile forces meant to tear City M apart. What an incredible storyteller Lissa Kasey is to run several plot points simultaneously and never let any of them unravel.
The Hidden Gem series is a fantasy lover’s dream! The created world, larger than life characters, and intricate storylines make this one of the best series out there today. This third installment, Candy Land, has it all: romance, suspense and heart stopping action! I highly recommend it to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/review-candy-land-by-lissa-kasey/
Here is where the real genius of author Lissa Kasey stood out—she took so many loose threads from previous novels, plus added new plot points, and managed to give each one it’s much needed page time. All the while, she did it with such finesse that the reader was able to keep up with every ball she thrust aloft.
In Candy Land we see a new Candy Michelson, Jr.—he is more businesslike, taking over for the former boss at the brothel, Hidden Gem. Candy is expanding the business, making it more elite, less tawdry, and creating an oasis in City M by tearing down former whore houses to create everything from better brothels to scenic parks. However, his friends feel Candy has lost some of his joy, along with his crazy colored hair and flamboyant dress. In particular, Ivy longs for the old Candy—the one who was less involved in business and more involved in loving Ivy. While they might not agree on everything, Ivy and Candy are in accord about Jack, an investigator, who can best be described as very quiet and asexual. Given that Candy needs sex like most people need to breathe, Ivy struggles to see how he can bring the two people he cares most about together.
Before you worry that this is a typical ménage novel, think again. The beauty of this unfolding relationship is how two very sexual men deal with their partner, who is more of a cuddler than an active sexual participant. Lissa Kasey brilliantly exposes how these three can fit together and all come out satisfied when their sexual needs are so vastly different. What Jack needs is intimacy on a different level—one where simple things like holding each other as they sleep, or mere touch, suffice. Yet, he is also exceptionally tuned into what his partners need and provides them with enough sexual interaction so that all three of them are satisfied. It is a beautiful coupling each and every time these three have page time.
Beyond the fascinating people in this novel, the story is packed with action, fraught with tension and, at times, gut-wrenching. More than once, there is the real possibility that a main figure may not make it to the end of this installment. More than once, my heart was in my throat with the fear that someone I had come to love in this series could possibly not survive the onslaught of hostile forces meant to tear City M apart. What an incredible storyteller Lissa Kasey is to run several plot points simultaneously and never let any of them unravel.
The Hidden Gem series is a fantasy lover’s dream! The created world, larger than life characters, and intricate storylines make this one of the best series out there today. This third installment, Candy Land, has it all: romance, suspense and heart stopping action! I highly recommend it to you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/review-candy-land-by-lissa-kasey/
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