Rating: 4 stars out of 5
In the Army, Robbie Chambers turned on his lover out of fear—and he hasn’t been able to live with himself since. Now he’s out of the Army but still trapped in the closet that brought on his most cowardly moment, and he starts to think he’ll never be able to fight his way free.
Until he sees Cy McVeigh. Beautiful and uninhibited, Cy is dancing on the boardwalk at Old Sac for no other reason than the moment called for it. Robbie not only joins in the dance but is smitten from the very beginning.
However, Robbie still has old business to clear up, and when he helps out a kid in need and comes face-to-face with the man he betrayed, he’s forced to come clean with himself. He can’t redeem his mistake if he’s still locked into his old patterns, and he won’t ever be worthy of Cy if he can’t earn Adam’s forgiveness. He’s going to need all the help he can get from the people at Candy Heaven in order to make things right with his past so he can have a future with Cy.
Tart and Sweet is another lovely story. Just like the title, it’s sweet and a bit tart, but not enough to overwhelm the plot. Like the previous three books in the series, we get to see all the original characters and how they are evolving in the relationships. At the same time, they all play an integral part in Cy’s and Robbie’s story.
The opening scene between Cy and Robbie is beautiful and envelops the listener into the magic of the boardwalk and the possibilities of a new relationship. The connection between them and Robbie’s hopes are palpable and in the air between them for all to see.
I enjoyed Robbie’s disposition to make amends about his past, starting with Adam. He doesn’t shy away from what he did and takes responsibility for his actions. This prepared him for an honest relationship with Cy; who isn’t perfect but understands Robbie’s needs. Cy’s inner shine is always present and Robbie is attracted to it, but their relationship is more than physical.
Overall, this one is perhaps my favorite in the series. I hope, we get many more trips to Candy Heaven.
The narration by Philip Alces continues to be perfect for the characters and the story. He has a continuity in the voices that allows the story to flow and for the characters to take life.
Paul Richmond’s cover is another adaptation from the original, including the pets and the always present piece of candy.
Sales Links: Dreamspinner | Amazon | Audible
Audiobook Details:
Narrator: Philip Alces
Length: 7 hours and 47 minutes
Published: August 1, 2017 (Audio Edition) by Dreamspinner Press
ASIN: B074CK36NT
Edition Language: English
Series: Candy Man
Book #1: Candy Man
Book #2: Bitter Taffy
Book #3: Lollipop
Book #4: Tart and Sweet
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.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 