He was forbidden, my boss and incapable of loving me.People talked about him, whispered about him in passing.He was the king of his town.And I was a visitor.I was by no means a smart girl. Never loved with my head, always with my heart.That fact alone almost killed me once. I should have listened the second time around.But the king of this small town, had me starving. Had me craving his taste.My … town, had me starving. Had me craving his taste.
My name is Kandi, and he called me his Kandiland.
The king declared I was his medicine, and with each dose, he became better and better.
He was the perfect liar.
And I was his perfect Kandi.
Together, we were explosive, and toxic in every way.
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Hooked from page 1!! Kandi and Huxley have chemistry but Kandi is fighting it after her world was torn apart. She’s not in the mood to get involved again. This isn’t an easy relationship , one with twists and turns and you’re so invested! Keeps you turning the pages for sure!
If I haven’t said it before I will say it now- T.L. Smith is a genius!! She writes deeply emotional stories with dark undertones within them. Kandi and Huxley are both separately fantastic characters, but when you put them together they are phenomenal. She is sassy and a little unique and she has had her fair share of heartbreak. He is broody, controlling and dominate. They have an undeniable sexual chemistry that set the pages on fire. Just when you think you have it figured out- plot twist. This story captivated me from the prologue, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend this book!!
I don’t often let a cover sway me but I really like this cover and then after reading the story summary I was instantly intrigued. The title alone reminded me of a board game and to a degree this is true of this book: characters, properties, community, money, losers and winners.
Having five years with the one you love is a fantastic achievement, not enough time but then you don’t always get a say. For Kandi Leo she basically has no alternative but to move on until she ends up at a town called Candy where she decides to settle. Huxley Cross owns most of the businesses and is intrigued by her from the start.
As Kandi says herself Huxley consumes her and he does but I have to admit he annoyed me so many times and I really enjoyed when Kandi basically told him to take a hike! Both lead characters tell the story, giving their points of view and readers some insight into the what makes them tick as Huxley is quite the mysterious man.
This is a fast paced story and very easy to read, the plot is substantial and has some turns that keep readers on their toes. There are some emotional highs and lows, as you would expect, but truly this author really knows how to take this to the next level.
The one thing I can say to really sum this book up is that I couldn’t wait to read each new sentence, almost like a craving.
Kandiland is Huxley and Kandy’s story. This is a dark twisted romance and T. L Smith sure does know how to write them. (Twisted romances that is)
This is another book by T. L. Smith that I love, love, love! I couldn’t put Kandiland down. This author knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. There twists and turns that makes you topsy-turvy with your emotions.
It’s intense, it’s thrilling, it’s sexy, it’s emotional, it’s suspenseful, it’s twisted, it’s a page turner, it’s just flat out a very good book! This is the reason I follow this author. Her books are just plain out good. It’s the type of book that keeps you coming back for more! It’s 5 stars for me!
A great read. It’s dark, intense, sexy and angsty. It has it all! It will suck you in from the beginning as it takes you through an emotional ride with its twists and turns. It will keep on the edge of your seat with suspense and mystery. These broken characters will capture your heart as you fall in love with them. The chemistry off charts sizzling hot! You don’t want to miss this gripping journey.
Wow what a book this was. Just the blurb alone with intrigue you so. I absolutely loved Kandi and Huxley’s story so much. It was pretty intense with some dark and a whole lot of sexy in it. The emotions you feel from these two are pretty raw and just great. I truly enjoyed this story and could not put down.
“Not everything different is bad, and sometimes you should embrace it.”
I think I fall more in love with T.L Smith’s writing every time I pick up one of her books.
This book is so much more than what you’re expecting. From the very first page your stunned and wanting more. But then you’re whisked into this world full of power, deceit, love, and loss. Emotions are all over and your heart will bleed but you’re left with a settling peace.
Let’s not forget all those sexy scenes either. Huxley radiates trouble and sex and he most definitely is King. Kandi is so strong and bad ass with hints of vulnerability throughout. Mix these two together and see the fireworks explode.
“She’s almost like a medicine I didn’t ask to receive. One that I’m becoming addicted to.”
I don’t know how to come back from everything that just happened. I love Huxley and Kandi. They’re perfection.
This is beyond a doubt one of my favourite TL Smith’s book with its absolute deliciousness. TL Smith has done a phenomenal job with these characters and storyline. You are gripped from the first page until the very end, and even then you don’t want it to end.
Kandiland is a brilliantly written story of love, loss, betrayal, grief and healing. Its deliciously dark with its angst and it brings so many emotions to you through the words that are written.
Kandi and Huxley are so perfectly suited for each other. Their connection and chemistry will set your kindle ablaze with their fire. They are both broken but together they seem to heal and gain strength. Their journey was never going to be an easy and straightforward one but its a gripping one.
Another 5 star read from one of my favourite authors cementing her place at the top of my 1-click list
What a sweet story that left me smiling and my heart full. Emmie and her friends have such a strong bond and I did not like her ex at all. Beau is not Emmie’s “typical” type/interst but someone who is trying to live his life and take care of his family. I enjoyed reading their story and their chemistry is simmering. I loved how real Emmie was with her rambling and her natural reactions.
WHen all is done my heart is so full from their story
Oh Kandiland, Kandiland — this book was full of surprises but that doesn’t surprise me because T.L. Smith has a way to always pull me one way and the next thing I know, I’m being pulled another. I love how she twist and turns her stories and that’s what allures me to her books.
Kandi has always been on the run with her husband, they have never stayed long in one town or city for long. But when she is forced to travel alone, she has no choice but to finally plant roots somewhere and she chooses Kandiland. What she doesn’t expect is to be smitten with the man who practically owns the whole town.
I loved how the relationship between Kandi and Huxley developed. Huxley was intense and he normally got what he wanted when he wanted it and when he sets his eye on Kandi, he knows he wants her. Kandi is still nursing her heart from her husband being gone and the last thing she’s looking for is a replacement. But she knows that she will eventually need to move on with her life and what better man to make her forget and move forward?
The chemistry was hot between Kandi and Huxley and I loved the whole back and forth between them. Kandi was perplexed at first about having anything to do with Huxley but she couldn’t deny the strong attraction she had with him. Eventually she had to give right!
It was an intense book with it’s twists and turns (which doesn’t surprise me) and it was an engaging story that will leave you wanting more.
45. stars
4.5 Kandi-coated Stars
Review by Amy W.
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
“My Huxley jar’s going to need a lot of money”
Kandi isn’t the only one with a Huxley jar after reading Kandiland. I recently discovered and fell in love with T.L. Smith with her last few releases. While Kandiland isn’t dark, there are a few twists and Huxley is every bit the broken bad boy.
“Don’t fall for me, Kandiland. I’ll only break you.”
In the small town of Candy, Huxley is King. He gets what he wants and when Kandi moves to town he sets his sights on her. Too bad for him Kandi had a tragic past and doesn’t want or need a man in her life.
“What’s a lie, really? One’s version of the truth. Or another’s.”
Lies, lies, lies. This whole story revolves around lies. From the prologue I was invested in Kandi and her story. I mean that was a pretty intense way to start off, but I expect nothing less from Ms. Smith. This was not as dark as her previous few, but it had some of those elements that I love, just in a lighter tone. I figured out one bit of the story pretty earlier on, but there was a certain thing that happens that I totally wasn’t prepared for. I thought for sure that it wouldn’t actually. And usually I love being wrong, but not this time. I love that it was the catalyst for the HEA but man, I wasn’t ready for it.
I truly loved this story and I wish that it had taken that darker path that was so easily within reach. Even without being dark and extremely twisty, this lighter story is just as captivating.
**ARC provided by author for honest review**
Now that my mind has settled down after the ride it was reading Kandiland, I can write my review. I wish I could live in Candy, so I can enjoy Huxley forever . The heroine is strong and fierce like all the stories of my dark queen, even do this book is not as dark as her other titles, I fell in love with the story. I have girl crushes sometimes and Kandi was one of this girls, I admired how she handled bad situations and fought for love. You need to read it as soon as it goes live. 5 Kandi stars!
Awwww Huxley just melt me. He is that kinda brooding, silent, less words lots of action man. And my oh my…whoa i’m fanning my self right now of how intens he is. This man doesn’t know sweet. His all about take what he wants and keep until he no longer wants. And he wants Kandi for his kandiland.
Kandi Leo…this girl intrigue me from the start. She love fiercely. She love with her all. She love until death do us part kinda love. That’s why Huxley offer to be his booty call, floored her. But why can’t she walk away from him? Surely its just because of the great sex between them. Or is it? Cause Huxley makes her feel things even her death love didn’t. Until a ghost from the past come to her face.
First of all… I love TL Smith darkness. But Kandiland, i think its more about love in all its unperfectness. Its not dark story although yes its broken and f**ked up. When two broken people found each other… I laugh, i cried, i fall in love, my heart break and finally jumping for joy in Kandiland. Love how unpredictable TL Smith writing is. Love how unperfect, and broken yet so beutiful Huxley is. I love how fierce, beutiful, strong Kandi is.
Wow! TL Smith does it again. She writes in such a way that grabs you from the start of the book and you do not want to let go of this wild ride. Kandi is starting over after losing her husband. She ends up in a town called Candy, which was somewhere her husband always wanted to visit. Kandi is definitely looking to start over but not in a relationship, but Huxley has different ideas. Huxley owns most of Candy and gets what he wants and he wants Kandi in his bed.
I loved this story it is so different than your typical romance story. It has all of the range of emotions, love, loss, suffering, and hot sex scenes. There were several times I wanted to just hold the characters in this book and say its going to be ok, but even I wasn’t sure. There were several things that happened that I would not have guessed and that made this book even better!
I would definitely recommend this book!
What are you doing it me TL? This book! Seriously amazing!! This would have to be one of the best books I have read from Ms Smith, and that is saying something because ALL of her books are just so good. Kandiland is nothing like I would have thought. It blew my socks off! Forbidden romances are my favourite, but this is just so so much more!
Kandi is a pink haired beauty! She sets down her roots in A new town and things start to get interesting. She is a little broken, I really felt for her so much. She is such a strong character though. Huxley is just so dark and brooding, total swoon worthy material I must say. He doesn’t smile, he doesn’t laugh. He keeps people at arms length. He has a heartbreaking past and you just want to wrap him up in your arms and never let him go!
Kandi and Huxley’s connection is scorching. They are seriously written for each other. I just love them so much together!
BUT it wouldn’t be a Book by TL Smith without that twist that plays with your mind, and that you didn’t see coming until it hits you square in the eyes! Holy damn!! What just happened?? Seriously! *Flip back a few pages and re read* Yep, it did… WOW I must say I did NOT see that coming at all! But damn it was good. This book was so captivating that I didn’t put it down unless I absolutely had to. I was drawn into the world of Kandiland and I never wanted to leave. I had misty eyes a couple of times, I loved how it hit all the right emotions for me. You NEED to read this book. I 100% recommend this to absolutely everyone! This book is one of my top 10 of the year! Amazing amazing amazing! I can’t wait for more from Ms Smith!
Dark and intense …
Well that was completely unexpected…the blurb had me anticipating a hot forbidden boss/employee romance….. but of course I should have known that with this author it would be so much more….what I actually got was a tale of loss, deceit, love and desire… and I was enthralled…
The prologue is the first shocker… only two pages turned and I was already invested in Kandi as her world irrevocably falls apart around her…. I am amazed at how much emotion the author was able to engender in such a short space of time…. in addition she masterfully created an authentic and detailed landscape….evoking the sights, sounds and smells of the imagined world with her words alone…
The story is told, almost exclusively, through the eyes of the two main characters….Kandi is quirky and sassy, and she is a perfect foil for the brooding, sinister alpha antihero that is Huxley… the sexual tension between these two is palpable; but with so much baggage and too many secrets their challenges seem insurmountable…. the supporting cast is also worthy of note…filled with an array of diverse and fascinating characters
This is an intense, erotic romance, which took me on an emotional and at times shocking journey….A compelling story that once read is impossible to forget…I received an advanced copy of this book from the author..
how do I explain my feelings for this book?
I can’t! I loved kandiland so much, ms smith just really has a way with words and writes book which I devoure and cant get enough of.
“they call you the king”
I loved how broody, moody and scary huxley was.
kandi is a fresh pinch of pink goodness.
“just you, kandiland”
this story gave me so many feels
“you’re my kandiland”
if your new to TL I highly recommend starting here this is a fantastic book to read!
I don’t know what to say.
Not because I am not a fan of all things T.L, because I literally adore everything that she has produced, but this, Kandiland has me all tied up in knots and trying to express that in words….I am just coming up empty.
For me this novel was spectacular. I knew going in I was going to get crazy and all kinds of twisted, but lord did I get so much more than that.
I guess for me the best way I can explain what I took from this novel was something so extremely tormenting but yet completely beautiful.
Huxley is haunting, dangerous and alluring and I couldn’t help but feel the magnetic pull towards him.
Such a powerful man with no emotion who completely captured my soul. A soulless man who shows no remorse, who built his empire with his own hands, who always gets what he wants, no questions asked. A cold and calculating man that I simply couldn’t help but fall in love with.
Kandi is a bright and beautiful woman who is a free spirit, extremely independent, but damaged from past hurt. Loving with her heart is her downfall, but yet that was the very reason I fell in love with her. Her character, her strength and her ability to see through people was something that I was in complete awe of. She is just one of those girls that I could be lifelong friends with.
Huxley and Kandi together.
Guys I can say two things.
First these two are simply explosive.
And second….These guys are my new addiction. These two are my favorite characters to date from T.L, and yes that’s a huge call, but guys let me tell you they will have you spellbound, just like they did me.
T.L has such a gift with words that everything you read from her just captivates you from the beginning, drawing you in, and keeping you hostage until the very end, and Kandiland is no different. Such a powerful and emotional read. A true treasure that will stay with me always.
5 stars
I fell in love with this book and the characters within in from the first chapter. Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint what grabs me with a story and this is one such story but a huge part has to be the writing somehow this author just nails it for me every single time.
Huxley and Kandi to people which eyes across a room literally and from that first glance a passionate relationship starts. Kandi is still recovering from a devastating loss and has retreated to a whole new life to gain some stability. Huxley is the commitment phobic mysterious businessman who practically owns the town she moves to. The two embark on a no strings sexual relationship because let’s be honest the heat these two create is enough to burn the house down.
This was a story that develops the more you read, it’s not dark like the authors previous books. There is an element of suspense I thought I knew where it would come from but as I’ve come to expect the author flips the story and I realised nothing was as I imagined.
Another great book from an author that continues to surprise me.
Let’s talk about gripping contemporary romances. Because Kandiland is just like that. It’s the kind of book you’ve never seen coming. It’s a sweet change from T.L. Smith, who we know for her amazing dark suspense books. You’d think she will go all soft – I think you should reconsider it. She rocked it so hard with this one.
I love me some really strong and smart heroine. And Kandy? She delivers everything I need to get along with her, to respect her.
Huxley is the type of guy you itch to get to know closely. And once he’s starting to drop his layers, you’re just standing there, jaw dropped to the floor, thinking ’wow, he’s so much more than I could’ve predicted’.
And don’t you think you will leave without experiencing a few twists! T.L. Smith is not that kind of an author who can’t leave you breathless.
This passionate, heartful contemporary romance will leave you absolutely speechless.