"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Friday, January 31, 2014

Review: SNEAKING CANDY by Lisa Burstein (NA)


by Lisa Burstein
Release date: December 9th, 2013
Published by: Entangled Publishing - Embrace
Genre: New Adult Romance (18+)
Format Read: eGalley via Netgalley/publisher for an honest review.

SUMMARY

All I ever wanted was to make a name for myself as Candice Salinas, creative writing grad student at the University of Miami. Of course, secretly I already have made a name for myself: as Candy Sloane, self-published erotic romance writer. Though thrilled that my books are selling and I have actual fans, if anyone at UM found out, I could lose my scholarship…and the respect of my faculty advisor, grade-A-asshole Professor Dylan.

Enter James Walker, super-hot local barista and—surprise!—my student. Even though I know a relationship is totally off-limits, I can’t stop myself from sneaking around with James, taking a few cues from my own erotic writing…if you catch my drift. Candy’s showing her stripes for the first time in my real life, and I’ve never had so much fun. But when the sugar high fades, can my secrets stay under wraps?




MY REVIEW

I have been able to read all of Lisa Burstein's young adult books; which, by the way, have all been superb, memorable and have all made an ever-lasting impact on me. It was so refreshing to have her "let go" in this New Adult romance! We are definitely not in YA-land anymore!!! And I truly enjoyed every minute of this book!

I instantly liked Candice and her quirkiness!  She is one of those people that has a little bit of everything in her - she's happy with what she's doing, but what she's doing is also making her sad. She's sure of herself as a writer, but also doubtful. She's strong and confident with herself, but she's also weak and scared to share her confidence with others. Candice is someone I want to be BFFs with! The kind of friend that you can tell her anything over a pint or two of ice cream and feel like you've known her for forever...
Candice is a creative grad student working her way through school - something that she never thought she would have to do. But when your parents don't agree with the choices you've made and cut you off, you do what you have to do to make your dreams come true. She wants to be a writer. A successful writer. And even though working alongside an egotistical professor wasn't part of the plan, she manages to keep things going for herself as best as she can. But her scholarship isn't enough to pay for her bills and other needed things, she had to do something to help compensate her for her living expenses, etc... something that can possibly end her career before it even starts!... Her alter-ego, Candy, at your service.
That's right! Candice is a successful writer under the pseudonym, Candy. A self-pubbed erotic romance writer who quickly gains a fanbase and keeps in touch with them through updates on Twitter and her Facebook page. And, even though Candice is nothing like Candy, Candy is also the main character in all of her stories! Which to me, is fun and hilarious at the same time. Who doesn't wish to be the lead character in any romance book? Although her roommate/BFF helps her with most of the exotic parts of her stories, Candice can really let her imagination run wild too. Especially after she meets James at the local coffee shop; that boy makes girls heads spin and more!  And that is all I am going to say about James... there aren't enough words to explain how good, well-meaning and delicious he is!

Lisa Burstein captured me with her fun and sexy writing style without ever lacking on her well thought out and realistic characters that I have always expected from her. SNEAKING CANDY is definitely a great read to pick up, especially if you have not ventured into the new "New Adult" genre yet. You'll not only get your hot romance fix from it, but also expect some great laugh-out-loud and 'oh snap' moments, as well!



ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Lisa Burstein

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University. She is the author of Pretty Amy, The Next Forever, Dear Cassie and Candy, Stripped. As well as a contributor to the upcoming essay collection, Break These Rules: 35 YA Authors On Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Being Yourself. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats.



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