How far would you go for a friend? How much would you be willing to give up to help someone who helped you in the past? Would you give up your personal freedom? Your life? These questions would take a lot of thought to answer, but they are all questions Lauren N. Sharman has set before Blackie McCassey in the second book of the McCassey Brothers' trilogy, The Devil's Candy.

Blackie McCassey, known in Hagerstown, Maryland as "The Devil," was just fine with people staying out of his way. He couldn't be bothered with a social life. If he wanted a woman, that was no problem, as long as she didn’t get any ideas about staying around longer than a couple of hours in his bed. Beyond that, women were only trouble. Blackie was a close friend of trouble since he was a young man, spending half his life in and out of prison. Now, at thirty-nine, he lives life his own way and does pretty much what he pleases. No one would dare tell him he couldn't. Free, and on his own: that's the way he likes it. Then Digger Shelby calls in a long overdue favor.

Angel Shelby had a hard life, raised by her brother Digger, and growing up in his bar. She's tough and can handle herself without too much trouble. She's soft in all the right places but no one wants to mess with the "five foot five, walking invitation for trouble". That's just fine with her. She doesn't want or need a man to complicate her life. All she wants is to work the bar and be left alone. But Angel has a past that no one knows about--until it catches up with her. Now, with Digger heading to prison for three years, and a family vendetta against her, she needs protection.

Digger makes her a deal. If she will marry Blackie McCassey, she can keep the bar open during the time he's gone. If not, the bar closes. Period. What does Digger have on Blackie to make him even consider marriage, even if it is to Angel? Can Blackie keep her safe from the vengeful family of the husband she killed? Can she learn to love a man as hard and set in his ways as the oldest McCassey brother? Is there more to the situation than either Blackie or Angel imagine?

Ms. Sharman weaves a fabulous story of down home life among the brawling McCassey brothers. Blackie's background is fascinating, the outlaw biker turned married man. There is more to Angel than meets the eye. All of the factual tidbits are set out for the sampling in just the right amount and at just the right time as the story progresses. Step by step, Ms. Sharman builds the story to its exciting, and unforeseen climax. Like No Worries, the first book in the trilogy, I was drawn into the thrilling saga of a family of red hot royal-blue eyed men who know how to fight, and make love to their women, with equal fervor. Now comes the hard part: waiting for Judd's story. I only hope it will not be long.

Reviewed By MargeAnna Conrad
© August 2007