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Embervein Emporia #2

Lollipop Monster Shop

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Welcome to Sweet Fang, the best shop in Embervein that offers what every monster craves…candy!

Lillian Perth walks away from everything. Music, homesteading, the hand-painted sign business that was definitely her life's one true calling… After giving up on college, she heads to the monster city of Embervein, a pink slime in search of a new dream. When a crazy old lady ready to travel the world offers her ownership of a failing candy store, how can she say no?

One tiny problem: Lils can eat candy with the best of 'em, but she hasn’t a clue about how it's made. With the dubious help of an uptight naga and an easygoing human, can Lils elevate Sweet Fang into a shop worthy of Embervein’s most elite confectionery tastes? Or will she abandon the shop - and her new friends - like she's abandoned everything else in her life?

Lollipop Monster Shop is a modern cozy fantasy novella about found family and trying new things… even if you don’t usually stick with them.

ebook

First published September 1, 2023

14 people are currently reading
137 people want to read

About the author

Coyote J.M. Edwards

6 books55 followers
Coyote JM Edwards is a lifelong storyteller and aspiring author. Fascinated by emotion, Coyote seeks to bring a sense of depth and honesty to her work as she explores the stories of non-human people. Her upcoming novella, Boneless, comes out this year; if it makes even one person smile, she’ll consider it a success. She walks with a cane, enjoys copious amounts of sushi, and spends her nights preparing tabletop games for her friends. When she writes, it’s in bed with a tabby cat on one side and a Labrador on the other.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Mehsi.
15.2k reviews456 followers
October 16, 2023
A really fun book about a monster candy store and its new owner!


I was so excited to find out that Coyote J.M. Edwards had a new novella out! I really liked Coffee, Milk & Spider Silk about a coffee shop/cafe, so I was eager to see what was next. A candy shop? Featuring a slime character?

Meet Lillian Perth, a girl who hasn’t stuck around with a lot of things, mostly she just runs away from things when she has a new interest or something happens. I was very curious if she would be able to run a candy shop. And throughout the book we see that she has a lot of energy, a lot of ideas, a lot of fun things she wants to try out, sometimes she is a bit too eager or wants just a bit too much without thinking about a budget, we see her try candy and try to help out her new friends. BUT we also clearly see that at times she is having a hard time with it. Her aunt/family constantly reminds her of her previous endeavours and how those ended and we see she is struggling with sticking to it. And so I found myself rooting for Lillian and hoping that she would pull through that she would stick with this, I mean, girl look what you did for this little shop? Look at those ideas that are brewing in your mind? Don’t give up! I think you found your place. I loved seeing her get more and more happy with where she lived, making friends with people, finding friends.

The candy shop? Sign me up! I love visiting candy shops, though for real they are not that magical here as they are in this book, I mean, I wouldn’t mind candy that swirls in colours. But having a candy store of my own? Yes please! I would love that. Any grannies willing to donate their store to me? Please?

I loved reading about Lillian’s plans for the whole store and loved seeing them come to live. Not all of them made it, but a lot of them did and I just adored reading about the shop transforming into something more fantastic. New candy. New paint for the store. New promotional stuff. A website. And more!

I could also understand Kheskat’s feelings on Lillian. I mean, if my biggest dream was to take over a candy store from my grandmother and then suddenly she just hands it to a stranger who doesn’t even know how a candy store is run or even knows her candies? I would also be pissed and not too eager to form friendships. I am glad that throughout the book we didn’t just get to see grumpy Keshkat, but also a lot of sweet Keshkat who is making candy, who is kind, who tries her best to be friends with Lillian and help her out with learning new things.

Plus, there is an upcoming competition and I loved seeing our characters band together to figure something out that will wow the judges! I loved what happened in those later moments/at the competition and was rooting for my characters!

All in all, this is one novella I would highly recommend!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Profile Image for Sharon Mariampillai.
2,269 reviews95 followers
September 26, 2023
Great Read

I received an advance review copy for free from Voracious Readers Only, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you, Coyote J.M. Edwards, for the opportunity to read your book. This was an enjoyable read. In this story, Lillian "Lils" Perth becomes the new owner of the candy shop, Sweet Fangs. Though she has not followed through on many projects such as music and homesteading, she believes this opportunity will make way for her life. I thought the story taught us important lessons about working together and finding where you belong. I thought the characters were great. Lils was sweet and impulsive. However, I really liked Kheskat. She is the granddaughter of the original owner and was supposed to take over the shop before Lils bought it. I found her character to be resilient, helpful, and straightforward. She is not afraid to say things even though it is just in the heat of the moment. However, it is how she helped Lils to make the chocolate and candy that made me like her more because, despite her initial bitterness towards Lils, she still wanted to make the shop a success and helped Lils. The ending was sweet. I am glad that the store is getting more credit. I enjoyed the story, but just wished it was longer and could explore the characters more. I wish this book could become a series. I cannot wait to read more books by Coyote J.M. Edwards. Overall, a great read.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
759 reviews57 followers
October 9, 2023
another wonderful cozy story

I absolutely adore Coyote Edwards previous books. They all have such heart and compassion. This one is no different. Our three main characters are a naga, pink slime (!), and a human young man. There are other eccentric players in this intimate town too. This story revolves around a delightful homemade candy shop. Candy is made of the usual ingredients plus a little magic. The main theme is never give up. Kheskat, the naga, creates the candies but lacks confidence. Lils, the pink slime, shows up as the new owner but has never accomplished anything or stayed with a job for very long. The two of them learn to work together and trust each other’s skills. It’s such a lovely, heartwarming lesson and story. I will read all of Edwards’ books. They are short but sweet.
Profile Image for Kat.
377 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2024
.

⭐ 4/5 ⭐

Short and sweet. Lils takes over a sweet shop on a whim and quickly realises running a business is harder than she first thought.

- A novella that's super cute and heartwarming. Somehow in the limited space, Edwards manages to squeeze in so much heart and personality. The main characters we vibrant and vivid and I loved how they all grew.

- Occasionally some of the chapters felt a bit rushed but the novella is pretty fast paced anyway. I would have happily read a longer and more detailed version of this book too.

- I loved the description of the sweets and the making process. As a kid I used to love watching hard sweet making when I went on holiday to Alum Bay and this brought back very happy memories. I could envisage each part of the process and practically taste the products.

A very enjoyable novella. Perfect for those wanting a vibrant and whimsical story with lots of heart.
Profile Image for Karla.
208 reviews16 followers
August 11, 2025
In Lollipop Monster Shop, pink slime Lillian Perth leaves behind her old life and stumbles into a fresh start when she’s handed the keys to a failing candy store in the monster city of Embervein. The catch? She knows nothing about making candy. With the reluctant help of a grumpy naga and a chill human, Lils tries to turn Sweet Fang into a top-tier treat shop. Along the way, she faces her tendency to give up—and discovers the magic of found family and second chances in this cozy, quirky fantasy novella.

Although this is a very SWEET book—and the craving for sweets was impossible to resist—there was something that just didn’t fully click for me. One of the main characters, Lils, is honestly quite annoying at times. In one moment, she’s full of confidence, and in the next, I’ve never come across a character who doubts herself so much. While I could relate to her at times, it still dulled my overall enjoyment of the book.
I liked how everyone worked hard to create the best recipes and win the competition. I also appreciated how they resolved their issues with each other—every character is unique in their own way. The book is easy to read, short, and not connected to the first book in the series. I definitely recommend reading it if you’re looking for something short and sweet.
Profile Image for Bertie-Ann Jordan.
15 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2024
I received a free digital review copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. I'm reviewing this book voluntarily and this is my honest opinion based on my reader experience.

We meet Lils, a passionate young college dropout, who is full of dreams. The novel is set in a world populated by a seemingly endless list of varied and colorful monsters.

I enjoyed the quippy dialogue and the funny situations. All the dialogue and situations were vibrant, imaginative, and full of life. It felt magical. I couldn't help but imagine this story as a cartoon, like The Littlest Pet Shop. Collecting in my mind all the monsters, settings, and items as I read about them held my interest. A lot of attention was paid to world-building. You might think that this book would be great for middle schoolers, but don't be misled. The f-word appears quite often.

Though I liked the concept overall, the characters did not feel rooted in their backstory. Being different people, having different histories, being different ages, and coming from different places would suggest that all the characters should have had a diverse range of behavioral and emotional reactions. They all behaved similarly, and predictably, and they all seemed a bit immature.
Profile Image for NurseyByNature.
113 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2023
So this book is extremely quirky in all the right ways. A story about finding yourself, found family, not giving up, accepting strengths and weaknesses all wrapped up in a paranormal world with a candy shop!

There is swearing in it, so it is for adults, although if not for that I'd say that kids would benefit from reading this fun story as well. It is fun, it's funny at times and at other times it's more focused on compassion and belonging.

I don't want to give too much of the plot away, as it's very unique in how it covers things, but if you want a simple, feel good read this is a great choice. Also Kheskat totally needs her own book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachella.
365 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2023
On a whim, Lils takes on the responsibility of a candy shop. Though she has not been great at sticking with things before, this opportunity might finally open the right doors for her future and career.

This was such a cute monster short story!

I enjoyed the characters, especially Kheskat, the original owner's granddaughter, who is extremely helpful despite any possible bitterness.

I loved the themes of working together, sticking to a project, and finding where you want to call home.

I would recommend this to younger ya readers who love monsters and fantasy.

Thank you to BookSirens for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. I am leaving my thoughts voluntarily.
Profile Image for Shrey Shrey.
21 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2023
Lollipop Monster Shop was so CUTE. This book was rather short and adorable, but you could really tell how hard the author worked on it! I liked how creative the author was with all of the little details that really made the book as good as it was. I also loved the foreshadowing in the beginning, no spoilers, but it made so much sense later on! The only thing that want great is that I didn't really know what type of monster the main character was until the end because they didn’t really talk about it that much. Overall, a 4.75 out of 5 ⭐️’s rounded up.

-Shrey Shrey ♥️

P.S I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Po.
25 reviews
February 3, 2024
A slime creature who is the living definition of ADHD spontaneously buys a candy shop and, with the help of the previous owner's granddaughter, attempt to give the shop a new face that'll put it on the map.

Thoughts:
- Took a few pages before it could really grab my attention
- Better character development than previous book I read from the author (Coffee, Milk & Spider Silk) probably due to less characters overall
- Beautiful relationship between the two main character's as they grow
- A cozy story starring a neurodivergent main character that didn't make want to grind my teeth into dust
- Quick and easy read with less than 100 pages but don't expect anything groundbreaking
Profile Image for Shermin Arif.
Author 1 book3 followers
September 12, 2023
If you need something to lift you up, read this little book. Cozy, cuddly, queer fantasy to get into a good mood. (Gives me a nice, small utopian dream about a society, where disabled, traumatised and chronically ill people are more seen.) A book like a fluffly pink marshmallow - just with the right amount of sweetness. :)
Can also recommend the novella before this, "Coffee, Milk & Spider Silk", which is set into the same universum - the main character from this novella has also a short appearance. I really like that!
18 reviews
March 4, 2024
Sweet, but not cloying.

This was a very sweet and heartfelt tale that while short was crafted well with fun candy-making details and leaves you feeling uplifted. Like biting into a pretty bonbon with multiple, complimenting flavors. I would love a longer story, but it didn’t leave me NEEDING more for the story to be complete. Just WANTING more because I had a good time.
I liked this story more than the previous Emberveil short story. You can definitely tell the author has improved! I look forward to any more stories they wish to tell from this endearing monster town.
Profile Image for Deb Hockenberry.
Author 5 books16 followers
March 4, 2024
Lillian Perth has recently left college and has now found herself the new owner of Sweet Fang, a candy shop in Embervein. She never bought it. It was her life-long dream she’s had for two whole hours.

Amid Lil’s chaos and inability to focus, she's able to update Sweet Fang into a more productive candy shop and win over her two coworkers. Now, all she has to do is to learn how to make candy and run a business!

You’ll definitely want Lollypop Monster Shop by Coyote JM Edwards in your home library. This easy-to-read new adult book will have you smiling from start to finish!
Profile Image for Emmaby Barton Grace.
798 reviews21 followers
October 16, 2024
such a fun cozy fantasy!! absolutely love the diverse monster folk - so many that i’ve not seen in other books before. and of course, i loved all the specific characters and their little lolly shop 💗💗 hoping we get more stories from this world

some other things i loved: respect for autonomy and bodily consent, use of technology - usually these types of books are set in the past, descriptions of all the candy and how its made, the adhd rep and showing both the strengths and challenges associated with it
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,497 reviews118 followers
August 29, 2023
I loved this fun fantasy novella. It was a very quick read, but a great choice for when you want something to cheer you up or help you escape for a little while.

It was all about a sweet shop, and who can say no to that? It was delightful, delicious, and sweet.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
69 reviews
September 3, 2023
Super cute story with a solid feel good ending

I really like the way this book tells a sweet story without being picture perfect. The main character has serious flaws and wonderful strengths, and the secondary characters are the same. The low stakes story pays a lot of good details to the nuances of candy making, and the city of embervein is a neat backdrop to the cozy feel. Short read but fun I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Margery.
909 reviews13 followers
September 22, 2023
Will Lil, the new owner of the candy shop and Kheskat, the granddaughter of the original owner, learn to get along and work together? Will they win the sponsorship? And who vandalized their shop? Well, I guess you are going to have to read this cute story for yourself. A delightful quick read and a spin of monster personalities is definitely a different twist to this reader. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,749 reviews54 followers
September 30, 2023
Lollipop Monster Shop is a novella by Coyote JM Edwards. I thought that this fantasy was unique. Some of the characters are human, but, some are not. Lils was given the candy store and the granddaughter, Kheskat, was so surprised. I enjoyed the progression of the story with how the girls grew in their friendship as well as their dream for the candy store. I thought that the feel good story was interesting and enjoyable. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs).
878 reviews68 followers
November 9, 2023



I absolutely loved Coffee, Milk & Spider Silk so when Coyote JM Edwards released Lollipop Monster Shop I had to read it right away! This slice of life cozy fantasy is monstrously sweet & deliciously heartfelt.

🍭 Candy Shop
🔮 Magic
🫶 Found Family
🎃 Halloweentown Vibes
🍬 Unexpected Inheritance
🔍 Soul Searching
📚 Cozy Fantasy

From the scrumptious candy to the lovable characters - Lollipop Monster Shop was a fantastic read! 📚

Thank you so much Coyote JM Edwards for the gifted copy!
Profile Image for W.A. Ashes.
Author 34 books54 followers
March 23, 2024
All you need to know about this book is in the title...it's about a candy story run by monsters. Specifically, it's about a slime being who comes to town, gets randomly gifted a family candy store, and then sets out with the help of her new friends to make the store more relevant and modern. I don't know what's up with all these cozy fantasy stories popping up lately, but I'm here for it. This was a nice, chill read.
162 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2023
This is my 1st read and review by this author and I loved this monster story with Lillian who gave everything up to move to Embervein a monster city where she takes ownership of a candy shop but can Lillian keep the shop going maybe she can with the help of her unusual workmates. I loved this fun cozy mystery I can’t wait to read more by this author and I highly recommend this book.
10.9k reviews125 followers
September 24, 2023
This is the fourth book I've read written by Coyote JM Edwards; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story is about Lillian; she takes over a failing candy shop. She knows the monsters can’t resist candy but now she has to figure out how to make it for she runs out.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for aaron.
1,221 reviews15 followers
September 2, 2024
This was the second book in this cute, short, cozy reads in this monster-forward world by Coyote J.M. Edwards. This one focuses on Lils, a slime who hasn't been able to find her place yet. She finds Sweet Fang, a lovely little sweet shop and decides to take over ownership. What follows is another fun read and I look forward to reading more whenever they come out!
Profile Image for Ribbon.
472 reviews17 followers
July 4, 2025
An idiot on vacation is given a candy shop and somehow it's not a complete disaster? This is a silly little shopkeeper cozy fantasy starring a slime girl, a naga, and a human delivery guy. There's a good amount of detail on candy making, especially tempering chocolate and making taffy. It's cute. Go read it.
Profile Image for Jamison Douglas.
34 reviews
October 12, 2025
Candy Shoppe Love

I didn't know a sequel came out. When I read the previous book, I was so happy to read a novella that was able to cover as much as a regular length novel.

I love how this small novella was able to show as much character growth as it did. It is definitely making me want to grab candy from a local candy shop.
4 reviews8 followers
September 14, 2023
amazing book on neurodivergent monster

Loved the spin on what it’s like to be hyper and motivated but also distracted and impulsive. Thanks for providing this short gem of a tale that was so encouraging and enjoyable. Happy tears at the end 🥹
5,450 reviews32 followers
October 5, 2023
The character work and story line were well written and kept me entertained from beginning to end. This was a great introduction to a new to me author and I look forward to my next adventure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katie Drinkwater.
105 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2023
another short and sweet trip to embervein, I wasn't quite as compelled by the storyline of this as I was coffee, milk and spider silk, but I loved the adhd-riddled main character and I hope we get plenty more stories in this universe!
29 reviews
February 26, 2024
Super cute! This book draws you in with adorable characters and great world building. You're rooting for the team the whole time and it really made me want candy. Highly recommend for anyone who wants something sweet, light and on the fun side.
Profile Image for Melanie Brackenbury.
7 reviews
April 1, 2024
**Amazing**

I would recommend this to young adults due to a tiny amount of bad language.
The book was a great way of teaching that not everyone is the same and are all equal, no matter their background.
Definitely would read again and there is nothing bad to say about this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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