Of Candy and Betrayal

by J.L. Jackola

Hunter always found his stepsister, Gemma, annoying, but when his father abandoned her in the Endless Forest, Hunter went after her. Lost in the woods, they came upon a witch and her two sons. And in that moment, their lives changed forever.

Fifteen years after escaping the witch, Hunter and Gemma reunite. But Gemma is no longer the annoying little stepsister Hunter remembers. And although the witch is dead, her sons are very much alive. One lives at the gates of the underworld, terror in the flesh. The other offers Gemma a quest she cannot refuse—to find the stones of the cursed witches. Stones with unrivaled power. In the hands of one son, the world will kneel; in the hands of the other, the curse will lift.

Hunter knows neither option is worth the reward, but for Gemma, one is.

Secrets and betrayal layer the path Gemma and Hunter must travel to find the five stones. As their lives and desires intersect with the two men who haunt their past and hold the key to their future, they will discover their story is only just beginning.

Of Candy and Betrayal is a spicy dark Hansel and Gretel retelling. T/W can be found in the front of the book and on my website.

Genres: Retellings, Smut, Fantasy

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2023

About the author

J. L. has been creating fantasy worlds ever since she was a child. When she’s not weaving tales, she can be found logging miles in her running shoes, watching action movies with her family, or curling up with a good fantasy book. She resides in Delaware with her husband and their three children.
Adrift, the sixth book in her Unbound Prophecy series will be released on April 29th, 2022. The Unbound Kingdom trilogy, a spin-off from the Unbound Prophecy series will release beginning in June 2022.

Reviews

[Yves V.H. [Slow reading] · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second book I read from this author. First of all, I am confused about what to feel with this one. The thing is they are step siblings and for me that is too obscene even though Gemma's mother died immediately and so did Hunter's father. Gemma kept pushing that they are not related and being step siblings mean nothing since both of their parents are dead anyway. Also, they got seperated for 15 yrs so they really didn't grow up together so I guess, no sibling relationship at all? I don't know 😭 This kind of thing is not my cup of tea.

Second, there is almost no plot since this is a spicy book and Gemma ended up doing the 'why choose?' stuff. She did both of them in the end. The plot is supposed to be Gemma searching for the stones in exhange for her step brother's whereabouts which honestly didn't make sense for me. I don't even know Hunter's mission is. I know he has one but it got lost somewhere in the sex scenes 🤷🏽‍♀️ and was never found again.

Also, and lastly, Hunter has some serious anger issues. He is very explosive. He loves to have sex with everyone while thinking of Gemma and when he found out that Gemma is no longer a virgin, he got mad??? He always gets mad whenever Gemma talks about her past dids but erm, he does exactly the same anyway so...dude?? What? I dont know but he is the epitome of 🚩

Anyway, the whole book is okay. Never touching it again though.

🌸 Recieved a copy but all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Neia Quaintance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a spicy dark Hansel and Gretel retelling. This book is bout Gemma and Hunter along with the witch's son's. U get to know the charters, and it has shapshifters, trolls, witches, and so much more. U go along on their adventures and quest, and it has lots of in their way. I love all the cute lil nicknames throughout the book.

[yarniabook · Rating 1 out of 5]

Writers, please, please stop making the MC a wh%re when he's jealous or upset. Why is that okay? It's not. i wanna root for him not be like, "GIRL RUN, he has STDs."

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. L. Jackola had me at a dark and twisted romance, and kept me hooked the entire time

We meet Hunter as a teenager entering the woods with his father and stepsister, Gemma, when Hunter and his sister lose their way and stumble upon a witch’s cottage and two brothers. Only for Hunter to lose Gemma.

Fast forward 15 years later and Hunter is reunited with Gemma, and starting to realize she’s no longer a little girl. Tension rises between Gemma and Hunter as they fight the mutual attraction building between them.

As well as fighting their personal demons of attraction, they have to find the five stones, the water, earth, fire, air, and seeing stones. While encountering trolls, witches, fairies, and more.

Finally giving into the rising sexual tension, the mouth of Hunter is enough to make a girl blush.

But as the journey continues for the stones, Hunter feels as though Gemma is withholding information from him about the stones and abondons her. Only for her to fall into the witch’s eldest son, Ernan, who is said to be the evil brother. But is he evil or is that what Breck, his brother is convincing Gemma to believe?


This story had not just an amazing story of Hunter and Gemma going through the realms to find the stones, but also plenty of spice.

The brief love triangle between Gemma and both Hunter and Ernan made me hope it’s become a little why choose moment and with both men being extremely possessive I loved the way it played out.

[Cody Tylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve seen this one all over TikTok and I went into this one really wanting to love it, but unfortunately, it was quite the opposite. This story is a spicy dark Hansel and Gretel retelling and as always check your trigger warnings. This story follows Hunter and his step sister, Gemma, who after being abandoned by Hunter’s father in the woods, they stumble upon a witch and her two sons. They both escape, completely unaware of each others survival. Years later, the step siblings reunite, and Gemma is no longer the annoying step sister that Hunter remembers her to be. Gemma is then offered a quest from one of the witch’s sons, and they both set off to find the stones of the cursed witches, and spoiler alert, have lots and lots of sex. First off, I am all for a good spicy book, however, this was almost too in your face and felt so unnecessary. It had me considering DNFing more than once, which I really didn’t want to do, so I pushed through and finished it. In my opinion, the sex was so constant that it took away from the plot of the story and I didn’t feel like I connected with the characters. With a good balance of plot and spice, this could have been a really solid retelling. With that being said, I would still look forward to reading this author’s next book, but as for this one, it just wasn’t for me.

[savreadsbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

2✨
Not that I went into this with too much expectation. I mean, it’s a “dark, twisted” retelling of Hansel and Gretel. What is there to expect from it.
The first two thirds of this book were.. not great. I mean, it TALKED about the plot a little bit, but nothing really happened towards it.. While some of the spice was good, it wasn’t great. And there was SO MUCH of it. Gah; I think the first half or more of this book, is very much the epitome of “overdone spice”. It was nothing but that. I know it’s fiction, and fantasy fiction at that, but damn. I don’t think it’s even possible to go at it that much.
The end part of the book definitely picked up plot wise. There was more about it and went through it more. Which was nice.. but was also not as much as I needed for the story to be redeemed. It’s a short book obviously, so you can’t do overly much in the way of details or stretching out scenes to make them actually worth investing in.
And then with that, girl be MESSY. Flings her heart at anything that utters her name. That was so annoying. Like, be less messy girl. And not only that, I HATE how the author wrote her as so insanely manipulated in the present, and then for the almost entirety of her life. Like REALLY? She’s been manipulated the entire time, and I just hate that for female protagonists. I get it to an extent, but this book was awful for it.
I don’t think I would recommend this one really.

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for me

This is one spicy retelling of Hansel and Gretal.
This book is for anyone who loves a dark fantasy romance where your MMC is toxic, dominating, and makes you beg.

Hunter is the MMC, his a little toxic, jealous, but he will have you squirming in your seat as he gets the FMC to beg.

Gemma, our FMC, is a strong female who will give as good as she gets.

The story starts with Gemma being dumped in the forest by Hunters father. Hunter does not accept this and goes to help Gemma, his step sister. This is when they run into the witch and her two sons.
Both Gemma and Hunter escape unaware of the others survival.

You then jump 15 years in the future where both Gemma and Hunter are successful mercenaries hired by different people to do the same job. Once they realise who each other is, there is no turnong back.

Hunter helps Gemma on her job as if she fails, she will be owned by her buyer, and Hunter does not wish that to happen since he decides Gemma is now his.

They bang their way through the realm, completing this job until their past catches up with them.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of Candy and Betrayal by J.L Jackola is book one in the Wicked and Twisted Tales Series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but wow, did I dig this book. When I read that it was a dark and spicy retelling of Hansel and Gretel, I was all in. This book was really well done and I really liked how the author created this world. I do recommend checking your trigger warnings to be on the safe side. This book took me about a day to finish, it grabbed my attention and kept going all the way until the end. This book took my emotions on a whirlwind of a ride. I went from disliking Hunter to liking him back and forth. I did like reading the side of him that only Gemma was able to bring out of him. I’m a fan of retellings and this is up there on my list. Really good book!

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[Stephanies.books_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It kept getting worse and worse the kore I read. I kept thinking, "What else could the author do to make me cringe?"

🍬 No real plot
🍬 MCs sleeping with everyone
🍬 No storyline
🍬 Why Choose (this really didn't matter)
It was a surprise to find out, though.
🍬 There wasn't much Hansel and Gretel entwined in the story
🍬 Way to many sex scenes (and that's saying something)
🍬 No chemistry between MCs

There just was no substance to the story. No character growth. No plot or storyline. It was the mcs finding each other after 15 years and instantly talking about sex. Every chapter after every chapter! Like, I seriously needed a break from their nymphomaniac tendencies.

I hated that the mcs slept with random people, mainly the MMC. He slept with a lot of women throughout the story even when sleeping with the MFC. 🤢🤮

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

wooooooow I love it

If you are looking for a Hansel and Gretel reclaiming with tension, you can cut through a tree with a butter knife, super spicy slow burn step siblings this book is absolutely for you. I absolutely devoured this book. It was so freaking good. I cannot wait to read more by this amazing author and hopefully in the near future, I can get some signed copies by this person because these books I need in my life OK I’m not even kidding You please check your trigger warnings. Please be over the age of 18 to read this to all of my spicy lovers highly highly highly recommend this book. It is so good and if you had pearls you would clutch them if I could give this 500 stars I absolutely would.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed the premise of the book! The magical integration and the challenges the MCs had to go through were exciting and different from most other things I’ve read. However, the love-hate relationship I had with Hunter took away from the story, for me. He was insufferable, at times, but I absolutely loved Gemma and she kept me going.
As a whole, the battle between good and evil; and “things aren’t always as they seem” theme kept me entertained and I did close the book feeling complete. Goodreads doesn’t allow for 1/2 stars (which I hate) BUT this would have gotten a 3.5 had it been allowed.

[Cherin Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. What a whirlwind of emotions!! This was a book I hated having to put down. Being mad at Hunter, to falling in love with him and hating him all over again, just to love him in the end. What started as a search for his step sister, turned into a love triangle that I would love to see more of. I need more of Ernan and his sweet side, and that aggressive side of Hunter only Gemma brings out of him. This is definitely a book I’d recommend to any of my fantasy smut loving girls!

[Jaimy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read from this author. It’s a very spicy Hansel and Gretel retelling. Hunter and Gemma are step siblings that are reunited after they were separated from the witch and her two sons. They go on a quest to find the stones of the cursed witch. They encounter trolls, witches, shapeshifters and of course the witches two sons. This was a quick read with adventure and so much spice. I wish we would have gotten to know the witches son Ernan more and hopefully maybe in the future.

[Angelina Drake · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is along the lines of a Hansel and Gretel tale with some spice. It was hard for me to stay interested in this book. It was a little all over the place with no clear story line. There are some triggers for some so be aware. I am looking forward to reading another book by this author. This book might not be my cup of tea but it might be someone else’s. So please do not let my review discourage you in any way from reading this book. I will re-read it in a couple months and update my review at that time. It could just be everything going on this time of year for me.

[Brianna Roseline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this authors writing but this book wasn’t for me. It’s a great read if you enjoy a darker fantasy and very high on the Spicy charts. Lots of dirty talk, sexual description, sub/dom play, I own you trope, etc.
I also didn’t care for the stepsibling plot line.
The plot if more developed with less spice would have been a great fantasy retelling. But I think it’s a to each their own situation.
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book for my honest review.

[Nathalie Josefine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisted/dark retelling of Hansel and Gretel (it's called Hans and Grete in my native language) and I loved it! I was so lucky to receive this as an arc and heads up it is spicy 👀 But it's Soo good, it's not too long a read but not to short either and has you hooked and before you know it, it's finished!

[Elise Ballard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had issues with the story line being all over the place. I was really hoping this would be good because there isn't a lot of Hansel and Gretel retellings. If you want step sibling, why choose, spice than this is for you. If you want a story then you will probably not enjoy this one very much. This is also a dark romance. Please be aware of the TW before reading.

[Caitlynn Gilles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow!🩵 This book kept me on my toes, live how in depth the story is, really brought the characters alive. The romance & spice is perfect 👌 I savored every last word. 🍬 What a wonderful dark twist of the classic Hanzel and Gretal! Absolutely loved it, and can I say that Gemma is one lucky gal to have both😍

[Jenn Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5. It’s advertised as a why choose and in my opinion is not a why choose at all. Without giving spoilers. If you like why choose and know about the trope then this book is not a typical why choose at all. That is the only disappointment I have with this book and the only reason I’m giving it a 3.5

[Haley klinge · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry I literally DNF’d this book. I couldn’t do it. Hunter is so fucking toxic, and not like morally gray ooh he’s a bad boy. NO. He abandons her in a dark forest with lava pits and screws a bunch of tavern witches because he’s jealous of her ex.

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun adventure!

I love this story and the adventure was such fun to read! Hunters character was a little intolerable through most of the book but he got better at the end. Gemma was my favorite! I absolutely loved her! I hope in book 2 we get an Ernan POV!

[Bre Rhoads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great retelling if Hansel and gretal. The adventure and emotional turmoil the FMC and MMC take on. I loved everything except the length of the chapters (which is why my rating is 4/5). My ADHD made it incredibly hard to get through but it was well worth it. It was worth the read.

[Jennifer Lane · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNF this book. Every other sentence/ paragraph was sex. I’m down for a good spicy book but this was ridiculous. The story I feel would have been great if not for the constant need to throw the word “c*ck” into every conversation.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn’t Finish It

I apologize to the author, but I just couldn’t finish this. In my mind, once Gemma found Hunter alive, the deal with the witch was void. It was too hard to believe neither of them thought of it. Whatever took place when I stopped seemed to just be pointless.

[Ciara Bush · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry I just could not finish this book it’s never taken me so long to read a book before. It started off really good and then after the time jump I feel like I was waiting until it got better I got 78% through this book when I decided to DNF ☹️ my very first ever DNF

[SharksRJerks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started great, end good- 2/3 meh

This book had a great start, a nice twist on a classic tale and itt was well written. About 2/3s in the writing chamged and became rushed, almost like another author took over. It was odd. Overall, worth reading.

[Juanita Pires-Hilario · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure

I loved everything about this book and I hope I can find another one like it! Everytime I was reading I literally felt like I was in the book. I was able to imagine the scenes because it was very well descriptive. Highly recommended!

[Baylee Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure into love triangles so I wished the "why choose" started sooner. When he left her in the fire lands(forgot the name lol) it broke me! This books way great! I loved how much sex and sexual tension in the book. Def one i would recommend to someone while loves of spicy in the book 📖

[Neckole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy the book. It is spicy but sometimes the writing really irritated me. Not sure why but it would be good and then it was flat. And the slut shaming rubbed me the wrong way; I get jealousy (sorta) but I think it went a little beyond. The author said the book was about 60% spice and 40% story; and of the about 5% world building. I think it needed just a little more.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

5stars!!! You say with a questioning inflection…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ because it brought me some joy and flushed up my cheeks a few times.

Spicy “retelling” with twists - I adored this. Like truly would read a second book about their adventures.