Cinnamon Candy Novel Review

My Thoughts on Cinnamon Candy

"Cinnamon Candy" is a completed yaoi novel that I recently dove into, and it was quite the ride. With its blend of adult themes, drama, and romance, it certainly left an impression. While it wasn't perfect, there were elements that kept me hooked.

First Impressions

The story kicks off with Han Seon-joo, a male escort, and Kwon Hee-seong, a wealthy client. Their relationship starts with a contract, which is a common trope, but the author manages to add some unique flavor. The initial premise is that Seon-joo takes on this contract due to family debts, a situation that immediately paints him as a sympathetic character.

What Works Well

I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Seon-joo and Hee-seong. The story really dives into Seon-joo's perspective, his internal conflicts, and his growing feelings for Hee-seong. I appreciated how the author portrayed Seon-joo's vulnerability, especially given his background and the circumstances he finds himself in. The intimate scenes were also well-written and added another layer to their evolving dynamic. The author didn't shy away from writing good amount of smut scenes.

Areas of Concern

One thing that bothered me was the portrayal of Seon-joo's family. His mother and older brother constantly exploit him, and he often comes across as a pushover. While this does add to his character's tragic backstory, it sometimes felt frustrating to watch him continuously enable their behavior. I also felt that Hee-seong's character could have been developed further. While his initial "scumbag" tendencies are understandable, I wished there was more insight into his motivations and feelings.

Final Verdict

Overall, "Cinnamon Candy" is an enjoyable read if you're into contract relationships, obsessive love, and stories with a good dose of drama. While it has its flaws, the engaging characters and steamy scenes make it a worthwhile experience. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.