Seven Minutes in Candyland

This multilayered YA rom-com about follows Kalvin, a guy navigating his parents’ impending separation, racial dynamics in his mostly white high school, and a side hustle as a relationship therapist who also sells candy to his patients in need…one of whom is his crush.

Sophomore Kalvin Shmelton has finally perfected his underground candy-selling hustle at school. He keeps his prices reasonable, his inventory fresh, and himself out of the drama. But when a heartbroken Sterling Glistern—Kal’s longtime crush—barges into the storage closet where he keeps his candy supply, a new source of income unexpectedly presents itself: relationship therapist. He only meant to help Sterling realize she’s dating a jerk—and maybe win her over—but news spreads fast that Kalvin’s not just the master of sweets…but hearts, too! And as the son of two famous therapists, he leans into this newfound reputation and the money that comes with it.

The truth, however, is that Kalvin’s parents’ “perfect” marriage is crumbling. He was supposed to woo the girl of his dreams, fix his parents’ relationship, and lend a listening ear to a school full of heartbroken teens. But a jealous boyfriend, a vengeful competitor, and Kalvin’s own growing ego threaten those plans, forcing Kal to rethink all he thought he knew about friendship, family, and love. 

He’s prescribing questionable advice with a side of candy. She’s his crush and his client.

• Witty Banter: A fresh, funny, and heartfelt story packed with authentic dialogue and hilarious high school drama that feels real.
• First Crush Romance: His goal is to fix his longtime crush Sterling’s love life. His secret hope? That she’ll realize he’s the one she should be with.
• Teen Entrepreneur: Kalvin’s an expert at the high school side hustle, running an underground candy business out of a tech-ed storage closet.
• Family Drama: While he’s busy fixing everyone else’s relationships, Kalvin’s own family is secretly falling apart, and he’s desperate to save them.