S.E.X. Audiobook Review~ Smitty's Sheriff by Cardeno C.

Todd is too flakey. Richard is too stubborn. Together, they're perfect. A May-December couple get a second chance at love.

Retired soldier Richard Davis wants a stable life in a quiet town with a forever man. Becoming the sheriff of Hope, Arizona, accomplishes two of his three goals, but instead of finding a serious partner, he falls for too-young-to-be-committed and too-flakey-to-be-serious, Todd Smitty. Richard won't find the right man if he's obsessed with the wrong one, so he walks away from Todd.

It's lust at first sight when Todd meets his sister's army friend. He sets his sights on the worldly, strong, stable older man, and the more time he spends with Richard, the harder he falls. But after three years together, Richard cuts off all contact, with no explanation.

When a mutual obligation requires Todd to move into Richard's house, he's thrilled at the opportunity to earn a second chance. Ignoring Todd from across town was hard enough. Can Richard resist temptation under his own roof?

It’s no secret I love a Cardeno C. book, but Smitty’s Sheriff did not do it for me. Richard and Todd were not only the most unlikely couple, I almost found them toxic.

One-time lovers, Richard dropped Todd like a hot potato- no explanation- and walked out of his life. According to Richard, it was him, not Todd, that caused him to walk away. Much older than Todd, Richard apparently wanted Todd to sow his oats, yet didn’t want him to have any other sexual relationships. Confused? Yes, I was just as confused by Richard’s characterization.

If the wonderful and talented Ms. C. was going for narcissistic and egomaniac then she hit the nail on the head delivering Richard’s personality. I hated Richard. He was condescending and treated Todd as a simpleton. Who tells a grown man to use the bathroom before they go out so he doesn’t fidget? IF Todd didn’t go to the bathroom that was his problem! At least men can go on the side of the road easier than women.

Unable to make decisions for himself, Todd, on the other hand was flighty and at times, I wondered if he played the “dumb and helpless” card on purpose and just a tad bit too much. He wasn’t submissive, he was a doormat- and that rubbed me the wrong way.

Everything about their relationship was a secretive fiasco, until the end when Richard miraculously decided he wanted a permanent relationship with Todd and Todd permitted him to control every aspect of his life. The two men even discussed the fine line between psychological domestic violence and how (according to Todd), their relationship was no such thing. I’d look again, Todd.

Regardless of my feelings for Smitty’s Sheriff, the next Cardeno C. book will be at the forefront of my e-reader- one of my favorite authors.

Narrator Ezekiel Robison always does a nice job narrating many of the books I listen to, but for some reason his rendition of Jared McFarland did not fit the image in this reader’s head. I found his voice contrite and a tad bit fake. The other characters were well-done, thought.

Frisky but Nothing too Kinky

A three handcuff review

Amazon Audiobook Buy Link

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2017 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Spotlight ~ Review~ Strong Enough & Love at First Sight Audio Tour

Strong Enough: Family Collection

• Written by: Cardeno C.
• Narrated by: Ezekiel Robison
• Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

 LISTEN TO AN AUDIO CLIP

SYNOPSIS

When a casual hookup turns into the potential for love, staid Spencer realizes he wants to build a life with vibrant Emilio.

When 22-year-old Emilio Sanchez sees handsome Spencer Derdinger walking by his construction site, Emilio makes it his goal to seduce the shy professor. Getting Spencer into bed isn't difficult, but Emilio soon learns that earning the trust of a man deeply hurt will take time and patience. With a prize like brilliant, sweet Spencer on the line, Emilio decides he is strong enough to face the challenge.

Spencer is surprised when he's approached by the gorgeous construction worker he's admired from the safety of his office window. Acting spontaneously for the first time in his 38 years, Spencer takes Emilio home. When the casual hookup turns into the potential for love, Spencer realizes that if he wants to build a life with Emilio, he'll need to be strong enough to slay his personal demons and learn to trust again.

Strong Enough by Cardeno C. was a beautiful, sentimental love story that warmed my insides and put a smile on my face. I loved the younger confident man meets shy older professor story line. Emilio spotted Spencer while working at the college and was immediately smitten with the man and knew he could be “the one”. Now he had to convince Spencer that age didn’t matter and love was worth the chance.

The dynamics between Emilio and Spencer flew off the pages as their synergy meshed and their personalities complimented each other. Cardeno C. characterized Emilio as just a tad assertive, but the man knew who and what he wanted; this writing worked and accentuated their story.

The strong familial ties were well constructed as Emilio’s family was written as an integral part of his life; nosy pushy siblings who could torture you with a smile on their faces as the drop of a hat, but no one else better mess with you! This attitude also transcended towards Spencer as he was immediately welcomed into the family. I felt an immediate connection with the large Latin family~ as I am also Latina~ where everyone knows your business and isn’t afraid to offer advice or mettle.

Ezekiel Robison~ kudos to a wonderfully engaging narration. As always a job well done.

Strong Enough held the meaning of life~ who one falls in love with can’t always be helped, a family should always be on your side, and but if there is strength of will and character, love will be found. Cardeno C. wrote strength in Emilio and Spencer and happiness prevailed.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review (Previously reviewed, slightly edited)

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

US / UK / iTunes

ebook links

All Romance eBooks / Amazon / Amazon CA / Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Smashwords

Love at First Sight: Home Collection, # 4

• Written by: Cardeno C.
• Narrated by: Alexander Collins
• Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

LISTEN TO AN AUDIO CLIP

SYNOPSIS

The moment naïve, optimistic Jonathan Doyle glimpses a gorgeous blue-eyed stranger from afar, he believes in love at first sight. Unfortunately, he loses sight of the man before they meet and then spends years desperately trying to find him. Just as he is about to give up, Jonathan gets a break and finally encounters David Miller face to face.

Successful, confident David turns Jonathan's previously lonely life into a fairy tale, giving him more than he ever imagined. But the years spent searching were hard on Jonathan, and he's terrified his young son and scandalous past will destroy his blossoming relationship. For David and Jonathan to build a future together, they'll both have to dig deep: David for the courage to share himself in a way he's never considered and Jonathan for the strength to tell the truth.

US / UK / iTunes

ebook links

All Romance eBooks / Amazon / Amazon CA / Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Smashwords

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever- after sunset.

Cardeno's Home, Family, and Mates series have received awards from Love Romances and More Golden Roses, Rainbow Awards, the Goodreads M/M Romance Group, and various reviewers. But even more special to CC are heartfelt reactions from readers, like, "You bring joy and love and make it part of the every day."

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2016 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ More Than Everything Audio Book

Time might not heal all wounds, but with two motivated and strong-willed men on a campaign to win him back, Charlie will get more than he ever thought possible.

As a teenager, Charlie "Chase" Rhodes meets Scott Boone and falls head over heels in love with the popular, athletic boy next door. Charlie thinks he's living the dream when Scott says he feels the same way. But his dreams are dashed when Scott unexpectedly moves away.

Years later, Charlie meets brash and confident Adan Navarro, who claims all he wants is a round between the sheets. After eight months together, Charlie is convinced Adan returns his love. But when the opportunity comes to be open about their relationship, Adan walks away.

Time passes and life moves on, but when Charlie learns the only two men he's ever loved are now in love with each other, his heart breaks all over again. Scott and Adan tell Charlie they want him back, but Charlie doesn't know if he can trust two people who have hurt him so deeply. Time might not heal all wounds, but with two motivated and strong-willed men on a campaign to win him back, Charlie will get more than he ever thought possible.

More Than Everything by Cardeno C. was a beautifully written ménage story in the Family series. I enjoyed this story immensely. Three wayward and beautiful souls coming together to form a lasting relationship based on satisfaction, but after much-needed work.

Chase had been in love with Scott from the time he was a teenager. Unfortunately, his heart was broken when Scott unexpectedly left him without a word. Things turned around for Chase and he met Adan, but once again his heart was broken as the man also left him, a fear of commitment.

But, fate has her owns plans, and Chase soon discovered Scott and Adan were in love with each other; the two men he had loved, and they wanted a relationship with him. Chase now must make the biggest decision of his life, especially since it is not only his life he is dealing with, but his charges as well.

Cardeno C. left me emotionally spent as I waded through the turmoil of their relationship. Each man brought a different and diverse facet to the relationship, but in the long run, enhanced the others.

The POV style that the book was written in placed a humorous aspect that lightened the darker moods that were underlying as Chase, Scott and Adan exorcised their demons. These aspects were more enhanced by Ezekiel Robison’s uncanny ability to deliver his narration with the perfect inflection and tone. Mr. Robison’s voice always draws me into the characters!

More Than Everything was much more than a ménage story. It was a story of true happiness that could be found in spite of people’s short comings or what life threw at you. It detailed the struggles to survive in a society that may not always be accepting. Where curve balls are thrown when least expected, but if a support system could be found, anything and everything is possible.

A must read!

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review (Previously reviewed, slightly edited)

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

2016 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Something in the Way He Needs ~ Cardeno C.~ Narrated by Ezekiel Robison

Controlled Asher didn't expect to fall for free-spirited Daniel, but they'll find what they desperately need in one another.

Police captain Asher Penaz's staunch professionalism bleeds into his home life, down to his neatly pressed attire and Spartan apartment. He enjoys being in charge and in control, so his sudden and powerful attraction to the lighthearted, free-spirited Daniel Tover throws him for a loop. In his entire life, Daniel has never gotten what he needs, so he moves to the next place, the next job, the next attempt to find something worth staying for, always landing at the top of his game, but never feeling like he belongs.

The chemistry between Asher and Daniel sizzles, but with all that fire comes the risk of getting burned. As both men struggle to learn themselves while getting to know each other, the lines of desire and control blur. If Daniel and Asher can walk through the flames together, they might find what they desperately need.

When I began to read Something in the Way He Needs by Cadeno C. I was torn and perplexed in my thinking. How was the author going to seemingly meld two very different personalities into a satisfying HEA? Leave it to Cardeno C. to accomplish this task.

Anal retentive police captain Asher and free-spirit David couldn’t have been more different. Brought together through happenstance, Asher was intrigued and smitten by the man who couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag~ with directions.

At first I wanted to dislike Asher; not that there was anything completely wrong with the man. But, the man who loved to dominate had an insecure personality which he projected his short giving onto others, especially Daniel. Asher was his own worst enemy and nearly lost Daniel in the process.

I adored Daniel. The man appeared younger than he truly was, yet he had wisdom and maturity, and a care-free attitude which made him likeable and tender-hearted.

Daniel had patience and stamina to keep up with the roller coaster Asher.

Something in the Way He Needs is not a BDSM book, although Asher is dominant and professes to enjoy the lifestyle. The book is a journey of exploration and opening your mind and heart to other’s who you usually wouldn’t do so, and finding the other piece of your heart.

As with all Cardeno C.’s audible books, her chosen narrator was spot on. Ezekiel Robison’s tenor delivered a dynamic narration with feeling and emotion. Kudos Mr. Robinson for holding my interest.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

2016 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ The Half of Us by Cardeno C.

If short-tempered Jason can open his heart and life to optimistic Abe, he might finally find the family he craves.

Short-tempered, arrogant heart surgeon Jason Garcia grew up wanting a close-knit family, but believes he ruined those dreams when he broke up his marriage. The benefit of divorce is having as much random sex as he wants, and it's a benefit Jason is exploiting when he meets a sweet, shy man at a bar and convinces him to go home for a no-strings-attached night of fun.

Eight years living in Las Vegas hasn't dimmed Abe Green's optimism, earnestness, or desire to find the one. When a sexy man with lonely eyes propositions him, Abe decides to give himself a birthday present—one night of spontaneous fun with no thoughts of the future. But one night turns into two and then three, and Abe realizes his heart is involved.

For the first time, Abe feels safe enough with someone he respects and adores to let go of his inhibitions in the bedroom. If Jason can get past his own inhibitions and open his heart and his life to Abe, he might finally find the family he craves. 

The Half of Us told the story of surgeon Jason Garcia and the ups and downs of a broken marriage, children he rarely saw, and a new man in his life that he wasn’t’ dating.

Jason and Abe are the perfect opposites attract couple as they waded through the initial hook-up, murky waters of potential dating to the eventual we’re an item.

What I loved about this book was that the love was not instantaneous. Yes, there’s lust and a heady dose of sex, but Cardeno C. permitted the characters to discover each other and build a relationship based on finding themselves.

I found myself cheering for Jason and Abe, while wanting to throttle Jason and his inability to commit to anything. Abe’s kill ‘em with kindness not only won over Jason, but his ex-wife and children too.

Funny moments~ crazy espresso machine…I have to admit that I laughed out loud and got some looks. Did I care? Absolutely not! A Cardeno C. books always brings a smile to my face and make my heart feel lighter.

Cardeno C. has the uncanny ability to choose the perfect narrator for her books. I’ve listened to quite a few Cardeno C. audio books and Ezekiel Robison did not disappoint. The inflection in his voice, the change over for each character and the suitable nuances to distinguish between funny moments had me intrigued and ready to listen to the entire book in one sitting.

Listening to The Half of Us was a total joy.

Book provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review (Previously reviewed, slightly edited)

Definite S.E.X.
A five handcuff review

2015 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.