These books are linked by theme or world. They are independent and can be read in any order.
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I recommend Strange Bedfellows to someone looking for a low-drama, thoughtful romance.
It's a very short, sweet story that makes you smile and sigh and - just as all Cardeno's stories do - feel good inside.
I really liked the sound of the premise. I enjoyed the delivery much more. A near-death experience. A sudden change in setting, age and time. People thinking your subconscious is aware and perhaps that enables you to know things you ordinarily wouldn't. The concept that some people are just meant to be together, that they are waiting for the right person to come along. That the right person can save you. It is written in a lovely manner. Both characters were delightful. I grew attached to them right from the moment I met them. I loved Travis' sense of humour and (forty one year old) Travis' dirty mouth. I adored klutzy Shiloh's choice of boxers and his attitude in general. The sex for the thirty six/forty one year old Shiloh and Travis was all kinds of erotic and the sex to story ratio was perfect. That Hanukkah was the festive season with meaning (along with Thanksgiving) was a refreshing change from Christmas. ... Beautifully written - lovely characters, clever premise and wonderful delivery. ... If you are in the mood for a festive novella that is a little different - makes you think just a smidge - that is upbeat, sexy and nice, then grab In Another Life. Loved it!
Reg's campaign to show Jeremy what relationships are supposed to be like as opposed to what Jeremy thought they were based on his experiences was beautiful. Jeremy's slow but very sexy seduction was breathtaking. I loved Reg's patience while he gave Jeremy the chance to figure out for himself that he was attracted to Reg, even if all his previous relationships had been with women. The scenes leading up to Jeremy's moment of revelation gradually went from sweet to hot as Jeremy evolves from cherishing the cuddles and closeness he needs to fully appreciating his sexuality and newly discovered appetite for it.
Cardeno C, once again, did a splendid job in bringing this story to the page. The journey throughout the years was an enjoyable one. To see them growing from teenagers to wonderful men was a joy to me. Their friendship and devotion, Andrew's struggles, their lust, emotions and acceptance of each other was beautifully weaved together in a way that truly made this story real for me. The dialog was both entertaining and revealing. The events that took place throughout the story were perfectly placed to have their proper impact on the reader. I was grinning with happiness each and every time they got together, screaming at them to get their heads on straight and crying my eyes out with each betrayal and each painful thought.