I was totally in the mood for some sweet M/M contemporary romance and Not a Game delivered. It so delivered. This one is on the top of my Cardeno C. favorites list. If you need an angst-free, loving romance with some hot sex, Not a Game is perfect.

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.

Cardeno C.'s moving and insightful novella, A Shot at Forgiveness, provides a rather different view of the bullying many gay and lesbian children and teens are forced to endure. ... Is it credible that in some situations the bully is more confused about and tormented by his sexuality than his victim? In my own view, for whatever it's worth, that might explain more than a few cases of bullying. Without including spoilers in this review, I can say there are even more surprising turns in A Shot at Forgiveness than a famous and wealthy NBA MVP's making contact with his former victim. I can also affirm that the way Cardeno C. shapes the story makes them all believable. They certainly don't happen every day, but who'd wish to write or read about every-day matters? I must also praise Cardeno C.'s writing style... Rafi and Isaac's story won me over. I highly recommend it.

This is a seriously sweet and sexy read. Cardeno C. never fails to give us a feel good, heart-warming ride and I love that I can look forward to every book knowing that my heart will be happy and full! ... This book is completely stand-alone and definitely worth picking up. If you want a hot, sexy yet sweet and heart-warming read then this is for you!

The journey that these two men take towards understanding each other is beautifully written. The characters are well fleshed out and the dialog flows smoothly from one page to the next.