When you sign on to read a Cardeno C. novel, you are positive to get three things in return: first, a romance that is sweet and rewarding; second, a happy ever after that comes with very little angst or troubles; and third, a feel good emotional reward that leaves you smiling long after the novel’s end. Cardeno C. is a master at romance—sweet, sometimes sappy, yet always a complete story where boy meets boy, boy gets boy and they both live happily ever after....This author dares to create a happy ever after for an average guy, with an above average man who desires him. In the end, Not a Game becomes a magical fairytale romance that delivers all the feels and emotions with a twist—characters who are, for once, utterly real and worthy of love.

The book is a swooner, and sexy as all get-out. For. Real.

The first three chapters, well, you will want to make sure you are not in public when you read them. Hotness that only CC can write is there from the words Chapter One. And there was lots of that hotness.

When Ethan, a true underdog (pun intended), meets Miguel (a vampire) and realizes what made him weak might actually be fixed by the one he expected to cause his demise the premise is set for a very entertaining, and engaging, story. Miguel, as the centuries-old wise vampire and Ethan, as a sort of hick country fella, sure do not seem like mates. In fact it is the differences, and the acceptance of them from each other, that bring the strength to this novel. As things progress and prejudices (internal and external) are barreled through you have the opportunity to see how love can conquer all! As with the first in the series, Cardeno C. has done a masterful job weaving a complex story filled with all sorts of characters who clearly are themselves in Until Forever Comes. You really feel these folks; they take on a life of their own and their actions and words become cemented in your heart. The emotion is not punchy but steady, a build up that keeps you invested until the very end. In a world of overdone tropes this one brought freshness, uniqueness that set it above the rest. The writing here is really the draw; smooth, flowing, and well crafted it leads you on the journey. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to handle Ethan at all with his very sort of country boy persona and language but it grew on me and it was so much a part of him.…

I liked the story, liked the main characters....I found myself smiling or chuckling while reading. There was no major drama – thank God, the story wasn't drawn out and the end was nothing less than I expected...I completely fell in love with Reggie Moore. He is such a calm, sweet, & funny character...how could you not fall in love?? ...This is such a sweet HEA and I think I needed that ending to get out of my dark cloud. So thank you CC for letting me read such a sweet and funny story!! ...The way their relationship progresses is so sweet. Reg is so strong and patient with Jeremy. Jeremy is in aww of his life after Reg comes into it. It's like he was living in black & white, and now everything is in color. I loved experiencing everything new with Jeremy. It was a very big turn on.