For me, the characters-especially the main characters-are the driving factor in determining if I like a story or not.  That's one of the reasons I keep coming back to Cardeno C.'s books...I know I'm going to get wonderful characters who are complex and deep, and with distinct personalities.  I'm also going to get characters that are easy to relate to, and that is clearly illustrated here in Not A Game.

I loved this book and it’s audio companion and have read and re-read it many times (and re-listenened!).

As usual with Cardeno C., this book is a wonderful mix of hot smexy times, with real life issues between two men who are seeking their HEA. As hard as it was to like Jason at the beginning of the book, by the end I had a true understanding of him and realized that Jason had a journey to go on. Abe was the perfect companion on that journey. Once Jason realized this, he and Abe made an amazing couple, and I couldn't put the book down until I found out how it all ended. There is a reason Cardeno C. is an auto-buy author for me, and a book like this is just one of many. I highly recommend The Half of Us and all the others in the Family series. This can be read as a standalone, but I wouldn't miss any of the books if I were you.

So if you're having a crappy day (or even if you're not) and you need a fast fluff injection, I recommend this novella.

Hot, intense, yet thought provoking on dangers of someone perceived as different. Cardeno C. will have you holding your breath for more.