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Rough Edges
Kyle has an unwelcome crush on his nemesis Brent. Brent has a welcome crush on his friend Kyle. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.
Born on the wrong side of the tracks to the wrong family, Kyle Potter has spent his life clawing his way toward a better future. When he gets the perfect job at the perfect firm in perfect Los Angeles, Kyle is sure there are only blue skies ahead. And then he meets perfect Brent Haralson.
Born with a silver spoon to a well-established family, Brent Haralson has never been interested in leveraging his connections. Friends, success, and dates come easily to Brent and rejection isn’t something he has to deal with in life. And then he meets perfect Kyle Potter.
Kyle despises his unwelcome crush on his lazy, arrogant nemesis. Brent welcomes his feelings for his stubborn, brilliant friend. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.
Word count: 17,127
This is a 2nd edition without substantive changes from the 1st edition, which was part of the It Was Always You anthology.
Born on the wrong side of the tracks to the wrong family, Kyle Potter has spent his life clawing his way toward a better future. When he gets the perfect job at the perfect firm in perfect Los Angeles, Kyle is sure there are only blue skies ahead. And then he meets perfect Brent Haralson.
Born with a silver spoon to a well-established family, Brent Haralson has never been interested in leveraging his connections. Friends, success, and dates come easily to Brent and rejection isn’t something he has to deal with in life. And then he meets perfect Kyle Potter.
Kyle despises his unwelcome crush on his lazy, arrogant nemesis. Brent welcomes his feelings for his stubborn, brilliant friend. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.
Word count: 17,127
This is a 2nd edition without substantive changes from the 1st edition, which was part of the It Was Always You anthology.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2016
49 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
Cardeno C.
58 books2,376 followersCardeno 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.
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
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Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 2, 2020
A sweet hate-to-love story. Well, on the part of Kyle. Brent has always had a thing for Kyle.
When Kyle and Brent first met two years ago, the attraction between them was immediate and mutual. But it was cut short when Kyle learned Brent had no job, but a wealthy background.
Kyle is quick to judge without getting to know Brent better, as he respects only hard work, people who earn their ways, and are doing something useful their lives. As he is still attracted to Brent, he masks it with mockery and open disdain.
But Brent never gives up hope to break through Kyle’s resistance. When Kyle gets into a difficult situation, Brent is ready to help him. Spending more time together by necessity, Kyle can’t help but see beyond the surface and put aside his prejudices.
I loved the development of Kyle, and the perseverance of Brent. Sweet story, great writing style, amazing chemistry, lots of humor. Highly recommended!
When Kyle and Brent first met two years ago, the attraction between them was immediate and mutual. But it was cut short when Kyle learned Brent had no job, but a wealthy background.
Kyle is quick to judge without getting to know Brent better, as he respects only hard work, people who earn their ways, and are doing something useful their lives. As he is still attracted to Brent, he masks it with mockery and open disdain.
“What did you do today?” He narrowed his eyes at Brent. “Based on your appearance, I’m guessing a shower wasn’t on the agenda.”
“I woke up, beat off, watched TV, beat off again, found an old pack of cigs under the couch, beat off, looked for a lighter, beat off, gave up on the lighter and lit up with the burner on my La Cornue stove that probably cost more than that deposit you earned, and then beat off again.” Brent pressed his lips together, raised his eyebrows, and nodded. “Huh. I guess you were right. No shower.”
But Brent never gives up hope to break through Kyle’s resistance. When Kyle gets into a difficult situation, Brent is ready to help him. Spending more time together by necessity, Kyle can’t help but see beyond the surface and put aside his prejudices.
“Having dinner together means spending time with you. And if I drag it out just the right way, I’m thinking maybe we can even have a real conversation in between the insults.”
I loved the development of Kyle, and the perseverance of Brent. Sweet story, great writing style, amazing chemistry, lots of humor. Highly recommended!
February 17, 2017
This one was a cute, short story, but it didn't totally blow me away.
Kyle was an early-30's, snarky and uptight LA attorney, desperate to escape his poor, white trash Alabama past and work his way to a future of which he can be proud.
Brent was a mid-30's, laid-back, privileged trust fund guy, who doesn't have an actual job, which has made Kyle loathe him and his easy life for the past two years.
Then Kyle loses his job when a scandal involving the partners at his law firm is revealed, leaving him broke and on the brink of homelessness.
But when Brent offered his spare room up to help Kyle when he was down and out, Kyle's feelings about the man began to slowly change for the better. Much better.
There was some talking, some sex and the beginnings of some feelings; however, I would have liked several more pages to develop the level of feels that I'm normally used to seeing in Cardeno's stories.
This just felt really abbreviated, especially at the end, when everything wrapped up in maybe two pages, with a totally left-field and premature reference to marriage. When they'd only just discussed dating. I was more than a bit confused.
I suppose I'd rate this one around 3 stars, mainly because of Brent's extreme likability and extreme optimism.
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My ARC copy of the story was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
April 30, 2017
3.75 HEARTS--Another Cardeno C winner for me! Short and contemporary from this author seems to work for me.
I love a lot of tropes, but enemies to lovers is near and dear. In Rough Edges, the enemies are within a group of friends.
Can we say awkward especially when they all hangout?
Thirty-something year old Kyle is determined. He's come a long way from that trailer park in Alabama. He fought and studied hard to be a professional at a prestigious firm in LA. He's got the right clothes, the perfect job, and soon to be the perfect condo. And others think he's a pretentious snob, so what? He's earned it. What he can't stand are people who are "lazy" and live off their trust funds without working and making something of themselves.
Unfortunately, the guy he started to crush on when he first moved to LA, Brent, falls under that category. And Kyle's been prejudiced ever since. Two years has passed from that initial magic meeting. The vitriol that Kyle spews is still iron strong. He digs at the happy go lucky Brent any chance he gets.
One day Kyle loses it all. (Cardeno is good at that, giving a character maximum crap day dealings by the boatload) And you know who helps the pissy guy out? You guessed it, Brent. They become roommates.
In this book the enmity read more one sided but Brent had the mouth and backbone to give as good as he got. But damn is Kyle a prick to Brent. I get Kyle's mindset: when you come from nothing and have to fight for any semblance normal you can get, you could resent others who have it easier aka born with a silver spoon in their mouths.
But Brent's not that guy. He's so likeable. He gets under Kyle's skin. And best part is he gets why Kyle is the way he is toward him.
Kyle is angry and pretentious and that stick in his ass is rooted deep. (The thing is I expected Kyle to be appreciative and humble. But he's not that guy.)
Thankfully, the chemistry is there. And we got dual POV because if it was one sided, I might not have bought it.
I both read and listened to new to me narrator, Kevin Chandler. I think he did a pretty good job. And I would listen to him again. Chandler didn't make all the voices distinct. But I loved what he does for Kyle's voice. I knew exactly where he was from (the South). And when Kyle gets upset, the Southern intensifies. That was the best part of the audiobook, his take on Kyle.
The roommates learn about each other. That years long lust that was shelved for Kyle's ridiculousness? It comes off the shelf...
Yes!
The sex is hot, nothing extreme. But the author sets up the characters to share just enough of themselves for the moment to feel intimate. Having Chandler narrate those bits didn't hurt.
Someone's monogamous and definitely a relationship guy. (Cardeno C staple!) Once bedroom action happens, he wants his man. The relationship is not one sided. And the guys seemed to be a great fit, in and out of the bedroom.
Kyle's the type of character who needs to learn as a person to grow. I think he's still a work in progress. He shares his inner demons with Brent. And Brent brings out the best in him.
Overall, a pretty great story with good narration. I'd recommend either version: ebook or audio.
A copy provided for an honest review.
I love a lot of tropes, but enemies to lovers is near and dear. In Rough Edges, the enemies are within a group of friends.
Can we say awkward especially when they all hangout?
Thirty-something year old Kyle is determined. He's come a long way from that trailer park in Alabama. He fought and studied hard to be a professional at a prestigious firm in LA. He's got the right clothes, the perfect job, and soon to be the perfect condo. And others think he's a pretentious snob, so what? He's earned it. What he can't stand are people who are "lazy" and live off their trust funds without working and making something of themselves.
Unfortunately, the guy he started to crush on when he first moved to LA, Brent, falls under that category. And Kyle's been prejudiced ever since. Two years has passed from that initial magic meeting. The vitriol that Kyle spews is still iron strong. He digs at the happy go lucky Brent any chance he gets.
One day Kyle loses it all. (Cardeno is good at that, giving a character maximum crap day dealings by the boatload) And you know who helps the pissy guy out? You guessed it, Brent. They become roommates.
In this book the enmity read more one sided but Brent had the mouth and backbone to give as good as he got. But damn is Kyle a prick to Brent. I get Kyle's mindset: when you come from nothing and have to fight for any semblance normal you can get, you could resent others who have it easier aka born with a silver spoon in their mouths.
But Brent's not that guy. He's so likeable. He gets under Kyle's skin. And best part is he gets why Kyle is the way he is toward him.
Kyle is angry and pretentious and that stick in his ass is rooted deep. (The thing is I expected Kyle to be appreciative and humble. But he's not that guy.)
Thankfully, the chemistry is there. And we got dual POV because if it was one sided, I might not have bought it.
I both read and listened to new to me narrator, Kevin Chandler. I think he did a pretty good job. And I would listen to him again. Chandler didn't make all the voices distinct. But I loved what he does for Kyle's voice. I knew exactly where he was from (the South). And when Kyle gets upset, the Southern intensifies. That was the best part of the audiobook, his take on Kyle.
The roommates learn about each other. That years long lust that was shelved for Kyle's ridiculousness? It comes off the shelf...
"When you want more, I'll give you my dick and then we can see which of us is begging to finish first."
Yes!
The sex is hot, nothing extreme. But the author sets up the characters to share just enough of themselves for the moment to feel intimate. Having Chandler narrate those bits didn't hurt.
Someone's monogamous and definitely a relationship guy. (Cardeno C staple!) Once bedroom action happens, he wants his man. The relationship is not one sided. And the guys seemed to be a great fit, in and out of the bedroom.
Kyle's the type of character who needs to learn as a person to grow. I think he's still a work in progress. He shares his inner demons with Brent. And Brent brings out the best in him.
Overall, a pretty great story with good narration. I'd recommend either version: ebook or audio.
A copy provided for an honest review.
June 28, 2020
3.25*
I feel like it needed some more pages. Anyway, Brent was an absolute sweetheart!
I feel like it needed some more pages. Anyway, Brent was an absolute sweetheart!
February 16, 2017
2.5 Stars (rounded up on Goodreads because I did feel it warranted more than 2 stars)
Well, this is awkward. I think this is a case of 'everybody liked it but me'. I generally like this author's stories, but this one just didn't gel with me. The enemies-to-lovers trope is one I can really enjoy, if I'm given almost any kind of reason they are enemies, because it can do wonders for UST. I'll even take a misunderstanding, if it's done right. Rough Edges, though, didn't have that. The men are "enemies" simply because one MC decided the other MC was a waste without any actual information, and that just doesn't work for me.
It took over half the book before I even started to warm to Kyle. He was an entitled ass with a chip on his shoulder the size of an ocean. His friend Matthew said that Kyle was a nice guy, but I just didn't see it. I get that he grew up poor and he had to work very hard to get anywhere in life. Well, so did I. And Brent didn't have to work at all, because of an accident of birth. But Kyle decided that Brent being a trust fund baby meant that Brent was lazy and worthless, and so wrote him off without bothering to get to know him. And I even get that Kyle was just super insecure, but that is no reason to be a rude and judgmental all the time.
Brent has lived a privileged life. He doesn't deny it nor does he particularly flaunt it. It just is. He was a super nice guy that, for some reason, really liked Kyle. He liked Kyle enough that when Kyle lost his job, though no fault of his own, Brent offered Kyle a place to stay. He liked Kyle enough to make the effort to get to know him, even though Kyle insulted him at every turn. Personally, I don't think Kyle was worth the effort.
I will say that after Brent offers an undeserving Kyle a blowjob and then follows through, Kyle did start acting like a human being, and the sex after that was steamy, so I gave an extra star for that. But that really was the only thing about this story I actually enjoyed. Kyle finally seeing how unfair he had been for the 2 years he had known Brent was too little, too late.
------------------
Review copy of Rough Edges was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Well, this is awkward. I think this is a case of 'everybody liked it but me'. I generally like this author's stories, but this one just didn't gel with me. The enemies-to-lovers trope is one I can really enjoy, if I'm given almost any kind of reason they are enemies, because it can do wonders for UST. I'll even take a misunderstanding, if it's done right. Rough Edges, though, didn't have that. The men are "enemies" simply because one MC decided the other MC was a waste without any actual information, and that just doesn't work for me.
It took over half the book before I even started to warm to Kyle. He was an entitled ass with a chip on his shoulder the size of an ocean. His friend Matthew said that Kyle was a nice guy, but I just didn't see it. I get that he grew up poor and he had to work very hard to get anywhere in life. Well, so did I. And Brent didn't have to work at all, because of an accident of birth. But Kyle decided that Brent being a trust fund baby meant that Brent was lazy and worthless, and so wrote him off without bothering to get to know him. And I even get that Kyle was just super insecure, but that is no reason to be a rude and judgmental all the time.
Brent has lived a privileged life. He doesn't deny it nor does he particularly flaunt it. It just is. He was a super nice guy that, for some reason, really liked Kyle. He liked Kyle enough that when Kyle lost his job, though no fault of his own, Brent offered Kyle a place to stay. He liked Kyle enough to make the effort to get to know him, even though Kyle insulted him at every turn. Personally, I don't think Kyle was worth the effort.
I will say that after Brent offers an undeserving Kyle a blowjob and then follows through, Kyle did start acting like a human being, and the sex after that was steamy, so I gave an extra star for that. But that really was the only thing about this story I actually enjoyed. Kyle finally seeing how unfair he had been for the 2 years he had known Brent was too little, too late.
------------------
Review copy of Rough Edges was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2017
Originally reviewed as part of:
~3.5~
Enemies-to-lovers; tentative HEA; slow burn; steam: moderate
I had a really hard time with Kyle, one of the MCs, initially; he was so judgmental and bitter. He doesn’t even give Brent a chance before he decides Brent is a lazy trust fund baby. But Brent is a nice guy, and he bends over backwards to help Kyle when Kyle loses his job.
This is a slowburn story with some very sweet moments. Kyle comes to realize there’s more to Brent than meets the eye, and while I would have loved an epilogue, the ending made me smile.
~3.5~
Enemies-to-lovers; tentative HEA; slow burn; steam: moderate
I had a really hard time with Kyle, one of the MCs, initially; he was so judgmental and bitter. He doesn’t even give Brent a chance before he decides Brent is a lazy trust fund baby. But Brent is a nice guy, and he bends over backwards to help Kyle when Kyle loses his job.
This is a slowburn story with some very sweet moments. Kyle comes to realize there’s more to Brent than meets the eye, and while I would have loved an epilogue, the ending made me smile.
March 5, 2025
2.5⭐
This was pretty badly written. I didn't like it. It felt like both main characters were trying to tell their story but the author just put them in such weird interactions and awkward dialogues that despite really liking the couple, you can't enjoy their love story unfolding.
🟢 A wealthy guy who doesn't have to work / trailer park kid who makes it in the corporate world
🔵 Both about 35/36
🟣 Both gay
🟡 Potential to be a much better story
🌶️ Sex is hot, it's in the last third of the book; some rimming, oral, one penetrative scene; t/b
Kyle is the guy who's from a poorer background and works really hard to make it, so at present he's got a good job, is buying his own place and has a modern lifestyle and at the same time detests Brent, who's a really rich, attractive guy in his friend group.
When Kyle loses his job and savings, he has nowhere to go, so Brent offers him his guest room and that's how they spend more and more time together and eventually get intimate.
What I think could've been more developed is their past - the moment they met and maybe how Brent felt about it, because we get exactly one sentence where it's said he immediately fell for Kyle those two years ago. Absolutely more should be written about it.
Their dynamic wasn't done well at all. Kyle was obnoxious most of the time and literally obsessed with the fact that Brent didn't work and didn't have to work. He was pretty childish about it. Kyle for the most part wasn't an endearing character and gets digestible only near the end.
The dialogues were awful except when Kyle and Brent were intimate. That and the sex was good, everything about Kyle opening up and holding that open space with Brent was good, but that was just a small part in the book. So again, the relationship development was lacking and a quick mentioning of the possiblity of marriage was out of place.
They definitely needed more and deserved a better story.
This was pretty badly written. I didn't like it. It felt like both main characters were trying to tell their story but the author just put them in such weird interactions and awkward dialogues that despite really liking the couple, you can't enjoy their love story unfolding.
🟢 A wealthy guy who doesn't have to work / trailer park kid who makes it in the corporate world
🔵 Both about 35/36
🟣 Both gay
🟡 Potential to be a much better story
🌶️ Sex is hot, it's in the last third of the book; some rimming, oral, one penetrative scene; t/b
Kyle is the guy who's from a poorer background and works really hard to make it, so at present he's got a good job, is buying his own place and has a modern lifestyle and at the same time detests Brent, who's a really rich, attractive guy in his friend group.
When Kyle loses his job and savings, he has nowhere to go, so Brent offers him his guest room and that's how they spend more and more time together and eventually get intimate.
What I think could've been more developed is their past - the moment they met and maybe how Brent felt about it, because we get exactly one sentence where it's said he immediately fell for Kyle those two years ago. Absolutely more should be written about it.
Their dynamic wasn't done well at all. Kyle was obnoxious most of the time and literally obsessed with the fact that Brent didn't work and didn't have to work. He was pretty childish about it. Kyle for the most part wasn't an endearing character and gets digestible only near the end.
The dialogues were awful except when Kyle and Brent were intimate. That and the sex was good, everything about Kyle opening up and holding that open space with Brent was good, but that was just a small part in the book. So again, the relationship development was lacking and a quick mentioning of the possiblity of marriage was out of place.
They definitely needed more and deserved a better story.
May 18, 2021
I’ve seen many people rave about this author but I think I picked the wrong book to start off with because I didn’t like this story at all. Well, it was more Kyle’s character that ruined it for me at about 10% in.
Basically Kyle works for some prestigious firm and loves to gloat about it, dress in suits and brag about his achievements. He was getting to know a friend of his friend’s, Brent, but the moment he found out that Brent lives off his trust fund and family money and doesn’t work... he loses interest. Which is completely fine in a general sense, but Kyle was such a fucking prick about it.
...so as soon as he learned about Brent’s non-employment status, his interest turned to disgust.
Disgust, really? Kyle treats Brent like shit as a human being and it’s infuriating. He constantly makes jabs at him and acts all snarky. Apparently even his other friend, Matthew, doesn’t want to be around him either.
So when Kyle got let go from his fancy ass job because the owners were brought up on criminal charges, well... look where that shit gets you, Kyle. No job, no money, lost his condo. And who decides to help him out? Brent, the unemployed rich dude who “wasn’t worthy of respect or trust because he took advantage of his privilege and did nothing to contribute to the world.” Words according to Kyle’s POV. 🙄
Brent gives him a room for free, cooks him steak, buys Kyle his favorite drink to keep in the fridge even though he doesn’t like it himself... and this dude is still acting like a stuck-up bastard and makes rude comments. Ugh. But Brent still likes him anyway, why I have no fucking clue.
The end was super abrupt. I suppose it’s an HEA and Kyle somewhat apologized but the whole thing was just ridiculous. I’m all for enemies to lovers reads but this didn’t really have that feel to me... it just felt like Kyle was a douchebag. 🤷🏼♀️
I’m still gonna give this author another try with a different book though. Seems a lot of other reviewers enjoyed this so maybe it’s just me.
2⭐️
POV: Dual 3rd person
Basically Kyle works for some prestigious firm and loves to gloat about it, dress in suits and brag about his achievements. He was getting to know a friend of his friend’s, Brent, but the moment he found out that Brent lives off his trust fund and family money and doesn’t work... he loses interest. Which is completely fine in a general sense, but Kyle was such a fucking prick about it.
...so as soon as he learned about Brent’s non-employment status, his interest turned to disgust.
Disgust, really? Kyle treats Brent like shit as a human being and it’s infuriating. He constantly makes jabs at him and acts all snarky. Apparently even his other friend, Matthew, doesn’t want to be around him either.
So when Kyle got let go from his fancy ass job because the owners were brought up on criminal charges, well... look where that shit gets you, Kyle. No job, no money, lost his condo. And who decides to help him out? Brent, the unemployed rich dude who “wasn’t worthy of respect or trust because he took advantage of his privilege and did nothing to contribute to the world.” Words according to Kyle’s POV. 🙄
Brent gives him a room for free, cooks him steak, buys Kyle his favorite drink to keep in the fridge even though he doesn’t like it himself... and this dude is still acting like a stuck-up bastard and makes rude comments. Ugh. But Brent still likes him anyway, why I have no fucking clue.
The end was super abrupt. I suppose it’s an HEA and Kyle somewhat apologized but the whole thing was just ridiculous. I’m all for enemies to lovers reads but this didn’t really have that feel to me... it just felt like Kyle was a douchebag. 🤷🏼♀️
I’m still gonna give this author another try with a different book though. Seems a lot of other reviewers enjoyed this so maybe it’s just me.
2⭐️
POV: Dual 3rd person
March 3, 2017
Short parte de la Antología It Was Always You. Es lo primero que leo de este autor, no me ha dejado muy impresionada... Entre las dos y las tres estrellas. Un friends to lovers con unas situaciones un poco abruptas que a mi me han parecido muy poco creíbles.
Leeré algún libro para ver tiene un estilo que me gusta.
Leeré algún libro para ver tiene un estilo que me gusta.
April 11, 2017
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed Kevin Chandler's narration. He pulls off Brent's sweetness, and Kyle's snark. The character voices are subtle, but noticeable and it's not hard to discern who is speaking and when.
Rough Edges is an enemies to lovers romance.
Kyle is more than a bit unlikable in the beginning, to the point I'm surprised he could walk upright and not just tip over with that giant chip on his shoulder.
Kyle makes assumptions about Brent and then proceeds to basically use those assumptions to be a giant dick to Brent through much of the story.
Brent was sweet, hugely understanding, super hot, and maybe (and by maybe, I mean absolutely) too good for Kyle. He takes Kyle in when Kyles loses his job and place to live, and proceeds to be kind, supportive, and just plain awesome.
My biggest issue with the story is that I didn't feel like Kyle really redeemed himself from his earlier behavior. He's a real asshole for months to Brent and though, by the end the story, Kyle atones for his douchiness, sort of, for me it was a case of almost too little too late.
Cardeno writes unlikable characters realistically, and the reader - through the dual POV - gets to see both sides of the story, which helps. It makes it worth it when the story morphs into a sweet romance, and the lovely HFN is just right.
In the end, I'm #TeamBrent all the way.
If you're looking for a quick read/audio with some steam and a sweet ending, you should check this out.
I enjoyed Kevin Chandler's narration. He pulls off Brent's sweetness, and Kyle's snark. The character voices are subtle, but noticeable and it's not hard to discern who is speaking and when.
Rough Edges is an enemies to lovers romance.
Kyle is more than a bit unlikable in the beginning, to the point I'm surprised he could walk upright and not just tip over with that giant chip on his shoulder.
Kyle makes assumptions about Brent and then proceeds to basically use those assumptions to be a giant dick to Brent through much of the story.
Brent was sweet, hugely understanding, super hot, and maybe (and by maybe, I mean absolutely) too good for Kyle. He takes Kyle in when Kyles loses his job and place to live, and proceeds to be kind, supportive, and just plain awesome.
My biggest issue with the story is that I didn't feel like Kyle really redeemed himself from his earlier behavior. He's a real asshole for months to Brent and though, by the end the story, Kyle atones for his douchiness, sort of, for me it was a case of almost too little too late.
Cardeno writes unlikable characters realistically, and the reader - through the dual POV - gets to see both sides of the story, which helps. It makes it worth it when the story morphs into a sweet romance, and the lovely HFN is just right.
In the end, I'm #TeamBrent all the way.
If you're looking for a quick read/audio with some steam and a sweet ending, you should check this out.
November 25, 2019
A short story of romance after misconceptions.
Kyle has struggled ever since he can remember, in life, school, and work. A friend in their group of mid thirties men, is blonde Brent, who was born into money and has no job. To Kyle, he's a lazy human being, but is he? Kyle insults him every chance he gets, but when Kyle hits hard times, it is Brent who helps him.
Through their close proximity, we see them bonding, and Kyle realizing some important facts. I liked each guy, and their back stories, plus the smooth transition from fr-enemies to lovers.
An outstanding tale where a big lesson is learned.
ENJOY !
======
Kyle has struggled ever since he can remember, in life, school, and work. A friend in their group of mid thirties men, is blonde Brent, who was born into money and has no job. To Kyle, he's a lazy human being, but is he? Kyle insults him every chance he gets, but when Kyle hits hard times, it is Brent who helps him.
Through their close proximity, we see them bonding, and Kyle realizing some important facts. I liked each guy, and their back stories, plus the smooth transition from fr-enemies to lovers.
An outstanding tale where a big lesson is learned.
ENJOY !
======
February 16, 2017
3.75 stars
Enjoyable story, though it took a few chapters for me to warm to the MCs. The last few chapters brought some heat, some sweet and a satisfying HFN ending. Counting this as a win!
Enjoyable story, though it took a few chapters for me to warm to the MCs. The last few chapters brought some heat, some sweet and a satisfying HFN ending. Counting this as a win!
April 22, 2017
Short and sweet Frenemies to lovers
Rough Edges is a short story that originally appeared in the It was Always You anthology. It is now available individually and in audio. I actually really enjoyed this short- it made for an easy, enjoyable listen while I cleaned. The characters are interesting, with a decent amount of depth considering the length. There’s some smexiness and minimal angst with a happy-for-now ending.
Kyle and Brent are basically frenemies who have harbored a crush on one another for 2+ years, though the “enemy” part is a little lopsided because Brent is that all around good guy. I had a difficult time liking Kyle initially. He had a guarded, judgmental persona that came out in full force when Brent was around. It was off-putting, particularly because there wasn’t really a good reason for his disdain. As the story progresses, his character develops and Brent and he discuss the root of his animosity. While these discussions explained his feelings more, I wasn’t completely convinced. This may be the one and only time I wished main characters were younger, because at least then I could dismiss his pettiness for immaturity. To a large degree I understood Kyle’s snap assumptions about Brent’s silver spoon privileged life, perhaps because I grew up as the scholarship student going to a private, college prep academy. That said, it did seem like Kyle had a mighty big chip on his shoulder for being over thirty and a self-made success.
Honestly, had there been a more believable reason for the bad blood or if these men were in their early 20’s, this probably would have been a five star read for me. It really was a nice little story that ticked all the boxes. I liked the scenario that thrust the two men together to work out their differences and the development of the relationship was spread out enough to be believable. It included sweet moments, character development, and the start of a solid relationship wrapped up with good dialogue and brisk pacing. The narrator fit the story and tone well. His enunciation was clean and pauses/speed had a natural flow that made for an enjoyable listen. It’s always nice when the couple just fits together and it’s a fairly straight forward romance with just enough drama to keep my interest.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
Rough Edges is a short story that originally appeared in the It was Always You anthology. It is now available individually and in audio. I actually really enjoyed this short- it made for an easy, enjoyable listen while I cleaned. The characters are interesting, with a decent amount of depth considering the length. There’s some smexiness and minimal angst with a happy-for-now ending.
Kyle and Brent are basically frenemies who have harbored a crush on one another for 2+ years, though the “enemy” part is a little lopsided because Brent is that all around good guy. I had a difficult time liking Kyle initially. He had a guarded, judgmental persona that came out in full force when Brent was around. It was off-putting, particularly because there wasn’t really a good reason for his disdain. As the story progresses, his character develops and Brent and he discuss the root of his animosity. While these discussions explained his feelings more, I wasn’t completely convinced. This may be the one and only time I wished main characters were younger, because at least then I could dismiss his pettiness for immaturity. To a large degree I understood Kyle’s snap assumptions about Brent’s silver spoon privileged life, perhaps because I grew up as the scholarship student going to a private, college prep academy. That said, it did seem like Kyle had a mighty big chip on his shoulder for being over thirty and a self-made success.
Honestly, had there been a more believable reason for the bad blood or if these men were in their early 20’s, this probably would have been a five star read for me. It really was a nice little story that ticked all the boxes. I liked the scenario that thrust the two men together to work out their differences and the development of the relationship was spread out enough to be believable. It included sweet moments, character development, and the start of a solid relationship wrapped up with good dialogue and brisk pacing. The narrator fit the story and tone well. His enunciation was clean and pauses/speed had a natural flow that made for an enjoyable listen. It’s always nice when the couple just fits together and it’s a fairly straight forward romance with just enough drama to keep my interest.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
March 2, 2017
Overall book rating: 2.5
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.8
I LOVE Cardeno C. That being said, this didn’t work for me. This felt like a draft for something in the making. Should it be put into a full length novel I’ll be reading it for sure. The short version...unfortunately not.
I think it could have made a great read, but to me it felt too heavy for a short read. Resulting in me not liking Kyle at all. There simply wasn’t enough time for us to see past his defences.
I saw him as a self-righteous ashole with childish tendencies. Instead of a guy who just had a bad background and worked hard to make something of his life.
If the story had more time for development you would get to know the person behind the prickly exterior. It would have been so good to see him being emotionally exposed.
Brent. Well he was just too good to be true. How exactly do you see through someone in one single day? He treats you like crap and looks down on you but what the hell, you know he doesn’t mean it that way. Hmmmm. There should be more of these guys on earth. Life would be amazing like that.
The ending was unrealistic to me. I’m sorry.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.8
I LOVE Cardeno C. That being said, this didn’t work for me. This felt like a draft for something in the making. Should it be put into a full length novel I’ll be reading it for sure. The short version...unfortunately not.
I think it could have made a great read, but to me it felt too heavy for a short read. Resulting in me not liking Kyle at all. There simply wasn’t enough time for us to see past his defences.
I saw him as a self-righteous ashole with childish tendencies. Instead of a guy who just had a bad background and worked hard to make something of his life.
If the story had more time for development you would get to know the person behind the prickly exterior. It would have been so good to see him being emotionally exposed.
Brent. Well he was just too good to be true. How exactly do you see through someone in one single day? He treats you like crap and looks down on you but what the hell, you know he doesn’t mean it that way. Hmmmm. There should be more of these guys on earth. Life would be amazing like that.
The ending was unrealistic to me. I’m sorry.
December 30, 2018
I almost put this down a few times in the beginning - Kyle was just too much of an asshole. He came off as stuffy and over entitled (which was apparently how he was trying to come off). But when Kyle faces adversity and Brent is the one to help him, Kyle's 'real' personality shines through, and lo and behold, he's a decent human being after all.
I guess what really grabbed me was that in order for this relationship to work, they both had to break their preconceived notions of each other and build their romantic relationship from there, which made for great development. Throw in some hot sex and witty banter, with a hint of misunderstanding, and you've got a winner for me.
I guess what really grabbed me was that in order for this relationship to work, they both had to break their preconceived notions of each other and build their romantic relationship from there, which made for great development. Throw in some hot sex and witty banter, with a hint of misunderstanding, and you've got a winner for me.
March 27, 2017
Hating someone because you are jealous that they doesn't have to work for anything seems like something I would do. So I totally understand Kyle's feelings. But for him to be all judgy on Brent and insulting him for two years seems a bit OTT. I mean during the two long years, I'm sure there are more than one occasion whereby he realize Brent is actually a decent human being.
When Kyle faced a series of bad luck and ended up being homeless and penniless, Brent decided to offer a room for him to stay. Honestly, despite Kyle's judgmental attitude, I do like him. When he realize Brent is actually more than just a lazy trust fund baby with no ambition, he regretted being an asshole. Brent is a sweetheart, he had so much to give in this relationship. He isn't your typical trust fund baby who is a manwhore. Brent is very nice guy who enjoy an easy going life, that's nothing wrong with it. I guess both me and Kyle learn not to be judgmental on people based on their outlook and wealth.
When Kyle faced a series of bad luck and ended up being homeless and penniless, Brent decided to offer a room for him to stay. Honestly, despite Kyle's judgmental attitude, I do like him. When he realize Brent is actually more than just a lazy trust fund baby with no ambition, he regretted being an asshole. Brent is a sweetheart, he had so much to give in this relationship. He isn't your typical trust fund baby who is a manwhore. Brent is very nice guy who enjoy an easy going life, that's nothing wrong with it. I guess both me and Kyle learn not to be judgmental on people based on their outlook and wealth.
March 29, 2017
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
What a great way to spend my afternoon—better than a sweet bite of rich, creamy chocolate. I just couldn’t put this down.
Kyle is a character I loved to hate. The poor guy is so miserable and resentful of anyone who seems to flaunt their wealth that it’s quite evident he’s had to struggle to get where he is. He’s not so abrasive, however, that I didn’t like him, and I think that can only be attributed to how well Cardeno C. portrayed him. It would have been very easy to hate his character so much that I wouldn’t have even wanted to see him with a happy ending, but that didn’t happen here.
So it’s not surprising that two years before, when he met Brent, he took an immediate dislike to Brent when he found out he was wealthy and didn’t work for a living. Their friends can’t understand how Kyle can continue to be so hostile, and how Brent can continue to be so nice after all this time, but it isn’t until Kyle’s employer, a financial company, falls apart and he’s laid off that he finds out just how nice Brent can be.
Brent offers him a place to stay, and a desperate Kyle accepts, but he gets more than a roof over his head—he gets a friend, and ultimately a lover, as he discovers that what makes a person who they are is not necessarily predetermined by how hard they work.
The story is not as simple as my description, though. There’s true depth of character development, a spark that ignites to set off a virtual heat wave, and a decidedly sweet happy ever after. You have to read it to get the details. I’m not revealing spoilers, but I will say it is very much worth the read.
Kudos to the author—this one is shorter, but right up there with my favorite, Perfect Imperfections. Definitely highly recommended.
March 15, 2018
*Audio Review* So I initially got this In Audiobook, cause I saw Kevin Chandler was the narrator and I really liked his narration of another book. And Boy was I super bummed and disappointed with this one. 😔 I just couldn’t get through it. It was really hard to follow. I listened to about 30 min. And then Thought maybe it was just me?? Maybe My mind was wandering?? So I restarted it. Got through about 45min which is like half the book. Nope. Still hard to follow. There’s just not enough difference in the character voices. I couldn’t tell who was talking half the time. But then randomly one of them will have a kind of sort of accent too?!?!? Idk. I also kind of feel like the story was a little rushed at the beginning as well. Like if there was a little more to the backstory and maybe if we knew a little more about each of the characters it would have been easier to differentiate the voices?! I think I’m just going to have to revisit the story by reading the book. I like Cardeno C’s writing and I like Enemies to Lovers books so maybe this one is just better off read!?
April 25, 2017
Loved this story!
March 16, 2017
Loved Brent but Kyle was a harder sell for me. Glad everything worked out in the end. I wish it had been a longer story. Just when I was getting good it ended! Ugh!
February 27, 2017
3.5 rounded up - Kyle was a snot, and stuck on certain prejudices he held because of his background, but once he stopped to listen, instead of just being a snarky brat, things worked out. Brent had an unlimited amount of patience. I've never met anyone who can stay that calm (even I struggle), but I liked him a whole lot. I wish the story had been longer, more like novella length than short story. I enjoyed it anyway, but I would have liked a little more of Kyle and Brent sniping at each other, because honestly it was funny watching Brent get him all riled up. :)
March 18, 2017
Originally reviewed as part of:
This was a sweet story, but the relationship just felt too unbalanced to give me all the warm, squishy feelings that a Cardeno C. story usually does.
This was a sweet story, but the relationship just felt too unbalanced to give me all the warm, squishy feelings that a Cardeno C. story usually does.
January 26, 2018
Ich bin ein bisschen hin und hergerissen.
Ich lese die Bücher von Cardeno C. super gerne. Aber bei dieser Kurzgeschichte hatte ich in der ersten Hälfte das Gefühl, als hätte sie jemand anders geschrieben. Mit dem Schreibstil wurde ich nicht warm. In der zweiten Hälfte wurde es dann deutlich besser und endlich kam auch Gefühl auf.
Ich lese die Bücher von Cardeno C. super gerne. Aber bei dieser Kurzgeschichte hatte ich in der ersten Hälfte das Gefühl, als hätte sie jemand anders geschrieben. Mit dem Schreibstil wurde ich nicht warm. In der zweiten Hälfte wurde es dann deutlich besser und endlich kam auch Gefühl auf.
February 21, 2017
Accidentally bought this forgetting I already read it in an anthology.
Two stars because although Brent was super lovely, Kyle was a judgmental bawbag. Also the end annoyed the ever loving fuck out of me.
Two stars because although Brent was super lovely, Kyle was a judgmental bawbag. Also the end annoyed the ever loving fuck out of me.
August 3, 2017
As the little bit at the bottom of the blurb tells us, this was a short story previously included in the Anthology “It Was Always You”. That group of stories was all about friends falling in love with friends. In this case, it’s a bit like enemies falling for one another because Kyle has been nothing but rude to Brent ever since Kyle found out Brent’s a trust-funder without a job.
Brent, meanwhile, never takes anything Kyle says to heart and in fact, when the chips are down, offers Kyle a room in his house and support in finding his feet again.
Luckily, Kyle learns some stuff about Brent that shows Brent to be more than he seems – still unemployed, but maybe not quite a slacker, either.
**
In typical Cardeno style we have a really sweet story of two fun and interesting people. We get a bit of hot smexy times, some humor, and a really touching “awww” for an ending.
I have to hand it to people who can aptly create a fully developed story in only a few words. This is absolutely one of them! Despite it’s short length, it felt very satisfying by the end.
I can’t say I totally loved their relationship – Kyle was a jerk for most of the time and he did seem to turn on a dime when sex was offered – but I think the “feels” were real and when the big “reveal” occurs, their decision to move forward felt really authentic.
Totally enjoyable way to spend an hour or so!
4.25 (rounded to 4.5) of 5 stars
Audio
I’ve enjoyed another Kevin Chandler narration in the past and was looking forward to his interpretation here. While I think he does a nice job overall, I wasn’t impressed with his delivery. He comes across a little flat and doesn’t do much to differentiate the characters. He’s definitely easy to listen to, his voice sounds right for the age of the characters, and he has a good sense of timing.
This is good (if not great) way to enjoy this little story and I would recommend it as a solid 4 of 5 stars.
Overall 4 of 5 stars for both the audio and the book
Brent, meanwhile, never takes anything Kyle says to heart and in fact, when the chips are down, offers Kyle a room in his house and support in finding his feet again.
Luckily, Kyle learns some stuff about Brent that shows Brent to be more than he seems – still unemployed, but maybe not quite a slacker, either.
**
In typical Cardeno style we have a really sweet story of two fun and interesting people. We get a bit of hot smexy times, some humor, and a really touching “awww” for an ending.
I have to hand it to people who can aptly create a fully developed story in only a few words. This is absolutely one of them! Despite it’s short length, it felt very satisfying by the end.
I can’t say I totally loved their relationship – Kyle was a jerk for most of the time and he did seem to turn on a dime when sex was offered – but I think the “feels” were real and when the big “reveal” occurs, their decision to move forward felt really authentic.
Totally enjoyable way to spend an hour or so!
4.25 (rounded to 4.5) of 5 stars
Audio
I’ve enjoyed another Kevin Chandler narration in the past and was looking forward to his interpretation here. While I think he does a nice job overall, I wasn’t impressed with his delivery. He comes across a little flat and doesn’t do much to differentiate the characters. He’s definitely easy to listen to, his voice sounds right for the age of the characters, and he has a good sense of timing.
This is good (if not great) way to enjoy this little story and I would recommend it as a solid 4 of 5 stars.
Overall 4 of 5 stars for both the audio and the book
March 24, 2017
I enjoy the enemies to lovers trope, even when only one of the characters feels that way, so I was looking forward to this short read by a fave author. I liked the premise of the kid from the wrong side of the tracks, Kyle, making it big, and the guy with the silver spoon, Brent, recognizing all the wonderful things about Kyle that he hides behind his snark.
When Kyle first meets Brent he thinks he is great. Funny, charming, sexy, all those great things that could begin a relationship. Until Kyle finds out that Brent doesn’t work and immediately Kyle shuts any prospects down because Kyle has no respect for laziness. It makes no difference to Kyle that Brent is loaded and doesn't need to work.
“Everyone should work. His silver spoon isn’t an excuse for being lazy.”
The verbal, dare I call it sparring, between Kyle and Brent is off the charts. What Kyle doesn't seem to notice, but I think Brent knows, is that their mode of communication is foreplay, at its finest! Kyle doesn't have many friends so he really can't afford to lose any over his petty attitude about Brent. When a downturn happens to Kyle, through no fault of his own, he's shocked when Brent steps in to lend him a hand. Of course, being Kyle, he still can't stop being snarky, rude, and a little prissy, and Brent can't stop jabbing at him. Living together, however, brings new perspective on both sides.
An absolutely delightful, sweet, sexy romance that I really needed tonight. I would have loved it to be a little longer but I understand why the author ended it where she did. I adored this romance between Kyle and Brent. A great way to spend a couple of easy, relaxing hours reading.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
When Kyle first meets Brent he thinks he is great. Funny, charming, sexy, all those great things that could begin a relationship. Until Kyle finds out that Brent doesn’t work and immediately Kyle shuts any prospects down because Kyle has no respect for laziness. It makes no difference to Kyle that Brent is loaded and doesn't need to work.
“Everyone should work. His silver spoon isn’t an excuse for being lazy.”
The verbal, dare I call it sparring, between Kyle and Brent is off the charts. What Kyle doesn't seem to notice, but I think Brent knows, is that their mode of communication is foreplay, at its finest! Kyle doesn't have many friends so he really can't afford to lose any over his petty attitude about Brent. When a downturn happens to Kyle, through no fault of his own, he's shocked when Brent steps in to lend him a hand. Of course, being Kyle, he still can't stop being snarky, rude, and a little prissy, and Brent can't stop jabbing at him. Living together, however, brings new perspective on both sides.
An absolutely delightful, sweet, sexy romance that I really needed tonight. I would have loved it to be a little longer but I understand why the author ended it where she did. I adored this romance between Kyle and Brent. A great way to spend a couple of easy, relaxing hours reading.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
May 10, 2021
3.5*
Rough Edges was a short and sweet read. Kyle was a hard nut to crack at first, but he quickly grew on me, once I learned about his background. His upbringing caused him to be a bit of an overachiever, and to have a big ol' chip on his shoulder, especially when it came to people like Brent, or who more importantly, the kind of person he thought Brent was. He and Brent were definite opposites in many ways, although Brent wasn't quite the slacker Kyle thought him to be.
I got a kick out of the back and forth between these two, even though Kyle tended to take it a little too far. I liked how Brent just let a lot of what Kyle said and did roll off his back.
Things kind of moved quickly between them, but with their history it wasn't hard to accept. I liked the way things worked out for them.
Rough Edges was a short and sweet read. Kyle was a hard nut to crack at first, but he quickly grew on me, once I learned about his background. His upbringing caused him to be a bit of an overachiever, and to have a big ol' chip on his shoulder, especially when it came to people like Brent, or who more importantly, the kind of person he thought Brent was. He and Brent were definite opposites in many ways, although Brent wasn't quite the slacker Kyle thought him to be.
I got a kick out of the back and forth between these two, even though Kyle tended to take it a little too far. I liked how Brent just let a lot of what Kyle said and did roll off his back.
Things kind of moved quickly between them, but with their history it wasn't hard to accept. I liked the way things worked out for them.
April 12, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
Whilst this is a short story, we get much more than just the bare bones of a satisfying romance.
For me there was a strong message being subtly delivered. Don't judge a man by his bank account, and certainly don't make assumptions without asking first. Funny thing is that Kyle just doesn't get that his opinions could be reversed by Brent, but he is nothing but friendly. I loved how consistency and caring won through in the end. Along with some serious hotness, of course, these two elements come hand in hand with this talented author.
Whilst this is a short story, we get much more than just the bare bones of a satisfying romance.
For me there was a strong message being subtly delivered. Don't judge a man by his bank account, and certainly don't make assumptions without asking first. Funny thing is that Kyle just doesn't get that his opinions could be reversed by Brent, but he is nothing but friendly. I loved how consistency and caring won through in the end. Along with some serious hotness, of course, these two elements come hand in hand with this talented author.
January 19, 2022
This was a really good read that I wished was longer. Kyle Potter has spent his life clawing his way toward a better future. When he gets the perfect job at the perfect firm in perfect Los Angeles, Kyle is sure there are only blue skies ahead. And then he meets perfect Brent Haralson. This was a good read. Kyle had a rough upbringing and he has a chip on his shoulders he was hard to like in the beginning but her grew on me. Kyle thought that Brent was a spoiled little rich kid but he wasn't. I also loved the banter between these two. I really wish it was longer. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
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