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Hope #3
Smitty's Sheriff
Todd is too flakey. Richard is too stubborn. Together, they're perfect. A May-December couple get a second chance at love.
Retired soldier Richard Davis wants a stable life in a quiet town with a forever man. Becoming the sheriff of Hope, Arizona, accomplishes two of his three goals, but instead of finding a serious partner, he falls for too-young-to-be-committed and too-flakey-to-be-serious Todd Smitty. Richard won’t find the right man if he’s obsessed with the wrong one, so he walks away from Todd.
It’s lust at first sight when Todd meets his sister’s army friend. He sets his sights on the worldly, strong, stable older man, and the more time he spends with Richard, the harder he falls. But after three years together, Richard cuts off all contact with no explanation.
When a mutual obligation requires Todd to move into Richard’s house, he’s thrilled at the opportunity to earn a second chance. Ignoring Todd from across town was hard enough. Can Richard resist temptation under his own roof?
Word 33,297
Retired soldier Richard Davis wants a stable life in a quiet town with a forever man. Becoming the sheriff of Hope, Arizona, accomplishes two of his three goals, but instead of finding a serious partner, he falls for too-young-to-be-committed and too-flakey-to-be-serious Todd Smitty. Richard won’t find the right man if he’s obsessed with the wrong one, so he walks away from Todd.
It’s lust at first sight when Todd meets his sister’s army friend. He sets his sights on the worldly, strong, stable older man, and the more time he spends with Richard, the harder he falls. But after three years together, Richard cuts off all contact with no explanation.
When a mutual obligation requires Todd to move into Richard’s house, he’s thrilled at the opportunity to earn a second chance. Ignoring Todd from across town was hard enough. Can Richard resist temptation under his own roof?
Word 33,297
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2017
121 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Cardeno C.
71 books2,385 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
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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 203 reviews
June 29, 2017
Smitty's Sheriff is told from the perspective of both MCs: Todd and Richard.
Todd is in his early-20s. He's young, flirty, and a little clueless. He's not good at taking control of his life, so for three years his older lover took care of him.
Then six months ago, Sheriff Richard walked away suddenly and without explanation. Todd misses Richard but isn't sure how to get him back.
Richard is nearly twenty years Todd's senior, and he's a man who likes to be in charge. He doesn't believe that Todd can be faithful. After all, Todd slept with other men while they were together. Granted, Richard never told Todd not to and didn't want to be a possessive partner, so he left instead.
Richard and Todd suffered from a classic case of NON-COMMUNICATION. Richard didn't trust Todd, and Todd was just sleeping with other guys because he didn't think Richard was serious about him (which, frankly, is a really stupid reason). Neither man ever mentioned a committed relationship.
When they're brought together to care for Todd's niece, Molly, Richard sees a more responsible side of Todd.
I read anything CC writes, and this is a cute story but definitely not my favorite in the series. I thought Richard treated Todd like a child and the separation could have been easily avoided.
Also, Lucas (one of the MCs from the first book) was a side character here, and he was really annoying.
Final verdict: Short, sexy, mostly angst free, plus an adorable baby = FUN (but not memorable) READ
Todd is in his early-20s. He's young, flirty, and a little clueless. He's not good at taking control of his life, so for three years his older lover took care of him.
Then six months ago, Sheriff Richard walked away suddenly and without explanation. Todd misses Richard but isn't sure how to get him back.
Richard is nearly twenty years Todd's senior, and he's a man who likes to be in charge. He doesn't believe that Todd can be faithful. After all, Todd slept with other men while they were together. Granted, Richard never told Todd not to and didn't want to be a possessive partner, so he left instead.
Richard and Todd suffered from a classic case of NON-COMMUNICATION. Richard didn't trust Todd, and Todd was just sleeping with other guys because he didn't think Richard was serious about him (which, frankly, is a really stupid reason). Neither man ever mentioned a committed relationship.
When they're brought together to care for Todd's niece, Molly, Richard sees a more responsible side of Todd.
I read anything CC writes, and this is a cute story but definitely not my favorite in the series. I thought Richard treated Todd like a child and the separation could have been easily avoided.
Also, Lucas (one of the MCs from the first book) was a side character here, and he was really annoying.
Final verdict: Short, sexy, mostly angst free, plus an adorable baby = FUN (but not memorable) READ
July 2, 2017
It is absolutely rare for a Cardeno C. book to not work for me. This would be one of those times, unfortunately. I hated this book and it pains me to say it.
I didn't like Richard, from the start. Even before I met Todd (whom I found rather annoying), I found Richard to be high-handed and elitist. He looked down on Todd because of his age and profession and I did not like it. It was clear, from reading Richard's own thoughts that he didn't respect Todd, at all.
Not a younger guy, but the "grocery boy". And he had to cheapen their three year relationship by calling it a "booty call", too. Even if they didn't have a committed, monogamous relationship, I just found it to be condescending.
Todd was young, but Richard never gave him credit for knowing what he wanted. Nor did Richard speak up and tell Todd what he wanted. Richard assumed that Todd slept around because he's too young and flighty to commit, but really, Todd just didn't know that Richard wanted anything different and didn't know that Richard even cared. And how would he, since Richard didn't even want to be seen in public with him. Richard looked down on Todd and treated him like he didn't know his own mind.
Todd was young and he was a bit flighty. He felt safe and cared for with Richard. But he was also a bit of a door mat when it came to Richard. Personally, I'd hope that if my ex had treated me like a dirty little secret and an embarrassment, while we were together -- for three fucking years -- and then cut off all contact with no explanation at all, I wouldn't be so eager to get his attention again. Richard is an asshole. Todd could do better.
But he loved the structure that Richard gave him, and he loved the guidance. He craved the acceptance. Honestly, Todd should go find himself a Dom, not a sheriff that won't even communicate with him. He's a submissive, if I've ever seen one. In the right relationship, I think that Todd could flourish. But with Richard, he's always going to be left guessing and floundering. Richard is bossy and a control freak, but a Dom, he is not.
My hope was that Richard would give an actual explanation for breaking things off with Todd, but after reading the first couple pages it was clear that he didn't have a any kind of a good reason for it. Nope, he played the martyr and made unfounded assumptions about what Todd wanted. He and Todd could have, and should have, oh I don't know, actually talked about their relationship and what they each wanted, but, nope. Because not talking always works so well. FAIL.
And the little they did actually talk, once they had to interact again -- and the talking was at Todd's insistence -- Richard couldn't seem to keep himself from telling Todd what Todd thought and felt. That is a huge turn off for me. Richard also said he trusted Todd, but not once, during the book did I actually see and feel that trust. If you trust your significant other, you don't interrogate them about who they were on the phone with or get bent out of shape if they glance at another person. That isn't trust. That is jealousy and they don't play nice together.
Smitty's Sheriff was an exercise in frustration, with a side of sexy times that I couldn't even bring myself to care about. I can't think of a single thing I actually liked about this story.
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ARC of Smitty's Sheriff was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't like Richard, from the start. Even before I met Todd (whom I found rather annoying), I found Richard to be high-handed and elitist. He looked down on Todd because of his age and profession and I did not like it. It was clear, from reading Richard's own thoughts that he didn't respect Todd, at all.
"...letting folks know their new sheriff was the grocery boy’s booty call was no way to gain respect."
Not a younger guy, but the "grocery boy". And he had to cheapen their three year relationship by calling it a "booty call", too. Even if they didn't have a committed, monogamous relationship, I just found it to be condescending.
Todd was young, but Richard never gave him credit for knowing what he wanted. Nor did Richard speak up and tell Todd what he wanted. Richard assumed that Todd slept around because he's too young and flighty to commit, but really, Todd just didn't know that Richard wanted anything different and didn't know that Richard even cared. And how would he, since Richard didn't even want to be seen in public with him. Richard looked down on Todd and treated him like he didn't know his own mind.
Todd was young and he was a bit flighty. He felt safe and cared for with Richard. But he was also a bit of a door mat when it came to Richard. Personally, I'd hope that if my ex had treated me like a dirty little secret and an embarrassment, while we were together -- for three fucking years -- and then cut off all contact with no explanation at all, I wouldn't be so eager to get his attention again. Richard is an asshole. Todd could do better.
But he loved the structure that Richard gave him, and he loved the guidance. He craved the acceptance. Honestly, Todd should go find himself a Dom, not a sheriff that won't even communicate with him. He's a submissive, if I've ever seen one. In the right relationship, I think that Todd could flourish. But with Richard, he's always going to be left guessing and floundering. Richard is bossy and a control freak, but a Dom, he is not.
My hope was that Richard would give an actual explanation for breaking things off with Todd, but after reading the first couple pages it was clear that he didn't have a any kind of a good reason for it. Nope, he played the martyr and made unfounded assumptions about what Todd wanted. He and Todd could have, and should have, oh I don't know, actually talked about their relationship and what they each wanted, but, nope. Because not talking always works so well. FAIL.
And the little they did actually talk, once they had to interact again -- and the talking was at Todd's insistence -- Richard couldn't seem to keep himself from telling Todd what Todd thought and felt. That is a huge turn off for me. Richard also said he trusted Todd, but not once, during the book did I actually see and feel that trust. If you trust your significant other, you don't interrogate them about who they were on the phone with or get bent out of shape if they glance at another person. That isn't trust. That is jealousy and they don't play nice together.
Smitty's Sheriff was an exercise in frustration, with a side of sexy times that I couldn't even bring myself to care about. I can't think of a single thing I actually liked about this story.
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ARC of Smitty's Sheriff was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2018
3.75 stars
I can see why this was the least favorite in the series. Richard was a jealous asshole, but I liked him. Todd was a clueless wonder, but I adored him. I think this book was my favorite in the series. I think I’m so full on fluff that any bit of angst feels good to me right now. LOL….
I can see why this was the least favorite in the series. Richard was a jealous asshole, but I liked him. Todd was a clueless wonder, but I adored him. I think this book was my favorite in the series. I think I’m so full on fluff that any bit of angst feels good to me right now. LOL….
April 23, 2018
3.75 HEARTS--Smitty's Sheriff is a simple opposites attract story that features former hookups to lovers. Smitty's Sheriff works well as a standalone (as I haven't read the previous books) for anyone interested. It's set in an Arizona town and features older hero, town sheriff, Richard Davis. Richard has been hooking up with his best friend's little brother for sometime but took a break when he wanted more...a steady relationship.
The little brother, Todd Smitty? He's in his early twenties and "flakey". Other than having a good time, Richard never thought to ask for more. So he cooled it off for a few months. But his feelings, as much as Richard would like to deny, were still there. And needing release.
An unexpected job (Todd's sister is still in the service) makes her have to leave her baby with responsible Richard and her youngest brother who doesn't have a full time job to occupy his time. [Don't worry the baby is just used as a plot device to bring the men together in a living space--she is not prominent at all. In fact, it was a little weird for me to see a book with a baby barely getting any mention other than in passing] It's all about these two men.
Hmm...former lovers who never quite got over each other having to care for one small child in a shared space?
I wonder what could happen?
Richard is a dominant without the title or formalities. He enjoys being in control. He's organized and prefers things under his thumb (it's the impression he gave me). Todd enjoys being "deferential". And Todd also craves Richard's body. So add sexual tension and miscommunication and you get the gist of the conflict for this novella.
I liked the simplicity of the story. It wasn't burdened with a lot of sex. Instead, we get two adults who are obviously made for each other thrown into a domestic situation. Do they get it right after day one? No.
Todd proves himself to be more mature by some of his actions. It seems to satisfy Richard's controlling nature. I wished they would have talked more openly from the start especially before Todd moving in to stay with the baby. The story itself was 3.5 Hearts. It used tropes I like: brother's best friend finally gets the protagonist, second chances, opposites attract, large age gap, miscommunication/non-communication. Nothing went too wild. Contemporary brain candy...
But...there was something that gave me pause. I want to preface that both main characters were happy with their roles. Richard was dominant and liked to control, Todd enjoyed being "deferential" to Richard's needs and moods. Listening and reading Smitty's Sheriff, their relationship read like domestic discipline or a 24/7 type of deal without BDSM. I like reading D/s. But Richard seemed just a tad too much in the controlling department. If Todd ended up calling Richard master or sir at any point, I wouldn't have thought twice.
There was nothing that Richard did that would make me think he'd turn abusive at any point. But he's one who was just at the border of being too much. He would fly off the handle when it came to other men just as so much as talking to Todd. It was unjustified and unnecessary...if he talked and explained himself, he wouldn't need to waste so much energy and inner angst.
You like boundaries, pal? Then set them up from the start. (Mind you, I like reading about possessive guys, so in a way Richard definitely checks off the possessive category)
This was my first time listening to Ezekiel Robison and I would definitely listen to books narrated by him again. He gave good emotion to the text, I liked the way he characterized each character. I'd rate the narration 4 Hearts. I haven't listened to a bad Cardeno C. contemporary yet. (*knocks on wood*) And I'm glad to have extended my list of narrators to try out.
Recommended for fans of age differences, some miscommunication, opposites attract and possessive heroes. If you enjoy that, you can't go wrong in the audio or eBook direction.
A copy provided for an honest review.
The little brother, Todd Smitty? He's in his early twenties and "flakey". Other than having a good time, Richard never thought to ask for more. So he cooled it off for a few months. But his feelings, as much as Richard would like to deny, were still there. And needing release.
An unexpected job (Todd's sister is still in the service) makes her have to leave her baby with responsible Richard and her youngest brother who doesn't have a full time job to occupy his time. [Don't worry the baby is just used as a plot device to bring the men together in a living space--she is not prominent at all. In fact, it was a little weird for me to see a book with a baby barely getting any mention other than in passing] It's all about these two men.
Hmm...former lovers who never quite got over each other having to care for one small child in a shared space?
I wonder what could happen?
Richard is a dominant without the title or formalities. He enjoys being in control. He's organized and prefers things under his thumb (it's the impression he gave me). Todd enjoys being "deferential". And Todd also craves Richard's body. So add sexual tension and miscommunication and you get the gist of the conflict for this novella.
I liked the simplicity of the story. It wasn't burdened with a lot of sex. Instead, we get two adults who are obviously made for each other thrown into a domestic situation. Do they get it right after day one? No.
Todd proves himself to be more mature by some of his actions. It seems to satisfy Richard's controlling nature. I wished they would have talked more openly from the start especially before Todd moving in to stay with the baby. The story itself was 3.5 Hearts. It used tropes I like: brother's best friend finally gets the protagonist, second chances, opposites attract, large age gap, miscommunication/non-communication. Nothing went too wild. Contemporary brain candy...
But...there was something that gave me pause. I want to preface that both main characters were happy with their roles. Richard was dominant and liked to control, Todd enjoyed being "deferential" to Richard's needs and moods. Listening and reading Smitty's Sheriff, their relationship read like domestic discipline or a 24/7 type of deal without BDSM. I like reading D/s. But Richard seemed just a tad too much in the controlling department. If Todd ended up calling Richard master or sir at any point, I wouldn't have thought twice.
There was nothing that Richard did that would make me think he'd turn abusive at any point. But he's one who was just at the border of being too much. He would fly off the handle when it came to other men just as so much as talking to Todd. It was unjustified and unnecessary...if he talked and explained himself, he wouldn't need to waste so much energy and inner angst.
You like boundaries, pal? Then set them up from the start. (Mind you, I like reading about possessive guys, so in a way Richard definitely checks off the possessive category)
This was my first time listening to Ezekiel Robison and I would definitely listen to books narrated by him again. He gave good emotion to the text, I liked the way he characterized each character. I'd rate the narration 4 Hearts. I haven't listened to a bad Cardeno C. contemporary yet. (*knocks on wood*) And I'm glad to have extended my list of narrators to try out.
Recommended for fans of age differences, some miscommunication, opposites attract and possessive heroes. If you enjoy that, you can't go wrong in the audio or eBook direction.
A copy provided for an honest review.
December 8, 2017
*Sighs* I love Ezekiel Robison, and his narration of this story is pitch perfect. He captures the characters so well, and even though I wanted to strangle Rich at first, I slowly began to like him by the end of the story.
In a lot of ways this is about miscommunication. The one thing Richard had wanted from Todd - commitment - was something he never actually discussed with him. Rich just assumed he knew what was best for Todd, because Todd is so much younger, and therefore couldn't possibly want to be in a long term, committed relationship.
I ended up really enjoying this dual POV, May/December romance with a hard-headed alpha male and the delightfully clueless man he loves. Especially the narration!
I just absolutely adored Todd. Man, I felt for Todd! It broke my heart to realize that he's just a simple guy who misses big clues and didn't understand what had happened when Rich broke things off with him. His low self esteem in the beginning killed me.
He would have loved to listen if Rich had wanted to share whatever was on his mind, but he understood why Rich didn’t do that with him. He wasn’t as smart as Rich, wasn’t as experienced in anything, didn’t understand the laws and politics in Rich’s job. Todd couldn’t give useful advice or solve anything, so talking to him was a waste of Rich’s time.
Todd is very happy being submissive, especially to Rich whom he implicitly trusts, because he just prefers for someone else to be in charge and hold the reins.
He didn’t have a problem with someone else being in charge; in fact, he preferred that dynamic because it kept him from having to worry about whether he was doing the right thing or acting like an idiot.
And Rich? Well, he is just what my brother would call "a poor dumb bastard" - by not asking for what what he wanted and assuming he knew what was going on without having the conversation that could have cleared it all up he ended up making them both miserable.
Rich Davis—the man who never called him his boyfriend, didn’t mention a future together, hadn’t asked him to move in during three years of dating, never suggested monogamy, and hadn’t stepped foot in public with him until they had the shared excuse of caring for Molly—had a jealous streak a mile wide and just as deep when it came to Todd, and that jealousy had a hair trigger.
It's Todd who, for all his simplicity, recognizes the issue, talks about it calmly and openly, and gets things onto a track they are both comfortable with.
Sometimes he thought he was too simple to notice a problem. But other times he thought people made simple things way too complicated.
Though I had some issues with the way Rich handled their relationship by keeping it secret from the majority of the town, and how he behaved with Todd in the beginning, I came around in the end.
I just want Todd to be happy, and if Rich is what will make him happy, then I'm all for it. <3
I love Ezekiel Robison and his easy way of narrating so the story just flows seemingly effortlessly into your ears. Ezekiel is fast becoming an auto-buy narrator for me, particularly when he's bringing Cardeno C's words to life - I would absolutely recommend any audio by Cardeno and Ezekiel.
Audio copy of Smitty's Sheriff (Hope #3) provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
July 12, 2017
Boy, I struggled with this book. Richard infuriated me throughout. He was so condescending and conflicting in regards to his thoughts about Todd, who I have to admit also bothered me. For god's sake, think of yourself as someone worthy of the best people in your life, especially if that person is someone you want as a significant other. Todd needed to take some time to think about himself. He needed to like and believe in himself a lot more, he needed to be independently happy before jumping into a relationship with anyone. It needed to seem like it was more than being bored and Richard was the best he could get. That Richard was better than him and that's what relationships are about, someone being better, not equality.
He wasn’t as smart as Rich, wasn’t as experienced in anything, didn’t understand the laws and politics in Rich’s job. Todd couldn’t give useful advice or solve anything, so talking to him was a waste of Rich’s time.
The jealousy was infuriating. Tip 1 : If you have issues about someone having sex with others when you never talked about monogamy in the first place, someone you only saw here and there and never introduced to others anyway, then you have no cause to be ticked off when they do hook up with others. First off, communicate like the then thirty seven year old man you were, the forty one year old you are now. Sort that shit out with a therapist. Or know you can't do it, move on, and don't come back to a relationship with the person you are struggling the most with. Deal with your damn jealousy. When a guy delivering pizza has to leave without being paid because he's accused of something he wasn't doing with Todd : Houston, we have an unpleasant problem.
Tip 2 : Don't offer to allow someone you are in a (quasi) relationship with to go though your phone simply because they are jealous, when you have not done anything wrong. Nope. That's being disrespectful to yourself and it's also enabling bad behaviour that will, contrary to fictional romance, only get worse.
“The password to my phone is your birthday. Go look at my call history so you can see I wasn’t talking to anyone. I didn’t clear my tasks so the video is probably paused on my screen. You can see that too.”
I can deal with the little things that I don't always like in a few romance books - head bobbing, which seemed to be in overdrive in this book, the cutesy 'kays, the fluttering eyelashes, the also cutesy uh-huhs because I really like - love Cardeno C's characters and they normally take over the page in a positive way, but not this time. I just could not connect, and further, I didn't like them. When the MCs are going to have sex and I make the sign of the cross muttering, "please no. Please. No!" That's both sad and bad.
I am bummed that this didn't work for me because Cardeno C is a ray of bright, bright sunshine in my often darker reading world but this one left me flat.
March 9, 2025
Listen, if you want to read about a toxic relationship with an older insecure guy who's giving out mixed signals to his younger FWB and then punishing him for not understanding anything - you're in the right place!
🔵 Sheriff / cashier
🟢 Age gap 23/40
🟣 Size difference
🟡 FWB? Open relationship? A relationship at all?
🟢 Happening 6 months after the complete ending of their 3-year long hooking up
🌶️ Some sex near the end; it's good; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b
I've read some reviews about this book and it's funny how everyone's hung up on Todd having sex with other people while he was seeing Richard. But was that really the main issue?
First of all, they weren't together. They were hooking up. No boundaries were set, they didn't communicate about what was expected. Not monogamous.
Richard is the older guy, an ex soldier now Sheriff that has a dominant streak and this could've been really good if Richard was a natural, if he found someone submissive in Todd and really cherished that. If he, as an older man, expressed what he wanted and expected from Todd, but he didn't. Not a single word. In fact, Richard just ghosted Todd after three years of them getting together and that was it.
"Rich Davis— the man who never called him his boyfriend, didn’t mention a future together, hadn’t asked him to move in during three years of dating, never suggested monogamy, and hadn’t stepped foot in public with him until they had the shared excuse of caring for Molly— had a jealous streak a mile wide and just as deep when it came to Todd, and that jealousy had a hair trigger."
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I couldn’t take your freedom from you that way. I don’t want to be that guy.”
“What guy?”
“The guy who ends up being arrested on a DV.”
Why would he get arrested for DV? What? What would he be doing to Todd to get arrested??
Richard hadn't mentioned at all what he wanted. Was Richard in the closet? Or he simply didn't want to be seen with Todd. He just kept Todd hidden, he didn't tell anyone about them because he'd look bad and noone would take him seriously.
"His sexual orientation wasn’t what Rich was hiding. It was Todd."
What really, really bothered me was Richard's attitude towards Todd. I get Todd liked being taken care of and guided, he's submissive by nature and that's fine, but Richard wasn't a daddy, he was more like just a dad.
Richard was basically infantilizing Todd - treated him like a child, I was suffocating while reading their interactions. Todd needed space to breathe and develop into his own person.
"It wasn’t yet noon on a Sunday. He would have put higher odds on Todd still being in bed than on his being ready to go and organizing his own transportation."
“Call your parents and tell them I’m picking you up so they don’t wonder where you are.”
“Go make sure your lights are off and your door is locked.”
Eyes widening, Todd gulped and then bobbed his head. “Okay, Rich.”
This was Todd packing and moving to Rich's guest house for 3 months. He only needed to pack his clothes and go and the guy didn't even trust him with that.
The most insane part was that Richard didn't let Todd anywhere near the kitchen because he once burned some food. He didn't let him, the guy couldn't even touch a fucking pan. Nothing.
“I told you to stay out of the kitchen.”
“You said I should wash my hands.” He held up his sudsy palms.
“Something wrong with the bathroom in the guesthouse?”
“Sorry. I’ll get out of the kitchen.”
“You didn’t go near the food or any heat source. That’s the important thing.” He remained silent, as if awaiting a response.
And this was the problem. This wasn't gentle leading or even dominant leading, this wasn't daddy behaviour, because Todd was tense most of the time. This shit was toxic!
When talking about those 3 years they spent together, they didn't really get along and Rich could apparently get angry pretty quick.
“That’s two apologies in under a minute. What’s going on?”
Thankfully, Rich’s tone was worried, not angry. Not that he wanted to worry Rich, but the alternative was worse. “Nothing.”
Todd smeared the butter on his bread and then forced himself to take a bite.
“What have I told you about honesty?”
Hello, abusive relationship.
They weren't together at present time in the book and Richard didn't want anything to do with Todd, but whenever he saw him with another guy or on a phone or anything like that, he got insanely jealous.
"Who’s your friend?" Richard snapped, his voice louder than was wise, considering the sleeping baby upstairs.
"You didn’t mention you had a date lined up for tonight."
"Will you at least be back by the time Molly wakes up in the morning?"
"Or is a booty call more important than your niece?"
What? Girl, what??
“Do you want to help me cook tonight?”
Todd looked up at him wide- eyed. “Really?” Warmth bloomed in his chest.
“Yes, really. If I’m watching, you’re not likely to burn the place down.”
And it wasn’t fair that Todd had to spend all day, every day in a house where he wasn’t allowed to use the kitchen.
“And who knows? Maybe you can learn how to make an entire meal.”
And last, but not least, ladies and gentlemen
"Richard thought that explanation over. Todd had been holding the phone at an angle that wouldn’t have shown anything other than his face, so he couldn’t have been putting on a performance. Plus, he hadn’t said a word or otherwise made a sound. In retrospect, it wasn’t likely that there was a live person on the other end of the line. Him watching a video made more sense. Relieved, Richard let out a long breath. “Do you always watch porn during naptime?”"
July 17, 2017
Originally reviewed at Sinfully.
This story starts off six months after Sheriff Richard Davis has basically ended all contact, without explanation, between himself and Todd Smitty, the man who had been his secret lover for the prior three years. The two men are about to be thrown back together as Todd’s sister, who is Richard’s best friend, is leaving her baby with them as she is being deployed. Smitty is thrilled at the idea of being able to reconnect with Richard after all his other attempts were ignored. He’s not sure what he did wrong but is willing to do what it takes to make it right. Richard has second thoughts about cutting ties with Todd but he always manages to explain them away, until he starts to see Todd in a new light as the work together to care for Molly.
I am a huge Cardeno C fan, but I don’t know about this book. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if I didn’t spend all my time being annoyed by Richard. I really disliked his character for most of the book. He didn’t want the people of the town knowing their Sheriff was with such a flighty man-child. He kept Todd a secret for the three years that they were together, basically treating him as a long term hook up. He complains that Todd had sex with other men during that time, though he was fully aware of it and wasn’t looking for a commitment with Todd. He laments that Todd wasn’t ready or able to settle down, but he never talked about it with him. He treated Todd like a booty call and then complains that Todd acted like one. Gahh!!
Todd, on the other hand I liked a lot more. At first he seemed immature and he definitely has some self-esteem issues, but he quickly grew on me. Richard’s complete lack of communication with Todd from before page one, continued through most of the book and for all his thinking that Todd was the immature one, Todd is the only one trying to figure things out and mature enough to attempt a real conversation. Richard, on the other hand, lives on the assumptions he made three years ago about what Todd wanted and is capable of. Not that Todd was completely blameless; in his eyes the other men were just for sex but he considered his relationship with Richard special and was waiting for Richard to tell him to stop but never seemed to have broached the subject of commitment, just willing to take what he could get with Richard. I was a little fuzzy on one aspect of their prior relationship. Richard basically treated Todd like a hookup, but they seem to have spent a lot of time together, not in public of course and I was wondering whether there any words of love back then? They drop I love yous after rekindling things, and it didn’t seem like either of them were surprised by the words.
As far as their dynamic goes, Richard’s parenting Todd didn’t bother me. That’s what Todd wanted. He craved the structure Richard gave him. Growing up as a late in life child to older parents, with a large age gap to his youngest sibling, I got the impression Todd mostly self-parented himself. He’s forgetful and insecure so Richard’s need to control worked perfectly with Todd’s wanting to be directed both in and out of bed.
There was a bit of growth in Richard by the end, though I still didn’t love his character. I enjoyed Todd’s interactions with Lucas who isn’t afraid to tell Todd just what Richard is doing wrong and why Todd should run far and fast. I haven’t read the prior books but if you have you’ll recognize him from McFarland's Farm.
So this was a rare time where I didn’t fully connect with a Cardeno C book. While my personal feelings about the character obviously colored my reaction to the story, it could work very well for you, especially if you’re a fan of Cardeno C and second chance romances where communication is the main issue.
This story starts off six months after Sheriff Richard Davis has basically ended all contact, without explanation, between himself and Todd Smitty, the man who had been his secret lover for the prior three years. The two men are about to be thrown back together as Todd’s sister, who is Richard’s best friend, is leaving her baby with them as she is being deployed. Smitty is thrilled at the idea of being able to reconnect with Richard after all his other attempts were ignored. He’s not sure what he did wrong but is willing to do what it takes to make it right. Richard has second thoughts about cutting ties with Todd but he always manages to explain them away, until he starts to see Todd in a new light as the work together to care for Molly.
I am a huge Cardeno C fan, but I don’t know about this book. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if I didn’t spend all my time being annoyed by Richard. I really disliked his character for most of the book. He didn’t want the people of the town knowing their Sheriff was with such a flighty man-child. He kept Todd a secret for the three years that they were together, basically treating him as a long term hook up. He complains that Todd had sex with other men during that time, though he was fully aware of it and wasn’t looking for a commitment with Todd. He laments that Todd wasn’t ready or able to settle down, but he never talked about it with him. He treated Todd like a booty call and then complains that Todd acted like one. Gahh!!
Todd, on the other hand I liked a lot more. At first he seemed immature and he definitely has some self-esteem issues, but he quickly grew on me. Richard’s complete lack of communication with Todd from before page one, continued through most of the book and for all his thinking that Todd was the immature one, Todd is the only one trying to figure things out and mature enough to attempt a real conversation. Richard, on the other hand, lives on the assumptions he made three years ago about what Todd wanted and is capable of. Not that Todd was completely blameless; in his eyes the other men were just for sex but he considered his relationship with Richard special and was waiting for Richard to tell him to stop but never seemed to have broached the subject of commitment, just willing to take what he could get with Richard. I was a little fuzzy on one aspect of their prior relationship. Richard basically treated Todd like a hookup, but they seem to have spent a lot of time together, not in public of course and I was wondering whether there any words of love back then? They drop I love yous after rekindling things, and it didn’t seem like either of them were surprised by the words.
As far as their dynamic goes, Richard’s parenting Todd didn’t bother me. That’s what Todd wanted. He craved the structure Richard gave him. Growing up as a late in life child to older parents, with a large age gap to his youngest sibling, I got the impression Todd mostly self-parented himself. He’s forgetful and insecure so Richard’s need to control worked perfectly with Todd’s wanting to be directed both in and out of bed.
There was a bit of growth in Richard by the end, though I still didn’t love his character. I enjoyed Todd’s interactions with Lucas who isn’t afraid to tell Todd just what Richard is doing wrong and why Todd should run far and fast. I haven’t read the prior books but if you have you’ll recognize him from McFarland's Farm.
So this was a rare time where I didn’t fully connect with a Cardeno C book. While my personal feelings about the character obviously colored my reaction to the story, it could work very well for you, especially if you’re a fan of Cardeno C and second chance romances where communication is the main issue.
July 20, 2017
Dammit! I had such high hopes for this book. I usually love - or at least solidly like - Cardeno C.'s books, but this one didn't work for me.
Todd is painted as young, 'flakey' (although I think that label is a little unfair given that he dropped everything and rearranged his life when his sister needed someone to look after his infant niece for three months), not that intelligent or capable, and naturally submissive.
Rich is older, responsible, and naturally dominant. Well, that's what we're told. Instead, he comes off more as a condescending, controlling, jealous d-bag that didn't particularly respect his partner.
Honestly, I know the characters had the conversation about abuse which made it clear to the readers that Todd did not feel as if that's what this relationship was, but I can't help but think that minus the throwing of cell phones and punching walls, this was exactly the sort of controlling, irrational behaviour that my friend - whose spouse was definitely abusive - put up with before her divorce. Not cool.
Is there going to be another book in this series? I don't know. But if there is, I hope it's as good as the first two, and then I can forget the blip that is this book.
Todd is painted as young, 'flakey' (although I think that label is a little unfair given that he dropped everything and rearranged his life when his sister needed someone to look after his infant niece for three months), not that intelligent or capable, and naturally submissive.
Rich is older, responsible, and naturally dominant. Well, that's what we're told. Instead, he comes off more as a condescending, controlling, jealous d-bag that didn't particularly respect his partner.
Honestly, I know the characters had the conversation about abuse which made it clear to the readers that Todd did not feel as if that's what this relationship was, but I can't help but think that minus the throwing of cell phones and punching walls, this was exactly the sort of controlling, irrational behaviour that my friend - whose spouse was definitely abusive - put up with before her divorce. Not cool.
Is there going to be another book in this series? I don't know. But if there is, I hope it's as good as the first two, and then I can forget the blip that is this book.
September 1, 2021
DNF at 50%
Darn, I was so sure Todd wasn't sleeping around with other men when they were together before. I was so sure it was all just a misunderstanding. But when Todd told Rich he slept with other men because Richard never asked him to be monogamous I was done with this book.
Loved the narrator though.
Darn, I was so sure Todd wasn't sleeping around with other men when they were together before. I was so sure it was all just a misunderstanding. But when Todd told Rich he slept with other men because Richard never asked him to be monogamous I was done with this book.
Loved the narrator though.
June 24, 2021
I'm so glad I revisited this sweet, little story, this time in audio. Ezekiel Robison brings out Todd's immaturity, and stresses his child-like qualities, which adds depth to the D/s aspect of the relationship.
Of course Richard is the total type A, masculine character which Cardeno C. writes so well. Twenty years older than Todd, settled in his ways, and just dying for someone to care for.
The dynamic between these two men, and the qualities which make them a feasible couple came across way better for me the second time around, thanks to Mr. Robison's performance.
thank you to the author for the audio copy of Smitty's Sheriff, all opinions are my own
Of course Richard is the total type A, masculine character which Cardeno C. writes so well. Twenty years older than Todd, settled in his ways, and just dying for someone to care for.
The dynamic between these two men, and the qualities which make them a feasible couple came across way better for me the second time around, thanks to Mr. Robison's performance.
thank you to the author for the audio copy of Smitty's Sheriff, all opinions are my own
August 3, 2017
Not my favorite of the series. I never really warmed up to Richard and I wanted Todd to get a bit of a backbone. Also, they could have talked earlier...
July 24, 2017
Didn't feel the love in this one sadly
I can't put my finger on just what was wrong with this one but it didn't work for me. I usually love a May to December romance and this had all the necessary elements on the surface but it left me feeling flat.
Rich was a difficult character to find any empathy with, he came across as a jerk for a lot of the story and he treated Todd like a young child rather than a lover on frequent occasions.
The big hook on their relationship troubles was mis communication and it just totally grinds my gears. A man Rich's age should know better than to just assume things and as a Sheriff he's supposed to be intelligent enough to deduce things rationally.
Todd was a sweetie, naive but determined to get his man back, I just didn't believe in the relationship unfortunately.
I can't put my finger on just what was wrong with this one but it didn't work for me. I usually love a May to December romance and this had all the necessary elements on the surface but it left me feeling flat.
Rich was a difficult character to find any empathy with, he came across as a jerk for a lot of the story and he treated Todd like a young child rather than a lover on frequent occasions.
The big hook on their relationship troubles was mis communication and it just totally grinds my gears. A man Rich's age should know better than to just assume things and as a Sheriff he's supposed to be intelligent enough to deduce things rationally.
Todd was a sweetie, naive but determined to get his man back, I just didn't believe in the relationship unfortunately.
August 2, 2018
2.5 stars.
After sitting on my review for a bit, I had to change my rating by dropping the .5 to 3 stars. And the reason is basically because this story just did not work for me.
Richard was an a** most of the time and it was clear that he looked down on Todd throughout their entire relationship. And Todd. As much as I wanted to like him, it felt like he was to flighty. And a doormat.
As much as it pains me, this book was a total miss for me and I know that Cardeno is an amazing writer.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
After sitting on my review for a bit, I had to change my rating by dropping the .5 to 3 stars. And the reason is basically because this story just did not work for me.
Richard was an a** most of the time and it was clear that he looked down on Todd throughout their entire relationship. And Todd. As much as I wanted to like him, it felt like he was to flighty. And a doormat.
As much as it pains me, this book was a total miss for me and I know that Cardeno is an amazing writer.
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2017
Unfortunately...not the most arresting book I've read this month...
As much as I enjoy Cardeno C. and loved McFarland's Farm when it came to Smitty's Sheriff things just kind of fizzled.
'Smitty's Sheriff' is a May/December, second chance romance and while I'm ok with May/December romances especially if they're done right when it comes to second chance stories I'm totally a fan. I just have such a soft spot for second chance stories. So when I read the blurb for this one it sounded interesting and while I haven't listened to a lot of books narrated by Ezekiel Robison...just one to be exact but I enjoyed his narration of that book so when 'Smitty's Sheriff' crossed my radar odds were good that I'd really like it. Unfortunately as sometimes happens...it was a crap shoot and what I had hoped would be and 'I loved it' audio book ended up being an 'it was ok' audio book.
Truthfully if I'd read the book this would probably have been a 2 maybe 2.5 star read, it was the narration that kept that from happening. Ezekiel Robison did a very solid job with this and I enjoyed his performance. His characters were unique, expressive and the voices suited how I imagined they would be. So truthfully when it comes to just the audio portion of this story it's a solid 3.5 maybe 4 stars from me. I'd definitely listen to this narrator again.
When it comes to the story...well, I had issues of which the main one was Sheriff Richard Davis...sorry, but this character annoyed me...at times...a lot. First off the fact that he has a relationship with a guy (being the other MC, Todd) for 3 years and then just cuts all contact with him. No explanation in any way shape or form...no phone call, not even the dreaded Dear John letter, e-mail or even a text message. Who does that? Add to this the fact that he basically kept the relationship in the closet not because he's not out as being gay or Todd's not...no it's because of Todd's age.
Needless to say this leaves poor Todd more than a little confused as he's still wondering 6 months later what happened, what he did wrong?
As well as how he ended things with Todd, I was less than impressed with how he treated him. Most of the time when it came to Richard it felt like Todd was walking barefoot on glass shards. He never seemed to be sure of what he should do or whether he'd done the right thing or screwed up. Honestly if I had to live that way I'd be a nervous wreck or more than likely I'd be the one doing a Richard and walking away. Honestly I'd have a hard time living with someone seemingly wanted to control every move I made and quite truthfully there may have been nearly 20 years between them but Todd wasn't a five year old and things would have gone better for me if I hadn't felt like Richard treated Todd like a 5 year old.
However, in Richard's defense I will say that Todd's decision making skills may have been slightly lacking at times but given that he had a really strong need to please Richard all it would have taken to sort things out would have been for Richard to open his mouth and talk instead of walking away.
So at the end of it all it comes down to 2 - 2.5 stars for the story and 3.5 maybe 4 for the audio and me splitting the difference and calling it a day at 3 stars.
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An audio book of 'Smitty's Sheriff' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As much as I enjoy Cardeno C. and loved McFarland's Farm when it came to Smitty's Sheriff things just kind of fizzled.
'Smitty's Sheriff' is a May/December, second chance romance and while I'm ok with May/December romances especially if they're done right when it comes to second chance stories I'm totally a fan. I just have such a soft spot for second chance stories. So when I read the blurb for this one it sounded interesting and while I haven't listened to a lot of books narrated by Ezekiel Robison...just one to be exact but I enjoyed his narration of that book so when 'Smitty's Sheriff' crossed my radar odds were good that I'd really like it. Unfortunately as sometimes happens...it was a crap shoot and what I had hoped would be and 'I loved it' audio book ended up being an 'it was ok' audio book.
Truthfully if I'd read the book this would probably have been a 2 maybe 2.5 star read, it was the narration that kept that from happening. Ezekiel Robison did a very solid job with this and I enjoyed his performance. His characters were unique, expressive and the voices suited how I imagined they would be. So truthfully when it comes to just the audio portion of this story it's a solid 3.5 maybe 4 stars from me. I'd definitely listen to this narrator again.
When it comes to the story...well, I had issues of which the main one was Sheriff Richard Davis...sorry, but this character annoyed me...at times...a lot. First off the fact that he has a relationship with a guy (being the other MC, Todd) for 3 years and then just cuts all contact with him. No explanation in any way shape or form...no phone call, not even the dreaded Dear John letter, e-mail or even a text message. Who does that? Add to this the fact that he basically kept the relationship in the closet not because he's not out as being gay or Todd's not...no it's because of Todd's age.
Needless to say this leaves poor Todd more than a little confused as he's still wondering 6 months later what happened, what he did wrong?
As well as how he ended things with Todd, I was less than impressed with how he treated him. Most of the time when it came to Richard it felt like Todd was walking barefoot on glass shards. He never seemed to be sure of what he should do or whether he'd done the right thing or screwed up. Honestly if I had to live that way I'd be a nervous wreck or more than likely I'd be the one doing a Richard and walking away. Honestly I'd have a hard time living with someone seemingly wanted to control every move I made and quite truthfully there may have been nearly 20 years between them but Todd wasn't a five year old and things would have gone better for me if I hadn't felt like Richard treated Todd like a 5 year old.
However, in Richard's defense I will say that Todd's decision making skills may have been slightly lacking at times but given that he had a really strong need to please Richard all it would have taken to sort things out would have been for Richard to open his mouth and talk instead of walking away.
So at the end of it all it comes down to 2 - 2.5 stars for the story and 3.5 maybe 4 for the audio and me splitting the difference and calling it a day at 3 stars.
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An audio book of 'Smitty's Sheriff' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2017
***Hope, Arizona, where there is hope for everyone.
Richard left the service and became a Sheriff four years ago. I've read Jesse's Diner and McFarland's Farm, too, so I know the characters well. Richard and Todd dated but broke up. Now they are being thrown together by Todd's sister. She's in the Army, being sent for duty for three months. Richard, her friend from the Army, and her brother, Todd will be babysitting her 9 month old daughter. The first month the guys stay out of each other's way as they care for the sweet girl. The second month, feelings lead to fooling around.
Todd is smaller and perpetually happy, yet seems a bit simple. His folks had him late in life, but he manages on his own well and is liked by everyone in town. Richard is rigid, strict and a closeted gay man, and struggles against himself. They can't seem to talk about issues like most people, because Richard is vague, and Todd needs explicit wording. Each man has issues, needs, and wants. The guys just need to listen to each other, and Richard should stop evading, because he presents as unlikeable.
It seems like a toxic relationship, but with more explanations, plus their inner thoughts, we finally see what each guy needs most.
This is emotional, and I cried so hard for sweet Todd. Cardeno C. makes us care deeply for our underdog. The men have no problems in bed, where they excel with super sexiness. It's communicating that's their problem. These two seemed doomed. I liked the last scene at the bar that cemented everything for them.
ENJOY !
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Richard left the service and became a Sheriff four years ago. I've read Jesse's Diner and McFarland's Farm, too, so I know the characters well. Richard and Todd dated but broke up. Now they are being thrown together by Todd's sister. She's in the Army, being sent for duty for three months. Richard, her friend from the Army, and her brother, Todd will be babysitting her 9 month old daughter. The first month the guys stay out of each other's way as they care for the sweet girl. The second month, feelings lead to fooling around.
Todd is smaller and perpetually happy, yet seems a bit simple. His folks had him late in life, but he manages on his own well and is liked by everyone in town. Richard is rigid, strict and a closeted gay man, and struggles against himself. They can't seem to talk about issues like most people, because Richard is vague, and Todd needs explicit wording. Each man has issues, needs, and wants. The guys just need to listen to each other, and Richard should stop evading, because he presents as unlikeable.
It seems like a toxic relationship, but with more explanations, plus their inner thoughts, we finally see what each guy needs most.
This is emotional, and I cried so hard for sweet Todd. Cardeno C. makes us care deeply for our underdog. The men have no problems in bed, where they excel with super sexiness. It's communicating that's their problem. These two seemed doomed. I liked the last scene at the bar that cemented everything for them.
ENJOY !
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February 24, 2018
The third of these series is about Todd and Richard anddd my most fave couple so far. Eventhough both of them have a lot of flaws, I still adored these guys.
So all of that 3 years being together and just ended in disaster is because of poor communication between them. They made assumption of each other. Rich is the typical of jealouse asshole who always thought that Todd is too young to be committed and getting suspicious that Todd flirting with guys through hookup apps everytime he's holding his mobile phone. But Rich is the kind of asshole I'd love. He's just being insecure and too aware of their age gap. Though he tried his best to stay away from Todd, in the end he couldn't bear it everytime he saw another guy approaching Todd.
I loved that the author could wrap up their problem and finally getting back together in the end. They are just perfect for each other.
So all of that 3 years being together and just ended in disaster is because of poor communication between them. They made assumption of each other. Rich is the typical of jealouse asshole who always thought that Todd is too young to be committed and getting suspicious that Todd flirting with guys through hookup apps everytime he's holding his mobile phone. But Rich is the kind of asshole I'd love. He's just being insecure and too aware of their age gap. Though he tried his best to stay away from Todd, in the end he couldn't bear it everytime he saw another guy approaching Todd.
I loved that the author could wrap up their problem and finally getting back together in the end. They are just perfect for each other.
July 4, 2017
Richard, the town Sheriff and Todd, the flighty young man seems to have a history that span three years of hooked up. But Richard put a brake into their non-relationship because he can't deal with Todd being a flighty youngster. I don't blame Richard at all, he seems to know what he wants and he thinks he can't get it with Todd. Absolutely fine with me.
Todd had been crushing hard on Richard and when he had an opportunity to stay at Richard's guesthouse for three months, he jumped at the chance. Todd not only seems young, he even act like a naive little boy sometimes. He crave Richard's attention and guidance, which is bordering on D/s. Too bad the whole D/s didn't extend to the bedroom, or else it might have been hot.
I know a lot of people had issue with Richard. He seems to demand too much, but didn't communicate his desire to Todd. But I am thinking Todd is a head case as well. He seems to think is perfectly fine to sleep around when he is bored, even though he want something more with Richard. Like seriously! He needs Richard to spell out 'm.o.n.o.g.a.m.y.' for him to get it.
This couple is just too much nuisance for me to feel emotionally invested. Todd is adorable at times, but he is simply too dense.
Todd had been crushing hard on Richard and when he had an opportunity to stay at Richard's guesthouse for three months, he jumped at the chance. Todd not only seems young, he even act like a naive little boy sometimes. He crave Richard's attention and guidance, which is bordering on D/s. Too bad the whole D/s didn't extend to the bedroom, or else it might have been hot.
I know a lot of people had issue with Richard. He seems to demand too much, but didn't communicate his desire to Todd. But I am thinking Todd is a head case as well. He seems to think is perfectly fine to sleep around when he is bored, even though he want something more with Richard. Like seriously! He needs Richard to spell out 'm.o.n.o.g.a.m.y.' for him to get it.
This couple is just too much nuisance for me to feel emotionally invested. Todd is adorable at times, but he is simply too dense.
October 19, 2017
It pained me to give only two starts for CC's book.
But what can I say? From the first time I read about Rich, I didn't like him. He's too judgmental for my taste and Todd on the other hand, a clueless, doormat and a cheater (three years as a booty call for Rich and he's sleeping with others too, not that i can blame him. Richard made him believe that it was just sex.).
I have no idea why did Todd can put up with Rich for so long. No communications for three years is a disaster, don't you think?
I mean, come on...when you (sex) partner looked down at you and didn't make any move to make commitment, would you just stay for him for that long? Not in my world.
But, once again, Todd is a doormat, he took anything Richard's offered. Both main characters are hard to like.
This is almost a no angst short story, but this is CC's book. You should read this one.
You can always blame me for my rating.
*I read it on the plane, so probably it's the plane, not the book. :)*
But what can I say? From the first time I read about Rich, I didn't like him. He's too judgmental for my taste and Todd on the other hand, a clueless, doormat and a cheater (three years as a booty call for Rich and he's sleeping with others too, not that i can blame him. Richard made him believe that it was just sex.).
I have no idea why did Todd can put up with Rich for so long. No communications for three years is a disaster, don't you think?
I mean, come on...when you (sex) partner looked down at you and didn't make any move to make commitment, would you just stay for him for that long? Not in my world.
But, once again, Todd is a doormat, he took anything Richard's offered. Both main characters are hard to like.
This is almost a no angst short story, but this is CC's book. You should read this one.
You can always blame me for my rating.
*I read it on the plane, so probably it's the plane, not the book. :)*
July 17, 2017
2.5 stars, rounded up because Goodreads still doesn't have half stars.
It pains me to no end to have to give such a low rating to a CC novel, but I hated Richard in this book, and the romance here was not what I expected.
I quite liked Todd, and I really wanted him to fall for someone not Richard, someone who deserved him, but I guess the heart wants what the heart wants.
Todd is in his early 20s, and six months ago, Richard, the town's sheriff, broke off their three year hidden relationship for no apparent reason. Just no longer called or came by. Todd doesn't know why, and he's still carrying a torch for the sheriff, but doesn't know how to get him back.
At 41, Richard is considerably older than Todd and a condescending, judgmental, stuck-up ass. He likes to be in charge, but he also looked down his nose at the younger man, his carefree, somewhat flighty personality, and didn't consider it appropriate to be known as "the grocery boy's booty call". Say what now? >.<
Both suffer from a serious lack of communication with each other, with Richard being averse to Todd sleeping with others, and Todd not knowing that Richard wants a committed relationship, when Richard never even hinted at it. When you're someone's secret booty call, the message they're sending is not one of commitment.
But then Todd's sister needs a babysitter (how convenient), and since Todd couldn't possibly handle the baby by himself, he's expected to move into Richard's place to get help with his niece. I didn't like Todd's sister either. She older than Todd and closer in age to Richard, and they BOTH treated Todd like he's just a fuck-up.
But he's not. And I guess as Richard sees a more grown-up, responsible side of Todd, he has to reconsider his actions and maybe realize that he was wrong. Only he doesn't really think he was wrong, and it takes Todd telling him what he didn't consider for Richard to pull his head out of his ass.
The book makes it sound like Richard misses Todd as much as Todd missed Richard, but jealousy and distrust don't make a good foundation for a relationship, and for Todd to feel as if he has to justify himself all the damn time, and for him to offer Richard access to his phone so Richard can verify that Todd is not sneaking around with other men - UGH, NO!
CC's usual writing style of course shines through here, which is why I finished the book, because the fluff and hot sexy times are all there, but the romance was definitely lacking, and I don't have high hopes that these two will ride off into the sunset together.
If you love CC's books, I hope you'll give this a try. You never know - it might work for you, even though it didn't for me.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
It pains me to no end to have to give such a low rating to a CC novel, but I hated Richard in this book, and the romance here was not what I expected.
I quite liked Todd, and I really wanted him to fall for someone not Richard, someone who deserved him, but I guess the heart wants what the heart wants.
Todd is in his early 20s, and six months ago, Richard, the town's sheriff, broke off their three year hidden relationship for no apparent reason. Just no longer called or came by. Todd doesn't know why, and he's still carrying a torch for the sheriff, but doesn't know how to get him back.
At 41, Richard is considerably older than Todd and a condescending, judgmental, stuck-up ass. He likes to be in charge, but he also looked down his nose at the younger man, his carefree, somewhat flighty personality, and didn't consider it appropriate to be known as "the grocery boy's booty call". Say what now? >.<
Both suffer from a serious lack of communication with each other, with Richard being averse to Todd sleeping with others, and Todd not knowing that Richard wants a committed relationship, when Richard never even hinted at it. When you're someone's secret booty call, the message they're sending is not one of commitment.
But then Todd's sister needs a babysitter (how convenient), and since Todd couldn't possibly handle the baby by himself, he's expected to move into Richard's place to get help with his niece. I didn't like Todd's sister either. She older than Todd and closer in age to Richard, and they BOTH treated Todd like he's just a fuck-up.
But he's not. And I guess as Richard sees a more grown-up, responsible side of Todd, he has to reconsider his actions and maybe realize that he was wrong. Only he doesn't really think he was wrong, and it takes Todd telling him what he didn't consider for Richard to pull his head out of his ass.
The book makes it sound like Richard misses Todd as much as Todd missed Richard, but jealousy and distrust don't make a good foundation for a relationship, and for Todd to feel as if he has to justify himself all the damn time, and for him to offer Richard access to his phone so Richard can verify that Todd is not sneaking around with other men - UGH, NO!
CC's usual writing style of course shines through here, which is why I finished the book, because the fluff and hot sexy times are all there, but the romance was definitely lacking, and I don't have high hopes that these two will ride off into the sunset together.
If you love CC's books, I hope you'll give this a try. You never know - it might work for you, even though it didn't for me.
** I received a free copy of this book from its author. A positive review was not promised in return. **
July 6, 2017
SIGH…… Simply beautiful. Cardeno C always delivers a romantic story that touches your heart, along with some steamy sexual encounters that leave you pining for more.
This is book three in the Hope series and can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading them all. They are too good not to read.
The story of Richard and Todd having a second chance at love. I don’t think they ever fell out of love. Their relationship they had in the past lacked serious communication which led to them splitting up.
Richard is a lot older than Todd, being a retired soldier and looking to settle down. He’s a good man, sexy, he’s the Sheriff of Hope town. He couldn’t help but be attracted to Todd, it was basically there on offer so why not have some fun. He grew to love Todd and wished that Todd felt the same way about him. He didn’t want to share Todd, but he wouldn’t stop him from having fun either.
Todd has a chance to show Richard how serious he is about him. He is determined not to let him down. When Todd moves into Richard’s as planned it’s a dream come true for him. They may not be a couple, but Todd lives in Hope. Oh! That’s a pun. Giggling face inserted here.
I always love picking up a book written by this Author. I know that I am in for an excellent adventure filled with love. I’m looking forward to reading so many more stories, not just about Hope, but all things Cardeno. C
February 24, 2020
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/r...
In anteprima – Smitty’s sheriff di Cardeno C. terzo volume della serie Hope, pubblicato il 19 febbraio 2020 dalla Triskell Edizioni
A pochi mesi di distanza dalla sua ultima pubblicazione italiana, Cardeno ci riporta nuovamente ad Hope, l’anonimo paesino nello Stato dell’Arizona, teatro di questa serie da cui prende il nome. Nei libri precedenti abbiamo conosciuto l’istrionico Luca e il suo compagno Jared, poi il timido Tanner e il sexy Steve. Ora è la volta di Richard e Todd. Avevamo fatto la conoscenza di quest’ultimo proprio nel primo libro e in quell’occasione il ritratto che ne aveva fatto l’autore mi aveva dato l’impressione che fosse come un’ape che svolazza di fiore in fiore alla ricerca del polline migliore. E a dirla tutta lo ha visto in questo modo anche Richard, il burbero sceriffo di Hope, con il quale ha avuto una storia durata tre lunghi anni e terminata sei mesi prima dell’inizio del libro. Perché si sono lasciati? A mio parere perché nessuno dei due ha avuto il coraggio di dire ciò che pensava e ciò che voleva all’altro, trincerandosi dietro le proprie errate convinzioni. Ma lasciate che vi presenti in modo più accurato i due protagonisti così da farveli conoscere un pochino meglio.
Richard Davis è stato un soldato per gran parte della sua vita, ha amato svolgere il suo lavoro ma da qualche anno a questa parte, le sue priorità sono cambiate, vuole una vita tranquilla e un compagno da cui tornare la sera, una persona che gli faccia sentire il calore della famiglia. Accanto a lui vorrebbe un uomo posato, della sua stessa età e pronto a dargli una certa stabilità con una relazione monogama. A causa del suo bisogno di controllo non riuscirebbe a tollerare una relazione aperta, eppure, a dispetto di tutto e tutti, si ritrova invischiato con un giovane uomo, attraente e sexy, che però svolazza di qua e di là. E siccome dal suo uomo lui vuole tutto, dopo tre anni di tira e molla, decide di troncare la relazione con Todd senza grandi spiegazioni. Non vuole impazzire di gelosia o vietare qualcosa al giovane uomo per cui l’unica alternativa a cui riesce a pensare è quella di lasciarlo libero di vivere la sua vita. Ma dopo averlo fatto si ritrova a pensare incessantemente a quel ragazzo che gli ha rubato il cuore.
Todd Smitty è il più giovane di una carovana di fratelli e sorelle. Quando è nato i suoi genitori erano già anziani e i fratelli tutti molto più grandi di lui per cui non ha ricevuto le giuste attenzioni da parte di nessuno. Forse per questo o, forse perché quella è la sua natura, è un giovane sempre alla ricerca di approvazione, molto esuberante e chiassoso quando non riesce ad attirare l’attenzione altrui. Il periodo più bello della sua vita lo ha trascorso insieme a Richard. Lui lo guidava, lo calmava e anche se l’uomo non aveva mai avuto il coraggio di mostrarsi in pubblico con lui, Todd era felice di appartenergli. Poi, senza alcuna spiegazione logica, lo ha lasciato e da sei mesi Todd si chiede dove ha sbagliato. Cosa ha fatto di così grave per aver fatto allontanare da lui lo sceriffo.
L’occasione per voltare pagina, oppure, per scriverne una nuova con un finale diverso, arriverà grazie alla migliore amica di Richard nonché sorella di Todd, che affiderà ad entrambi la sua bambina per tre mesi. Ed è da qui che ha inizio la loro seconda opportunità. Un periodo di tempo da passare insieme e capirsi un po’ di più.
Ma questa convivenza forzata e il sentimento che li ha uniti e che forse li unisce ancora potranno bastare per appianare le divergenze? E soprattutto avranno il coraggio di seguire solo il loro cuore e non la ragione? Beh, lo vedremo strada facendo.
Intanto quello che mi sento di dirvi è che, rispetto ai primi due libri della serie, questa storia è molto più introspettiva. Molto più intima. Prima di arrivare alla parte fisica del rapporto entrambi i protagonisti sviscereranno tutti i loro pensieri e le loro sensazioni. Entrambi hanno fatto degli errori nella relazione precedente e avendoli fatti per mancanza di comunicazione questa volta si impegneranno ad essere più aperti. Ed è stato interessante vedere il percorso fatto da Richard, sicuramente la parte più colpevole della coppia, almeno a parer mio, nel rendersi conto che è stata solo la sua gelosia e la sua paura di tarpare le ali del giovane ad avergli fatto prendere la decisione di lasciarlo rinunciando alla felicità. Così come è stato bello vedere con quanta genuinità e tenerezza Todd si impegni a migliorare e a crescere per far sì che Richard capisca che è più che pronto per una relazione seria e duratura. Ecco, questo è il Cardeno che più amo, quello più consono alle mie corde. Tenero, introspettivo, sensuale quel tanto che basta per emozionare senza mai scadere nella volgarità. Unica pecca, a mio parere, la brevità. Sarebbe stato bello stare un po’ di più insieme a questa coppia che considero la meglio assortita della serie, fino ad ora.
In anteprima – Smitty’s sheriff di Cardeno C. terzo volume della serie Hope, pubblicato il 19 febbraio 2020 dalla Triskell Edizioni
A pochi mesi di distanza dalla sua ultima pubblicazione italiana, Cardeno ci riporta nuovamente ad Hope, l’anonimo paesino nello Stato dell’Arizona, teatro di questa serie da cui prende il nome. Nei libri precedenti abbiamo conosciuto l’istrionico Luca e il suo compagno Jared, poi il timido Tanner e il sexy Steve. Ora è la volta di Richard e Todd. Avevamo fatto la conoscenza di quest’ultimo proprio nel primo libro e in quell’occasione il ritratto che ne aveva fatto l’autore mi aveva dato l’impressione che fosse come un’ape che svolazza di fiore in fiore alla ricerca del polline migliore. E a dirla tutta lo ha visto in questo modo anche Richard, il burbero sceriffo di Hope, con il quale ha avuto una storia durata tre lunghi anni e terminata sei mesi prima dell’inizio del libro. Perché si sono lasciati? A mio parere perché nessuno dei due ha avuto il coraggio di dire ciò che pensava e ciò che voleva all’altro, trincerandosi dietro le proprie errate convinzioni. Ma lasciate che vi presenti in modo più accurato i due protagonisti così da farveli conoscere un pochino meglio.
Richard Davis è stato un soldato per gran parte della sua vita, ha amato svolgere il suo lavoro ma da qualche anno a questa parte, le sue priorità sono cambiate, vuole una vita tranquilla e un compagno da cui tornare la sera, una persona che gli faccia sentire il calore della famiglia. Accanto a lui vorrebbe un uomo posato, della sua stessa età e pronto a dargli una certa stabilità con una relazione monogama. A causa del suo bisogno di controllo non riuscirebbe a tollerare una relazione aperta, eppure, a dispetto di tutto e tutti, si ritrova invischiato con un giovane uomo, attraente e sexy, che però svolazza di qua e di là. E siccome dal suo uomo lui vuole tutto, dopo tre anni di tira e molla, decide di troncare la relazione con Todd senza grandi spiegazioni. Non vuole impazzire di gelosia o vietare qualcosa al giovane uomo per cui l’unica alternativa a cui riesce a pensare è quella di lasciarlo libero di vivere la sua vita. Ma dopo averlo fatto si ritrova a pensare incessantemente a quel ragazzo che gli ha rubato il cuore.
Todd Smitty è il più giovane di una carovana di fratelli e sorelle. Quando è nato i suoi genitori erano già anziani e i fratelli tutti molto più grandi di lui per cui non ha ricevuto le giuste attenzioni da parte di nessuno. Forse per questo o, forse perché quella è la sua natura, è un giovane sempre alla ricerca di approvazione, molto esuberante e chiassoso quando non riesce ad attirare l’attenzione altrui. Il periodo più bello della sua vita lo ha trascorso insieme a Richard. Lui lo guidava, lo calmava e anche se l’uomo non aveva mai avuto il coraggio di mostrarsi in pubblico con lui, Todd era felice di appartenergli. Poi, senza alcuna spiegazione logica, lo ha lasciato e da sei mesi Todd si chiede dove ha sbagliato. Cosa ha fatto di così grave per aver fatto allontanare da lui lo sceriffo.
L’occasione per voltare pagina, oppure, per scriverne una nuova con un finale diverso, arriverà grazie alla migliore amica di Richard nonché sorella di Todd, che affiderà ad entrambi la sua bambina per tre mesi. Ed è da qui che ha inizio la loro seconda opportunità. Un periodo di tempo da passare insieme e capirsi un po’ di più.
Ma questa convivenza forzata e il sentimento che li ha uniti e che forse li unisce ancora potranno bastare per appianare le divergenze? E soprattutto avranno il coraggio di seguire solo il loro cuore e non la ragione? Beh, lo vedremo strada facendo.
Intanto quello che mi sento di dirvi è che, rispetto ai primi due libri della serie, questa storia è molto più introspettiva. Molto più intima. Prima di arrivare alla parte fisica del rapporto entrambi i protagonisti sviscereranno tutti i loro pensieri e le loro sensazioni. Entrambi hanno fatto degli errori nella relazione precedente e avendoli fatti per mancanza di comunicazione questa volta si impegneranno ad essere più aperti. Ed è stato interessante vedere il percorso fatto da Richard, sicuramente la parte più colpevole della coppia, almeno a parer mio, nel rendersi conto che è stata solo la sua gelosia e la sua paura di tarpare le ali del giovane ad avergli fatto prendere la decisione di lasciarlo rinunciando alla felicità. Così come è stato bello vedere con quanta genuinità e tenerezza Todd si impegni a migliorare e a crescere per far sì che Richard capisca che è più che pronto per una relazione seria e duratura. Ecco, questo è il Cardeno che più amo, quello più consono alle mie corde. Tenero, introspettivo, sensuale quel tanto che basta per emozionare senza mai scadere nella volgarità. Unica pecca, a mio parere, la brevità. Sarebbe stato bello stare un po’ di più insieme a questa coppia che considero la meglio assortita della serie, fino ad ora.
February 27, 2020
Hi guys,
Oggi vorrei parlarvi del libro “Smitty's Sherrif”, terzo libro della serie Hope di Cardeno C., edito da Triskell edizioni.
L’ex soldato Richard Davis desidera una vita tranquilla, un lavoro stabile e un compagno.
Il primo passo è quello di diventare lo sceriffo di Hope, peccato che sia caduto innamorandosi di Tod, un ragazzo troppo giovane e troppo disinibito per pensare ad una relazione stabile.
Decide di lasciarlo di punto in bianco e tagliare tutti i rapporti dopo tre anni di relazione e tentare di andare avanti.
Un obbligo comune, però, li costringe alla convivenza forzata, forse però questa è l’occasione per parlare e chiarire ciò che è successo.
Con questo libro continuamo la nostra avventura nella città di Hope, piccola città dove tutti si conoscono, ma dove di certo non mancano le distrazioni e gli intrighi amorosi.
Come già nelle novelle precedenti della serie, anche stravolta siamo davanti ad una storia molto carina che però manca totalmente di pathos.
In pratica, almeno per me, manca tutta la parte di costruzione dei sentimenti.
Mi spiego meglio, in particolare riferendomi a questo terzo capitolo.
Ci viene presentata una relazione che è già iniziata senza però parlarci veramente di come questo sia accaduto né delle motivazioni, anzi seguendo alcune affermazioni di Richard sembra quasi che non sia voluta ma dovuta ad un capriccio piuttosto che al vero sentimento, dall’altro lato però dà alla loro separazione delle motivazioni ben precise, che risultano davvero senza senso.
Leggendo la trama potrebbe sembrare che la “vittima” sia Richard, pover’uomo colpevole di essersi innamorato di un ragazzo che lo tradisce, ma non è assolutamente così. Il loro è un classico caso di non comunicazione, trattato male.
Il che mi porta a parlavi dei protagonisti, due inetti.
Tod sembra proprio stupido, troppo credulone ed eccessivamente infantile nei comportamenti, il che è stato giustificato con la mancanza di una relazione stabile con i genitori e di conseguenza la voglia di essere totalmente accettato da qualcuno, ma la cosa a mio parere non si regge in piedi, anche perché parliamo di un ragazzo di 24 anni, non di un adolescente, quindi del tutto in grado di comprendere.
Dall'altro lato lo sceriffo Richard, un uomo d’onore che ha servito la sua patria e che dovrebbe avere un certo sesto senso per le situazioni e per la gestione degli imprevisti (visto anche il lavoro che fa), che ci viene presentato come un personaggio forte ed autorevole, ma non è così.
Difatti un uomo come lui non riesce neanche a parlare col suo fidanzato, anzi salta alle conclusioni, ringhia come un cavernicolo geloso e lo lascia senza spiegazioni, trattandolo veramente da bambino e da zerbino, facendolo sentire malissimo nel nascondere la sua relazione, il tutto perché incapace di comunicare.
Questi personaggi mal delineati sono uniti da una relazione “finto” BDSM riuscita malissimo e disfunzionale al massimo.
Tod, per come si comporta, è un sub fatto e finito, ma Richard più che essere il dom che gli serve sembra un padre/padrone (in realtà non so neanche ben definire il suo comportamento, che mi ha lasciata perplessa).
Insomma, è un libro che purtroppo non ha reso nulla di ciò che poteva essere.
Una delusione, perché la trama e l'idea di base sono ottime.
C'è un gap age, c'è uno squilibrio di "potere", c'era anche dolcezza e tenerezza. Ma niente di tutto ciò ha espresso il suo potenziale nella storia.
Il mio voto come al solito non è mai eccessivamente negativo perché so per certo che questo è un parere personale e che magari gli elementi che a me non sono piaciuti altri li potrebbero amare, inoltre dietro ogni storia c’è tempo, lavoro sia degli autrice/autore che dei traduttori, editori e tutte le altre figure.
Voto 2.5
Oggi vorrei parlarvi del libro “Smitty's Sherrif”, terzo libro della serie Hope di Cardeno C., edito da Triskell edizioni.
L’ex soldato Richard Davis desidera una vita tranquilla, un lavoro stabile e un compagno.
Il primo passo è quello di diventare lo sceriffo di Hope, peccato che sia caduto innamorandosi di Tod, un ragazzo troppo giovane e troppo disinibito per pensare ad una relazione stabile.
Decide di lasciarlo di punto in bianco e tagliare tutti i rapporti dopo tre anni di relazione e tentare di andare avanti.
Un obbligo comune, però, li costringe alla convivenza forzata, forse però questa è l’occasione per parlare e chiarire ciò che è successo.
Con questo libro continuamo la nostra avventura nella città di Hope, piccola città dove tutti si conoscono, ma dove di certo non mancano le distrazioni e gli intrighi amorosi.
Come già nelle novelle precedenti della serie, anche stravolta siamo davanti ad una storia molto carina che però manca totalmente di pathos.
In pratica, almeno per me, manca tutta la parte di costruzione dei sentimenti.
Mi spiego meglio, in particolare riferendomi a questo terzo capitolo.
Ci viene presentata una relazione che è già iniziata senza però parlarci veramente di come questo sia accaduto né delle motivazioni, anzi seguendo alcune affermazioni di Richard sembra quasi che non sia voluta ma dovuta ad un capriccio piuttosto che al vero sentimento, dall’altro lato però dà alla loro separazione delle motivazioni ben precise, che risultano davvero senza senso.
Leggendo la trama potrebbe sembrare che la “vittima” sia Richard, pover’uomo colpevole di essersi innamorato di un ragazzo che lo tradisce, ma non è assolutamente così. Il loro è un classico caso di non comunicazione, trattato male.
Il che mi porta a parlavi dei protagonisti, due inetti.
Tod sembra proprio stupido, troppo credulone ed eccessivamente infantile nei comportamenti, il che è stato giustificato con la mancanza di una relazione stabile con i genitori e di conseguenza la voglia di essere totalmente accettato da qualcuno, ma la cosa a mio parere non si regge in piedi, anche perché parliamo di un ragazzo di 24 anni, non di un adolescente, quindi del tutto in grado di comprendere.
Dall'altro lato lo sceriffo Richard, un uomo d’onore che ha servito la sua patria e che dovrebbe avere un certo sesto senso per le situazioni e per la gestione degli imprevisti (visto anche il lavoro che fa), che ci viene presentato come un personaggio forte ed autorevole, ma non è così.
Difatti un uomo come lui non riesce neanche a parlare col suo fidanzato, anzi salta alle conclusioni, ringhia come un cavernicolo geloso e lo lascia senza spiegazioni, trattandolo veramente da bambino e da zerbino, facendolo sentire malissimo nel nascondere la sua relazione, il tutto perché incapace di comunicare.
Questi personaggi mal delineati sono uniti da una relazione “finto” BDSM riuscita malissimo e disfunzionale al massimo.
Tod, per come si comporta, è un sub fatto e finito, ma Richard più che essere il dom che gli serve sembra un padre/padrone (in realtà non so neanche ben definire il suo comportamento, che mi ha lasciata perplessa).
Insomma, è un libro che purtroppo non ha reso nulla di ciò che poteva essere.
Una delusione, perché la trama e l'idea di base sono ottime.
C'è un gap age, c'è uno squilibrio di "potere", c'era anche dolcezza e tenerezza. Ma niente di tutto ciò ha espresso il suo potenziale nella storia.
Il mio voto come al solito non è mai eccessivamente negativo perché so per certo che questo è un parere personale e che magari gli elementi che a me non sono piaciuti altri li potrebbero amare, inoltre dietro ogni storia c’è tempo, lavoro sia degli autrice/autore che dei traduttori, editori e tutte le altre figure.
Voto 2.5
Read
July 20, 20173.5 stars for Cardeno C? Whaaaattt?
The story? 4.5 stars. Loved the plot, loved the supporting characters and all of the cute quirkyness of this entire situation, but the characters get a hard thumbs down from me. Rich was awful. He was so full of himself and judgemental, I just couldn't like him. Sometimes he made solid points, but other times I felt like he was just complaining for the sake of complaining. Total downer.
Todd was naieve. He was cute, and I liked him, but it frustrated me that he let Rich walk all over him. And every time Rich would go and pull a dumbass move, Todd would turn the entire situation around and find some way to blame himself. I really love stories where one or more of the MC's go through a serious character development process whereby they find their inner-strength and self-worth, but that's not what this book was about and I really didn't feel like Todd made many improvements at all. He just took Rich for who he was and let him treat him like crap. No biggie, right?
But for both characters infurating me beyond words, I still kinda liked the story as a whole, hence 3.5 stars. For one, CC is a fantastic author. The first book I read by her was part of the Mates series, and I fell in love immediately. I always know when I pick up a Cardeno C book that I'm going to, at the very minimum, get some good writing and be able to escape reality for a little while. These MC's made me mad, but maybe I'm the only one? I'd still recommend this book.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
The story? 4.5 stars. Loved the plot, loved the supporting characters and all of the cute quirkyness of this entire situation, but the characters get a hard thumbs down from me. Rich was awful. He was so full of himself and judgemental, I just couldn't like him. Sometimes he made solid points, but other times I felt like he was just complaining for the sake of complaining. Total downer.
Todd was naieve. He was cute, and I liked him, but it frustrated me that he let Rich walk all over him. And every time Rich would go and pull a dumbass move, Todd would turn the entire situation around and find some way to blame himself. I really love stories where one or more of the MC's go through a serious character development process whereby they find their inner-strength and self-worth, but that's not what this book was about and I really didn't feel like Todd made many improvements at all. He just took Rich for who he was and let him treat him like crap. No biggie, right?
But for both characters infurating me beyond words, I still kinda liked the story as a whole, hence 3.5 stars. For one, CC is a fantastic author. The first book I read by her was part of the Mates series, and I fell in love immediately. I always know when I pick up a Cardeno C book that I'm going to, at the very minimum, get some good writing and be able to escape reality for a little while. These MC's made me mad, but maybe I'm the only one? I'd still recommend this book.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
July 7, 2017
ARC received for an honest review
Oy, it pains me to say it, but Smitty's Sheriff was a miss for me.
I have adored everything I have ready by Cardeno C to date, but this one just didn't do it for me.
I just couldn't with either of our MC's, Richard or Todd. I felt Richard to be very condescending, patronising and just downright unlikable.
Todd, whilst at times I really liked him, other times he felt very immature and whiney and childish. I thought at first it was the age difference that made me feel this way, but nope, they would have been the same if they were the same age.
Todd really needed to stop being a doormat and grow a pair.
Rich really needed to stop being a d!ck.
Gah, this pair frustrated me so much as I know that they would have been a great couple if they didnt infuriate me so much whilst read. This is the first time that I considered DNFing a Cardeno C book, and that makes me sad.
But I will be right there waiting when the next book is released.
Oy, it pains me to say it, but Smitty's Sheriff was a miss for me.
I have adored everything I have ready by Cardeno C to date, but this one just didn't do it for me.
I just couldn't with either of our MC's, Richard or Todd. I felt Richard to be very condescending, patronising and just downright unlikable.
Todd, whilst at times I really liked him, other times he felt very immature and whiney and childish. I thought at first it was the age difference that made me feel this way, but nope, they would have been the same if they were the same age.
Todd really needed to stop being a doormat and grow a pair.
Rich really needed to stop being a d!ck.
Gah, this pair frustrated me so much as I know that they would have been a great couple if they didnt infuriate me so much whilst read. This is the first time that I considered DNFing a Cardeno C book, and that makes me sad.
But I will be right there waiting when the next book is released.
July 16, 2017
Of all the Hope series books, this is the one I was looking forward to the most. I love the May/December theme and the second chances theme (specifically second chance at love with the same person), so this one seemed right up my alley. Unfortunately, it didn't exactly live up to my (maybe too high) expectations.
There are about 20 years separating Rich and Todd. They spent three years together up until about six months before the start of this book. Rich thought Todd was immature and flaky and looking for different things than he was - also, he kept seeing other people. So, after three years of clandestine hook-ups that no one knew about aside from Todd's sister/Rich's friend, Rich ended it. Todd, however, was heartbroken and wanted Rich back. It isn't until they need to come together as temporary guardians for the sister/friend's baby that they finally start to talk (well, their version of talking) and find out if there's a way back together.
If you hate the poor communication trope as much as I do, be forewarned that this book is probably going to irritate you. From start to finish (yes, even up to the very end) Todd and Rich are HORRIBLE at communicating. Rich moreso than Todd, but Todd basically just goes with the flow and is all, well, this is a part of who Rich is so I'm just going to go along with it. This was infuriating at times. Most of the time.
This book has some angst, but it's a fluffy kind of angst. And it's got it's sweet parts. I liked the brief scenes we got to catch up with Jared and Lucas. It was really nice to see that Lucas and Todd became friends. This is my least favorite of the series, however. It didn't leave me believing in an HEA. I wanted to sign Todd and Rich up for some couples counseling. But it was clear that they care deeply for each other, even if it isn't exactly in the package we're used to seeing as romance readers.
A copy of this book was received for review on OMGReads.
There are about 20 years separating Rich and Todd. They spent three years together up until about six months before the start of this book. Rich thought Todd was immature and flaky and looking for different things than he was - also, he kept seeing other people. So, after three years of clandestine hook-ups that no one knew about aside from Todd's sister/Rich's friend, Rich ended it. Todd, however, was heartbroken and wanted Rich back. It isn't until they need to come together as temporary guardians for the sister/friend's baby that they finally start to talk (well, their version of talking) and find out if there's a way back together.
If you hate the poor communication trope as much as I do, be forewarned that this book is probably going to irritate you. From start to finish (yes, even up to the very end) Todd and Rich are HORRIBLE at communicating. Rich moreso than Todd, but Todd basically just goes with the flow and is all, well, this is a part of who Rich is so I'm just going to go along with it. This was infuriating at times. Most of the time.
This book has some angst, but it's a fluffy kind of angst. And it's got it's sweet parts. I liked the brief scenes we got to catch up with Jared and Lucas. It was really nice to see that Lucas and Todd became friends. This is my least favorite of the series, however. It didn't leave me believing in an HEA. I wanted to sign Todd and Rich up for some couples counseling. But it was clear that they care deeply for each other, even if it isn't exactly in the package we're used to seeing as romance readers.
A copy of this book was received for review on OMGReads.
August 6, 2017
Ref: 55% ...
I'm going to rant a bit. But I'll rant in bullets, so it's easier to follow :-P:
1. Todd, you're an idiot!! What do you mean he needs to tell you not to see other people?!!? I agree that if you didn't decide you were exclusive, you DO have the right to see other people. Which I understand is what happened. BUT, that's a conversation you need to have; you don't just let him think you don't want to be exclusive (even though you do), and then go out with other people because you had no other choice (as you thought Rich wasn't available to you)!!
2. Rich, you're an idiot!! If you wanted Todd, you should have told him so. Instead of letting him think you weren't serious about him and didn't want an exclusive monogamous commitment, otherwise leading him to believe he was free (and ENCOURAGED) to go out and fuck other guys. You cannot blame him for your decision to be a martyr.
3. Rich & Todd, you're both idiots!! Your arguments are ridiculous and therefore ruled as null and void. You need to communicate, instead of jumping to ridiculous conclusions and making baseless assumptions!
4. Rich, you do NOT. I repeat. You do NOT tell someone angry to "calm down", ESPECIALLY when you're the reason for their ire!! All you'll achieve here is pissing them off even more so! Don't do it!!
That's all, for now ...
******
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited!!
I'm going to rant a bit. But I'll rant in bullets, so it's easier to follow :-P:
1. Todd, you're an idiot!! What do you mean he needs to tell you not to see other people?!!? I agree that if you didn't decide you were exclusive, you DO have the right to see other people. Which I understand is what happened. BUT, that's a conversation you need to have; you don't just let him think you don't want to be exclusive (even though you do), and then go out with other people because you had no other choice (as you thought Rich wasn't available to you)!!
2. Rich, you're an idiot!! If you wanted Todd, you should have told him so. Instead of letting him think you weren't serious about him and didn't want an exclusive monogamous commitment, otherwise leading him to believe he was free (and ENCOURAGED) to go out and fuck other guys. You cannot blame him for your decision to be a martyr.
3. Rich & Todd, you're both idiots!! Your arguments are ridiculous and therefore ruled as null and void. You need to communicate, instead of jumping to ridiculous conclusions and making baseless assumptions!
4. Rich, you do NOT. I repeat. You do NOT tell someone angry to "calm down", ESPECIALLY when you're the reason for their ire!! All you'll achieve here is pissing them off even more so! Don't do it!!
That's all, for now ...
******
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited!!
July 13, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Here’s one for everyone with Daddy kinks. Fate throws the stern town sheriff together with the playful young twink he’s never managed to forget. There’s a twenty year age gap between Rich and Todd but Todd is desperate to show Rich just how mature he can be.
Those who love a little Daddy play will probably enjoy this more than I did. Rich has rules and expectations and Todd works hard to please him. It’s an incredibly angsty and slightly kinky power exchange relationship.
I think Rich and Todd’s story would have worked better as a formal Dom/Sub pairing. Without any clear BDSM boundaries around the relationship, Rich came across as a controlling, condescending asshole at times. Alternately, there were moments where Todd seemed very needy, very young and far too passive. While we’re treated to both POVs, these two don’t talk to each other and the result is epic miscommunication.
For most of the story, Rich and Todd are forced to live together to care for Todd’s niece. This storyline really didn’t work for me. The combination of the baby, graphic sex and domestic bliss was a little bit weird.
Here’s one for everyone with Daddy kinks. Fate throws the stern town sheriff together with the playful young twink he’s never managed to forget. There’s a twenty year age gap between Rich and Todd but Todd is desperate to show Rich just how mature he can be.
Those who love a little Daddy play will probably enjoy this more than I did. Rich has rules and expectations and Todd works hard to please him. It’s an incredibly angsty and slightly kinky power exchange relationship.
I think Rich and Todd’s story would have worked better as a formal Dom/Sub pairing. Without any clear BDSM boundaries around the relationship, Rich came across as a controlling, condescending asshole at times. Alternately, there were moments where Todd seemed very needy, very young and far too passive. While we’re treated to both POVs, these two don’t talk to each other and the result is epic miscommunication.
For most of the story, Rich and Todd are forced to live together to care for Todd’s niece. This storyline really didn’t work for me. The combination of the baby, graphic sex and domestic bliss was a little bit weird.
July 20, 2017
DNF at 54%, so I don't feel right about asking for a refund from amazon dammit.
I love a good may/December romance, but this wasn't. It was very uncomfortable reading. The older guy treats the younger one with complete disrespect on all levels. The younger one seems to have no sense of self, and keeps moulding himself to be the perfect Suzi homemaker for the older guy.
I loathe that trope in m/f novels, and hate it just as much in m/m. In fact many of the interactions were more irritable parent/wayward child.
It was all complete yuck and reminded me of mills and boons (harlequins) from the 50s/60s with an irascible older guy and a wayward ingenue 16 year old heroine, who becomes the perfect wife.
Yucko.
I didn't check the end, so maybe younger guy becomes super excellent mega dude? ... probably not.
I love a good may/December romance, but this wasn't. It was very uncomfortable reading. The older guy treats the younger one with complete disrespect on all levels. The younger one seems to have no sense of self, and keeps moulding himself to be the perfect Suzi homemaker for the older guy.
I loathe that trope in m/f novels, and hate it just as much in m/m. In fact many of the interactions were more irritable parent/wayward child.
It was all complete yuck and reminded me of mills and boons (harlequins) from the 50s/60s with an irascible older guy and a wayward ingenue 16 year old heroine, who becomes the perfect wife.
Yucko.
I didn't check the end, so maybe younger guy becomes super excellent mega dude? ... probably not.
July 27, 2017
The author has once again taken a short (about 100 pages) book and still managed to develop a complete and totally satisfying story. Todd and Rich are so obviously perfect for each other that there were places in this story where I was practically shouting at my kindle for them to please just talk it out and fix things. Then I thought about some of the past situations I have been in and realized it was more than a bit hypocritical to think they were being stupid when I have been just as stupid as them sometimes. I am happy to say that at least in my most recent situation when things got confusing instead of just assuming what the other person felt I just sat down, talked it out and got resolution. Maybe not the one I was hoping for but nonetheless resolution. I particularly like this author's books because each book has people who are real and sometimes much like me in real life believable situations. Cardeno C is fast becoming my favorite gay romance author.
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