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All of Me
Bonded by their parents before they were conceived, Abel Nasa and Zakai “Kai” Berura adored each other since they were children. As teens, the two future Alphas took the next step in their bonding process and vowed to remain true to one another until Kai came of age. But when tragedy struck, Abel felt betrayed and ran from Kai instead of completing the mating bond.
Years pass with no contact between the two, but Abel never stops yearning for the man who was supposed to lead by his side. When Kai returns, broken and on death’s door, Abel must look past what he saw and trust his heart so they can fulfill their destiny and merge their packs.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Daily Dose package "Mended".
Years pass with no contact between the two, but Abel never stops yearning for the man who was supposed to lead by his side. When Kai returns, broken and on death’s door, Abel must look past what he saw and trust his heart so they can fulfill their destiny and merge their packs.
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2014 Daily Dose package "Mended".
54 pages, ebook
First published May 31, 2014
About the author
Cardeno C.
63 books2,362 followersCardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
September 15, 2014
Hey! HEY! Wait just a damn minute. I'm sensing some sort of conspiracy.
I was looking for this:
Because I was going to say THANK YOU to Cardeno C. for inserting this song into my head for 72 hours. (No, I do not hate this song, but I JUST got it out of my head after at least 3 months of constantly mumbling "aaaaallll of me, loves aaaaallll of you..." under my breath.)
But then I saw THIS:
Perfect Imperfections? ALL. OF. ME?
DO YOU SEE WHERE I'M GOING HERE?
Dreamspinner Press and Cardeno C. are conspiring to control us using the lyrics as well as epic lulling powers of John Legend's butter tones!
Unite MM readers! We have nothing to lose but....
Okay, that's enough. There's only so much paranoia I can pull off before I exhaust myself. But let's just say that I truly believe Dreamspinner Press is trying to control our thoughts through MM lovin'. Generally, that's the kind of mind-control I can get behind.
But not with this book.
This book just frustrated me. Why the 10 year separation? The reason presented to the reader is just fuckin' weak and I couldn't get past it. After that, even if the sex is hawt, I could not enjoy myself. And I do NOT enjoy NOT enjoying a Cardeno book.
One problem I had with is that All of Me reminds me of the author's first book Home Again. There's a similarity in plot: both involve a couple who suffer a serious set-back and instead of communicating separate for a few years. Similarity in plot is not really the problem, that's fine. But the unbelievable ridiculousness and unnecessary drama of the main conflict is. It shows no growth in Cardeno's writing. After reading Perfect Imperfections I expected more from Cardeno and instead this book reads like something written years ago. I'm probably being a pompous jackass expecting growth from a sugar fluff nugget author, but, well, that's what I like to see. Some sort of evolution in an author's writing. So HEE HAW! (That's my jackass impression.)
Second problem: It reminded me of a Mary Calmes knock off.
✓ MC drifting off into an info dump until people yell them back to attention?
✓ Men "whimpering" as they stare at each other lustfully? Or jam their finger up each other's butts (not that I object to that - the more the awesome-er, generally)
✓ MC deciding that he knows exactly what his love interest is thinking/feeling/doing and then refusing to discuss or consider any other option 'cause he enjoys acting like some kind of GD martyr?
(One of the few things that stopped this novella from being a true Mary Calmes is that the MC did not constantly refer to himself as plain when EVERYONE else told them how absolutely beautiful they were. And thank fuck for that.)
Here's the thing: even at her most annoying the above works for Mary Calmes. She has a very distinct voice and style. However, so does Cardeno C. They're both sugar factories, but one produces white sugar and the other brown. Or they're both Twix factories and one's caramel Twix and the other's peanut butter. Or something like that. Choose your own analogy.
Anyway, I don't get it. Why the Mary-infection? I can only assume that Cardeno & Mary spent way too much time IMing and skyping while writing Control. Some Maryness must've seeped into Cardeno's typing fingers.
But that's ok! I fully expect to see Cardeno up and about soon, fully recovered from this infection.
However, if you're like me and you'd like to cleanse yourself of the meh feelings left by this novella, please read this angsty chunk of Cardeno goodness: In Another Life.
Or just read Perfect Imperfections. Because aaaallll of me, loves aaaaaalll of it....
April 5, 2020
At first, I wasn't so sure about this pair of 'mates'.
Then the BIG misunderstanding comes to light.
AND my heart stuttered and ached.
I was grateful for the ending. It soothed my tender heart.
Love me some sexy wolves, especially when they bring some sizzling biting/claiming/mating.
I think another few chapters would have filled in the gaps and answered questions I had.
But all in all, All of Me was engaging and entertaining.
And even better, it encouraged me to jump onto my elliptical for two hours.
I was lucky enough to snag one of Cardeno's stellar stay-at-home audible codes.
Thanks ever so much for the gift.
*hugs*
*3.5 stars*
Then the BIG misunderstanding comes to light.
AND my heart stuttered and ached.
I was grateful for the ending. It soothed my tender heart.
Love me some sexy wolves, especially when they bring some sizzling biting/claiming/mating.
I think another few chapters would have filled in the gaps and answered questions I had.
But all in all, All of Me was engaging and entertaining.
And even better, it encouraged me to jump onto my elliptical for two hours.
I was lucky enough to snag one of Cardeno's stellar stay-at-home audible codes.
Thanks ever so much for the gift.
*hugs*
*3.5 stars*
September 3, 2016
3.5 stars
I absolutely loved Control , which CC co-wrote with Mary Calmes, so I was anxious to read this book. Because this story was written with the intent of including it in a Dreamspinner Mended anthology, it is quite short: around 55 pages, a long short story, if you will, not quite a novella.
I really liked the premise of two Alphas who are mated by family ties to be co-rulers of their joint packs, and CC is a wonderful storyteller. The story was so easy to sink into.
Abel, the older of the two wolf shifters by five years, is the narrator here. Abel was bound to Kai before Kai was even conceived; their bond was always meant to be. They adored each other even as children, but on Kai’s 18th birthday, when their mating was meant to come full circle, Abel witnessed something that shattered his heart. And ten years later, he’s still suffering, even as he tries (unsuccessfully) to put Kai out of his mind.
I liked both Kai and Abel. Abel worked well as the narrator. He obviously covered his bruised heart with a rough exterior. And I always love the idea of two Alphas meant to be.
I wish the conflicts in the story were more fleshed out. I would have liked a longer explanation, for example, of how Kai’s stepfather "kept" Kai for a decade when Kai was the true Alpha. Why didn’t Kai say anything on his 18th birthday when Abel came to see him? Just one word could have saved both the men so much heartbreak and pain.
Once the two are reunited, Abel apologizes and blames himself, but that didn’t sit well with me. Maybe Abel should have tried to see Kai again, but considering what he witnessed, I can't fault him for staying away. Once Kai is with Abel, he is able to do what he wasn't able to do for a decade, and I was puzzled by that as well. If it’s just that easy, why not do something earlier? Surely, Kai had friends in the pack? Incidentally, the final incident with Kai's stepdad was brutal, but I was glad Kai took back the power.
The two MCs together were hot. Their reunion was tender, steamy, and ever so romantic. I liked the secondary characters, including Kai’s feisty sister Kelly (who was annoying at first, but grew on me) and Abel’s parents. This was a very quick read with some sexy bits (I always love the biting involved in mating!). The epilogue provided closure and was very sweet. CC writes lovely epilogues!
An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely loved Control , which CC co-wrote with Mary Calmes, so I was anxious to read this book. Because this story was written with the intent of including it in a Dreamspinner Mended anthology, it is quite short: around 55 pages, a long short story, if you will, not quite a novella.
I really liked the premise of two Alphas who are mated by family ties to be co-rulers of their joint packs, and CC is a wonderful storyteller. The story was so easy to sink into.
Abel, the older of the two wolf shifters by five years, is the narrator here. Abel was bound to Kai before Kai was even conceived; their bond was always meant to be. They adored each other even as children, but on Kai’s 18th birthday, when their mating was meant to come full circle, Abel witnessed something that shattered his heart. And ten years later, he’s still suffering, even as he tries (unsuccessfully) to put Kai out of his mind.
I liked both Kai and Abel. Abel worked well as the narrator. He obviously covered his bruised heart with a rough exterior. And I always love the idea of two Alphas meant to be.
I wish the conflicts in the story were more fleshed out. I would have liked a longer explanation, for example, of how Kai’s stepfather "kept" Kai for a decade when Kai was the true Alpha. Why didn’t Kai say anything on his 18th birthday when Abel came to see him? Just one word could have saved both the men so much heartbreak and pain.
Once the two are reunited, Abel apologizes and blames himself, but that didn’t sit well with me. Maybe Abel should have tried to see Kai again, but considering what he witnessed, I can't fault him for staying away. Once Kai is with Abel, he is able to do what he wasn't able to do for a decade, and I was puzzled by that as well. If it’s just that easy, why not do something earlier? Surely, Kai had friends in the pack? Incidentally, the final incident with Kai's stepdad was brutal, but I was glad Kai took back the power.
The two MCs together were hot. Their reunion was tender, steamy, and ever so romantic. I liked the secondary characters, including Kai’s feisty sister Kelly (who was annoying at first, but grew on me) and Abel’s parents. This was a very quick read with some sexy bits (I always love the biting involved in mating!). The epilogue provided closure and was very sweet. CC writes lovely epilogues!
An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.
June 3, 2014
5 Sweet Stars!
Right from the beginning I was drawn into this sweet heartwarming story. Not only did I enjoy the chemistry and ensuing passion between Abel and Kai, I also enjoyed the overall family (pack) element and the support and wisdom they brought along with it. Abel might have been pack leader, but his mother stilled ruled the roost, and their exchanges had me chuckling. The love this family had for each other was quite evident throughout the read, as was the love between Abel and Kai. Two characters also worth a mention, Kelly and Bernie, feisty and fun!
This short has a lot to offer, not always easy to do with so few pages, but Cardeno C. manages to connect the readers to the characters and the story. All Of Me had it all; steamy sex, tender moments, witty dialogue, amusing relatable characters and a happily ever after!
*A copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
August 19, 2016
Hurt/comfort romance with major miscommunication/misunderstanding, angst, some time apart before reuniting, bonding, hot sexy times, and getting their hard won HEA.
The narration is very good and Robert M. Clark does a wonderful job with timing, character voices, emotion, and tone. He infuses the story with warmth, heat, and life.
The simple fact is the premise of the story is just too much for me to get past in the short amount of time we have.
*****************
Going to give the audio book a honest go...we'll see if knowing about the miscommunication up front and a great narrator can turn me around on this one.
*****************
Original book review.
2.5 Stars
Really short, and starts with a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING followed by apology sex. It's not bad, but it was a bit too much.
The narration is very good and Robert M. Clark does a wonderful job with timing, character voices, emotion, and tone. He infuses the story with warmth, heat, and life.
The simple fact is the premise of the story is just too much for me to get past in the short amount of time we have.
*****************
Going to give the audio book a honest go...we'll see if knowing about the miscommunication up front and a great narrator can turn me around on this one.
*****************
Original book review.
2.5 Stars
Really short, and starts with a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING followed by apology sex. It's not bad, but it was a bit too much.
June 1, 2014
OMG OMG OMG!! I LOVED THIS SHORT SHIFTER STORY!!
This short sweet story had me in tears, grabbed ahold of my romantic heart and left me wanting more more more!!! Abel and Kai were “bonded” to each other as kids by their parents to bring together their packs. But Abel witnesses a scene that completely shatters his bond to Kai.
This was short and I don’t want to give anything away, but I ate up every word, every scene in this short book. Not many short books get to me emotionally honestly, but this one absolutely had me in tears.
All Cardeno C fan and lovers of MM Shifter stories should read this little gem….
This short sweet story had me in tears, grabbed ahold of my romantic heart and left me wanting more more more!!! Abel and Kai were “bonded” to each other as kids by their parents to bring together their packs. But Abel witnesses a scene that completely shatters his bond to Kai.
This was short and I don’t want to give anything away, but I ate up every word, every scene in this short book. Not many short books get to me emotionally honestly, but this one absolutely had me in tears.
All Cardeno C fan and lovers of MM Shifter stories should read this little gem….
June 26, 2014
3.5 stars
This is where the short form really works for me. I'm not a big fan of shifter books. I'm not a huge fan of abuse-based angst. And I'm not a big fan of formulaic characters. But in smaller doses, I could be convinced. And in "All of Me", I was. I really really enjoyed this. Moreso than I thought I might.
Abel & Kai were promised to each other from the time that they were very young. There's such a sweetness (obviously...you have seen who wrote this right?) about all the ways they were connected since the time even that Kai was just a baby all the way through teen years. And then betrayal and heartbreak enter the mix and we're left, 10 years later, with grouchy, mateless Alpha, Abel.
I felt emotionally connected to Abel's feelings. I hurt for him and with him.
When Kai comes back into Abel's life, I was actually a little surprised at the level of angst injected into the story (obviously...you have seen who wrote this right?) But, I respected the way the author handled this and being angst-allergic myself, it was shocking but not too...offensive or painful.
The reconnecting of the two alphas I found to be HOT...and it's one of the things about shifter books I can totally get behind. Add in the 'mine' factor, which I'm a sucker for, and this short story really did it for me...when on paper, it probably shouldn't have.
If you're looking for a quick read that still feels like a complete story and you love yourself a sweet tale mixed w/ just a bit of angst, I'd recommend this one. Enjoyed it! (obviously...you have seen who wrote this right?)
November 27, 2016
I had no idea this was even on my Fire, and I was going through my Cardeno C collection (rereading some favorites) , and oh, there it was, and I was all, "Have I not read this one yet?" And no. I hadn't read this one yet.
And now, having read it, I wish I could erase it from my memory.
I loathe separations based on misunderstandings, and this was the worst kind thanks to the unnecessary brutalization of one of the MCs. It just left me feeling depressed and despondent. Cardeno usually lifts me up. Which is what I've been needing lately.
So thanks, Cardeno, for making me want to cry and punch something.
And now, having read it, I wish I could erase it from my memory.
I loathe separations based on misunderstandings, and this was the worst kind thanks to the unnecessary brutalization of one of the MCs. It just left me feeling depressed and despondent. Cardeno usually lifts me up. Which is what I've been needing lately.
So thanks, Cardeno, for making me want to cry and punch something.
September 25, 2016
This just wasn't my cup of tea, too much packed into such a small book and the huge misunderstanding at the beginning annoyed me.
July 20, 2016
Quick read
3.5 stars - a short shifter story. There wasn't a lot of story details due to the length and I really missed all of Cardeno C's sweetness and sexy shifter fun.
3.5 stars - a short shifter story. There wasn't a lot of story details due to the length and I really missed all of Cardeno C's sweetness and sexy shifter fun.
March 23, 2021
I need some fluff right now...
Update March 30, 2018:
... and I got some fluff :)
Update March 30, 2018:
... and I got some fluff :)
July 22, 2023
I'm a fan of tropes that feature werewolves and their destined mates and had high hopes for this. It had so much potential - the set up was awesome - but because this is a part of an anthology, it seemed the author was stymied by the word cap. There were some great emotional scenes that I loved and wanted more of. However, everything felt rushed - too fast to make any kind of connection or impression and in the end, I was left a bit disappointed.
August 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
It felt a bit rushed at times, I think it would’ve been a better story had it been twice as long. Having said that, it was still an enjoyable read.
🌶️🌶️
It felt a bit rushed at times, I think it would’ve been a better story had it been twice as long. Having said that, it was still an enjoyable read.
June 3, 2014
Another winning read from Cardeno C albeit a shorter one. Part of the Dreamspinner Daily Dose 'Mended' anthology, it just proves to me once again why personally I love Mr C's books so much. Short story's can be hit and miss because the content is generally limited by the length but this endearing and tender shifter book never felt stunted or rushed, in fact it really grabbed me emotionally and within a couple of its chapters actually had me having a little weep.
All the books in this anthology are about hurt, comfort and second chances and Abel and Kai's tale fit the premise to a Tee. The blurb gives you a nice sense of what the book is about so I'm not going into any more specific details about what happens—you'll love discovering all that yourselves—but this will definitely appeal to all you readers out there who love seeing past wrongs righted, misunderstandings sorted and nasty pieces of work getting their comeuppance! And if you're a shifter fan, like me, then you'll be well pleased.
The story starts with Abel explaining about his and Kai's childhood history together, their destiny to be mates and the upsetting event that results in their estrangement. It all builds up to their 'reunion' ten years later, showing just how much the hurt and resentment has stayed with Abel all that time, setting the emotional undercurrents perfectly and making their coming together again all the more poignant. There was a particularly moving scene involving Kai in his wolf form that really touched me and started the tears flowing. It was such a visually tender moment that the image totally got to me and I found myself getting all emotional.
The love scenes were as sweet and tender as they were hot and steamy, which if you love Cardeno's books you'll know is a particular trait that he pulls off brilliantly. The sex never fails to sizzle but there's always a romantic, loving feel underpinning it too which I think really shows up in this particular storyline. For such a short story it packed a pretty emotional punch.
' "Mercy, you're sexy." He leaned up and started lapping at my belly. "You're gorgeous Abel Nasa. Even more now than when you were younger." He dragged his fingers up my chest and combed his fingers through the hair there. "Strong and masculine and—" He surged up, took hold of my head and yanked me down so I was lying on top of him once again. "Mine." He bit my lip, drawing a drop of blood and licking it away. "You're mine." '
As well as the love story there's a sub plot which gives more insight into why their relationship failed and introduces some likeable (and not so likeable) supporting characters from both their families and packs which I'd have liked to have seen a bit more of because of course being so enjoyable, I wanted it to last just that little bit longer but that was only because I got really involved with all the guys in this and would have liked to have got to know them better. With shifter stories, if they're working for me I always think there's more mileage, and this worked for me just fine. Short, sweet, sexy, soulful and very satisfying. I loved it. If all the Daily Dose stories are as engaging as this then you're in for a treat.
Its hard rating short stories because there's always that feeling that there should or could be more but this got five stars because it managed to pull an actual physical response from me that some full length novels have failed to do...plus its Cardeno, so that's a guaranteed star from me before it even gets going.
Follow link~http://bit.ly/1iOnRte
All the books in this anthology are about hurt, comfort and second chances and Abel and Kai's tale fit the premise to a Tee. The blurb gives you a nice sense of what the book is about so I'm not going into any more specific details about what happens—you'll love discovering all that yourselves—but this will definitely appeal to all you readers out there who love seeing past wrongs righted, misunderstandings sorted and nasty pieces of work getting their comeuppance! And if you're a shifter fan, like me, then you'll be well pleased.
The story starts with Abel explaining about his and Kai's childhood history together, their destiny to be mates and the upsetting event that results in their estrangement. It all builds up to their 'reunion' ten years later, showing just how much the hurt and resentment has stayed with Abel all that time, setting the emotional undercurrents perfectly and making their coming together again all the more poignant. There was a particularly moving scene involving Kai in his wolf form that really touched me and started the tears flowing. It was such a visually tender moment that the image totally got to me and I found myself getting all emotional.
The love scenes were as sweet and tender as they were hot and steamy, which if you love Cardeno's books you'll know is a particular trait that he pulls off brilliantly. The sex never fails to sizzle but there's always a romantic, loving feel underpinning it too which I think really shows up in this particular storyline. For such a short story it packed a pretty emotional punch.
' "Mercy, you're sexy." He leaned up and started lapping at my belly. "You're gorgeous Abel Nasa. Even more now than when you were younger." He dragged his fingers up my chest and combed his fingers through the hair there. "Strong and masculine and—" He surged up, took hold of my head and yanked me down so I was lying on top of him once again. "Mine." He bit my lip, drawing a drop of blood and licking it away. "You're mine." '
As well as the love story there's a sub plot which gives more insight into why their relationship failed and introduces some likeable (and not so likeable) supporting characters from both their families and packs which I'd have liked to have seen a bit more of because of course being so enjoyable, I wanted it to last just that little bit longer but that was only because I got really involved with all the guys in this and would have liked to have got to know them better. With shifter stories, if they're working for me I always think there's more mileage, and this worked for me just fine. Short, sweet, sexy, soulful and very satisfying. I loved it. If all the Daily Dose stories are as engaging as this then you're in for a treat.
Its hard rating short stories because there's always that feeling that there should or could be more but this got five stars because it managed to pull an actual physical response from me that some full length novels have failed to do...plus its Cardeno, so that's a guaranteed star from me before it even gets going.
Follow link~http://bit.ly/1iOnRte
October 24, 2015
I’m torn between two and three stars...
This book was really, and I mean really frustrating for me. I wanted to like it, and I did. At least the idea behind the book.
All in all, this topic deserves more than 54 pages.
This book was really, and I mean really frustrating for me. I wanted to like it, and I did. At least the idea behind the book.
All in all, this topic deserves more than 54 pages.
June 7, 2015
This was a quick, sweet shifter contemporary romance read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Cardeno C has made something that could have been dark mostly light and sweet and fluffy, in Cardeno C fashion, and I thought it was incredibly sexy and aww-worthy.
Better review here -
Better review here -
June 6, 2014
Let me start first with the fact that I really like shifter fiction, and there are some authors who really write it well. There are other authors who want to dabble in shifter fiction and do a really bad job. This job falls squarely into the latter category.
Kai and Abel are scheduled to be the alphas of their respective shifter packs. When the time comes for their bonding ceremony, Abel sees that Kai is screwing around with three other men who are taking him in every possible orafice. Watching his betrothed screwing three other men at the same time is simply not acceptable, and Abel properly leaves with the intent of never returning.
Fast forward twelve years . . . Something is not right and Kai's sister comes to Alpha Abel for assistance. (Actually, she behaved like a rude bitch who should have been killed on the spot, but we leave that for another time.). Well, it seems like Kai is screwed up badly, and is craving to be with his one true love. (Yawn Yawn Yawn -- Boring.).
Well, in a completely non credible scene, Abel puts aside more than a decade of deceit and completes the bonding process with Kai. It is all very convenient and incredibly unbelievable. There is a willing suspension of disbelief when reading any story -- especially a Cardeno C. Story -- but this story is just bad.
At barely over 80 pages in the iPad this story drags on forever. It is just a badly conceived and written story. I just can't recommend it.
Kai and Abel are scheduled to be the alphas of their respective shifter packs. When the time comes for their bonding ceremony, Abel sees that Kai is screwing around with three other men who are taking him in every possible orafice. Watching his betrothed screwing three other men at the same time is simply not acceptable, and Abel properly leaves with the intent of never returning.
Fast forward twelve years . . . Something is not right and Kai's sister comes to Alpha Abel for assistance. (Actually, she behaved like a rude bitch who should have been killed on the spot, but we leave that for another time.). Well, it seems like Kai is screwed up badly, and is craving to be with his one true love. (Yawn Yawn Yawn -- Boring.).
Well, in a completely non credible scene, Abel puts aside more than a decade of deceit and completes the bonding process with Kai. It is all very convenient and incredibly unbelievable. There is a willing suspension of disbelief when reading any story -- especially a Cardeno C. Story -- but this story is just bad.
At barely over 80 pages in the iPad this story drags on forever. It is just a badly conceived and written story. I just can't recommend it.
June 27, 2014
Short but strong. Like a good Colombian coffee.
Shifters and CC, nothing can go wrong.
Yes, it is all about being bonded from their early years, and some angst and misunderstandings; but it works so perfectly.
So if you are not into the whole "MINE" don´t even bother.
But if you love the romantic style, the erotic tales and emotional stories CC got us used to then GO GET IT!!!!
Shifters and CC, nothing can go wrong.
Yes, it is all about being bonded from their early years, and some angst and misunderstandings; but it works so perfectly.
So if you are not into the whole "MINE" don´t even bother.
But if you love the romantic style, the erotic tales and emotional stories CC got us used to then GO GET IT!!!!
May 26, 2014
Full review on Booklikes:
http://myfictionnook.booklikes.com/po...-
http://myfictionnook.booklikes.com/po...-
March 15, 2018
Really Abel... Really?!?!
You had one freakin job dude.. And you blew it.. Big time..
This story had a lot packed into it for such a short book. I would have been happier if the book was a little longer so we could get some more depth to the story. Abel and Kai are mated from birth. But when they are about to be bonded together "something" happens with Kai that makes Abel run back home. Seriously.... Abel literally doesn't even try to figure out what happened with Kai for 12 years... Kai shows up hurt & finally, Finally explains what happened 12 yrs earlier and how he's suffered for that entire time *its a little predictable, you can totally see it coming, but its a good addition to give the story some extra depth*. And then everything clicks back into place for them like nothing even happened... I'm sorry but I would be way more pissed & bitter towards Abel if I was Kai.. I would have also liked to see Kai's stepdad get a longer drawn out death. lol. It was way too fast. but overall a decent short story.
I really enjoyed the narration by Robert, he put a bunch of different emotions and voices into this one for every character and made it really fun to listen to. I can actually see myself re-listening to this one since the narration is good and the book is good and short enough for a quick listen.
You had one freakin job dude.. And you blew it.. Big time..
This story had a lot packed into it for such a short book. I would have been happier if the book was a little longer so we could get some more depth to the story. Abel and Kai are mated from birth. But when they are about to be bonded together "something" happens with Kai that makes Abel run back home. Seriously.... Abel literally doesn't even try to figure out what happened with Kai for 12 years... Kai shows up hurt & finally, Finally explains what happened 12 yrs earlier and how he's suffered for that entire time *its a little predictable, you can totally see it coming, but its a good addition to give the story some extra depth*. And then everything clicks back into place for them like nothing even happened... I'm sorry but I would be way more pissed & bitter towards Abel if I was Kai.. I would have also liked to see Kai's stepdad get a longer drawn out death. lol. It was way too fast. but overall a decent short story.
I really enjoyed the narration by Robert, he put a bunch of different emotions and voices into this one for every character and made it really fun to listen to. I can actually see myself re-listening to this one since the narration is good and the book is good and short enough for a quick listen.
April 19, 2015
The one thing this story had going for it was a totally kick ass premise. Alphas from different packs fated to come together and bond in order to solidify power and territory, making a super pack? And they just happened to love each other at a soul-deep level as well?! Friggin' genius. Add in the fact that they were ripped cruelly away from one another just as life was supposed to be handed to them on a platter and I was eating out of Cardeno C.'s hands before I had even finished reading the book blurb.
But apparently I shouldn't have read All of Me directly after reading Kendall McKenna's Strength of the Pack (my first ever shifter book); all of my friends that have read this story thoroughly enjoyed it - giving it 3.5-5 stars across the board - but, as I was reading this story, I couldn't help but compare it to McKenna's work and find it a wanting - a lot wanting. I know that Cardeno C. was dealing with the constraints of a short story, but the character development, the world-building, the action, and the dialogue in All of Me felt underdeveloped and rushed. This caused me to feel detached from the characters and what they were going through. Kai's emotional return just didn't resonate with me the way that scene was intended to. Kelly's anger didn't make me flinch the way it should have. And the big showdown at the end between Kai and his tormentor left me feeling ragey because after all the poor guy had been through, it happened OFF THE PAGE!!!
So... 2 stars. Personally, I think I'll stick to Cardeno C.'s non-shifter books in the future and leave the werewolves to Ms. McKenna.
But apparently I shouldn't have read All of Me directly after reading Kendall McKenna's Strength of the Pack (my first ever shifter book); all of my friends that have read this story thoroughly enjoyed it - giving it 3.5-5 stars across the board - but, as I was reading this story, I couldn't help but compare it to McKenna's work and find it a wanting - a lot wanting. I know that Cardeno C. was dealing with the constraints of a short story, but the character development, the world-building, the action, and the dialogue in All of Me felt underdeveloped and rushed. This caused me to feel detached from the characters and what they were going through. Kai's emotional return just didn't resonate with me the way that scene was intended to. Kelly's anger didn't make me flinch the way it should have. And the big showdown at the end between Kai and his tormentor left me feeling ragey because after all the poor guy had been through, it happened OFF THE PAGE!!!
So... 2 stars. Personally, I think I'll stick to Cardeno C.'s non-shifter books in the future and leave the werewolves to Ms. McKenna.
June 20, 2015
The Blogger Girls
Wow, this little short story was quite the heartbreaker. I love paranormal romances and am quite comfortable with the bonded soul mates and the “mine-mine-mine” that comes with the territory. What I wasn’t expecting was the reason why the relationship between Abel and Kai fell apart before they were ever able to finish the bonding process that would tie them together forever.
This story started out very cute and you feel the love and excitement that Abel had for Kai….but your heart also broke when you witness the betrayal with him. I was expecting something along those lines but I was not expecting THAT! That was kind of harsh and it would require a miracle to overcome that level of perceived indiscretion. But all is not as it seems, and unfortunately it is much worse, and it take a very long time for the truth to be revealed.
My heart was so heavy with sadness for both Abel and Kai, but when the truth was revealed, and the “situation” handled, then everything was all beautiful again and life was as it should have been from the beginning.
So yeah, it’s an emotionally packed short story, one with a plethora of feelings both good and evil, love and hate, misunderstandings and clarity. It was a tough, hard fought journey, but at the end, it was all worth it.
Wow, this little short story was quite the heartbreaker. I love paranormal romances and am quite comfortable with the bonded soul mates and the “mine-mine-mine” that comes with the territory. What I wasn’t expecting was the reason why the relationship between Abel and Kai fell apart before they were ever able to finish the bonding process that would tie them together forever.
This story started out very cute and you feel the love and excitement that Abel had for Kai….but your heart also broke when you witness the betrayal with him. I was expecting something along those lines but I was not expecting THAT! That was kind of harsh and it would require a miracle to overcome that level of perceived indiscretion. But all is not as it seems, and unfortunately it is much worse, and it take a very long time for the truth to be revealed.
My heart was so heavy with sadness for both Abel and Kai, but when the truth was revealed, and the “situation” handled, then everything was all beautiful again and life was as it should have been from the beginning.
So yeah, it’s an emotionally packed short story, one with a plethora of feelings both good and evil, love and hate, misunderstandings and clarity. It was a tough, hard fought journey, but at the end, it was all worth it.
June 8, 2014
This was a good if shorter story about some partially bonded Alphas who have some trouble getting it together. I liked all of the characters (well except the bad guys) and the fun that was also injected into an otherwise pretty serious story of abuse of power and mistreatment of children and young adults. I really liked Abel and Kai together :)
April 17, 2016
So sweet... :)
I thought alpha wolf was supposed to be big bad-ass scary wolf.
But I don't mind with this sweet, gentle alphas.
I thought alpha wolf was supposed to be big bad-ass scary wolf.
But I don't mind with this sweet, gentle alphas.
February 12, 2018
Note I do love this author just not this book.
The book started good with the whole bonded at birth thing but then when they were older it just went off track track. Kai is portrayed as more sub than alpha. Abel just annoyed me.
The book started good with the whole bonded at birth thing but then when they were older it just went off track track. Kai is portrayed as more sub than alpha. Abel just annoyed me.
June 15, 2024
What a lovely story. Cardeno C. manages to set up a wonderful relationship, as well as an impressive backstory in All of Me even though this story is under 100 pages long.
The audio version is nicely performed by Robert M. Clark.
The audio version is nicely performed by Robert M. Clark.
June 24, 2017
3.5 Stars
Okay that was a whole lot of book crammed into such few pages.
Okay that was a whole lot of book crammed into such few pages.
November 7, 2017
Quick read....
This was a cute story, but it felt a bit rushed. In addition, I wish there was more character development between the two MCs.
This was a cute story, but it felt a bit rushed. In addition, I wish there was more character development between the two MCs.
November 29, 2017
A Kindle Unlimited Review
All of Me has all the potential of a Cardeno C. shifter romance without the details I've come to expect. The story was too rushed for me to fully enjoy.
All of Me has all the potential of a Cardeno C. shifter romance without the details I've come to expect. The story was too rushed for me to fully enjoy.
February 13, 2021
Cute shifter romance, the narrator did great with the voices too.
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