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Family #1
Something in the Way He Needs
Controlled Asher didn't expect to fall for free-spirited Daniel, but they'll find what they desperately need in one another.
Police captain Asher Penaz’s staunch professionalism bleeds into his home life, down to his neatly pressed attire and spartan apartment. He enjoys being in charge and in control, so his sudden and powerful attraction to the lighthearted, free-spirited Daniel Tover throws him for a loop. In his entire life, Daniel has never gotten what he needs, so he moves to the next place, the next job, the next attempt to find something worth staying for, always landing at the top of his game, but never feeling like he belongs.
The chemistry between Asher and Daniel sizzles, but with all that fire comes the risk of getting burned. As both men struggle to learn themselves while getting to know each other, the lines of desire and control blur. If Daniel and Asher can walk through the flames together, they might find what they desperately need.
Police captain Asher Penaz’s staunch professionalism bleeds into his home life, down to his neatly pressed attire and spartan apartment. He enjoys being in charge and in control, so his sudden and powerful attraction to the lighthearted, free-spirited Daniel Tover throws him for a loop. In his entire life, Daniel has never gotten what he needs, so he moves to the next place, the next job, the next attempt to find something worth staying for, always landing at the top of his game, but never feeling like he belongs.
The chemistry between Asher and Daniel sizzles, but with all that fire comes the risk of getting burned. As both men struggle to learn themselves while getting to know each other, the lines of desire and control blur. If Daniel and Asher can walk through the flames together, they might find what they desperately need.
298 pages, ebook
First published February 24, 2013
About the author
Cardeno C.
62 books2,360 followersCardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
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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 406 reviews
April 3, 2020
I absolutely, positively, HATED this book.
I don't really consider this a romance book but more of a show-and-tell of what an abusive relationship looks like. This is in no way a healthy relationship. NO WAY.
I'm not talking at ALL about the kink. By the way, this book shouldn't be considered BDSM. There is very little BDSM in this book, barely a spanking scene. Overall, it was fairly vanilla. However, I also think that this book does a disservice to true BDSM books. Asher wasn't a dominant, he was a controlling ass-tard. Just when I thought Asher couldn't get any worse, he always found a way to sink lower.
*Kicking Asher in the nads in my mind. HARD.*
If one of my friends was describing a relationship with Asher, I would tell them to RUN. Asher was possessive to the point where he didn't want Daniel to wear certain clothes. He got insanely jealous at just the mention of another man, to the point where he became physically aggressive. He did a few other things that I won't mention, but that I think are unforgivable. The fact that these two were together at the end of the book is unfathomable to me.
I'm going to just re-state that I'm a Cardeno C. fan. I either LOVE CC's books or I hate them, but I always keep reading because when CC gets it right, it's AMAZING. This book was an example of a story gone very wrong.
*One more nads punch for good measure.*
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
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I don't really consider this a romance book but more of a show-and-tell of what an abusive relationship looks like. This is in no way a healthy relationship. NO WAY.
I'm not talking at ALL about the kink. By the way, this book shouldn't be considered BDSM. There is very little BDSM in this book, barely a spanking scene. Overall, it was fairly vanilla. However, I also think that this book does a disservice to true BDSM books. Asher wasn't a dominant, he was a controlling ass-tard. Just when I thought Asher couldn't get any worse, he always found a way to sink lower.
*Kicking Asher in the nads in my mind. HARD.*
If one of my friends was describing a relationship with Asher, I would tell them to RUN. Asher was possessive to the point where he didn't want Daniel to wear certain clothes. He got insanely jealous at just the mention of another man, to the point where he became physically aggressive. He did a few other things that I won't mention, but that I think are unforgivable. The fact that these two were together at the end of the book is unfathomable to me.
I'm going to just re-state that I'm a Cardeno C. fan. I either LOVE CC's books or I hate them, but I always keep reading because when CC gets it right, it's AMAZING. This book was an example of a story gone very wrong.
*One more nads punch for good measure.*
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
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December 22, 2015
Dear Asher,
You are a selfish, inconsiderate, and borderline abusive asshole. You can not control yourself, and Daniel is not safe with you. You need serious help.
Me
You are a selfish, inconsiderate, and borderline abusive asshole. You can not control yourself, and Daniel is not safe with you. You need serious help.
Me
September 15, 2014
I love you, Cardeno, but this is not an enjoyable read.
Why? Main character Asher.
He's an asshole.
At one point he borders on being a full on motherfucker.
Let me clear this up....I DON'T LIKE HIM.
Usually I adore the possessive alpha who reluctantly falls in love, but this guy? No. I just can't.
He reminds me of one of those heroes you'd find in romance novels of the 1970s & early 80s. The hero borders on abusive throughout the entire book until the very, very end when he declares his love and everything is magically OKAY.
That's the exact plot for this book.
Also, also? I skipped the sex scenes. I know! Cardeno is awesome at the smex! But that's how much I wasn't having a good time.
And the ending. THE ENDING. One may refer to it as the "Big Misunderstanding," but there was no misunderstanding! There was just Asher being a motherfucker!
Even that may have been ever-so-slightly forgivable if I could buy, or if Cardeno had shown, Asher making personal changes. But he doesn't! He's just super super sad that Daniel is no longer around. Awwww...GET OVER YOURSELF, ASSHAT.
However, I would like to add that I love Daniel. His forgetfulness & willingness to forgive is a tad unbelievable, but he's a real cutie.
February 28, 2013
I liked this book, I swear. I just didn't like it as much as I wanted to like it, and it's all down to the MC Asher.
I liked Daniel just fine. I liked the supporting cast -- I would have liked to find out if Ollie But Asher? Just no.
I like a possessive alpha male as much as the next girl. I like a Dom who says "Hands off, he's mine." No arguments. But Asher was not in control. Not of his relationship, and not of his temper. Possessive is fine, and in the context of fantasy it's mostly hot, but Asher...yeah, Asher was jealous and insecure. Which would have been fine, except he was also abusive. Jealousy? Yeah, that can be hot. Marching up to someone in a restaurant and wanting to punch their lights out just because they're talking to your boyfriend? Not hot.
I got the same red flags as Ollie did, but for different reasons. Ollie didn't want Daniel dating someone who was into BDSM. I didn't want Daniel dating someone who was an emotionally arrested man-child with no impulse control and a nasty temper. And this guy is a police officer, who has presumably dealt with a shitload of critical incidents in his career? I do not what him in charge when I need help, thanks very much.
I read this because I thought it was going to be BDSM, but there were no real BDSM scenes here. I was hoping for a book where an experienced Dom initiated an inexperience sub into the lifestyle, but there were no real D/s interactions at all. Just that scene at the club where
The stars are for the writing, which was good, and I will read this author again. I just couldn't warm to the storyline... it's not often I finish a book and find myself saying to one of the main characters: "Daniel, walk away. You can do better."
I liked Daniel just fine. I liked the supporting cast -- I would have liked to find out if Ollie But Asher? Just no.
I like a possessive alpha male as much as the next girl. I like a Dom who says "Hands off, he's mine." No arguments. But Asher was not in control. Not of his relationship, and not of his temper. Possessive is fine, and in the context of fantasy it's mostly hot, but Asher...yeah, Asher was jealous and insecure. Which would have been fine, except he was also abusive. Jealousy? Yeah, that can be hot. Marching up to someone in a restaurant and wanting to punch their lights out just because they're talking to your boyfriend? Not hot.
I got the same red flags as Ollie did, but for different reasons. Ollie didn't want Daniel dating someone who was into BDSM. I didn't want Daniel dating someone who was an emotionally arrested man-child with no impulse control and a nasty temper. And this guy is a police officer, who has presumably dealt with a shitload of critical incidents in his career? I do not what him in charge when I need help, thanks very much.
I read this because I thought it was going to be BDSM, but there were no real BDSM scenes here. I was hoping for a book where an experienced Dom initiated an inexperience sub into the lifestyle, but there were no real D/s interactions at all. Just that scene at the club where
The stars are for the writing, which was good, and I will read this author again. I just couldn't warm to the storyline... it's not often I finish a book and find myself saying to one of the main characters: "Daniel, walk away. You can do better."
January 17, 2018
3 Stars!
A lot of reviewer's have stated how much they absolutely hated Asher and what an A-hole he was. Did he do some crappy stuff? Most definitely. But I guess I'm a bit jaded in the A-hole department because I've met worse in life and read worse in books. So Asher really didn't tip my A-hole scales. He had his moments, but I just found him to be really insecure. You never really get to know him. You don't get a mention of his past or who his family is. There's a mention of his mother but it's short and not very forthcoming with a lot of information about her or if she is even still present in his life. So Asher was still a bit of a mystery at the end of the book. Even with what little we got of him, Asher was a more realistic character than Daniel was. Daniel seems to be a jack of all trades and is amazing at everything. It got a bit ridiculous with all the different jobs he'd had and it especially went way OTT at the end. My eye-rolling was strong with this character. Don't get me wrong I liked him, but the author made it hard to take his character serious with his many talents and his drop-the-menu-and-drool looks. I mean really? It just got way outta hand for one character to attain so much.
I liked them together and would have liked them to have been together more on page where they were out and about without all the tantrums and miscommunication.
In the end it was an OK read. I might continue with the series.
Happy reading dolls! xx
A lot of reviewer's have stated how much they absolutely hated Asher and what an A-hole he was. Did he do some crappy stuff? Most definitely. But I guess I'm a bit jaded in the A-hole department because I've met worse in life and read worse in books. So Asher really didn't tip my A-hole scales. He had his moments, but I just found him to be really insecure. You never really get to know him. You don't get a mention of his past or who his family is. There's a mention of his mother but it's short and not very forthcoming with a lot of information about her or if she is even still present in his life. So Asher was still a bit of a mystery at the end of the book. Even with what little we got of him, Asher was a more realistic character than Daniel was. Daniel seems to be a jack of all trades and is amazing at everything. It got a bit ridiculous with all the different jobs he'd had and it especially went way OTT at the end. My eye-rolling was strong with this character. Don't get me wrong I liked him, but the author made it hard to take his character serious with his many talents and his drop-the-menu-and-drool looks. I mean really? It just got way outta hand for one character to attain so much.
I liked them together and would have liked them to have been together more on page where they were out and about without all the tantrums and miscommunication.
In the end it was an OK read. I might continue with the series.
Happy reading dolls! xx
January 25, 2018
2.5 stars
First of all this is not BDSM atleast IMHO.
Hmmmmm! i really wanted to like this book after all it is CC and this author's writing always makes me smile, awwww so loud, fan my self during the hot sex scenes and laugh so hard. But this book made me so worked up, i disliked Asher with a passion. He was controlling, possessive, and a Jerk. Despite my frustrations i continued reading it. Daniel was just adorkable and i liked him.
Then slowly by slowly the tables turned and i started understanding Asher, yes he was an asshole but he underneath all of that he was just an insecure guy, afraid of abandonment, i wish we had more of his background story maybe the i would have ended up even loving him. By the end of the book i came to like him tiny bit.
Daniel looked like he’d been born to entertain, and Asher couldn’t help but wonder what in the hell he was doing living in his apartment, searching for jobs. Not that Daniel had been doing all that much searching. Which, now that Asher knew all the facts, made sense.
Didn’t Rob Yearling say Daniel was still writing their songs? Every album Burning Wrath and Indignation released went platinum. How much money did the people who wrote the songs on those albums make? Fuck more than a police captain, that was how much.
“Did you know about Danny?”
Asher grunted at him, not wanting to admit that apparently he had no knowledge about the past, hell, even the present, of the only man he’d ever asked to share his bed.
“I’m sorry I freaked out,” Asher said. “The way they looked at you… and then when I heard them asking you to go on tour with them, I thought you’d do it.” He dropped his gaze and lowered his voice. “I thought you were going to leave me.”
I felt sorry for Asher.
Daniel, Daniel, Daniel well at the beginning i said he was adorkable, as the story progressed i became exhausted with him, his character became unbelievable, he was too perfect, everybody loved him, and he turned heads with his model looks, everyone drooled over him, and he was successful at everything he did. He reminded me of another character J maybe?
Daniel's list:
-A Pianist and a Singer-songwriter
- A successful dancer in New York
- Masseur
- Taekwondo instructor.
- Jewelry maker.
-An upcoming Chef
Overall i love CC and will continue to read this series since i have all 4 books.
First of all this is not BDSM atleast IMHO.
Hmmmmm! i really wanted to like this book after all it is CC and this author's writing always makes me smile, awwww so loud, fan my self during the hot sex scenes and laugh so hard. But this book made me so worked up, i disliked Asher with a passion. He was controlling, possessive, and a Jerk. Despite my frustrations i continued reading it. Daniel was just adorkable and i liked him.
Then slowly by slowly the tables turned and i started understanding Asher, yes he was an asshole but he underneath all of that he was just an insecure guy, afraid of abandonment, i wish we had more of his background story maybe the i would have ended up even loving him. By the end of the book i came to like him tiny bit.
Daniel looked like he’d been born to entertain, and Asher couldn’t help but wonder what in the hell he was doing living in his apartment, searching for jobs. Not that Daniel had been doing all that much searching. Which, now that Asher knew all the facts, made sense.
Didn’t Rob Yearling say Daniel was still writing their songs? Every album Burning Wrath and Indignation released went platinum. How much money did the people who wrote the songs on those albums make? Fuck more than a police captain, that was how much.
“Did you know about Danny?”
Asher grunted at him, not wanting to admit that apparently he had no knowledge about the past, hell, even the present, of the only man he’d ever asked to share his bed.
“I’m sorry I freaked out,” Asher said. “The way they looked at you… and then when I heard them asking you to go on tour with them, I thought you’d do it.” He dropped his gaze and lowered his voice. “I thought you were going to leave me.”
I felt sorry for Asher.
Daniel, Daniel, Daniel well at the beginning i said he was adorkable, as the story progressed i became exhausted with him, his character became unbelievable, he was too perfect, everybody loved him, and he turned heads with his model looks, everyone drooled over him, and he was successful at everything he did. He reminded me of another character J maybe?
Daniel's list:
-A Pianist and a Singer-songwriter
- A successful dancer in New York
- Masseur
- Taekwondo instructor.
- Jewelry maker.
-An upcoming Chef
Overall i love CC and will continue to read this series since i have all 4 books.
November 18, 2019
*** This story was unusual for Cardeno C., but we still got our super sexy times, and commitment in the end. ***
Police Captain, Asher,
is large, muscled, bald and captivating.
He thinks he's a Dom, but the reality comes later. A planned wedding, a mix up, and a chance meeting change everything.
Sweet, smart, pliable, Daniel, is a functional savant,
here to see his brother, when he meets Asher. Daniel is brilliant, writes music, plays instruments, sings, is a 3rd degree black belt, plus worked a cruise ship; so many talents, but he wanders, roams, is clumsy and has scattered thoughts. He's slim, brown-eyed and beautiful, and Asher, who is intrigued by him, thinks he needs a keeper.
The connection between the men is amazing, as each needs the other so desperately. We are given flawed characters, that steal our hearts regardless of those failings. Especially Asher. Most reviewers are ready to smack him, and I was also, like when they had the incident at the Leather Club. We get a bit of a rollercoaster ride with Asher's blind-raging jealousy.
BDSM is not in play here. It is talked about, that is it.
Like I said, Asher THINKS he's a Dom, but the end result is different.
These two men it is said, are "the ying and yang" to each other.
Each complements the other. Each NEEDS the other.
I highly recommend this unusual pairing of misfits. The characters are deep, it's well written, and the sex is totally, superbly sizzling.
E N J O Y !!!
==============
a stand alone story.
===============
Police Captain, Asher,
is large, muscled, bald and captivating.
He thinks he's a Dom, but the reality comes later. A planned wedding, a mix up, and a chance meeting change everything.
Sweet, smart, pliable, Daniel, is a functional savant,
here to see his brother, when he meets Asher. Daniel is brilliant, writes music, plays instruments, sings, is a 3rd degree black belt, plus worked a cruise ship; so many talents, but he wanders, roams, is clumsy and has scattered thoughts. He's slim, brown-eyed and beautiful, and Asher, who is intrigued by him, thinks he needs a keeper.
The connection between the men is amazing, as each needs the other so desperately. We are given flawed characters, that steal our hearts regardless of those failings. Especially Asher. Most reviewers are ready to smack him, and I was also, like when they had the incident at the Leather Club. We get a bit of a rollercoaster ride with Asher's blind-raging jealousy.
BDSM is not in play here. It is talked about, that is it.
Like I said, Asher THINKS he's a Dom, but the end result is different.
These two men it is said, are "the ying and yang" to each other.
Each complements the other. Each NEEDS the other.
I highly recommend this unusual pairing of misfits. The characters are deep, it's well written, and the sex is totally, superbly sizzling.
E N J O Y !!!
==============
a stand alone story.
===============
December 22, 2015
What happened Cardeno C?? Why would you give an asshole like Asher a HEA?
Asher was controlling, possessive and he was being a dick for most of this book. I was okay with this in the beginning because I was convinced he would redeem himself and be the man Daniel deserved.
But the scene in the BDSM club (which happened in the last 20 pages, why???)???
Oh, and this is so not a BDSM book. It’s mentioned Asher is into that sort of thing, but we don’t get BDSM scenes and I felt it was more an excuse for Asher to be an asshole.
I’m a huge Cardeno C fan, but this book was just awful.
Asher was controlling, possessive and he was being a dick for most of this book. I was okay with this in the beginning because I was convinced he would redeem himself and be the man Daniel deserved.
But the scene in the BDSM club (which happened in the last 20 pages, why???)???
Oh, and this is so not a BDSM book. It’s mentioned Asher is into that sort of thing, but we don’t get BDSM scenes and I felt it was more an excuse for Asher to be an asshole.
I’m a huge Cardeno C fan, but this book was just awful.
February 27, 2013
Alpha cops! Gotta love 'em, but MC Asher was just a touch too possessive and jealous of anyone who set eyes on his beautiful Sugar, MC Daniel, that I had to knock a star off because it made me that uncomfortable. But other than that, I really, really enjoyed this book! The ending was absolutely perfect and I think I could hear birds signing in the background.
If you like big, bad Dom alpha males, not looking for a lost-soul life partner (but finding one anyway) skinny, clumsy, beautiful, savant bottom boys who bring sunshine into every room and a HEA that will probably go down in the history books *sob*, I can definitely recommend Something in the Way He Needs. Just be prepared for Mr. Alpha to be a bit unreasonable at times.
If you like big, bad Dom alpha males, not looking for a lost-soul life partner (but finding one anyway) skinny, clumsy, beautiful, savant bottom boys who bring sunshine into every room and a HEA that will probably go down in the history books *sob*, I can definitely recommend Something in the Way He Needs. Just be prepared for Mr. Alpha to be a bit unreasonable at times.
February 26, 2013
Normally I am really into the possessive type characters. That is something I love to read in a book, but this... This did not do it as well for me. To an extent I loved the possessiveness, but then it got a bit too extreme at times. I actually loved the book until a certain point and then it turned to, just liking to to it was okay.
I loved some aspects of the story. The idea of the story and the way the characters were woven into everything was really nice. I liked Daniel the best out of the two MC's. He was one of those cute and quirky characters and as someone else said he's like Jory. Everyone likes him and he's clumsy. That appealed to me.
Asher, he was a character that I loved at the beginning and I fell out of love with him as the story went on. I was not his biggest fan in the world and that was a pity because I could have loved him throughout the book, but he was to aggressive for me to like him. Some of his traits though really annoyed me.
The ending for me was not the greatest one in the world. It was a HEA and all of that, but I wanted there to be more talking. That was one thing about this couple. They didn't really talk about things and even with the big thing in this there was no real talking. I enjoy that but not with something as serious as the issue that popped up.
While it was not a favourite of mine, I would still recommend it. But if you don't like possessive characters avoid this like the plague.
I loved some aspects of the story. The idea of the story and the way the characters were woven into everything was really nice. I liked Daniel the best out of the two MC's. He was one of those cute and quirky characters and as someone else said he's like Jory. Everyone likes him and he's clumsy. That appealed to me.
Asher, he was a character that I loved at the beginning and I fell out of love with him as the story went on. I was not his biggest fan in the world and that was a pity because I could have loved him throughout the book, but he was to aggressive for me to like him. Some of his traits though really annoyed me.
The ending for me was not the greatest one in the world. It was a HEA and all of that, but I wanted there to be more talking. That was one thing about this couple. They didn't really talk about things and even with the big thing in this there was no real talking. I enjoy that but not with something as serious as the issue that popped up.
While it was not a favourite of mine, I would still recommend it. But if you don't like possessive characters avoid this like the plague.
February 26, 2013
I loved Daniel, and Ash's attraction to Daniel was sweet, until Ash was revealed to be an overreacting selfish jerk. For a Dom, he lost control too many times and that scene in the club was so over the top awful I couldn't believe it. It was a horrible set up for that moment of angst filled self realization. It didn't help that "sugar" as a pet name is one of my pet peeves and Ash uses it a lot.
February 24, 2013
It's a funny thing when you think you know what you're going to get when reading a book by one of your favorite authors. I think I've read every book Cardeno C has published and I've always been pleasantly surprised by something - the dialogue, a character's personality, the emotions, a sex scene. They are always sweet, romantic reads that touch my heart and although
Something in the Way He Needs
was just what I had expected in that regard it was so much more in other ways.
Asher, Asher, Asher...oh how I loved this man! This gorgeous hunk-of-love of a man was so much more than I had expected and everything this book (and Daniel) needed. Strong and dominant but with a tenderness and vulnerability to him that got me each and every time, Asher made himself a home in my heart and I am not letting him go. Here I thought that Cardeno C couldn't give me anyone better than Zev from Wake Me Up Inside or Andrew from The One That Saves Me then Asher comes into the scene, opens his gorgeous mouth and I AM LOST!
His attitude! That cockiness that goes along with that bigcock, muscled body of his was irresistible to me. Hmmm...I think there's something there I should explore, but I'll leave that for another time. Anyhow, Asher. Yes, my-I-don't-give-a-crap-what-you-think Dom, has had many subs but never a relationship. All of a sudden he's enamored with Daniel. He asks himself why again and again and try as he might he cannot let Daniel out of his sight. He's astounded by his thoughts and actions when he meets the man, but goes along with it because he is inexplicably drawn to him.
While Asher is confident and exudes sexiness, Daniel lives a life with no direction (literally!) and tries not to draw attention to himself. He has lived everywhere but has never had a home. He has done many things, but has never settled down. He wants to feel needed and guided and deep down he wants to love and to be loved. He wants to belong somewhere and to someone. That he accepts Asher's offer doesn't surprise him, but when he misses Asher and the life they shared when it's no longer available, it clues him to the fact that he had found everything he wanted in Asher.
I don't even have to tell you that the writing was brilliant, but I will anyway because I want you to understand why this book impressed me so. You see, I have come to expect sweet, lovable characters from this author with stories full of 'awww' moments accompanied by sighs, laughs and tears. And although Cardeno C doesn't disappoint in any of those elements, I feel that he brought much more to the page. Not only did he bring an edgier feel to the story by adding the BDSM aspect into it, he made it work for the characters too. This could not have been an easy feat to achieve. Asher and Daniel are like night and day, but the author managed to bring them together in a believable way and made it look effortless. Only the author's ability to understand the intricacies of people's personalities and how they can relate to each other can bring this about. He has proven this with each of his books and he puts it to the test once again with these characters.
The way the author presented these characters and developed them each throughout the story added to my enjoyment of the book. Through Asher's inner musings I could easily comprehend who he was and what he needed and the same applies to Daniel. It's not everyday that we get to see a man like Asher break every one of his rules to be with a man, especially if he has an array of men at his disposal at the club he frequents. And the way that Daniel opened up to Asher and trusted him, that right there was a major step from a man that ran away from anything that required him to make a commitment.
The connection between these two is not something I could easily imagine, but Cardeno C presented it in a manner that captivated my attention and after reading these guys' journey I wouldn't have it any other way. This is not the common boy meets boy, boys get to know each other until they fall in love and have their HEA. Nope. This story flows along in quite the opposite direction. So fascinated is Asher with Daniel that he asks him to move in together before they even get to know each other properly. Their relationship develops gradually and it is through this time together that they fall in love with each other even before they get to know each other better. Now do you see what I mean? It sounds unbelievable to me even while I am trying to explain it, but it works.
From their first meeting through the development of the relationship Cardeno C managed to keep me engaged with entertaining and meaningful dialog, emotions galore and fantastic man-on-man sex. The interaction between them ranged from the meaningful to the flirtatious and the emotions extracted from them were just as varied. But what I appreciated the most was the sense of realness I got from their journey. Although their chemistry was hot and their connection was developing with every moment they spent together both Asher and Daniel had to make an effort to make it work. And it is here that the characters' development comes in. We get to see how Asher questions and doubts his feelings and that of Daniel's while Daniel starts to open up to Asher and tries his best to stick around. Brilliance, I tell you!
Something in the Way He Needs is the first book in the Family series and I am looking forward to seeing what Cardeno C comes up with next for this series.
Asher, Asher, Asher...oh how I loved this man! This gorgeous hunk-of-love of a man was so much more than I had expected and everything this book (and Daniel) needed. Strong and dominant but with a tenderness and vulnerability to him that got me each and every time, Asher made himself a home in my heart and I am not letting him go. Here I thought that Cardeno C couldn't give me anyone better than Zev from Wake Me Up Inside or Andrew from The One That Saves Me then Asher comes into the scene, opens his gorgeous mouth and I AM LOST!
His attitude! That cockiness that goes along with that big
While Asher is confident and exudes sexiness, Daniel lives a life with no direction (literally!) and tries not to draw attention to himself. He has lived everywhere but has never had a home. He has done many things, but has never settled down. He wants to feel needed and guided and deep down he wants to love and to be loved. He wants to belong somewhere and to someone. That he accepts Asher's offer doesn't surprise him, but when he misses Asher and the life they shared when it's no longer available, it clues him to the fact that he had found everything he wanted in Asher.
I don't even have to tell you that the writing was brilliant, but I will anyway because I want you to understand why this book impressed me so. You see, I have come to expect sweet, lovable characters from this author with stories full of 'awww' moments accompanied by sighs, laughs and tears. And although Cardeno C doesn't disappoint in any of those elements, I feel that he brought much more to the page. Not only did he bring an edgier feel to the story by adding the BDSM aspect into it, he made it work for the characters too. This could not have been an easy feat to achieve. Asher and Daniel are like night and day, but the author managed to bring them together in a believable way and made it look effortless. Only the author's ability to understand the intricacies of people's personalities and how they can relate to each other can bring this about. He has proven this with each of his books and he puts it to the test once again with these characters.
The way the author presented these characters and developed them each throughout the story added to my enjoyment of the book. Through Asher's inner musings I could easily comprehend who he was and what he needed and the same applies to Daniel. It's not everyday that we get to see a man like Asher break every one of his rules to be with a man, especially if he has an array of men at his disposal at the club he frequents. And the way that Daniel opened up to Asher and trusted him, that right there was a major step from a man that ran away from anything that required him to make a commitment.
The connection between these two is not something I could easily imagine, but Cardeno C presented it in a manner that captivated my attention and after reading these guys' journey I wouldn't have it any other way. This is not the common boy meets boy, boys get to know each other until they fall in love and have their HEA. Nope. This story flows along in quite the opposite direction. So fascinated is Asher with Daniel that he asks him to move in together before they even get to know each other properly. Their relationship develops gradually and it is through this time together that they fall in love with each other even before they get to know each other better. Now do you see what I mean? It sounds unbelievable to me even while I am trying to explain it, but it works.
From their first meeting through the development of the relationship Cardeno C managed to keep me engaged with entertaining and meaningful dialog, emotions galore and fantastic man-on-man sex. The interaction between them ranged from the meaningful to the flirtatious and the emotions extracted from them were just as varied. But what I appreciated the most was the sense of realness I got from their journey. Although their chemistry was hot and their connection was developing with every moment they spent together both Asher and Daniel had to make an effort to make it work. And it is here that the characters' development comes in. We get to see how Asher questions and doubts his feelings and that of Daniel's while Daniel starts to open up to Asher and tries his best to stick around. Brilliance, I tell you!
Something in the Way He Needs is the first book in the Family series and I am looking forward to seeing what Cardeno C comes up with next for this series.
November 29, 2016
***2.5 Stars***
The premise of this book had potential, but I found that the characters really got in the way of the story.
First, we have Asher. He's a cop, a heartless Dom and an overall jackass to all those he encounters.
He's never been in a real relationship, nor has he ever wanted one. Asher likes and craves control, order and obedience. All of his sexual proclivities are satisfied at his favorite leather club where men fall at his feet and beg to be used by him. He whips them, canes them, fucks them. That's it. No emotion, no entanglements and definitely no feelings of any kind.
Enter Danny. While in Vegas for his only friend's bachelor party, Asher meets Danny. A sweet, awkward, clumsy, somewhat shy, manorexic nomad. He has no sense of direction, trips over his own feet, bumps into everything, knocks down anything in his path and according to the description provided, is practically skin and bones.
Their meeting is insta-lust and practically isnta-love. Asher finds himself wanting more vanilla things with Danny. He still has the same urges, but he can't imagine inflicting pain on Danny or just using him for just sex.
Within a Vegas weekend, Asher has decided that Danny should come live with him so he can take care of him and Danny can figure out what he wants to do with his life.
Asher quickly realizes that he has a red haze of jealousy whenever it comes to anything having to do with Danny. You see, although Danny is drastically underweight (he'll go a whole day without eating because he "forgot") and a complete klutz...he's also the most beautiful human being that has ever walked the earth. I'm talking "people stop and stare at him" beautiful. (ummm, ok)
Asher's insecurities take over anytime he's not around Danny or feels threatened...which is basically all the time...you know, because of Danny's beauty and all. He's falling harder and harder for the man, but he's terrified of Danny up and leaving him or someone taking him away.
Asher's anger may have been too much, but I understood his insecurities. He was feeling something genuine for another man for the first time, having passionate vanilla sex and terrified that one wrong thing will take that all away from him. He was completely out of his perfectly crafted comfort zone.
Meanwhile, Danny is beginning to finally feel like he belongs somewhere and is slowly incorporating himself in Asher's everyday life. From home decor, to cooking dinner, to feeding the sexual beast....he's become the perfect little wifey. He feels like he belongs to someone and is thriving on the feeling of being claimed.
In a misunderstanding that you see coming from a million miles away, Asher has a knee-jerk reaction and later his insecurity and jealousy get the better of him and he makes a giant asshole mistake that could cost him Danny. Unfortunately, there was no saving Asher for me at that point.
Could these two opposites make it work? Will Asher's darker needs come between them? Can Danny finally find what he needs to settle down in one place?
I was liking this book and sitting at a solid 3 star rating up until Asher's asshole move. I just can't see past that and can't justify his behavior or decision. And then tack on the fact that we have a bit of an abrupt ending and you kinda lost me. So unfortunately, the stock dropped on this book in the last 20%.
January 1, 2020
I had some mixed reactions to this book. I could not connect with Asher for the most part, and then at the end, he really pissed me off. He's moody, jealous (in a bad way) and tends to strike first and think later. Asher was most definitely, at least before Daniel came along, a selfish prick when it came to sex, only taking and never giving (his inner dialog made that clear). He only cared about himself getting off. After Daniel came along,he did become a more generous lover though, so that, at least, is a good thing.
I like a possessive alpha male in my stories as much as the next girl, but I found Asher's jealousy to be too much, and when it was triggered, Asher bordered on abusive. Possessive can most definitely equal sexy, but practically assaulting someone while in a jealous rage, not so much. When Asher wasn't being a jealous asshole, or being an asshole in general, the sex was deliciously hot and I liked his interaction with Daniel.
I loved Daniel, though. He was sweet and genuine and his constant tripping over himself because he had trouble keeping his focus was endearing. Especially after finding out that he used to dance professionally (Broadway, not strip clubs). I liked that he could physically protect himself, when needed. He's not a door mat and he generally speaks his mind.
The event that led Daniel to leave Asher, however, was bad enough that if it were me, I would not have come back. I really found it that much of a turn off.
So, this was definitely not my favorite Cardeno C. book. I wouldn't recommend it because of Asher's anger/jealousy management issues, regardless of the HEA.
I like a possessive alpha male in my stories as much as the next girl, but I found Asher's jealousy to be too much, and when it was triggered, Asher bordered on abusive. Possessive can most definitely equal sexy, but practically assaulting someone while in a jealous rage, not so much. When Asher wasn't being a jealous asshole, or being an asshole in general, the sex was deliciously hot and I liked his interaction with Daniel.
I loved Daniel, though. He was sweet and genuine and his constant tripping over himself because he had trouble keeping his focus was endearing. Especially after finding out that he used to dance professionally (Broadway, not strip clubs). I liked that he could physically protect himself, when needed. He's not a door mat and he generally speaks his mind.
The event that led Daniel to leave Asher, however, was bad enough that if it were me, I would not have come back. I really found it that much of a turn off.
So, this was definitely not my favorite Cardeno C. book. I wouldn't recommend it because of Asher's anger/jealousy management issues, regardless of the HEA.
June 4, 2016
New favourite author. Excellent m/m bdsm novel, unputdownable: read this into the night through to the end. Hardass Dom and police captain Asher becomes a victim of his own jealousy when he falls for the beautiful, clutsy Daniel.
'Okay, so Asher could understand how their current positions might look like they were cuddling to the untrained eye, but in reality, they were just suffering from postorgasmic melted-bone syndrome.'
'Okay, so Asher could understand how their current positions might look like they were cuddling to the untrained eye, but in reality, they were just suffering from postorgasmic melted-bone syndrome.'
February 26, 2013
2.5, maybe? I'm conflicted about this one.
The good: As with most Cardeno C. books, this was an enjoyable reading experience. I'm usually not fond of instalove, but this author writes it in a way that I find comforting.
The OK: Daniel has a touch of the Jory. Maybe I'm jaded, but I feel like I've read far too many of these too-clumsy-to-function-but-everybody-loves-him characters lately.
The bad: Possessive, irrationally jealous behavior like Asher's would have sent up major red flags in an m/f romance, but it's seemingly okay here because Daniel wants it? There was a cycle of bad behavior followed by remorse and promises to never do it again that made me really uncomfortable.
The good: As with most Cardeno C. books, this was an enjoyable reading experience. I'm usually not fond of instalove, but this author writes it in a way that I find comforting.
The OK: Daniel has a touch of the Jory. Maybe I'm jaded, but I feel like I've read far too many of these too-clumsy-to-function-but-everybody-loves-him characters lately.
The bad: Possessive, irrationally jealous behavior like Asher's would have sent up major red flags in an m/f romance, but it's seemingly okay here because Daniel wants it? There was a cycle of bad behavior followed by remorse and promises to never do it again that made me really uncomfortable.
December 13, 2013
NO. NONONONONONONO!! I mean! Asher simply hands Daniel over to another Dom?? Without even ASKING HIM?? WTF??? I could have thrown my Kindle across the room at that point. What a ...(Expletive deleted) moron. He doesn't deserve ANYONE.. and then Daniel meekly goes back to him afterwards??
Unbelievable.
Unbelievable.
December 5, 2015
>4.5 Sweet & Steamy Stars!!
Cardeno C. is one of my favorite authors. Her books always contain a perfect mix of spicy and sweet, and the heat level is always just perfect for me. Her stories are always interesting, sometimes poignant, but never fail to contain a ton of heart so I absolutely love reading them. This book is the first in a series but can be read as a standalone. Asher is a dominant cop but this story just touches on BDSM themes, nothing too heavy here. Asher meets a younger man while in Las Vegas for a bachelor party. Daniel is the COMPLETE opposite of Asher! He's a free spirit, but he too is very attracted to Asher.
Asher's protective tendencies come to the forefront with Daniel but the problem is Daniel is looking for a relationship, and Asher, not so much. I loved seeing how the relationship between these two changed and grew. AS with all Cardeno C. books, the characters are EVERYTHING and Daniel and Asher do not disappoint. Just look at this gorgeous cover for a hint of the steam level of this story, it is a perfect mix of total hotness and sentimental sweetness. Some readers complained about the stalker-ish tendencies of Asher but I didn't get that at all. He is just a big bear of a man trying to find his way to true love (awwwwww!!).
Something in the Way He Needs is another perfectly sexy romance from Cardeno C. with just the right touch of emotion and steam! I loved it. If you are looking for an author to read with wonderfully satisfying characters and storylines, then grab this book! You'll love it, too.
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
Cardeno C. is one of my favorite authors. Her books always contain a perfect mix of spicy and sweet, and the heat level is always just perfect for me. Her stories are always interesting, sometimes poignant, but never fail to contain a ton of heart so I absolutely love reading them. This book is the first in a series but can be read as a standalone. Asher is a dominant cop but this story just touches on BDSM themes, nothing too heavy here. Asher meets a younger man while in Las Vegas for a bachelor party. Daniel is the COMPLETE opposite of Asher! He's a free spirit, but he too is very attracted to Asher.
Asher's protective tendencies come to the forefront with Daniel but the problem is Daniel is looking for a relationship, and Asher, not so much. I loved seeing how the relationship between these two changed and grew. AS with all Cardeno C. books, the characters are EVERYTHING and Daniel and Asher do not disappoint. Just look at this gorgeous cover for a hint of the steam level of this story, it is a perfect mix of total hotness and sentimental sweetness. Some readers complained about the stalker-ish tendencies of Asher but I didn't get that at all. He is just a big bear of a man trying to find his way to true love (awwwwww!!).
Something in the Way He Needs is another perfectly sexy romance from Cardeno C. with just the right touch of emotion and steam! I loved it. If you are looking for an author to read with wonderfully satisfying characters and storylines, then grab this book! You'll love it, too.
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
February 9, 2017
2.5 stars. This book didn't work for me. I just didn’t like Ash from the beginning. The way he started following Daniel in Vegas was very stalker-like. If this were a BSDM romance, I wouldn’t have read it because Ash was very impatient, insecure, quick to anger and didn’t communicate well for someone who is supposedly a Dom. Although Daniel liked the possessiveness and felt Ash wouldn’t have hurt him, I didn’t feel comfortable reading it. His actions and behavior at the club at the end of were horrifying to me. I liked Daniel. He was very sweet and clumsy. We don’t know much about him until the end of the book when a part of his past was revealed. I would have liked to read more about his life.
March 27, 2013
Absolutely loved this one. Two completely flawed characters doing what flawed characters do - flawing about like the rest of us mere mortals. Enjoyed how Asher evolved and, truly, became the person who could meet the needs of his partner. My first Cardeno C book and it will most definitely not be my last. Great length to really dig into the story, wonderful flow of words, interesting things happening. Not much more you can ask than that!
August 31, 2013
Just read Strong Enough the second book in The Family series and absolutely loved it so was excited to go straight to this one which is actually the first and I'm very happy to say I loved this one as well. A touch more angsty I would add because the main character Ash is a bit of a complex chappy. He's a Dom who goes to leather bars to satisfy his needs but he doesn't do long term attachments and he's a police captain who likes order in his life so when he meets free spirited, slightly clutzy Daniel, who never stays in one place for long and who won't just have casual sex because he wants a relationship, he's knocked for six because he's instantly attracted to this gorgeous younger man and suddenly all he wants ( apart from hot sex of course ) is to take him home and look after him, which he actually ends up doing and from then on both of them have to learn how to make their opposites attract relationship work, and it isn't always an easy ride. Partly because Daniel is related to Ash's friend and work colleague, who knowing Ash's normal treatment of his conquests isn't happy for him to be embarking on a relationship with the somewhat irascible Ash. The D/s is there in the background but I wouldn't say it swamps the story so don't let it put you off.
At times Ash comes across as being overly jealous and possessive with Daniel who isn't into the lifestyle but he does respond to Ash's dominant nature, and there are times when Ash does some really obtuse things that made me want to just get hold of him and shake him, one particular episode towards the end of the story made me really angry at him but then again Daniel is also keeping some things close to his chest so of course misunderstandings do occur between these two but that's what made the story so readable for me because I loved the push/pull dynamics between these two guys who I couldn't help becoming extremely drawn to, alongside another great dose of crackling sexual tension and sizzling chemistry...so it has just reinforced that Cardeno C sure can write white hot, sexy romantic stories that tick my boxes. I was just as grabbed by this as I was Emelio and Spencer's story which is completely different but have to say is still, by a tad, my favourite of the two ... but I also still loved this so I'm rating it a five because again I'll definitely be keeping this for future re-reads. Yay! Found myself another author to add to my favourites.
At times Ash comes across as being overly jealous and possessive with Daniel who isn't into the lifestyle but he does respond to Ash's dominant nature, and there are times when Ash does some really obtuse things that made me want to just get hold of him and shake him, one particular episode towards the end of the story made me really angry at him but then again Daniel is also keeping some things close to his chest so of course misunderstandings do occur between these two but that's what made the story so readable for me because I loved the push/pull dynamics between these two guys who I couldn't help becoming extremely drawn to, alongside another great dose of crackling sexual tension and sizzling chemistry...so it has just reinforced that Cardeno C sure can write white hot, sexy romantic stories that tick my boxes. I was just as grabbed by this as I was Emelio and Spencer's story which is completely different but have to say is still, by a tad, my favourite of the two ... but I also still loved this so I'm rating it a five because again I'll definitely be keeping this for future re-reads. Yay! Found myself another author to add to my favourites.
March 24, 2016
UPDATE: March 23, 2016
I thought I would re-read it. Don't ask what possessed me, because - BIG MISTAKE.
Re-rating it 1 star.
What I liked: Daniel, though he is so perfect, been everywhere, done everything, he cannot possibly be a real person, still he is adorable and I enjoyed reading about him.
Spoilers below:
What I didn't like:
- drunk law-enforcement pushovers,
- "great and awesome" doms who use subs to get themselves off and if the sub gets off too then, whaddayaknow, good for him,
- uncontrollable full-rage jealousy fits and verbal abuse,
- treating their sub as a piece of property. literally.
I was seriously afraid for Daniel several times, even though we were told that Ash was harmless. Ye-e-ep. Sure. He is a complete ass, and I had hard time believing that Daniel was drooling all over him - ugly personality and all.
Who made Asher a captain, anyway? The guy is dangerous and unstable and not very law-abiding - he literally gave Daniel away to be raped. That did it for me.
2 stars.
I thought I would re-read it. Don't ask what possessed me, because - BIG MISTAKE.
Re-rating it 1 star.
What I liked: Daniel, though he is so perfect, been everywhere, done everything, he cannot possibly be a real person, still he is adorable and I enjoyed reading about him.
Spoilers below:
What I didn't like:
- drunk law-enforcement pushovers,
- "great and awesome" doms who use subs to get themselves off and if the sub gets off too then, whaddayaknow, good for him,
- uncontrollable full-rage jealousy fits and verbal abuse,
- treating their sub as a piece of property. literally.
I was seriously afraid for Daniel several times, even though we were told that Ash was harmless. Ye-e-ep. Sure. He is a complete ass, and I had hard time believing that Daniel was drooling all over him - ugly personality and all.
Who made Asher a captain, anyway? The guy is dangerous and unstable and not very law-abiding - he literally gave Daniel away to be raped. That did it for me.
2 stars.
April 7, 2013
I'm not shelving this as BDSM, but it is one of the best stories involving BDSM I've ever read.
Ash is such a shitty ass I really did cry, but if there ever was a man who could handle falling in love with an ass, it's Danny.
February 19, 2013
You know when you turn the page of a book only to realize you just read the last page, but you wanted it to keep going because you loved the characters and their relationship and the story so much? That is this book for me.
So just a few notes on how much I loved this particular book, and why. It’s pretty well known in certain circles that I am a huge fan of this Cardeno C., and as such I feel I can make this next statement with a certainty. Something in the Way He Needs is a different kind of book for this author. Besides the heavy BDSM aspect, the relationship presented in this story is unique in itself. It works sort of in reverse – commitment then getting to know each other. It’s awkward and exciting and precious. It’s a new journey into the creation of a family made from scratch.
As an author, Cardeno C. understands people and emotional dynamics so very well – personalities, flaws, quirks, secrets – and brings each character to life. Asher and Daniel are wonderful examples. One of my favorite characteristics is Asher’s give-a-shit attitude. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks about him or the things he does. But his almost immediate attraction to Daniel changes that, because he cares about what Daniel thinks. Directionally-challenged, clumsy Daniel is lost. He needs to feel needed, to belong, a family to call his own. It takes a while and a journey of trust for him to realize that what he actually needs is Asher. Most of all, they need each other. Asher needs someone to take care of, and Daniel needs a keeper, whether either man wants to admit it or not. But in truth, they take care of each other.
The plot, the journey from strangers to acquaintances to lovers and beyond, is wonderfully written. Difficult lessons are learned by both characters. The relationship is not easy. They are both deeply flawed – Asher who has never had a relationship and Daniel who never sticks around anywhere long enough to find true love. They are quite the pair, but what I love the most is that it’s not simple. They have to work to trust one another. They make mistakes, big mistakes. They keep secrets. But they still fight for what they want. Their imperfections make this relationship perfect.
The characters are wonderfully written and developed perfectly, as always. The story and plot is spot on. I could hardly put the book down once I picked it up. This story is a fantastic journey to love, acceptance, trust, and of course, family. It’s a beautiful story – angsty and heartwarming at the same time. I recommend you read it, and hopefully you’ll find you love it as much as I do.
So just a few notes on how much I loved this particular book, and why. It’s pretty well known in certain circles that I am a huge fan of this Cardeno C., and as such I feel I can make this next statement with a certainty. Something in the Way He Needs is a different kind of book for this author. Besides the heavy BDSM aspect, the relationship presented in this story is unique in itself. It works sort of in reverse – commitment then getting to know each other. It’s awkward and exciting and precious. It’s a new journey into the creation of a family made from scratch.
As an author, Cardeno C. understands people and emotional dynamics so very well – personalities, flaws, quirks, secrets – and brings each character to life. Asher and Daniel are wonderful examples. One of my favorite characteristics is Asher’s give-a-shit attitude. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks about him or the things he does. But his almost immediate attraction to Daniel changes that, because he cares about what Daniel thinks. Directionally-challenged, clumsy Daniel is lost. He needs to feel needed, to belong, a family to call his own. It takes a while and a journey of trust for him to realize that what he actually needs is Asher. Most of all, they need each other. Asher needs someone to take care of, and Daniel needs a keeper, whether either man wants to admit it or not. But in truth, they take care of each other.
The plot, the journey from strangers to acquaintances to lovers and beyond, is wonderfully written. Difficult lessons are learned by both characters. The relationship is not easy. They are both deeply flawed – Asher who has never had a relationship and Daniel who never sticks around anywhere long enough to find true love. They are quite the pair, but what I love the most is that it’s not simple. They have to work to trust one another. They make mistakes, big mistakes. They keep secrets. But they still fight for what they want. Their imperfections make this relationship perfect.
The characters are wonderfully written and developed perfectly, as always. The story and plot is spot on. I could hardly put the book down once I picked it up. This story is a fantastic journey to love, acceptance, trust, and of course, family. It’s a beautiful story – angsty and heartwarming at the same time. I recommend you read it, and hopefully you’ll find you love it as much as I do.
September 3, 2013
Asher Penaz is not really so likeable. He is kind of arrogant, definitely controlling and not at all the hearts and flowers kind. He doesn't do relationships at all, just sex in which he is in control. He likes things just as they are and has no apologies to make to any one about this. It is his life after all and he likes it just like that!
Of course this all changes. One weekend in Vegas to celebrate the coming nuptials of his friend Oliver and ta da!!! Cracks appear in the indomitable wall of manhood that is Ash Penaz and this is because he meets Oliver's half-brother Daniel.
Daniel is lovely, a beautiful man, with nothing. No career, no job, no possessions just a duffel bag full of clothes but lots of kindness, optimism and a zest for life. Daniel is also rather clumsy, sometimes vulnerable and appears to warm to Ash immediately.
Ash with his interest in BDSM see Daniel's submissive side and that is it!! He moves Daniel in with him lock, stock and duffel bag and the two men develop a friendship and love for each other that is based on a discovery of each other.
Ash finds himself doing things that he would never have done before, soft things, things that make him human like sharing his space, compromises, and caring for another person from the depth of his heart. He begins to look forward to going home, to being in a relationship and to loving another person. Daniel continues to be Daniel in his own endearing way but he is forgiving, compassionate and trusting. Daniel also has hidden talents. He dances, does martial arts and has a simplicity of life that is a breath of fresh air to Ash.
I enjoyed this story and seeing the two men learn from each other , discovering things about each other and about themselves. This is a humorous story with great comical moments and very little angst. I am pleased that this is the first in a new series and will be moving onto book two immediately. So enjoyable to discover a new series that I like.
Of course this all changes. One weekend in Vegas to celebrate the coming nuptials of his friend Oliver and ta da!!! Cracks appear in the indomitable wall of manhood that is Ash Penaz and this is because he meets Oliver's half-brother Daniel.
Daniel is lovely, a beautiful man, with nothing. No career, no job, no possessions just a duffel bag full of clothes but lots of kindness, optimism and a zest for life. Daniel is also rather clumsy, sometimes vulnerable and appears to warm to Ash immediately.
Ash with his interest in BDSM see Daniel's submissive side and that is it!! He moves Daniel in with him lock, stock and duffel bag and the two men develop a friendship and love for each other that is based on a discovery of each other.
Ash finds himself doing things that he would never have done before, soft things, things that make him human like sharing his space, compromises, and caring for another person from the depth of his heart. He begins to look forward to going home, to being in a relationship and to loving another person. Daniel continues to be Daniel in his own endearing way but he is forgiving, compassionate and trusting. Daniel also has hidden talents. He dances, does martial arts and has a simplicity of life that is a breath of fresh air to Ash.
I enjoyed this story and seeing the two men learn from each other , discovering things about each other and about themselves. This is a humorous story with great comical moments and very little angst. I am pleased that this is the first in a new series and will be moving onto book two immediately. So enjoyable to discover a new series that I like.
February 10, 2013
This isn't your daddy's Cardeno!
Asher is a Dom who has temporary subs, but has never kept them for more than a night. Then this clumsy young man stumbles into his life and turns it upside down. Unfortunately Asher is going to make a lot of mistakes. Will he be able to give Daniel what he needs or will he lose it all?
Asher is a Dom who has temporary subs, but has never kept them for more than a night. Then this clumsy young man stumbles into his life and turns it upside down. Unfortunately Asher is going to make a lot of mistakes. Will he be able to give Daniel what he needs or will he lose it all?
November 29, 2016
No, no, no, and hell, no. Shades of Marty Stu, domestic violence that is written off as sort of okay, and a portrayal of BDSM that is insulting to anyone even remotely dabbling in kink...
Just no.
Just no.
January 16, 2016
Ezekiel Robison is a phenomenal narrator. He brought these characters to life for me. Seriously, he made these characters real for me. My heart pounded, my stomach churned, I waited with bated breath to see what would happen next...and this is all because of just how phenomenal a writer Cardeno C. is. The story is so vivid and realistic for me that I was constantly on the edge of my seat the whole time.
I was totally invested in these characters and this story. Even though I am at odds because I absolutely love and adore Daniel...and just as vehemently hate Asher.
I think Asher is a selfish, inconsiderate, insanely jealous and possessive alpha male (in the worst possible way) asshole who I kept hoping would redeem himself in some way, but who ultimately let me down time and time again. I won't deny I was disturbed by Asher's behavior. The jealous possessiveness and rage-filled outbursts really concerned me. Why I continued to read the story is because of Daniel. Daniel is a treat.
Even though almost every single time Asher does or says something horrible we are assured almost immediately how much Daniel loved it or was turned on by it I didn't buy it. It didn't work for me. I just kept thinking, "Run, Daniel! Run!"
Robison perfectly narrates the whole thing. He brilliantly conveys the growly tones of Asher and the softer, more subtle nuances of Daniel's character. His narration held my hand through the ups and downs. Eventually Asher and Daniel get their hard-won HEA, but I'll admit it's one of the only times I have actively wished for a different ending.
Audio copy of Something in the Way He Needs provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
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Original review:
2.5 Stars
I would have given a higher rating, but the last few chapters just made me crazy. And not in a good way.
Read 09/12/2014, 02/07/2015, 01/15/2016
February 12, 2013
5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Asher loves being in control, he loves having the power of being in charge; it suits him well in his job as a police captain and in his personal life as a Dom. But Asher doesn’t understand the overwhelming need and attraction he has to the bumbling, lighthearted Daniel who has no structure and no direction in life. Daniel lives his life flitting from one job to another, one city to the next and loves it, but in his heart he is looking for someone to belong to. The two men meet and sparks fly, they embark on a relationship that neither man really understands, and when the going gets tough will they be able to face it together or will uncertainly drive them apart?
God damn Cardeno C. when you decide to break the mould you do it in a unique and brilliant way. Asher loves being a Dom, he loves having the control of a subs pleasure, of giving them just what they need, but he has never met anyone that he has wanted for more than a night, until he meets Daniel. Daniel doesn’t have any real structure in his life, he flit’s from one thing to the next looking for some place that he really belongs, he enjoys life but is always searching, and he might have found what he is looking for in Asher.
This is a story that I never thought I would read, a Dom changing for his submissive, a Dom changing because he found something he never even knew he was looking for, but a Dom who nearly loses what means the most to him because of his own pig-headedness. Asher and Daniel are a fantastic couple, Daniel changes Asher without even realising it and Asher introduces Daniel to something he never knew he would like. There’s a lot of give and take with both men finding what they really need, but neither man are actively trying, they just naturally provide what the other needs, and whoo the sex is explosive. It isn’t all easy between them though, especially when Asher’s past rears its ugly head because of his insecurities, a simple touch of jealousy and lack of communication.
This is a story not to be missed if you love slight kink, a Dom who wakes up to his needs, a sweet man who likes a touch of dominance, a great story, brilliant characters and a very happy ending, I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Asher loves being in control, he loves having the power of being in charge; it suits him well in his job as a police captain and in his personal life as a Dom. But Asher doesn’t understand the overwhelming need and attraction he has to the bumbling, lighthearted Daniel who has no structure and no direction in life. Daniel lives his life flitting from one job to another, one city to the next and loves it, but in his heart he is looking for someone to belong to. The two men meet and sparks fly, they embark on a relationship that neither man really understands, and when the going gets tough will they be able to face it together or will uncertainly drive them apart?
God damn Cardeno C. when you decide to break the mould you do it in a unique and brilliant way. Asher loves being a Dom, he loves having the control of a subs pleasure, of giving them just what they need, but he has never met anyone that he has wanted for more than a night, until he meets Daniel. Daniel doesn’t have any real structure in his life, he flit’s from one thing to the next looking for some place that he really belongs, he enjoys life but is always searching, and he might have found what he is looking for in Asher.
This is a story that I never thought I would read, a Dom changing for his submissive, a Dom changing because he found something he never even knew he was looking for, but a Dom who nearly loses what means the most to him because of his own pig-headedness. Asher and Daniel are a fantastic couple, Daniel changes Asher without even realising it and Asher introduces Daniel to something he never knew he would like. There’s a lot of give and take with both men finding what they really need, but neither man are actively trying, they just naturally provide what the other needs, and whoo the sex is explosive. It isn’t all easy between them though, especially when Asher’s past rears its ugly head because of his insecurities, a simple touch of jealousy and lack of communication.
This is a story not to be missed if you love slight kink, a Dom who wakes up to his needs, a sweet man who likes a touch of dominance, a great story, brilliant characters and a very happy ending, I highly recommend this book to everyone.
November 30, 2013
This was the first book I have read by this author. I found it sweet, charming and simple. This was a light read I needed after my last book. I loved the characters and the little bit of angst. Asher is a police captain and a Dom, spending the weekend in Vegas with his best buddy to celebrate upcoming wedding. He watches a cute, often clumsy guy in the hotel lobby and is compelled to follow him. Ash is immediately attracted and fascinated by this guy and can’t really figure out why.
Now Ash I found myself chuckling at him at times. He seemed to go through the entire story surprised and shocked by his own reactions and feelings for Daniel. Big bad Dom found himself being tender, caring and sweet. But then there those times I just wanted to hit Ash on the side of his head, hard!
Daniel is an guy who appears often lost, scattered and clumsy, but he is also sweet and people are immediately drawn to him. What you learn as the story progresses is Daniel is deeper then he appears, he also seems to be good at whatever he tries. And while i loved Daniel, i wanted to know more about him. Particularly, why he grew to love Ash so much. After spending most of his adult life drifting and from one interest to another, one person to another I never understood what was different with Ash? I guess what I really missed was a little more depth to the story. Don’t get me wrong i enjoyed quite a bit. But throughout the story I was waiting for “more”.
Like I said at the beginning, this was my first book by the author and I was quite impressed. I will definitely be reading more. Great big thanks to Macky for encouraging me!
Now Ash I found myself chuckling at him at times. He seemed to go through the entire story surprised and shocked by his own reactions and feelings for Daniel. Big bad Dom found himself being tender, caring and sweet. But then there those times I just wanted to hit Ash on the side of his head, hard!
Daniel is an guy who appears often lost, scattered and clumsy, but he is also sweet and people are immediately drawn to him. What you learn as the story progresses is Daniel is deeper then he appears, he also seems to be good at whatever he tries. And while i loved Daniel, i wanted to know more about him. Particularly, why he grew to love Ash so much. After spending most of his adult life drifting and from one interest to another, one person to another I never understood what was different with Ash? I guess what I really missed was a little more depth to the story. Don’t get me wrong i enjoyed quite a bit. But throughout the story I was waiting for “more”.
Like I said at the beginning, this was my first book by the author and I was quite impressed. I will definitely be reading more. Great big thanks to Macky for encouraging me!
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