Review: Something in the Way He Needs by Cardeno C.

Title: Something in the Way He Needs by Cadeno C.
Family Series Book One
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, M/M
Length: 220 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

A Book in the Family Series

Police captain Asher Penaz’s staunch professionalism bleeds into his home life, down to his neatly pressed attire and spartan apartment. He enjoys being the man in charge, and leather bars satisfy his need for dominance—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, so Asher invites Daniel home. As both men struggle to learn themselves while getting to know each other, the lines of desire and control blur. With all that fire comes the risk of getting burned. But if Daniel and Asher can walk through the flames together, they might find what they desperately need.

The Review:

Something in the Way He Needs by Cadeno C. is a very sexy romance between two men who fit like the pieces of a puzzle. But as Asher Penaz and Daniel Tover discover, the pieces must be twisted and turned a few times before finding the perfect fit.

Asher Penaz is a total Dom who has complete control over every area of his life. He is comfortable in his skin and with his sexuality, and he does not do relationships. So imagine his surprise when he is instantly attracted to the gorgeous, bumbling and rather directionless Daniel Tover. The Dom in Asher recognizes the submissive in Daniel and although Asher is fully aware that Daniel is not into the heavy kink that Asher enjoys, Daniel does enjoy Asher’s possessiveness and eagerly responds to his verbal commands.

What I really liked about Asher is that even though he is clearly uncomfortable with his feelings for Daniel, he does not fight them. He eagerly jumps right into a relationship with Daniel even though he is very conflicted about the new emotions and jealousy that he is experiencing. He is surprisingly receptive to the unexpected changes that Daniel brings to his life. But jealousy soon rears its ugly head and some of Asher’s actions soon threaten to destroy their relationship.

I absolutely adored Daniel. Daniel has lead a very interesting life moving from place to place depending on his career at the time. Unlike Asher, Daniel has been involved in several relationships and he is so open and friendly that everyone naturally gravitates to him. Asher pushes Daniel’s boundaries and when he oversteps them, Daniel is quick to forgive but he is also quite adamant that he will not tolerate Asher’s behavior.

Asher and Daniel are such opposites that I had serious doubts about their ability to make a relationship work between them. But much to my complete and utter delight, their differences perfectly complement one another and Cardeno C. does a beautiful job realistically building their relationship over several months. The issues facing them are never glossed over and with a few exceptions, they deal with their problems head on with little angst or recrimination.

While Asher is a pretty hardcore Dom, BDSM and D/s are really not part of their relationship. What little play there is limited to a very light spanking scene and mostly verbal control of Daniel by Asher. Asher’s involvement in the lifestyle is hinted at and very few details are revealed.

Something in the Way He Needs is the first novel I have read by Cardeno C., and it certainly won’t be my last. The character development is superb and the plot is unique and extremely well-executed. The sex scenes are exquisitely erotic, varied and plentiful. The conflict between Asher and Daniel is believable and I like really like how this part of the storyline contributed to the growth of Asher’s character.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys contemporary male/male romances. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of the Family series.

1 Comment

Filed under Cardeno C, Contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, Family Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Something in the Way He Needs

One Response to Review: Something in the Way He Needs by Cardeno C.

  1. Timitra

    Ooooh this sounds really good!