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A Shot at Forgiveness
Sometimes to find love, you must first learn forgiveness.
A dozen years, two thousand miles, and a law degree after high school, Rafi Steiner continues to harbor resentment toward Isaac Jones, his childhood bully turned NBA star. When Isaac appears at Rafi's favorite restaurant acting like a long-lost friend, Rafi bluntly dismisses him.
But Isaac is tenacious and he has his heart set on the grown-up version of the boy he always wanted and never forgot. The way Isaac sees it, he and Rafi are perfect for each other, if only he could sink the most important shot of his life: his one shot at forgiveness.
Word Count: 17,536
A dozen years, two thousand miles, and a law degree after high school, Rafi Steiner continues to harbor resentment toward Isaac Jones, his childhood bully turned NBA star. When Isaac appears at Rafi's favorite restaurant acting like a long-lost friend, Rafi bluntly dismisses him.
But Isaac is tenacious and he has his heart set on the grown-up version of the boy he always wanted and never forgot. The way Isaac sees it, he and Rafi are perfect for each other, if only he could sink the most important shot of his life: his one shot at forgiveness.
Word Count: 17,536
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2013
66 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Cardeno C.
58 books2,376 followersCardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...
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Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
June 16, 2015
Boy, did I pick the wrong book to start off my week of Cardeno C.! This pushed every one of my "NO" buttons.
I was so excited to see that this book was being republished, especially after seeing some mixed reviews from the first edition. Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite themes, especially when the two were high school bullies/bullied. I just LOVE when a person who bullied someone has to grovel for forgiveness and prove themselves, even more when the person was closeted to begin with.
It turns out, I was in for a whole lot of disappointment.
There was no grovelling to be found. Isaac barely apologizes and suddenly all those years of torment fade away from Rafi's consciousness. I was indignant on his behalf!! Hell, I don't forgive nearly that easily. I would need begging, pleading... lots and lots of SOMETHING.
But that is just the tip of the iceberg. And it was one big, fat psycho iceberg.
Isaac legit stalks Rafi. Like sneaks into his apartment uninvited, follows him home, moves across the country for him kind of stalking. I was sort of terrified for Rafi. When Isaac described watching Rafi through the window flirting with someone else and said that he wanted to break through the window and punch the guy, I was ready to call 911.
Run, Rafi, run!!
I really wanted to love this but the instalove, the stalking, and the quick change from enemy-to-lover without so much as a fight, and the "trust me, I'm clean" sex after only a day together just killed it for me. I'm hoping my next CC book is better.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
I was so excited to see that this book was being republished, especially after seeing some mixed reviews from the first edition. Enemies-to-lovers is one of my favorite themes, especially when the two were high school bullies/bullied. I just LOVE when a person who bullied someone has to grovel for forgiveness and prove themselves, even more when the person was closeted to begin with.
It turns out, I was in for a whole lot of disappointment.
There was no grovelling to be found. Isaac barely apologizes and suddenly all those years of torment fade away from Rafi's consciousness. I was indignant on his behalf!! Hell, I don't forgive nearly that easily. I would need begging, pleading... lots and lots of SOMETHING.
But that is just the tip of the iceberg. And it was one big, fat psycho iceberg.
Isaac legit stalks Rafi. Like sneaks into his apartment uninvited, follows him home, moves across the country for him kind of stalking. I was sort of terrified for Rafi. When Isaac described watching Rafi through the window flirting with someone else and said that he wanted to break through the window and punch the guy, I was ready to call 911.
Run, Rafi, run!!
I really wanted to love this but the instalove, the stalking, and the quick change from enemy-to-lover without so much as a fight, and the "trust me, I'm clean" sex after only a day together just killed it for me. I'm hoping my next CC book is better.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
June 6, 2013
I'm going to rant a bit and be very spoilerish so read at your own risk. :)
Rafi had a difficult time in school, now not learning, since he's a lawyer I'm guessing that part went well, no he was bullied and tormented all through school.
Name calling, stuffed in lockers, teased..you know the usual. :(
One of the guys in on making his life unpleasant was Isaac, a popular athlete, who is now a professional ball player.
Ok, that's the set up, now, Isaac has been keeping tabs on Rafi all these years because he loves him, yes ladies and gentlemen, the only reason he was so ugly to Rafi was because of all these feelings Rafi brought out in Isaac.
Since he didn't know what to do with them he was a bully to Rafi. Now to make him a guy we want to end up with Rafi, the book has him remembering the times that Isaac was nice and helpful to him. Yes, helped him empty the trash and picked him up when he fell, yes yes, I'm a pile of mush! ( NOT!)
Add to that Isaac is a stalker, no really he is, he hangs out outside Rafi's building watching him, changes teams to move near him ( hasn't talked to Rafi yet at this point, but hey, it's love, so that's ok. ) He knows where he works, where he lives, what he likes to eat...it's creepy.
He follows him into his house, and when he's asked to leave he uses the code to come back in while Rafi is in the shower...and thinks it's perfectly normal to 'steal' the code and use it at will to come and go in someone else's house..
He's also jealous and domineering, I don't care that Rafi finds it hot, it's not. Rafi also didn't change his code and thinks it's all wonderful and special how much Isaac loves him and how he looks at him.
I don't mind the insta-love, not at all, but Isaac and Rafi ..well on the other hand if Rafi thinks that's all appropriate and desirable behavior then he deserves Isaac, cause you know, who wants to be asked about anything, when you can just have your boyfriend tell you how it's gonna be.
So, while I can see people thinking this is all mushy and sweet, and second chances...and all that.. I don't. It left me feeling icky and I'm giving it 2* because the cover is cute and the author wrote one of my all time favorites...and I'm feeling generous.
Rafi had a difficult time in school, now not learning, since he's a lawyer I'm guessing that part went well, no he was bullied and tormented all through school.
Name calling, stuffed in lockers, teased..you know the usual. :(
One of the guys in on making his life unpleasant was Isaac, a popular athlete, who is now a professional ball player.
Ok, that's the set up, now, Isaac has been keeping tabs on Rafi all these years because he loves him, yes ladies and gentlemen, the only reason he was so ugly to Rafi was because of all these feelings Rafi brought out in Isaac.
Since he didn't know what to do with them he was a bully to Rafi. Now to make him a guy we want to end up with Rafi, the book has him remembering the times that Isaac was nice and helpful to him. Yes, helped him empty the trash and picked him up when he fell, yes yes, I'm a pile of mush! ( NOT!)
Add to that Isaac is a stalker, no really he is, he hangs out outside Rafi's building watching him, changes teams to move near him ( hasn't talked to Rafi yet at this point, but hey, it's love, so that's ok. ) He knows where he works, where he lives, what he likes to eat...it's creepy.
He follows him into his house, and when he's asked to leave he uses the code to come back in while Rafi is in the shower...and thinks it's perfectly normal to 'steal' the code and use it at will to come and go in someone else's house..
He's also jealous and domineering, I don't care that Rafi finds it hot, it's not. Rafi also didn't change his code and thinks it's all wonderful and special how much Isaac loves him and how he looks at him.
I don't mind the insta-love, not at all, but Isaac and Rafi ..well on the other hand if Rafi thinks that's all appropriate and desirable behavior then he deserves Isaac, cause you know, who wants to be asked about anything, when you can just have your boyfriend tell you how it's gonna be.
So, while I can see people thinking this is all mushy and sweet, and second chances...and all that.. I don't. It left me feeling icky and I'm giving it 2* because the cover is cute and the author wrote one of my all time favorites...and I'm feeling generous.
June 10, 2015
~3.5~
I am unabashedly a huge Cardeno C fan. I adore the blend of naughty and sweet that's the trademark of a CC novel.
That being said, I understand why this novella has such mixed reviews. The people who liked it praised the sauciness and humour, and those who didn't focused on the bullying/pseudo-stalking aspect, which undoubtedly plays a big role in the plot.
I'm torn. On the one hand, I wanted Isaac to apologize much more than he did for his high school torment of Rafi. No, not just apologize but GROVEL.
And Rafi needed to grow a backbone and really talk about his past hurts with Isaac vs. being mesmerized by Isaac's six-pack and huge cock.
Not that I blame him, because, well ...
huge cock
Plus:
I'm a bit of a slut for growly, possessive men and multicultural relationships and rimming and steamy, raw shower sex and glowing HEAs with rainbows and puppies.
A Shot at Forgiveness is pure CC: racy and yet so damn adorbs.
Nobody does FLUFFY-DIRTY like CC!
NOBODY.
So I chose to put my fiction blinders on and enjoy the ride.
P.S. Hot new cover is HOT!
I am unabashedly a huge Cardeno C fan. I adore the blend of naughty and sweet that's the trademark of a CC novel.
That being said, I understand why this novella has such mixed reviews. The people who liked it praised the sauciness and humour, and those who didn't focused on the bullying/pseudo-stalking aspect, which undoubtedly plays a big role in the plot.
I'm torn. On the one hand, I wanted Isaac to apologize much more than he did for his high school torment of Rafi. No, not just apologize but GROVEL.
And Rafi needed to grow a backbone and really talk about his past hurts with Isaac vs. being mesmerized by Isaac's six-pack and huge cock.
Not that I blame him, because, well ...
huge cock
Plus:
I'm a bit of a slut for growly, possessive men and multicultural relationships and rimming and steamy, raw shower sex and glowing HEAs with rainbows and puppies.
A Shot at Forgiveness is pure CC: racy and yet so damn adorbs.
Nobody does FLUFFY-DIRTY like CC!
NOBODY.
So I chose to put my fiction blinders on and enjoy the ride.
P.S. Hot new cover is HOT!
August 4, 2016
3.75 HEARTS--Okay, now I can see the appeal of this author.
As my second Cardeno C, it went a lot better than expected.
Maybe I needed to listen rather than read? This narrator Robert M. Clark did a really great job.
Or maybe it was the stalking and possessiveness a la crazytrain territory?
Don't judge. ;P
I have a weakness for those types in romance. (Do not condone it in real life)
And this was all subtle crazytrain: Level 4 or 5 from a certain basketball player hero. Nothing outrageous compared to threatening to kill their beloved if they ever left them. Just stalking and a little B & E (breaking and entering).
Present day Rafi is a real estate lawyer, with great friends and a good life. It was better than twelve years ago in high school, where he was bullied by basketball player Isaac Jones. He's over that...until he gets a blast from the past on an outing with friends from his childhood tormentor. Isaac is still as good looking as in high school, currently a NBA player, rich and shouldn't even be in Rafi's town, since Isaac plays 2000 miles away.
Isaac acts as if he and Rafi are friends and slowly yet firmly inserts himself into Rafi's life.
The tall, dark and handsome NBA player is straight to public. But his pursuit of Rafi says otherwise. Be damned of Rafi's feelings since he was bullied for years due to the other man.
Highly improbable. Isaac just shows up after 12 years and stalks Rafi for months and just assumes they'll be forever together?
Definitely illogical. Rafi was hurt. He is still hurt. Those feelings are deeply etched into his psyche. His bully breaks into his house, woos him into submission and doesn't fully explain himself...but he trusts him?
This is madness.
It's crazy.
And yet...it worked.
Rafi is the narrator of the story. Robert M. Clark did justice to his snark and the overall tone. The story doesn't make excuses for his feelings. Isaac is just crazy in love. It takes a while (we're talking days) but Rafi sees the Isaac Jones crazy light and loves being 'dominated' by the man.
Thank goodness this was short, I'm unsure how I'd feel with a novel of this. Normally, this kind of stuff in paranormal works for me. But I've read this author's paranormal and it didn't click.
A Shot of Forgiveness? I ate it up. Or I should say I was captivated enough to finish this audiobook in one sitting.
The sex was hot - these two couldn't get enough of each other once the boxers were pulled down. I guess that touch of cray did wonders for the libido. I guess B & E works like a box chocolates in Cardeno C's romancelandia. Whatever...it worked for these two.
Would read this and listen to this again.
I kind of wish Isaac was a little more accountable with his B & E, and stalking. His motivation doesn't justify his actions. No hint of remorse, it was just supposed to be accepted. Rafi protested a little but once the D entered the picture...so did the protests.
Other than that, I was entertained.
A copy provided for an honest review.
As my second Cardeno C, it went a lot better than expected.
Maybe I needed to listen rather than read? This narrator Robert M. Clark did a really great job.
Or maybe it was the stalking and possessiveness a la crazytrain territory?
Don't judge. ;P
I have a weakness for those types in romance. (Do not condone it in real life)
And this was all subtle crazytrain: Level 4 or 5 from a certain basketball player hero. Nothing outrageous compared to threatening to kill their beloved if they ever left them. Just stalking and a little B & E (breaking and entering).
Present day Rafi is a real estate lawyer, with great friends and a good life. It was better than twelve years ago in high school, where he was bullied by basketball player Isaac Jones. He's over that...until he gets a blast from the past on an outing with friends from his childhood tormentor. Isaac is still as good looking as in high school, currently a NBA player, rich and shouldn't even be in Rafi's town, since Isaac plays 2000 miles away.
Isaac acts as if he and Rafi are friends and slowly yet firmly inserts himself into Rafi's life.
The tall, dark and handsome NBA player is straight to public. But his pursuit of Rafi says otherwise. Be damned of Rafi's feelings since he was bullied for years due to the other man.
Highly improbable. Isaac just shows up after 12 years and stalks Rafi for months and just assumes they'll be forever together?
Definitely illogical. Rafi was hurt. He is still hurt. Those feelings are deeply etched into his psyche. His bully breaks into his house, woos him into submission and doesn't fully explain himself...but he trusts him?
This is madness.
It's crazy.
And yet...it worked.
Rafi is the narrator of the story. Robert M. Clark did justice to his snark and the overall tone. The story doesn't make excuses for his feelings. Isaac is just crazy in love. It takes a while (we're talking days) but Rafi sees the Isaac Jones crazy light and loves being 'dominated' by the man.
Thank goodness this was short, I'm unsure how I'd feel with a novel of this. Normally, this kind of stuff in paranormal works for me. But I've read this author's paranormal and it didn't click.
A Shot of Forgiveness? I ate it up. Or I should say I was captivated enough to finish this audiobook in one sitting.
The sex was hot - these two couldn't get enough of each other once the boxers were pulled down. I guess that touch of cray did wonders for the libido. I guess B & E works like a box chocolates in Cardeno C's romancelandia. Whatever...it worked for these two.
Would read this and listen to this again.
I kind of wish Isaac was a little more accountable with his B & E, and stalking. His motivation doesn't justify his actions. No hint of remorse, it was just supposed to be accepted. Rafi protested a little but once the D entered the picture...so did the protests.
Other than that, I was entertained.
A copy provided for an honest review.
January 9, 2018
3.5 stars
I don't know why I keep reading short stories. I'm never ready for them to end when they do and this book was no exception. Especially considering this book was about forgiving a past bully.
Not only did Rafi forgive Isaac way to quickly, but he was even willing to let Isaac keep their relationship a secret so that his basketball career wouldn't suffer. Isaac says no to that, but still, I didn't like that Rafi was willing to make that sacrifice for someone who spent years bullying him.
Given the subject matter, this should have been a full length novel with a lot more relationship development.
I don't know why I keep reading short stories. I'm never ready for them to end when they do and this book was no exception. Especially considering this book was about forgiving a past bully.
Not only did Rafi forgive Isaac way to quickly, but he was even willing to let Isaac keep their relationship a secret so that his basketball career wouldn't suffer. Isaac says no to that, but still, I didn't like that Rafi was willing to make that sacrifice for someone who spent years bullying him.
Given the subject matter, this should have been a full length novel with a lot more relationship development.
October 10, 2014
Stalker, creeper, personality disorder, and insta love. Yeah no.
August 14, 2013
There are so many things wrong with this novella that I don't even know where to begin. I'm speechless with the depth of the problems in this story. First, if you're going to write an enemies-to-lovers story based on the fact that Character A bullied Character B in high school, you probably shouldn't have them fucking within 15 minutes of the story's start. Second, if they are going to screw that fast, that first scene should be hate sex, not a Hallmark-lite (isn't that a wonder?) scene of tenderness. Third, don't try to redeem the bully by recalling all of the sweet things he also did in high school. Make the bully confront his viciousness honestly and directly; make him apologize sincerely; if possible, make him atone; and for goodness sake, don't forgive him at the speed of light!
Fourth, if the bully was always gay (as we are told he was), it might be nice if his behavior made it clear that he was always gay; instead, we get treated to something that feels almost like he was simply gay for the other character. Perhaps that wasn't the author's intention, but it would have been nice to know whether or not he had been with other men in the intervening years so that we could know that yes, in fact, the idiot was gay, and not just creepily obsessed with the other MC. Fifth, if you're going to write a black character, please refrain from stereotypical verbal tics like having him call his love interest, "Boo." A.) It's dumb. B.) That endearment has gone the way of the dodo bird. C.) It sounds like the writer saw one black movie in the '90s, heard the term and thought it was cute, and couldn't let it go (just like the character!). Sixth, the former bully should actually be a former bully, and shouldn't get away with stalker behavior like memorizing the apartment door's entry code and using it to enter at will so that he can have dinner waiting (isn't that sweet? No!). Moreover, he shouldn't be allowed to just take over the other MC's life with pronouncements like, "You're going to attend this work dinner with me because that's what the wives do," and "We're going to move in together," etc., without discussing those kinds of things first. (Don't get me started on the initial comparison to "the wives.") Otherwise, he's not just a stalker; he's also an openly gay adult bully who happens to be screwing the person who was always the object of his obsession. Seventh, if you're going to tackle an NBA star -- the MVP, no less -- coming out, you might want to be something more than brush-off casual about it. Does one honestly think, "Eh, in the post-Jason Collins world, it's no big deal?" Um, yeah. It actually kind of is. If LeBron James came out as gay, it would rock the game. People would learn to deal, but it would be enormous.
I'm often intrigued by the bully-turned-lover plot. Call me a sucker. I'll admit it. The plot can work, though, if done right. Check out Falling Off the Face of the Earth -- though it was too light on romance, as a story, it was great. This one, though, was a hot mess.
Fourth, if the bully was always gay (as we are told he was), it might be nice if his behavior made it clear that he was always gay; instead, we get treated to something that feels almost like he was simply gay for the other character. Perhaps that wasn't the author's intention, but it would have been nice to know whether or not he had been with other men in the intervening years so that we could know that yes, in fact, the idiot was gay, and not just creepily obsessed with the other MC. Fifth, if you're going to write a black character, please refrain from stereotypical verbal tics like having him call his love interest, "Boo." A.) It's dumb. B.) That endearment has gone the way of the dodo bird. C.) It sounds like the writer saw one black movie in the '90s, heard the term and thought it was cute, and couldn't let it go (just like the character!). Sixth, the former bully should actually be a former bully, and shouldn't get away with stalker behavior like memorizing the apartment door's entry code and using it to enter at will so that he can have dinner waiting (isn't that sweet? No!). Moreover, he shouldn't be allowed to just take over the other MC's life with pronouncements like, "You're going to attend this work dinner with me because that's what the wives do," and "We're going to move in together," etc., without discussing those kinds of things first. (Don't get me started on the initial comparison to "the wives.") Otherwise, he's not just a stalker; he's also an openly gay adult bully who happens to be screwing the person who was always the object of his obsession. Seventh, if you're going to tackle an NBA star -- the MVP, no less -- coming out, you might want to be something more than brush-off casual about it. Does one honestly think, "Eh, in the post-Jason Collins world, it's no big deal?" Um, yeah. It actually kind of is. If LeBron James came out as gay, it would rock the game. People would learn to deal, but it would be enormous.
I'm often intrigued by the bully-turned-lover plot. Call me a sucker. I'll admit it. The plot can work, though, if done right. Check out Falling Off the Face of the Earth -- though it was too light on romance, as a story, it was great. This one, though, was a hot mess.
March 25, 2018
3,5 Stars!
The "bully is crazily in love with his victim" trope is my favorite one to read about and although this book wasn't big on describing the bullying, the consequences of such hideous actions or the groveling that someone has to go through in order to have a chance at forgiveness, I still loved it big time.
A Shot at Forgiveness is a very good example of a sexy, short and undeniably sweet m/m romance that melts your heart and that's just great. Not everything needs to be gloom and heavy, or serious. It does an excellent job of bringing the characters together and puts a smile on the reader's face. What more can you ask for from a cute insta-love novella?
From my point of view, some people who were offended -and they had their own good reasons to be, e.g. personal experiences- took it solemnly into their hearts without taking into consideration one thing. It's just a fluffy story that uses a trope as a way to put the characters together right from the start, sharing a tumultuous past that brings a needed conflict to the mix and nothing more than that. The book is not an exposé, nor a chronicle not even biographical, only a cute, hot story.
Now about the rest, I liked sassy Rafi and how well adjusted he was, I liked how he made Isaac nervous and jealous and loved the nice and easy HEA. It's not poorly written or badly edited and that's a huge plus for me although yes, I admit it, I wanted some serious groveling too. As for the stalking? Yeah, I'll go with the Dobler/Dahmer theory on this one.
MISCHELENIOUS THOUGHTS AND HIGHLIGHTS ✎
♛ I wanted some more.
♛ I loved how Rafi dismissed Isaac completely in the first scene.
♛ A chapter from Isaac's POV would have been nice, but it's probably an overkill for the genre this book belongs to.
The "bully is crazily in love with his victim" trope is my favorite one to read about and although this book wasn't big on describing the bullying, the consequences of such hideous actions or the groveling that someone has to go through in order to have a chance at forgiveness, I still loved it big time.
A Shot at Forgiveness is a very good example of a sexy, short and undeniably sweet m/m romance that melts your heart and that's just great. Not everything needs to be gloom and heavy, or serious. It does an excellent job of bringing the characters together and puts a smile on the reader's face. What more can you ask for from a cute insta-love novella?
From my point of view, some people who were offended -and they had their own good reasons to be, e.g. personal experiences- took it solemnly into their hearts without taking into consideration one thing. It's just a fluffy story that uses a trope as a way to put the characters together right from the start, sharing a tumultuous past that brings a needed conflict to the mix and nothing more than that. The book is not an exposé, nor a chronicle not even biographical, only a cute, hot story.
Now about the rest, I liked sassy Rafi and how well adjusted he was, I liked how he made Isaac nervous and jealous and loved the nice and easy HEA. It's not poorly written or badly edited and that's a huge plus for me although yes, I admit it, I wanted some serious groveling too. As for the stalking? Yeah, I'll go with the Dobler/Dahmer theory on this one.
MISCHELENIOUS THOUGHTS AND HIGHLIGHTS ✎
♛ I wanted some more.
♛ I loved how Rafi dismissed Isaac completely in the first scene.
♛ A chapter from Isaac's POV would have been nice, but it's probably an overkill for the genre this book belongs to.
June 13, 2013
No, no, no, no this story is just wrong. After years of verbal and mental abuse an intelligent lawyer like Rafi jumps into bed with the man who made his life miserable? Way to fast, to convenient and plain stupid no matter what Isaac says about the past or who he has become. I think Cardeno C. is a terrific author but this story carried reality and sensibility right over the cliff for me.
June 16, 2015
4.5 stars!
March 4, 2025
3.5⭐
Isaac and Rafi are nuts, but I like them. 😄
🔵 Ex childhood bully who is hopelessly in love since kindergarten / a lawyer with freckles and an affinity for jealous, possessive men
🟢 Both gay
🟡 Both 30 years old
🟣 Size difference (NBA player vs twink)
🌶️ Hot sex; passionate, quick, rough; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b
The short novella is entertaining and funny, it's light and gives you a really sweet, quite emotional story of Rafi, who was bullied his whole childhood, elementary and high school by Isaac, who was the school's top athlete, the biggest, bulkiest guy in the room and a complete asshole towards Rafi, but the guy couldn't help it, he was in love.
12 years later Isaac stalks Rafi and tracks him down, goes to the bar where he's at with his friends to ask him out, then he goes to his house to take him to dinner, then he invites himself into his home, because he memorized his entry code, so Isaac's breaking all kinds of boundaries, but Rafi kind of doesn't care, because
“Then we’re good,” Isaac answered with a chuckle. “Because I don’t share. But since it’s just the two of us, the code can stay and I can keep hiding my jealous side.”
It was possible that I had just a bit of a thing for possessive men, domineering even, because the way he was talking, like he had a right to decide whether I could see someone else, like he already owned me, took my breath away.
“Jealous?” I choked out, sounding strained. Okay, so maybe it was more than just a bit of a thing."
I will say what brought down my rating was the way Isaac quickly jumped to his knees when he wanted to show Rafi how serious he was about him. That was a bit desperate. And not in a good way. I wanted Isaac to still hold back a bit, he was shaking and really wanting it all, so that part was a bit cheap in this context, it wasn't a good choice for Isaac to make that move. It would've been better if they'd just kissed first.
Other than that, Isaac's character was really good. Interesting. I liked him a lot.
When they talked about getting a house and a dog, I mean yeah, it was believable. They've known each other for an eternity, they loved each other, so it only made sense.
I would've liked an epilogue though. Kind of an abrupt ending with plenty of things still up in the air (I wanted to experience that business dinner with them, they were going to be officially out as a couple) and no epilogue, so...
Why isn't this a full-length book??
Isaac and Rafi are nuts, but I like them. 😄
🔵 Ex childhood bully who is hopelessly in love since kindergarten / a lawyer with freckles and an affinity for jealous, possessive men
🟢 Both gay
🟡 Both 30 years old
🟣 Size difference (NBA player vs twink)
🌶️ Hot sex; passionate, quick, rough; rimming, oral, penetrative; t/b
The short novella is entertaining and funny, it's light and gives you a really sweet, quite emotional story of Rafi, who was bullied his whole childhood, elementary and high school by Isaac, who was the school's top athlete, the biggest, bulkiest guy in the room and a complete asshole towards Rafi, but the guy couldn't help it, he was in love.
12 years later Isaac stalks Rafi and tracks him down, goes to the bar where he's at with his friends to ask him out, then he goes to his house to take him to dinner, then he invites himself into his home, because he memorized his entry code, so Isaac's breaking all kinds of boundaries, but Rafi kind of doesn't care, because
“Then we’re good,” Isaac answered with a chuckle. “Because I don’t share. But since it’s just the two of us, the code can stay and I can keep hiding my jealous side.”
It was possible that I had just a bit of a thing for possessive men, domineering even, because the way he was talking, like he had a right to decide whether I could see someone else, like he already owned me, took my breath away.
“Jealous?” I choked out, sounding strained. Okay, so maybe it was more than just a bit of a thing."
I will say what brought down my rating was the way Isaac quickly jumped to his knees when he wanted to show Rafi how serious he was about him. That was a bit desperate. And not in a good way. I wanted Isaac to still hold back a bit, he was shaking and really wanting it all, so that part was a bit cheap in this context, it wasn't a good choice for Isaac to make that move. It would've been better if they'd just kissed first.
Other than that, Isaac's character was really good. Interesting. I liked him a lot.
When they talked about getting a house and a dog, I mean yeah, it was believable. They've known each other for an eternity, they loved each other, so it only made sense.
I would've liked an epilogue though. Kind of an abrupt ending with plenty of things still up in the air (I wanted to experience that business dinner with them, they were going to be officially out as a couple) and no epilogue, so...
Why isn't this a full-length book??
June 1, 2013
This is a sort of insta-love wish-fulfillment fairy tale, wherein our slender, geeky hero is swept off his feet by his childhood bully, a 6'7" NBA star. (The bullying is brushed aside with an "Oh, sorry.") I know there's only so much you can fit into a short story like this, but it seemed very rushed, and the relationship was weirdly stalkerish and possessive. Maybe we weren't supposed to take it that seriously? Either way, it didn't sit right with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 5, 2013ZERO stars. Let me start with a background note -- under no circumstances will I ever positively review a book that attempts to glorify or justify the actions of a bully. Never! I was a victim throughout my junior high and high school years, and there is no amount of empathy that I can generate for an aggressor to find them to be a sympathetic character. Ok . . . With that out of the way, let me say that I normally love Cardeno C's stories. But this story was just plain stupid and I simply hated it. I know those are harsh words, but let's break down this story and see if you may agree with me:
1. Rafi was abused by Isaac all throughout his formative years in school. (Isaac realizes now that he abused Rafi because he took out his own closeted homosexuality on Rafi. That's an excuse for abuse?!? No, thank you. Terrible job by the author, just terrible.).
2. Rafi was the target of Isaac's taunting and physically being locked in lockers all through school. It is so bad that Rafi needs to go for psychological counseling to get over the grief caused by Isaac.
3. Isaac becomes a world famous basketball player who has not seen Rafi in more than a dozen years.
4. Isaac begins to stalk Rafi for no well-articulated reason.
5. Rafi has significant (and appropriate) venom and hatred in his head against the man who tormented him all through school.
6. Out of nowhere, Isaac shows up at Rafi's apartment (again raising the stalker image). Isaac gets thrown out, and then breaks back into the house while Rafi is taking a shower.
7. Rather than protecting himself from his tormentor, Rafi decides that it is ok to let the tormentor f*ck him over and over.
8. Even if there was some justification for having the tormentor f*ck Rafi (I.e. Stockholm syndrome), there is no justification to let the asshole stay overnight in your house and in your bed.
9. And even worse, let the stalker asshole stay in your house while you leave to go to work! All of this happens the second day that Isaac comes into Rafi's home town.
10. Oh, and by the way, unprotected sex on the second day that they are together. Not even a discussion about it. The aggressor takes his unprotected cock and impales the victim when he is in the shower.
There are so many things wrong with the set up for this story. For anyone who was ever bullied in junior high school or high school, you are scarred for life by that action. No amount of "I'm sorries" would ever justify allowing a bully back into your life, unless you think you deserve to be a battered person and have "battered wife" syndrome. There is no way in hell that anyone who is bullied would ever let their tormentor back into their life, unless it is to have him arrested and strung up by his nuts so he dies a slow miserable death. Even thinking backs to times of abuse can dredge up extremely painful memories, and can do unimaginable damage to the psyche. But, Cardeno C decides "what the hell . . . Let's just ignore he fact that coming face-to-face with someone who bullied you could f*ck you up for the rest of your life."
Sorry, I cannot forgive such a ridiculous, uneducated, cavalier attitude. This is a terrible book; the premise is not sustainable. If you want to write about a high school jock falling in love with a high school nerd years after they graduate, fine, then write that book. But, the story that's presented is akin to writing a love story between a child abuse victim and their tormentor.
The only redeeming factor about this book is that it is mercifully only 60 pages long. I cannot recommend this book at all. Zero stars. Period.
1. Rafi was abused by Isaac all throughout his formative years in school. (Isaac realizes now that he abused Rafi because he took out his own closeted homosexuality on Rafi. That's an excuse for abuse?!? No, thank you. Terrible job by the author, just terrible.).
2. Rafi was the target of Isaac's taunting and physically being locked in lockers all through school. It is so bad that Rafi needs to go for psychological counseling to get over the grief caused by Isaac.
3. Isaac becomes a world famous basketball player who has not seen Rafi in more than a dozen years.
4. Isaac begins to stalk Rafi for no well-articulated reason.
5. Rafi has significant (and appropriate) venom and hatred in his head against the man who tormented him all through school.
6. Out of nowhere, Isaac shows up at Rafi's apartment (again raising the stalker image). Isaac gets thrown out, and then breaks back into the house while Rafi is taking a shower.
7. Rather than protecting himself from his tormentor, Rafi decides that it is ok to let the tormentor f*ck him over and over.
8. Even if there was some justification for having the tormentor f*ck Rafi (I.e. Stockholm syndrome), there is no justification to let the asshole stay overnight in your house and in your bed.
9. And even worse, let the stalker asshole stay in your house while you leave to go to work! All of this happens the second day that Isaac comes into Rafi's home town.
10. Oh, and by the way, unprotected sex on the second day that they are together. Not even a discussion about it. The aggressor takes his unprotected cock and impales the victim when he is in the shower.
There are so many things wrong with the set up for this story. For anyone who was ever bullied in junior high school or high school, you are scarred for life by that action. No amount of "I'm sorries" would ever justify allowing a bully back into your life, unless you think you deserve to be a battered person and have "battered wife" syndrome. There is no way in hell that anyone who is bullied would ever let their tormentor back into their life, unless it is to have him arrested and strung up by his nuts so he dies a slow miserable death. Even thinking backs to times of abuse can dredge up extremely painful memories, and can do unimaginable damage to the psyche. But, Cardeno C decides "what the hell . . . Let's just ignore he fact that coming face-to-face with someone who bullied you could f*ck you up for the rest of your life."
Sorry, I cannot forgive such a ridiculous, uneducated, cavalier attitude. This is a terrible book; the premise is not sustainable. If you want to write about a high school jock falling in love with a high school nerd years after they graduate, fine, then write that book. But, the story that's presented is akin to writing a love story between a child abuse victim and their tormentor.
The only redeeming factor about this book is that it is mercifully only 60 pages long. I cannot recommend this book at all. Zero stars. Period.
June 5, 2018
Let me start by getting some fangirling out of the way...Robert M. Clark's narration for this is a SLAM DUNK! He brought Rafi and Isaac to life. I was absolutely impressed and can only say the narration was so good for this short story that as soon as it ended I immediately started it over and listened again.
My original review.
What I love most about this sweet short (now my 7th time re-reading) is how I find something new to appreciate about it every time I read, or now listen to, it.
I love how Rafi is snarky, sarcastic and absolutely not interested in anything Isaac Jones has to say at first. I melt every time with how fully committed and absolutely determined Isaac is to win over the one man he's always wanted.
"I've wanted you since the first moment I realized what it meant to want," he said, reminding me that he'd been harboring feelings for much longer than the couple of weeks since we'd reconnected, or even the six months since he's decided he wanted to pursue me. "I do know you, Rafi. I watched you grow up. I know who you are inside. And you know me too."
This sweet enemies-to-lovers is funny, smolderingly sexy, sweet, and fluffy!
RECOMMENDED!
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 28, 2017
3.5 Stars
I'm a sucker for the "Jock bullies little guy because he is sekritly in LURVE with him and doesn't know how to deal with The Gay" trope. (Ah, Dave, I'll never get over how your story on Glee was short-changed for the safe and fluffy, teen-approved romance instead.)
...so I kinda maybe just rolled with the punches here when it came to the Insta-EVERYTHING. Plus, Hot Cover is HOT.
I'm a sucker for the "Jock bullies little guy because he is sekritly in LURVE with him and doesn't know how to deal with The Gay" trope. (Ah, Dave, I'll never get over how your story on Glee was short-changed for the safe and fluffy, teen-approved romance instead.)
...so I kinda maybe just rolled with the punches here when it came to the Insta-EVERYTHING. Plus, Hot Cover is HOT.
October 30, 2020
I am a serious fan of the bullies to lovers theme and so was very excited about this. Rafi and Isaac went to school together, where Isaac made Rafi’s life a living nightmare, physically, verbally and emotionally bullying him throughout. Rafi has moved on but the pain of that still lingers. When Isaac shows up, a famous NBA star, and acts as though they were best friends separated by distance, I was rolling my eyes.
Regardless of what he said, Isaac’s actions just didn’t seem to show any remorse or apology for what he put Rafi through for years in high school Rafi may have bluntly dismissed Isaac the first time at the restaurant, but he caved pretty quickly after that. Isaac is a borderline stalker and Rafi trusted him much too quickly for my taste. Isaac didn’t even have the decency to put the past out there himself, Rafi had to bring it up. They just jump into bed together and everything is pretty much glossed over. I had hopes at one point, when Isaac asks if Rafi can forgive him and Rafi responds, “ I don’t know, Isaac. I just don’t know” that there would be some sort of payment due for the years of mistreatment. I think it just wasn’t enough for me to feel Isaac was remorseful and I found Rafi too easy that way. When Rafi apologizes for causing Isaac pain (by going on a date at a point where Isaac was just stalking him and Rafi didn't even know he was there!) they lost credibility for me. Rafi suddenly rethinking all the years of bullying for a man who has only been back (stalking him) for a week. Nope.
Regardless of what he said, Isaac’s actions just didn’t seem to show any remorse or apology for what he put Rafi through for years in high school Rafi may have bluntly dismissed Isaac the first time at the restaurant, but he caved pretty quickly after that. Isaac is a borderline stalker and Rafi trusted him much too quickly for my taste. Isaac didn’t even have the decency to put the past out there himself, Rafi had to bring it up. They just jump into bed together and everything is pretty much glossed over. I had hopes at one point, when Isaac asks if Rafi can forgive him and Rafi responds, “ I don’t know, Isaac. I just don’t know” that there would be some sort of payment due for the years of mistreatment. I think it just wasn’t enough for me to feel Isaac was remorseful and I found Rafi too easy that way. When Rafi apologizes for causing Isaac pain (by going on a date at a point where Isaac was just stalking him and Rafi didn't even know he was there!) they lost credibility for me. Rafi suddenly rethinking all the years of bullying for a man who has only been back (stalking him) for a week. Nope.
May 16, 2015
Uhm... This is weird. I get it, this is one of those childhood enemies turned to the-one-and-only lovers trope. But the way the plot turned up just really mind-boggling for me!
My rule for repeated offences - past or present included - is A LOT OF GROVELLING. That that one rule was not done and no explanation given for the why grievances made in the first place was a big no. Major no. No. No. No.
Up to when he slammed the door on Isaac's face, I still applauded Rafi on his reaction to Isaac's weird innocent obliviousness. Then the kitchen scene came followed closely by the oh-so-amazing-never-been-this-good sex, and I get like...
SERIOUSLY!!!??!?!?
The guy had made your school years miserable, then he showed up back into your life, invited himself into your apartment and made himself at home, seducing you... And you just forgive him for EVERYTHING and then started being lovey-dovey...
SERIOUSLY!?!?!?!?!?!
Unless it's a satire, I guess this book just hit the wrong button for me.
My rule for repeated offences - past or present included - is A LOT OF GROVELLING. That that one rule was not done and no explanation given for the why grievances made in the first place was a big no. Major no. No. No. No.
Up to when he slammed the door on Isaac's face, I still applauded Rafi on his reaction to Isaac's weird innocent obliviousness. Then the kitchen scene came followed closely by the oh-so-amazing-never-been-this-good sex, and I get like...
SERIOUSLY!!!??!?!?
The guy had made your school years miserable, then he showed up back into your life, invited himself into your apartment and made himself at home, seducing you... And you just forgive him for EVERYTHING and then started being lovey-dovey...
SERIOUSLY!?!?!?!?!?!
Unless it's a satire, I guess this book just hit the wrong button for me.
June 10, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. Sure, I had to park my concerns that Isaac was a total stalker and wasn't exactly sure what Rafi saw in him, but that was relatively easy to do.
I prefer to think that Isaac, instead of being creepy, was just madly in love which accounted for his stalkerish behaviour. I chose to believe that he was truly repentant for his school boy bullying and accepted the fact that his actions were driven by his fears about his own feelings.
The physical side of the guys relationship was obviously strong and passionate (and the scenes well-written) but the story ends with emotional declarations. I would have liked to understand more about Rafi's attraction to Isaac, apart from the obvious physical one.
Well written with lots of humour, I particularly enjoyed the telling in first person from Rafi's POV - his thoughts were hilarious!
I prefer to think that Isaac, instead of being creepy, was just madly in love which accounted for his stalkerish behaviour. I chose to believe that he was truly repentant for his school boy bullying and accepted the fact that his actions were driven by his fears about his own feelings.
The physical side of the guys relationship was obviously strong and passionate (and the scenes well-written) but the story ends with emotional declarations. I would have liked to understand more about Rafi's attraction to Isaac, apart from the obvious physical one.
Well written with lots of humour, I particularly enjoyed the telling in first person from Rafi's POV - his thoughts were hilarious!
June 10, 2015
I am really cracking up at the reviews where people are morally offended by the stalkery behavior of Isaac. If this happened in RL, we know we'd all get a restraining order. But this isn't RL, this is CC world. And in CC world, this not only flies, but is considered romantic. Come on people! If you read CC, you know this! And if this is your first CC, wellllll, it really shouldn't be your first CC. Should've started with something else.
This was adorable. Not the best from Cardeno, but only because it was so short. I just loved Rafi and his potty mouth. And Isaac's growly possessiveness was hot. My one pet peeve - the endearment "boo." Just can't stand it. Otherwise, a very cute read.
This was adorable. Not the best from Cardeno, but only because it was so short. I just loved Rafi and his potty mouth. And Isaac's growly possessiveness was hot. My one pet peeve - the endearment "boo." Just can't stand it. Otherwise, a very cute read.
June 2, 2013
Oh, wow! Such a sweet read. It might seem like they're moving to fast, for some people, but honestly it really touched me, so I'll be rereading it for sure ! (+ it has one of my favourite themes ever: ex bully with bullied :3)
June 13, 2024
A Shot at Forgiveness is sweet and clever the way Cardeno C. does so well. (Though the sporty guy is a bit of a stalker lol.) I enjoyed the audio version, nicely performed by Robert M. Clark.
an audiobook copy of A Shot at Forgiveness was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
an audiobook copy of A Shot at Forgiveness was provided by the author for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
June 7, 2024
3.5 stars
June 10, 2013
This review can be found at The Armchair Reader.
3.5 stars
Still harboring bitterness toward his high school bully, Isaac Jones, Rafi is flabbergasted when Isaac stumbles across him and acts like they’re long lost friends. While Rafi just wants to get as far away from Isaac as possible, Isaac has something else in mind, a secret he’s been keeping since they went to school together. Determination doesn’t even begin to describe Isaac when he’ll do whatever it takes to win Rafi over once and for all.
At first, Rafi is standoffish and borderline rude to Isaac. It was interesting to see how angry Rafi was towards Isaac even twelve years after the fact. As the story progresses, Rafi melts to Isaac’s charms, which was definitely entertaining! Isaac, on the other hand, is persistent and will do anything (even breaking and entering) to worm his way into Rafi’s life and heart. It was funny to see Isaac think what he was doing was okay when it was obvious Rafi hated Isaac being there. I found Isaac just so adorable. He’s a bit of a stalker and slightly obsessed but this big, tall guy that wasn’t afraid of anything was afraid of Rafi’s rejection BUT even when Rafi did reject him, he kept coming back and breaking down Rafi’s walls until Rafi admitted defeat.
If you haven’t already guessed, this story revolves around forgiveness. Rafi is very hurt by how Isaac used to treat him. However, as the story evolves, you realize that Rafi’s view on everything isn’t exactly the whole picture. What you come to realize is that Isaac might have said some mean things to Rafi but his actions were quite different. Rafi remembers Isaac as this mean, cruel bully but as it’s remembers (sans flashbacks thankfully!), he’s portrayed as this hero. Constantly saving Rafi from getting injured or hurting himself more than his klutziness already has. It’s sweet in a way but it’s obvious that Rafi was a little oblivious to this because of his focus on Isaac’s words instead of his actions.
The story had a lot of potential but I think, considering the length of the book, it didn’t exactly live up to that potential. While entertaining and enjoyable, I felt like some things were rushed or even were easy platitudes considering the situation. For instance, the resolution to Isaac coming out was nice but we don’t actually see it put into action so that felt too ‘easy,’ IMO. I felt like Rafi also caved too early to Isaac’s pursuits. Rafi was basing his forgiveness off Isaac’s sexual prowess instead of actually making Isaac grovel in a nonsexual way, which had me a bit sad because it would have been funny seeing Isaac doing whatever Rafi wanted without hesitation. I’m not usually one to get hung up on endearments but I didn’t like Isaac calling Rafi ‘boo’ it kept making me feel like Rafi was just a one-night stand that Isaac would forget in the morning. While that is obviously NOT the case, I couldn’t help feel like it wasn’t appropriate to who Rafi was to Isaac. Aside from that, Rafi had a tendency to think of Isaac as ‘Isaac Jones’ as if he was still in awe over Isaac, which got slightly annoying towards the end of the book and even though he was in love and comfortable around Isaac, he still considered him as ‘Isaac Jones.’ Lastly, I wished there had been some scenes of Isaac meeting Rafi’s friends or vice versa just to show that these two are serious because, unfortunately, most of the scenes of them together consist of them in Rafi’s apartment (more specifically his bedroom).
Overall, this was a very cute short story. It’s light-hearted and liable to give you a silly little smile. The characters were amusing and their journey to forgiveness was entertaining. I really wish this book had been much longer, though, because I feel like a little more groveling on Isaac’s part was needed but other than that, it’s a good story for someone who’s looking for something light and sweet.
3.5 stars
Still harboring bitterness toward his high school bully, Isaac Jones, Rafi is flabbergasted when Isaac stumbles across him and acts like they’re long lost friends. While Rafi just wants to get as far away from Isaac as possible, Isaac has something else in mind, a secret he’s been keeping since they went to school together. Determination doesn’t even begin to describe Isaac when he’ll do whatever it takes to win Rafi over once and for all.
At first, Rafi is standoffish and borderline rude to Isaac. It was interesting to see how angry Rafi was towards Isaac even twelve years after the fact. As the story progresses, Rafi melts to Isaac’s charms, which was definitely entertaining! Isaac, on the other hand, is persistent and will do anything (even breaking and entering) to worm his way into Rafi’s life and heart. It was funny to see Isaac think what he was doing was okay when it was obvious Rafi hated Isaac being there. I found Isaac just so adorable. He’s a bit of a stalker and slightly obsessed but this big, tall guy that wasn’t afraid of anything was afraid of Rafi’s rejection BUT even when Rafi did reject him, he kept coming back and breaking down Rafi’s walls until Rafi admitted defeat.
If you haven’t already guessed, this story revolves around forgiveness. Rafi is very hurt by how Isaac used to treat him. However, as the story evolves, you realize that Rafi’s view on everything isn’t exactly the whole picture. What you come to realize is that Isaac might have said some mean things to Rafi but his actions were quite different. Rafi remembers Isaac as this mean, cruel bully but as it’s remembers (sans flashbacks thankfully!), he’s portrayed as this hero. Constantly saving Rafi from getting injured or hurting himself more than his klutziness already has. It’s sweet in a way but it’s obvious that Rafi was a little oblivious to this because of his focus on Isaac’s words instead of his actions.
The story had a lot of potential but I think, considering the length of the book, it didn’t exactly live up to that potential. While entertaining and enjoyable, I felt like some things were rushed or even were easy platitudes considering the situation. For instance, the resolution to Isaac coming out was nice but we don’t actually see it put into action so that felt too ‘easy,’ IMO. I felt like Rafi also caved too early to Isaac’s pursuits. Rafi was basing his forgiveness off Isaac’s sexual prowess instead of actually making Isaac grovel in a nonsexual way, which had me a bit sad because it would have been funny seeing Isaac doing whatever Rafi wanted without hesitation. I’m not usually one to get hung up on endearments but I didn’t like Isaac calling Rafi ‘boo’ it kept making me feel like Rafi was just a one-night stand that Isaac would forget in the morning. While that is obviously NOT the case, I couldn’t help feel like it wasn’t appropriate to who Rafi was to Isaac. Aside from that, Rafi had a tendency to think of Isaac as ‘Isaac Jones’ as if he was still in awe over Isaac, which got slightly annoying towards the end of the book and even though he was in love and comfortable around Isaac, he still considered him as ‘Isaac Jones.’ Lastly, I wished there had been some scenes of Isaac meeting Rafi’s friends or vice versa just to show that these two are serious because, unfortunately, most of the scenes of them together consist of them in Rafi’s apartment (more specifically his bedroom).
Overall, this was a very cute short story. It’s light-hearted and liable to give you a silly little smile. The characters were amusing and their journey to forgiveness was entertaining. I really wish this book had been much longer, though, because I feel like a little more groveling on Isaac’s part was needed but other than that, it’s a good story for someone who’s looking for something light and sweet.
June 5, 2013
Can forgiveness be given this short a time? To a bully? Hmmmmmmm.......
I don't know about others, but I don't think forgiveness can be given this fast and in this short a time. I don't think that after the implied thousands of dollars Raffi's parents spent in therapy for Raffi to get over the bullying done to him by Isaac anyone and others, in just a matter of hours or days, allow that same bully into his or their home and wherever else.
Unless they are the martyr types who like to be bullied?
I don't know, I just cannot connect with hypocritical bullies, nor connect with them enough for a romance. Smexy scenes well written or not. Come on, I want some realness and this was just not it for me.
Oh well, ignore me and my opinions if you like this sort of thing.
A dozen years, two thousand miles, and a law degree after high school, Rafi Steiner continues to harbor resentment toward Isaac Jones, his childhood bully turned NBA star. When Isaac appears at Rafi’s favorite restaurant acting like a long-lost friend, Rafi bluntly dismisses him.
But Isaac is tenacious and has his heart set on the grown-up version of the boy he always wanted and never forgot. The way Isaac sees it, he and Rafi are perfect for each other, if only he could sink the most important shot of his life: his one shot at forgiveness.
I don't know about others, but I don't think forgiveness can be given this fast and in this short a time. I don't think that after the implied thousands of dollars Raffi's parents spent in therapy for Raffi to get over the bullying done to him by Isaac anyone and others, in just a matter of hours or days, allow that same bully into his or their home and wherever else.
Unless they are the martyr types who like to be bullied?
I don't know, I just cannot connect with hypocritical bullies, nor connect with them enough for a romance. Smexy scenes well written or not. Come on, I want some realness and this was just not it for me.
Oh well, ignore me and my opinions if you like this sort of thing.
June 16, 2015
Like Dani reminded me in her review, I had to put on my CC heart shaped glasses and blinders for this story. So I did.
There are so many reasons that could make me hate this book. The stalking, the bullying, how easy Rafi forgot about the past and gave in...yes, I get all the bad reviews. BUT I FREAKING LOVED THIS STORY!!!
Isaac 's possessiveness and jealousy, the sex, Rafi's funny and witty internal monologue...Would I have liked Isaac to grovel more? Yes. But I think his actions spoke louder than words.
And come on, only CC writes stuff like this.
“I’ve wanted you since the first moment I realized what it meant to want,”< /b>
There are so many reasons that could make me hate this book. The stalking, the bullying, how easy Rafi forgot about the past and gave in...yes, I get all the bad reviews. BUT I FREAKING LOVED THIS STORY!!!
Isaac 's possessiveness and jealousy, the sex, Rafi's funny and witty internal monologue...Would I have liked Isaac to grovel more? Yes. But I think his actions spoke louder than words.
And come on, only CC writes stuff like this.
“I’ve wanted you since the first moment I realized what it meant to want,”< /b>
June 1, 2013
4.5 stars
This is a sweet yet humorous story. The one-liners had me laughing out loud more than once. Initially I wasn't sure if Isaac deserved a second chance but as the story played out I found myself rooting for him. The characters are charming. The sex is hot as hell. The ending is perfect. A very good read.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is a sweet yet humorous story. The one-liners had me laughing out loud more than once. Initially I wasn't sure if Isaac deserved a second chance but as the story played out I found myself rooting for him. The characters are charming. The sex is hot as hell. The ending is perfect. A very good read.
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 7, 2015
*** 3.5 Stars ***
Yeah, okay, so Isaac is a total stalker. *shrugs* Whatever. I chose to suspend my sense of disbelief and in return this smexy short story totally turned my crank. It had enemies-to-lovers (a favourite trope of mine), a multiracial couple (which caused so many delicious visuals to dance through my head), and an MC who, as soon as he's honest with himself about who he is and what he wants, fearlessly goes after it. To top it all off there was some growly possessiveness, rimming, and steamy shower sex.
Yeah, okay, so Isaac is a total stalker. *shrugs* Whatever. I chose to suspend my sense of disbelief and in return this smexy short story totally turned my crank. It had enemies-to-lovers (a favourite trope of mine), a multiracial couple (which caused so many delicious visuals to dance through my head), and an MC who, as soon as he's honest with himself about who he is and what he wants, fearlessly goes after it. To top it all off there was some growly possessiveness, rimming, and steamy shower sex.
July 12, 2014
3.5 stars rounded to 4 because I love this theme.
Alrighty then. Firstly, this is not a theme for everyone - I however, adore the whole bully-becomes-lover plot. It totally appeals to me. This then totally fed my fetish. Isaac even knows his bullying was to hide his secret crush. And he is possessive. I love possessive heroes. It was a bit rushed and fast paced beyond the credible, but it was a short story, well-written and it hit many of my personal preferences, so of course I liked it!
Alrighty then. Firstly, this is not a theme for everyone - I however, adore the whole bully-becomes-lover plot. It totally appeals to me. This then totally fed my fetish. Isaac even knows his bullying was to hide his secret crush. And he is possessive. I love possessive heroes. It was a bit rushed and fast paced beyond the credible, but it was a short story, well-written and it hit many of my personal preferences, so of course I liked it!
Want to read
January 16, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/16/2020)! 🎁
June 6, 2013
What a perfect modern-day gay fairy tale this story is! It goes from bad memories about being bullied to realizing that maybe there was more to years and years of growing up together than either of the main characters realized. In line wit that story arch, the tone evolves from a snarky, somewhat funny "protect myself from harm" narrative to a much softer tone that reflects the changing mood and feelings between to men who are clearly meant to be together. It just takes them a while to realize it.
Rafi and Isaac have a history together, and not one that Rafi likes to remember. He thinks of the jock, now well-known basketball player, as his nemesis in high school. Twelve years later he may have recovered and has gotten his life together, but the old pain still lingers. And when Isaac runs into him one day with the clear intent of "catching up", Rafi is stunned, and more than a little angry. All the horrible memories come back, until the sheer determination and dedication Isaac shows make Rafi think. Maybe things weren't all as bad as he remembers? And maybe it is time to forgive?
Isaac is on a mission to finally make Rafi his in every way. He used to be confused by his feelings, and that to some pretty awful things he did, but now he is more sorry than he can say. He's done some soul-searching and has decided the love he feels for Rafi is enough to make him attempt to get Rafi to forgive him. He sets out to achieve this with charm, and a single-minded determination that is bound to convince Rafi of his good intentions. Right?
If you're looking for realism, stay away from this story. If, on the other hand, you're ready to be swept off your feet by a dreamy story that goes from confrontational yet funny to sweet and wonderful, you should give this one a try. I totally adore it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
Rafi and Isaac have a history together, and not one that Rafi likes to remember. He thinks of the jock, now well-known basketball player, as his nemesis in high school. Twelve years later he may have recovered and has gotten his life together, but the old pain still lingers. And when Isaac runs into him one day with the clear intent of "catching up", Rafi is stunned, and more than a little angry. All the horrible memories come back, until the sheer determination and dedication Isaac shows make Rafi think. Maybe things weren't all as bad as he remembers? And maybe it is time to forgive?
Isaac is on a mission to finally make Rafi his in every way. He used to be confused by his feelings, and that to some pretty awful things he did, but now he is more sorry than he can say. He's done some soul-searching and has decided the love he feels for Rafi is enough to make him attempt to get Rafi to forgive him. He sets out to achieve this with charm, and a single-minded determination that is bound to convince Rafi of his good intentions. Right?
If you're looking for realism, stay away from this story. If, on the other hand, you're ready to be swept off your feet by a dreamy story that goes from confrontational yet funny to sweet and wonderful, you should give this one a try. I totally adore it!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
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