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. ( )

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.
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Cute, funny, sweet short story. Isaac's blatant disregard for Rafi's rude behavior/comments was hysterical and his answers to Rafi's questions like whether he needed to change the code on his door were unexpected and funny too. ( )

Cute, funny, sweet short story. Isaac's blatant disregard for Rafi's rude behavior/comments was hysterical and his answers to Rafi's questions like whether he needed to change the code on his door were unexpected and funny too. ( )

Cute, funny, sweet short story. Isaac's blatant disregard for Rafi's rude behavior/comments was hysterical and his answers to Rafi's questions like whether he needed to change the code on his door were unexpected and funny too. ( )