Review: Rough Edges by Cardeno C.

Title: Rough Edges: A Contemporary Gay Romance

Author: Cardeno C.

Publisher: The Romance Authors, LLC

Length: 64 Pages

Category: Contemporary

At a Glance: By far one of the best short stories I’ve read in a LONG time.

Reviewed By: Taz

Blurb: Kyle has an unwelcome crush on his nemesis Brent. Brent has a welcome crush on his friend Kyle. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

Born on the wrong side of the tracks to the wrong family, Kyle Potter has spent his life clawing his way toward a better future. When he gets the perfect job at the perfect firm in perfect Los Angeles, Kyle is sure there are only blue skies ahead. And then he meets perfect Brent Haralson.

Born with a silver spoon to a well-established family, Brent Haralson has never been interested in leveraging his connections. Friends, success, and dates come easily to Brent and rejection isn’t something he has to deal with in life. And then he meets perfect Kyle Potter.

Kyle despises his unwelcome crush on his lazy, arrogant nemesis. Brent welcomes his feelings for his stubborn, brilliant friend. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn’t have to be a line at all.

This is a 2nd edition without substantive changes from the 1st edition, which was part of the It Was Always You anthology.

Review: Rough Edges is a short story about two men who have a rocky start and find their way together. When reading a short story, I’m prepared to suspend disbelief and allow the author a certain amount of latitude. It is difficult to fully develop characters and a plotline with only a small number of words. This book, however, did a magnificent job of providing a fully fleshed out story with two very real and lovable characters.

Kyle and Brent couldn’t be more different when it comes to their upbringing. One had to work for everything, while the other was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Kyle holds on to deep grudges against Brent, treating him pretty shabbily, but Brent seems to be made of Teflon and the jibes slide off him. In fact, his retorts are fairly hilarious. But underneath the banter are true feelings.

When circumstances bring Kyle and Brent together, the chemistry ignites and the romantic element in the story takes hold. The sexual compatibility of these two men is astounding, as is their desire for something real. Despite the fronts each man puts forth to the world and each other, they have a desire for something real and lasting. It takes a while for them to figure that out, and the journey was what made the story such an enjoyable read.

By far one of the best short stories I’ve read in a LONG time.

You can buy Rough Edges here:
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