ARC Review: The Half of Us by Cardeno C.

Book Title: The Half of Us

Author: Cardeno C.
Series: Family #4
Release Date: October 10th, 2014
Genres: M/M Romance

Short-tempered, arrogant heart surgeon Jason Garcia grew up wanting a close-knit family, but believes he ruined those dreams when he broke up his marriage. The benefit of divorce is having as much random sex as he wants, and it’s a benefit Jason is exploiting when he meets a sweet, shy man at a bar and convinces him to go home for a no-strings-attached night of fun.

Eight years living in Las Vegas hasn’t dimmed Abe Green’s optimism, earnestness, or desire to find the one. When a sexy man with lonely eyes propositions him, Abe decides to give himself a birthday present—one night of spontaneous fun with no thoughts of the future. But one night turns into two and then three, and Abe realizes his heart is involved.

For the first time, Abe feels safe enough with someone he respects and adores to let go of his inhibitions in the bedroom. If Jason can get past his own inhibitions and open his heart and his life to Abe, he might finally find the family he craves.

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{READ MORE FOR ALLISON'S REVIEW!} 

The Half of Us was a cute, low on angst, medium on steam MM romance. Jason is a successful heart surgeon when he meets a younger Abe in a local bar. Divorced father of two, Jason finds quick hook-ups are his best bet for his insatiable sex drive. He cheated on his ex-wife all the while denying his homosexuality. So in order to avoid history repeating itself, he decides no-commitment relationships are the best bet. What he didn't bank on was that Abe he wanted a repeat with...a three-peat.

Abe is a high school Math teacher when he meets Jason in the bar. Not having sex for almost three years following his last relationship, he throws caution to the wind and decides this one night hookup will be his birthday present to himself. Jason is everything he wants in a man but it's also clear he's not a relationship guy. He woke to an empty bed and damn if he has an empty heart in the end. One-and-done...until he sees Jason again at the same bar. Self control be damned, two-and-done it'll be.

I enjoyed the gradual progression of the relationship in this book. It wasn't insta-love and the author did a great job of building their feelings in a believable pace. It's clear Jason fears repeating himself and does not fully comprehend his feelings of commitment to Abe until it's too late...and he's fully committed.

Secondary characters were fantastic. From the understanding ex-wife with whom Jason seemed to have a great friendship with, to the two kids they share, The Half of Us provided a realistic view of life with a blended family- drama with teens and organizing of "who gets the kids this week" all being a part of their daily grind.

An all-around enjoyable read with a fantastic HEA. I look forward to more from this author in the near future.

Advanced copy received by The Romance Authors via NetGalley 

in exchange for my honest review.