But, as I mentioned…it so matched/suited the fairy tale in my head of that perfect romance, it worked for me.

And truthfully, the main story line itself was truly too much. SWEET, KIND, TENDER, BEAUTIFUL, HOT…I loved their conversations, their interactions, and their sexual connections.Īll the side stories: ridiculous ex-boyfriend, caricature family members and best friends, etc. Emilio is the prince, the dream man, and this WORKED for me. He is perfect in every way and though this would typically make my eyes roll, I think he needed to be THIS amazing to build up someone like Spencer. But, I found him lovely and sympathetic…and adorable.Įmilio, a 22 year-old construction worker is a larger-than-life character. Spencer Derdinger is a 38 year-old math professor, successful professionally, but unlucky in love, suffering from erectile dysfunction, insecure, lonely, and just going through the motions of life. I love that Cardeno C writes characters who’ve lived life…who are older, successful, yet still lost when it comes to love. Duh…sign me up! And maybe it’s this personal connection to the story that had me smiling ear-to-ear as I read each page, but, in the end, my heart felt full. Feeling “ordinary” – but suddenly pursued by a HOT model-looking man, who not only is beautiful, but gentle, supportive, totally into you, AND the “settling down” kind. This book was sappy, sticky, cheesy, almost-too-perfect…and I ADORED IT.Īs a single person “of a certain age” (ha!), this book is the fairy tale. When the casual hookup turns into the potential for love, Spencer realizes that if he wants to build a life with Emilio, he’ll need to be strong enough to slay his personal demons and learn to trust again. Acting spontaneously for the first time in his thirty-eight years, Spencer takes Emilio home. Spencer is surprised when he’s approached by the gorgeous construction worker he’s admired from the safety of his office window. With a prize like brilliant, sweet Spencer on the line, Emilio decides he is strong enough to face the challenge. Getting Spencer into bed isn’t difficult, but Emilio soon learns that earning the trust of a man deeply hurt will take time and patience. When twenty-two-year-old Emilio Sanchez sees handsome Spencer Derdinger walking by his construction site, Emilio makes it his goal to seduce the shy professor.

Strong Enough by Cardeno C.