Review: All of My by C. Cardeno
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 23, 2014
“The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn.” ~ David RussellRegardless of how it sounds, you can't always believe everything you see. There may be a perfectly logical explanation, but if you walk away without trying to find out what that might be, you could ruin your life for no good reason. This is what happens to Able from Cardeno C.'s story 'All of Me'. Able caught his intended, Kai, in a compromising position which, if Able had not been so stubborn, could have been explained, saving their relationship and avoiding years of pain. Now, ten years later, Able has a chance to redeem himself, and help Kai, unless, his false pride gets the best of him.Able is heartbroken when circumstances force him to break his bond with the love of his life, Kai. Over the years, he's become even more bitter about the situation, doing what he has to do as Alpha of his pack. Knowing that Kai is the only one for him, he's never tried to forge another bond with anyone else. He's not seen or heard from him for over ten years, but neither the hurt, nor the love have diminished. When Kai's sister comes to Able for help for her brother, he refuses to see her. She's not deterred though and raises the roof, calling him a coward for leaving Kai and telling him that he needs Able; he's the only one who can save Kai. Due to the friendship his mother and father have with Kai's family, they feel obligated to help even if Kai won't. They bring Kai back to their house. He's barely recognizable and obviously in distress. Able can't stand seeing him like this and opens his heart to him again, allowing Kai to heal and for them to renew and seal their bond. Able learns what really happened all those years ago and he's miserable, pledging to help Kai get better and for them to take their rightful places as Alphas of their respective packs together as was intended. Before they can do that; there are a few scores to settle.Kai has always loved Able. He never stopped, even when Able broke their bond and deserted him, but he knows that Able can't possibly want him after what he witnessed. Even though shattered, his bigger objective is protecting his little sister after his mother and father are killed. His stepfather is a poor Alpha and an even worse parent, who allowed things to happen to Kai that are unspeakable. Kai agrees to be quiet, under the threat of his little sister being hurt too. His stepfather is determined to break Kai and comes very close to doing so, but his sister saves him by going to get help. When he is reunited with Able, he's in awful shape, both physically and emotionally, and dead set on thinking that Able will never want him back after all that has happened. To his great relief, Able wants him more than ever. Although bittersweet, their reunion is also tender and loving. Nothing is going to stop them now.This shifter love story is very endearing, evoking more than a few tears from me. It's a good lesson about being careful not to make decisions which will drastically change your life without truly understanding what's happening. I recommend this story to those who like shifters, angst, forgiveness, revenge, and of course, a happy ending. Thanks, Cardeno C., for a touching, romantic story.Originally published at Rainbow Book Reviews.