Something in the Way He Needs

Family Collection

By: Cardeno C.

Narrated by: Ezekiel Robison

Length: 7 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Controlled Asher didn't expect to fall for free-spirited Daniel, but they'll find what they desperately need in one another.

Police captain Asher Penaz's staunch professionalism bleeds into his home life, down to his neatly pressed attire and Spartan apartment. He enjoys being in charge and in control, so his sudden and powerful attraction to the lighthearted, free-spirited Daniel Tover throws him for a loop. In his entire life, Daniel has never gotten what he needs, so he moves to the next place, the next job, the next attempt to find something worth staying for, always landing at the top of his game, but never feeling like he belongs.

The chemistry between Asher and Daniel sizzles, but with all that fire comes the risk of getting burned. As both men struggle to learn themselves while getting to know each other, the lines of desire and control blur. If Daniel and Asher can walk through the flames together, they might find what they desperately need.

©2013 Cardeno C. (P)2016 Cardeno C.

Great story!

*** Audiobook provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***

This audiobook was narrated by Ezekiel Robison as well, and again he did a fantastic job with most of the characters (the only one that I didn't like was Oliver, truly, he grated on my nerves). Daniel's innocence and Asher's gruffness came across perfectly and it was awesome to hear Asher melt all over the place/be confused with his feelings for Daniel like that. And of course, listening to Cardeno C.'s hot scenes read in that sexy tenor, was just the icing of the cake. Definitely recommendable!

Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!

#TeamDaniel!

Any additional comments?

Ezekiel Robison is a phenomenal narrator. He brought these characters to life for me. Seriously, he made these characters real for me. My heart pounded, my stomach churned, I waited with bated breath to see what would happen next...and this is all because of just how phenomenal a writer Cardeno C. is. The story is so vivid and realistic for me that I was constantly on the edge of my seat the whole time.

I was totally invested in these characters and this story. Even though I am at odds because I absolutely love and adore Daniel...and just as vehemently hate Asher.

I think Asher is a selfish, inconsiderate, insanely jealous and possessive alpha male (in the worst possible way) asshole who I kept hoping would redeem himself in some way, but who ultimately let me down time and time again. I won't deny I was disturbed by Asher's behavior. The jealous possessiveness and rage-filled outbursts really concerned me. Why I continued to read the story is because of Daniel. Daniel is a treat.

Even though almost every single time Asher does or says something horrible we are assured almost immediately how much Daniel loved it or was turned on by it I didn't buy it. It didn't work for me. I just kept thinking, "Run, Daniel! Run!"

Robison perfectly narrates the whole thing. He brilliantly conveys the growly tones of Asher and the softer, more subtle nuances of Daniel's character. His narration held my hand through the ups and downs. Eventually Asher and Daniel get their hard-won HEA, but I'll admit it's one of the only times I have actively wished for a different ending.

it was different

the story is a very long one but show love and a love that will not be broken

Beautiful love story!

Another amazing story by Cardeno. I can't get enough!!!! The narration made it so worth it.

This Alpha Male has met his match!

What did you love best about Something in the Way He Needs?

Listening to Asher as he mellowed and grew as a person the more time he spent with Daniel.

What did you like best about this story?

The relationship between Asher and Daniel. How Daniel could calm Asher with a touch, while Asher's touch set Daniel on fire. They really complimented each other.

What does Ezekiel Robison bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Emotions, every single one of them can be heard in his voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Their first time having actual sex, what happens just before, during and right after.

Any additional comments?

4.5/5 stars...

Asher Penaz commands complete control in every aspect of his life. He is a no nonsense police captain when he's on the job and a brash, sharp, meticulous DOM when he plays. He doesn't do relationships, kisses, romance, boyfriends. No. Asher is confident in his life, until he meets an adorable blonde that blushes, has freckles and trips over his own feet in the middle of an empty room. Daniel Tover stumbles into Asher's life and neither of them will ever be the same. But when push comes to shove, can the cute guy that is most comfortable in his baggy jeans and flip flops, soften the rough edges that constantly surround Asher Penaz?

I was drawn into this book from the first stumble in the hotel lobby in Vegas, and pretty much listening intently with bated breath from that point on. Asher is the proverbial alpha male type. Large, brooding, commands compliance as well as your undivided attention. Daniel couldn't be more opposite, polar, in fact. The very definition of twink to an extent... short, slender, beautiful, blonde and clumsy. Asher has these rules he lives by and one by one, Daniel has him breaking them all. The rude, crude and usually socially unacceptable Ash begins unknowingly readjusting his life to accommodate Daniel. Cuddling, kissing, dating and shock of all shocks, he isn't tying anyone up and inflicting sweet torturous pain on them. It was an absolute pleasure to sit back and listen as Asher went on this journey of self awareness he didn't even know he was on. There was an almost constant monologue of Ash's inner thoughts as his relationship with Daniel continually grew and evolved. But with the sweets, come the sours. About six months in a small lack of communication causes a rift, and Asher does something Daniel may not be able to forgive him for.

At first glance, you might think this is going to be either an insta love story since Asher commands Daniel come home with him after only 48 hours of knowing one another, but it is far from. They fall into a comfortable existence, yes, but with each passing day they learn more about each other, grow closer and start to depend on each other. The whole of this book really is the relationship between Ash and Daniel in great detail. I think my favorite aspect of this story was how Daniel had this kind of calming influence on Ash. A man can't go from one extreme to the other over night though, so there were understandably some speed bumps along the way.

The story was narrated by Ezekial Robison and as I've said before, what he lacks in dialect, he makes up for with emotion. He had this big, loud, brash tone for Ash that was absolutely spot on. Daniel was never able to hide anything from Ash, even from the start; he is very much an open book. Robison was able to clearly express Daniel's moods with differing tones and inflections.

I will say, Asher does something toward the end of the story. It's a compilation of a bad week at work and that slight lack of communication I spoke of earlier combined with Ash's jealous streak the size of Texas when it comes to Daniel. This is probably the worst mistake I have ever seen a fictional character that I liked make. Up until this point, I had been so engrossed in this book that hours would fly by and it felt like 5 minutes. This really pulled me out of the story and had me thinking, what if that had went the other way, would Ash have put a stop to it? That is the only reason I knocked off a notch on my review. Sorry, I can't say, that would be a spoiler.

Overall, this was such a fun read. I was so engaged from start to finish, riding along as Asher learned the meaning of the word Love.

Worthy.

I'm a huge fan of Cardeno C. I love his writing of MM/Shifters/Alpha, Omega, Characters. I have listened and have over 20 books of his in my library. My all time favorite of his is the book Johnnie, With the exceptional Greg Tremblay narrating it. Sorry I digress. I really enjoyed Asher & Daniel story. Ezekiel Robison, his narration of these characters, and bringing them to life, top- notch. He is becoming one of my favorite narraters. I do have just a little issue with Daniel. I feel that someone got off a little to easy. It should have been a longer stretch, and furiously showing his angry! That's the only reason I didn't give the story section 5☆s. Still, I highly recommend this book!

LOVE

This is a great love story of two men drawn to each other and must find the love they have for each other is permanent.

Incomplete characters, choppy narration quality

The story 39 year old Asher Pena, Chicano cop and gay sadist who has no desire for a romantic relationship, but meets a cute guy who loves him till kingdom-come.
Asher's voice is like Al Pacino after smoking a box of cigars. Oliver, his fellow cop speaks with a little less gravel.
Unfortunately, the wonderful young lover is poorly characterized with unbelievable revelations towards the end. Sex scenes are well written, but mostly seem like cut-and-paste from her other book The Half of Us.

He needs help

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No I wanted to like this book more and Daniel is very interesting and Asher is a strange character u want to hate him however he is soooo damaged and broken it takes this young man Daniel to help him find a sound and by the end of the story that all comes out

Would you recommend Something in the Way He Needs to your friends? Why or why not?

Nope

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

He was fine

Did Something in the Way He Needs inspire you to do anything?

Nope

Any additional comments?

This had potential however let's make more story and don't always depend on the sex and sex acts to fill space

Good Start

This is a good start to the series. There were some issues with timing for me, it moved along pretty quickly and there was little to no communication between the MCs then all is forgiven pretty easily after the conflict that I'm not even sure made much sense honestly. I really love this author but this one isn't a favorite. narration is done ok a couple of the voices were a little interesting to say the least.