Strong Enough

Family Collection

By: Cardeno C.

Narrated by: Ezekiel Robison

Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

When a casual hookup turns into the potential for love, staid Spencer realizes he wants to build a life with vibrant Emilio.

When 22-year-old Emilio Sanchez sees handsome Spencer Derdinger walking by his construction site, Emilio makes it his goal to seduce the shy professor. 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. With a prize like brilliant, sweet Spencer on the line, Emilio decides he is strong enough to face the challenge.

Spencer is surprised when he's approached by the gorgeous construction worker he's admired from the safety of his office window. Acting spontaneously for the first time in his 38 years, Spencer takes Emilio home. 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.

©2013 Cardeno C. (P)2016 Cardeno C.

It’s official: I adore Ezekiel Robison!

Any additional comments?

Ezekiel Robison's narration is consistently terrific. He offers new character voices for each new story, not just reusing the same old, same old. He also keeps track of the character voices from previous stories and when those characters show up, he uses the right voices.

It’s such a treat to listen to Robison!

Robison brings such depth to the characters, he highlights Spencer’s vulnerability and Emilio’s protective instincts, he makes their insta-love believable, and he absolutely sets the audio on fire with the hot sex scenes.

That shower scene alone is worth the price of the audio book. For reals.

I ADORE this story and cannot help but fangirl and squee all over this!

Bottom Line: This is super sweet, charming, gloriously hot and sexy and fabulously entertaining. Add the fabulous narration and it’s a WINNER!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Strong Enough

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it's a different kind of HEA with a different road the MC's have to travel to find their happiness.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Emilio. Ever patient, strong, devoted and passionate about Spencer from the start.

Which scene was your favorite?

Emilio and Spencer finally, fully consummating their relationship.

Who was the most memorable character of Strong Enough and why?

Spencer. He never gave up.

Any additional comments?

Spencer Derdinger has never been lucky in love. Losers and abusers is all he seems to attract. A direct result of his past and the trauma he's endured, Spencer has a bit of an ED issue. When he meets sexy, enigmatic and genuinely sweet Emilio Sanchez, everything changes. For the first time in his life, someone actually cares about Spencer. Not just on a physical level, no, Emilio wants to court him, take care of him, give Spencer the attention and devotion a man deserves from his partner. But the issues of the past keep Spencer on guard and a lifetime of being told you're not good enough threatens to derail his new relationship with Emilio before they are running at full speed.

It took me about an hour roughly to get into the story. It was very much insta-love and I don't usually care for that type of story. CC is a master at making it work and delivering HEA for her characters each and every time though, so I stuck it out and I'm pleased that I did. While this is an insta-love story, as it unfolds and you are given more information about Spencer and his past, it completely makes sense that he would fall hard for the first guy to truly care for him. But falling and letting down his guard are two different things. It takes a lot of love, encouragement and self awareness for Spencer to completely open himself up.

Emilio is patient, protective and loving from the start. You see, while he hasn't had the same issues as Spencer, he has never found anyone he wanted to settle down with. As soon as Spencer gifts Emilio with one of his shy, awkward smiles, dimples and all, Emilio is hooked. As he gets to know more about his sexy, shy professor, Emilio learns about his problematic past. Where some men would duck and run, Emilio stands his ground and continues to support the man he is fastly falling for.

Narrated by Ezekial Robison, the same narrator for all the books in this series. I am normally very engrossed in everything Robison reads, but the voice he chose for Spencer was odd and distracting. That being said, the voice he gave the antagonist in the story, Spencer's ex, that was like nails on a chalk board and fit so perfectly for his annoying personality. The only downside, CC didn't write Emilio stomping a mud-hole in the man's ass then walking it dry!

I loved the passion and connection that Emilio and Spencer shared, the way Emilio proved his commitment to Spencer, the way their love and devotion to each other proved to Spencer that he didn't really have ED, he just had the wrong partners until now. I'd recommend this story to fans of CC's work, fans of the narrator, as well as anyone that is looking for a story with a different kind of HEA.

Loving Ezekiel Robison's narration in this series

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book quite a bit when I read it the first time a year ago. Spencer, a sweet man who has been hurt by love more than once, shy and insecure. Meanwhile Emilio, young, but confident, and willing to go after the man he wanted as soon as he saw him. Emilio is one of my favorite characters that CC has written. Despite his age, Emilio knows his mind, knows what he wants, and isn't afraid to go after it. He's all the things that Spencer needs in his life.

As much as I enjoyed the book when I read it, I loved it even more when I listened to Ezekiel Robison's audio version of the book. His narration has gotten better and better as he has done this series, and my enjoyment of his narration of this book was off the charts. He was great, including accents and voice changes that worked well for both main characters.

The story of these two men was sweet, and sexy, and really touched your heart as you learned all that Spencer had been through, and that Emilio only cared about taking care of Spencer, and helping him to heal and love. These two, such opposites, attracted in the best way possible. They filled holes that the other didn't quite realize they had.

Get a backbone

When I saw the cover changed I though maybe some of the characters have been changed too. Well so much for that though Spencer is still a scared wimp that truly need an Emilio to keep him safe. The narrator is so wrong!!!!!! This will be another returned

Quite an entertaining story

This was sweet although a bit too fast where the moving in together and I love you's is concerned. Besides that, I truly liked the characters including all the hermanos. Good narration by Mr Robison as well.

Insta love

This story is completely unbelievable and not at all compelling. The main characters go from strangers to deciding to love together within 24 hours. And neither is the characters are believable. They were both so complexity good and sweet that I lost interest. DNF

Stand alone

There isn't even a mention of the previous book so you're good to go on this one. I really loved the characters and Emilio's family. The story is pretty sweet and moves along quickly but is nicely developed. Narration is good though some voices come off as goofy which was slightly irritating.

What a Sweet Story, Wonderful Job by E. Robison

What a sweet story! Yes it's instalove but it totally works. The way they kind of rescue each other, and how well they fit, not to mention the smoking hot sex. I'll just say if you want a comfort read this one's just right.

Audio performed by Ezekiel Robison who does an absolutely lovely job!

Hot and Sweet

I'm a big believer that it's never too late to fall in love. I so enjoyed watching Spencer's confidence grow while he was with Emilio without his newfound confidence relying on Emilio. The care and consideration Emilio showed Spencer really highlighted his sweet nature. They are an amazing couple together and Emilio's family was so supportive! I definitely recommend this one for the warm fuzzy feels, and sexy times too of course. 😉

One of my favs!

I read/listened and LOVED ALL of Carfeno C. stories, but this one is one of my favorites!
It's sweet, it's funny, but parts are really intense or even heartbreakingly sad, this story has it all!
The narration by Ezekiel Robison was a surprise for me as I imagined different voices for the characters in my had, but it was still really good... as I again and again re-listening and re-reading this book ;)

I so enjoyed this!

I really loved...
- the family element of this story
- that the character interactions made me laugh out loud
- how Emilio learned from Spencer as much as Spencer learned from Emilio
- seeing Spencer find himself again
Beautiful story.

Anything I didn't like?
On a few occasions I noticed the narrator used his Spencer voice when it should have been Emilio's. It didn't happen very often and only in a couple sex scenes, I think. Nothing worth the deduction of a star.

A really enjoyable story of the growth and strengthening of a family/relationship.

I love Insta Love!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This was my first experience of an audio book and it took a little while for me to get used to it.

I really enjoyed this story and found Spencer and Emilio’s love story addictive. I wanted to keep listening and found every opportunity to do so.

Emilio is very headstrong and knows what he wants and won’t let anything get in his way. He railroad Spencer a little, but Spencer comes across as being a little bit more reserved.

It was definitely a story that I would recommend to others particularly those who like a bit of insta love.

I was given Strong Enough in exchange for an honest review and I give it 5 pink stars.

Uneventful

It was all right. Very well read. Too much sex. Nice characters but completely forgetable.

worth the listen

if nothing else this story teaches you about patience and understanding. It teaches you understanding of someone and their past.

Sweet and soft

This is a story about two men taking care of eachother and shows that age is just a number.
It had potential to get angsty but didn’t go there. They softly found their way to trust and love.

as good as the ebook

The story is always full stars, because if I wouldn't like the story as ebook, I wouldn't listen to the audiobook. I can't listen to an audiobook without knowing the book, that's not possible for me.

The performance from the narrator is also very important for me. I can't listen to a lot, because my English as a non-native-speaker isn't so perfect to follow a whole story over hours, when the narrator speaks too fast or too sloppy. Normally I have to SEE the person, who is talking to me in English. It took me a little bit, to come into the narrator, but at the end, it worked. I only have to take a few breaks between. I'm just not yet finish with the book, but I listen enough to give a review.

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often re-listening
it's like an A

3* - it's more then a one-time-listening.
it's like a B

Great series

Ezekiel Robison has made this whole series a delight to listen to. His narration throughout is superb. In this story he clearly characterizes each person and their emotions with a distinctive voice to match the personality. He made Spencer’s voice mature yet cute, Emilio’s hot and sensual, and the slimy ex boyfriend Peter worked really well and provoked the required negative reaction.

I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted tale. It was definitely lust at first sight for this May/December and very opposite couple. The young construction worker moving in straight away with the older professor might seem implausible in real life, but as usual, CC makes it entirely feasible. It’s a sexy and sweet romance of two men rapidly falling in love.

Emilio is such a great character. Handsome and sexy, he knows what he wants and sets out to claim Spencer from the start. For someone who is so young (twenty-two) he possesses amazing confidence and the ability to do what is right. He starts off in the role of the seducer, but when he notices Spencer’s vulnerability, he takes his time to earn Spencer’s trust. He declares his intentions towards him so it doesn’t feel creepy. I adored how caring and protective he is and how he makes Spencer feel comfortable and safe. They get to know each other well as Emilio gradually fixes the house for Spencer. He is patient and gentle, allowing Spencer the time to adapt to their new situation.

Spencer is the sweet and unassuming professor, who’s also lonely and insecure. My heart went out to him as we learn about his past and his insecurities. He’d been hurt before, but was still willing to give love one more chance. His reactions to Emilio loving on him and showing him attention are super.

The "off the charts" passion and connection between Emilio and Spencer made this story wonderful. The interaction and conversations showed a beautiful relationship developing and the smoking hot love scenes helped to make the insta-love believable. Emilio demonstrates his commitment to Spencer, and their love and devotion to each other prove to Spencer that he didn't really have ED but that he’d simply been with the wrong partners before Emilio.

Emilio’s family play a fabulous role in the story. They are all supportive of Emilio and readily welcome Spencer into the fold. Some of the comical scenes involving the brothers are hilarious and had me chuckling away.

This is a favourite series of mine and this story is a well-crafted tale of love that keeps your attention throughout. It draws the reader/listener into the characters’ lives and the blossoming relationship from the start.

awesome book with awesome narration!

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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. 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. With a prize like brilliant, sweet Spencer on the line, Emilio decides he is strong enough to face the challenge.

Spencer is surprised when he’s approached by the gorgeous construction worker he’s admired from the safety of his office window. Acting spontaneously for the first time in his thirty-eight years, Spencer takes Emilio home. 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.

This has to be my favourite book by Cardeno C, like ever! I have some more to read, but still I loved it!

Emilio caught Spencer's eye whilst working across from his office. Emilio caught Spencer watching, and then, just barged his way into Spencer's home, and his life. I loved how Spencer dealt with it all, Emilio, being younger, brasher, more down to earth than Spencer, totally showing that opposites DO attract!

I loved the way Spencer and Emilio worked through Spence's issues, and how Emilio's brothers took Spencer in, warts and all.

No major fall outs, misunderstandings, or life changing decisions, written in a way only CC knows how, and has mastered in a way others should take note. Its not necessary for the characters to fall out and mess up, sometimes, just getting from A to B is story enough, IF IF IF its told well. Told from both men's point of view, we get an insight into them both, which I really LOVE, mostly, because I like to know whats going on, from everyone.

The best bit for me?? The discussion about rings. Loved that scene and stands at one of my all time favourite for ANY author, EVER!

This is book two in the family series, but can be read as a stand alone and out of order. Indeed, Asher from book one is mentioned in passing and doesn't feature at all. I would like Asher and Daniel to have made more of an appearance, but still.

AUDIO REVIEW

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my audio copy of this book.

Okay, OKAY. I take it all back! Ezekiel Robison is OUTSTANDING in this book!

I couldn't finish Something In The Way He Needs, and I only liked The Half Of Us, when listening but when asked to review Strong Enough, I knew I had LOVED READING it, so really had to try. Just one more. Just one more time would I give Robison a go.

And he NAILED it!! Absolutely freaking NAILED it!! His voices are perfect. His reading voice, clear and even. There is NO, none at all, of the dipping sound I noticed in the other two books. Granted, I did not hear Emilio speaking with a Spanish-y accent when I was reading, but boy did it ever work here! The brothers voices too, were outstanding, and while similar, still different enough for me to make out who was talking in a multi- person conversation. Peter's voice was perfect too, and very much like the slimey voice I heard in my head when reading.

Robison portrays both men's feelings, emotions and thought processes beautifully. Spencer's fears and issues. Emilio's brashness and bull-in-a-china-shop attitude.

I usually take several days to listen to a book, sometimes several weeks. 6 hours and 43 minutes is a long time, to be totally engrossed in something but, THIS one? I got through in one sitting. One. Single. Sitting. I drove to it, I did laundry to it, I went to bed with it and stayed up til 2 in the morning because I wanted to get to the end. To THAT scene at the end. And it was as glorious listening to it, as it was reading. Still my most favourite scene in any book, EVER.

So, Mr Robison, I apologise for not liking the other two books, I really do. But thank you, for delivering Spencer and Emilio in such an outstanding way.

5 super shiny stars!
5 stars for the narration too!

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