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Mi Familia #1
Siempre
As a principal dancer for a contemporary New York ballet company, Sean has the privilege of working with student interns. The company’s newest intern, Lupe, is a talented dancer from Purchase College―but the man who picks her up from class really piques Sean’s interest. Jaime is Lupe’s cousin, a photography and graphic design student at Purchase. Not long after Sean and Jaime start dating, their casual hookups evolve into something special, something neither wants to lose―no matter how a commitment will complicate their lives. Lupe figures out the nature of their relationship and outs Jaime to his extremely religious Arizona family. Sean decides to support Jaime all the way, even though Jaime might choose pleasing his family over a life of love and freedom with Sean.
200 pages, Paperback
First published December 22, 2013
4 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Cárdenas
5 books33 followersTessa Cárdenas grew up in a small town in northern Texas before relocating to Florida to study creative writing. Since completing her degree, she spends her days educating young minds and wouldn’t quit her day job even if she could. She’s traveled to Europe, Asia, and all over the United States and Canada, but she’ll always be a Texas girl. She currently lives with two dogs, one cat, and a stack of works in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 23, 2013
Wow. I'm blown away. This one was so real it made my chest hurt. I've been here. It was probably one of the more realistic portrayals I've read of how it feels when your significant other comes out to a not-so-accepting family. There was no melodrama, no typical angst with big misunderstandings and bad communications. Hell, aside from the fact I'm not a professional dancer, so much of this feels like a mirror of my college relationship (4 yrs, 2 of complete parental insanity). Kudos to this author. I can't wait to see what else you can do if these are your chops on a sophomore release.
June 14, 2017
So this is about how Sean and Jaime meet and what should have been a surprisingly easy start to a fantastic coming together, manifests into something quite complicated. Jaime is not out to his deeply religious family, so they must hide their relationship from his cousin who dances with Sean. As predicted, this brings a lot of complications and ultimately they fail in keeping their secret. The fall out is not pretty.
To me this was a thoughtful look on what it's like to struggle with being gay when your family thinks it's morally wrong. It also realistically touches on just plain old relationship angst that I think all of us have gone through. There's the euphoria of meeting someone, connecting with them and having fun. There's doubts and worries over whether the other is just as serious as you are. Plus throw in commitment issues, communication roadblocks, and meddling friends.
Simply put, I liked this book. I did want a little more from Jaime's perspective and details about his family. This ended a bit abruptly but I see there's a sequel - something that I'll most likely check out because I wasn't quite ready to let this couple go.
To me this was a thoughtful look on what it's like to struggle with being gay when your family thinks it's morally wrong. It also realistically touches on just plain old relationship angst that I think all of us have gone through. There's the euphoria of meeting someone, connecting with them and having fun. There's doubts and worries over whether the other is just as serious as you are. Plus throw in commitment issues, communication roadblocks, and meddling friends.
Simply put, I liked this book. I did want a little more from Jaime's perspective and details about his family. This ended a bit abruptly but I see there's a sequel - something that I'll most likely check out because I wasn't quite ready to let this couple go.
September 2, 2016
I loved The Strongest Shape, so I was looking forward to reading Tessa Cardena’s new story. A story that takes place in the realm of art and ballet, what a promising, encouraging premise. The outcome didn’t disappoint me at all. I found this to be an absorbing book with a number of positive features, a realistic portrayal of two men who meet and fall in love. It was emotional without being over the top angsty, with good writing and great texture to the scenes. The author really delivered a heart-felt story that begins as a sexual adventure but soon turns into something more.
Sean is a principal dancer for a New York ballet company. The company’s newest intern is Guadalupe, a talented dancer. Her cousin Jaime, a photography and graphic design student, who picks her up from class regularly, piques Sean’s interest. Sean and Jaime start dating and even though they know a commitment will complicate their lives, their casual hook-ups grow into more. But there is Jaime’s extremely religious family. He knows they will never acknowledge his sexual orientation, leaving Jaime faced with an important choice - pleasing his family or living a life of love with Sean.
I liked Sean’s passionate love for the ballet. There is one emotional dancing scene in which you can feel Sean’s love, his sadness, and his grief in every movement. I felt the author’s dedication to the ballet with every single word. It just took my breath away.
The secondary characters are well written and the world building is reasonably strong. I loved Travis, Alana and Alexandria and appreciated how much they invested in their friendship to Sean and Jaime, how much they cared. I’m sure without those great friends Sean and Jaime’s relationship wouldn’t have stood a chance.
The book is told exclusively from Sean’s POV and you can’t not love him. In some places the story feels like a diary, a daily report of the progress or development of Sean and Jaime’s relationship. I missed Jaime’s thoughts, though. He isn’t a great talker and I only got short sneak peeks of his thoughts… when Sean manages to make him talk… or write. A large part of their conversations takes place in text messages. :)
The one thing that was difficult for me to understand is how Jaime deals with his extremely religious family. Since I don’t want to spoil anything, I won’t give away too much details, but I would have expected a more drastic reaction from his side. I never found out why he tolerates his family’s behaviour so long.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, a great book packed full of emotional moments. I look forward to reading more from this author. Recommended. :)
October 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. Sean and Jaime are great together. The story basically revolves around Sean's life as a dancer for a contemporary dance company in New York and how he and Jaime meet and fall in love. The major issue for them is that Jaime is a Catholic Hispanic who is most definitely not out to his family, and the drama that happens once he's found out. I totally felt for them and loved how Sean stuck by Jaime no matter what.
There was really not much sex in the book, and since I'm a big fan of sex scenes, I was surprised by how much this didn't bother me at all. I was so caught up in the unfolding drama that I didn't really notice until after I finished the book. Definitely a good sign!
All in all, it was a great story about two guys with not much in common, but they somehow fit together perfectly. Loved it.
There was really not much sex in the book, and since I'm a big fan of sex scenes, I was surprised by how much this didn't bother me at all. I was so caught up in the unfolding drama that I didn't really notice until after I finished the book. Definitely a good sign!
All in all, it was a great story about two guys with not much in common, but they somehow fit together perfectly. Loved it.
August 21, 2014
.... I'm still thinking about how to rate this. I enjoyed this story for the most part and fell in love with Sean, but Jaimie I had a love/not quite like vibe going on for most of the book. Did I understand his feelings? Only a little bit because we never got a glimpse inside HIS thoughts and feelings. I'm thinking. .. maybe I should read the next book right away and then come back here and revisit this one if I get a clearer picture of Jamie. .. Would I recommend this book? Heck yeah. Will I read more from this author? Definitely. It's just today I don't know how to rate this. ... wavering between 3.75*** & 4*** & 4.5*** cause my feelings and thoughts are ALLLL over da place.
8/20/14
4.5**** (After reading Mi Familia, I have a much better and clearer understanding of the M/C's. )
8/20/14
4.5**** (After reading Mi Familia, I have a much better and clearer understanding of the M/C's. )
February 6, 2016
Fade to black for the most part. The same storyline goes round and round and round. I swear she just did the copy, click and repeat. Their "romance" was mostly off page with our dancer and his friends having the same conversations in either the apartment or dance studio over and over again. Toss in the boyfriend's roomie... over and over...
It stayed in stagnant, texts instead of action and conversation. The keeping the boyfriend in the house by the parents... steal his charger, never leaving him alone, not letting him use his phone, making him sleep on the sofa etc... he's 24 years old... WT???
It's been on my to read shelf forever.... very disappointing.
It stayed in stagnant, texts instead of action and conversation. The keeping the boyfriend in the house by the parents... steal his charger, never leaving him alone, not letting him use his phone, making him sleep on the sofa etc... he's 24 years old... WT???
It's been on my to read shelf forever.... very disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2016
Somehow this didn't work for me. It was boring, I didn't care for any of the characters and had the feeling the whole thing moved in circles. At some point I just started skimming, but nothing I read brought me back into the story. At least I finished, therefore 2 stars.
May 6, 2017
Una historia que narra las emociones sin edulcorar, los problemas de aceptación sin dramatizar. En la que los personajes crecen a un ritmo adecuado y sus relación de la misma manera, con unos secundarios que cuentan, suman y tienen un porqué. Lástima que no tenga más libros traducidos.
September 5, 2014
If you're going to give me angst, then make it heartfelt and compelling like this. It's seldom that M/M romance deals with the coming-out of PoC characters (then again M/M romance much like its hetero counterpart is pretty slow when it comes to diversity). I enjoyed all the characters SAVE for the main one, Sean. He just never quite grew on me. I think his privileged blinders annoyed me, and maybe that was the point. I loved the female characters Alana and Alexandra (though it would be nice to see them develop relationships outside of running interference between Sean and Jaime). I also loved the ever-loyal (and straight) Travis. And though I wanted to dislike Lupe, I needed to remember how she (and many others) are raised. Still doesn't mean her ignorance was acceptable.
Jaime tugged on my heartstrings though there were times I wanted to smack him. Still, the struggle to remain true to who he was despite having an incredibly religious family, is a struggle many GLBTQ people face. I definitely loved how the author showcased another faith tradition that is more welcoming to GLBTQ and in my view, far closer to Jesus' message of love.
This was a more sensual read, and that's actually nice. Guess I have to read the next book in the series.
Jaime tugged on my heartstrings though there were times I wanted to smack him. Still, the struggle to remain true to who he was despite having an incredibly religious family, is a struggle many GLBTQ people face. I definitely loved how the author showcased another faith tradition that is more welcoming to GLBTQ and in my view, far closer to Jesus' message of love.
This was a more sensual read, and that's actually nice. Guess I have to read the next book in the series.
August 24, 2016
I've been wanting to read this book for years, but it kept getting shuffled around. When Dreamspinner had their 50% off sale on one book, I thought I might as well take the chance and buy it. Turns out that was a good decision, because I ended up really liking this book (and even went back and bought book two, Mi Familia, because I wanted to know how their story ended).
This is a fairly slow-paced, low-angst, book. I really enjoyed the two MCs. And while it doesn't come into play as much in this book as it does in the sequel, I liked how the differences between the Sean and Jaime (in terms of race, social status, and family background) were written. These characters come from two different places in regards to a lot of things in their lives, and yet those things don't tear them apart (permanently) but make the story more interesting and the romance more real.
I totally recommend this book and its sequel. They were both a lot of fun to read.
This is a fairly slow-paced, low-angst, book. I really enjoyed the two MCs. And while it doesn't come into play as much in this book as it does in the sequel, I liked how the differences between the Sean and Jaime (in terms of race, social status, and family background) were written. These characters come from two different places in regards to a lot of things in their lives, and yet those things don't tear them apart (permanently) but make the story more interesting and the romance more real.
I totally recommend this book and its sequel. They were both a lot of fun to read.
January 11, 2014
This review was originally written for Joyfully Jay Reviews.
4 stars
As I said previously, I’m a big fan of dance, so I was excited to see that this book takes place within that world. It provided an interesting backdrop for this romance to take place. Sean, Travis, and Alana are artists, and the level of commitment that they show to their craft is impressive. It also added something to the plot when the politics of the dance world became involved. When Lupe must worry about how her personal relationships will affect her chances in the dance world, it becomes all too real how one little decision could change the course of her career, doing something she loves.
Read Amy's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
As I said previously, I’m a big fan of dance, so I was excited to see that this book takes place within that world. It provided an interesting backdrop for this romance to take place. Sean, Travis, and Alana are artists, and the level of commitment that they show to their craft is impressive. It also added something to the plot when the politics of the dance world became involved. When Lupe must worry about how her personal relationships will affect her chances in the dance world, it becomes all too real how one little decision could change the course of her career, doing something she loves.
Read Amy's review in its entirety here.
July 20, 2014
This was so good. It sort of snuck up on me. I ended up really loving these characters, who felt like real people. They didn't have to save the world or fight villains, but the conflict that was there felt real. I was flipping pages quickly by the end, holding my breath, wanting everything to feel OK again.
At the same time, this was a peaceful book, a book that made me smile. The friends were really nice characters, too, who seemed to start out irritating and grew on me as I watched them all interact. I felt like I was part of their lives for a little while, and that was a beautiful place to be.
This was a wonderful, peaceful book that left me with a smile on my face. I also found myself thinking about the story afterwards, as well as the characters.
At the same time, this was a peaceful book, a book that made me smile. The friends were really nice characters, too, who seemed to start out irritating and grew on me as I watched them all interact. I felt like I was part of their lives for a little while, and that was a beautiful place to be.
This was a wonderful, peaceful book that left me with a smile on my face. I also found myself thinking about the story afterwards, as well as the characters.
September 1, 2017
Enjoyable but not very memorable. The characters are nice enough, but the angst felt blah. I don't know why Jaime put himself and Sean through it. Family I guess. It's hard to relate when you're the type to not put up with toxicity just because it shares DNA. Meh. Also had little patience for Sean's best friend's "parenting" but Sean didn't seem to be bothered so it was easier to overlook.
July 10, 2018
My first clue was when I couldn't keep two characters separate in my mind. I typically find it's the writing, not my memory. There are early intimacy scenes that gloss over everything. what?! Then, at 20%, I concluded it was terribly boring. DNF
October 2, 2014
Sean, a dancer, picks an underprivileged woman, Lupe, to intern for him in a summer program. Lupe comes from a protective Catholic family and sends Jaime, her cousin, to drive her to and from practice. What they don’t know is that Jaime has secrets of his own. One of which is his sexuality.
Sean and Jaime hit it off right away. Sean, who falls first and asks questions later, does his best to keep himself distanced, but ends up falling for Jamie anyway. Jaime, trapped by fear (fear of his family, his beliefs, and of rejection), holds Sean at a distance and almost loses the best relationship he’s ever had.
The two struggle with one another’s eccentricities and make compromises. It looks like things might actually be heading somewhere when Lupe finds out about their relationship and spills the beans to the ultra-conservative family.
Jaime is suddenly pulled away from New York, practically held hostage and Sean is facing a future where Jaime chooses his family and a life full of lies over him.
It isn’t an easy ending, there are still questions left. Jaime doesn’t quite come to grips with his sexuality, still feels guilty about what it means to be a gay man, but the two have a happy ending and we are definitely left with a lot of hope.
When I first got this book I was mad. I had read another Tessa Cardenas book and was expecting a happier book. So I put it to the side, not quite liking where it was headed. Then I found out there was a sequel and a-ha! I was suddenly seeing the light. I now understand the plan. This book, though it does have a happy ending, makes more sense with the sequel, which takes place three years after this book ends.
This is a good book that looks hard at personal and societal guilt. Jaime is representative of many people who know “intellectually” that who they are and how they live their life is “normal” but still feel guilty, thinking since it’s not “normal” or what people expect, it’s somehow wrong.
Lupe is the person who tells you “I forgive you” for your “sins” and makes you think she is a do-gooder. But, as Sean points out, she shouldn’t have to forgive anyone for simply being true to themselves.
Sean is the optimist. His family has unconditionally supported him all these years and it takes Jaime to really appreciate what a gift that is.
There are several other major secondary characters that help to shape this into a really fine book and I hope we see more of them in the sequel.
The love story and sex between Jaime and Sean is very sweet and hot and I love, love, loved the Spanish that Jaime throws in when he is too bashful to say what he’s thinking to Sean. Super cute!
Now that I have finished the book, and am back to trusting that Tessa had a game plan all along, I am embarrassed it took so long to finish.
I really liked this book and give it a 4.5 of 5 hearts.
Sean and Jaime hit it off right away. Sean, who falls first and asks questions later, does his best to keep himself distanced, but ends up falling for Jamie anyway. Jaime, trapped by fear (fear of his family, his beliefs, and of rejection), holds Sean at a distance and almost loses the best relationship he’s ever had.
The two struggle with one another’s eccentricities and make compromises. It looks like things might actually be heading somewhere when Lupe finds out about their relationship and spills the beans to the ultra-conservative family.
Jaime is suddenly pulled away from New York, practically held hostage and Sean is facing a future where Jaime chooses his family and a life full of lies over him.
It isn’t an easy ending, there are still questions left. Jaime doesn’t quite come to grips with his sexuality, still feels guilty about what it means to be a gay man, but the two have a happy ending and we are definitely left with a lot of hope.
When I first got this book I was mad. I had read another Tessa Cardenas book and was expecting a happier book. So I put it to the side, not quite liking where it was headed. Then I found out there was a sequel and a-ha! I was suddenly seeing the light. I now understand the plan. This book, though it does have a happy ending, makes more sense with the sequel, which takes place three years after this book ends.
This is a good book that looks hard at personal and societal guilt. Jaime is representative of many people who know “intellectually” that who they are and how they live their life is “normal” but still feel guilty, thinking since it’s not “normal” or what people expect, it’s somehow wrong.
Lupe is the person who tells you “I forgive you” for your “sins” and makes you think she is a do-gooder. But, as Sean points out, she shouldn’t have to forgive anyone for simply being true to themselves.
Sean is the optimist. His family has unconditionally supported him all these years and it takes Jaime to really appreciate what a gift that is.
There are several other major secondary characters that help to shape this into a really fine book and I hope we see more of them in the sequel.
The love story and sex between Jaime and Sean is very sweet and hot and I love, love, loved the Spanish that Jaime throws in when he is too bashful to say what he’s thinking to Sean. Super cute!
Now that I have finished the book, and am back to trusting that Tessa had a game plan all along, I am embarrassed it took so long to finish.
I really liked this book and give it a 4.5 of 5 hearts.
September 30, 2014
4.5 stars.
The word that primarily came to mind while mulling over this review was "realistic". The whole book felt real, as if it were a true story taken from the life of a NYC dancer and the man for whom he falls. Realistic in a way that there's no contrived conflict, no miscommunications between the characters, no huge blow-ups, but simple, true, strong love pitted against one man's family's extreme homophobia, and the organic way these two men must deal with that.
This being my first book by this author, and only her sophomore novel, I was blown away by her talent. A great plot, well-flowing, and easy (not simple), crisp yet emotional writing - it's all here. Sure, there's angst, but none of it is for angst's sake. It's all necessary here, needed to understand why these characters act the way they do. And while we don't get enough of a glimpse into Jaime's head, I understood why he was conflicted and torn between his family and his love.
I cheered for, feared for and rejoiced for the main characters throughout, with my eyes glued to each word on each page, as they fight for their relationship and their right to live life as they please. And even more poignant, the book drove home the point that small things can have a huge impact not only on your own life, but that of someone else.
Exceptional. Superb. This is an author to put on my (and your) watch list.
Well done.
** I received a free copy of this book from publisher upon request. A positive review was not promised in return. **
The word that primarily came to mind while mulling over this review was "realistic". The whole book felt real, as if it were a true story taken from the life of a NYC dancer and the man for whom he falls. Realistic in a way that there's no contrived conflict, no miscommunications between the characters, no huge blow-ups, but simple, true, strong love pitted against one man's family's extreme homophobia, and the organic way these two men must deal with that.
This being my first book by this author, and only her sophomore novel, I was blown away by her talent. A great plot, well-flowing, and easy (not simple), crisp yet emotional writing - it's all here. Sure, there's angst, but none of it is for angst's sake. It's all necessary here, needed to understand why these characters act the way they do. And while we don't get enough of a glimpse into Jaime's head, I understood why he was conflicted and torn between his family and his love.
I cheered for, feared for and rejoiced for the main characters throughout, with my eyes glued to each word on each page, as they fight for their relationship and their right to live life as they please. And even more poignant, the book drove home the point that small things can have a huge impact not only on your own life, but that of someone else.
Exceptional. Superb. This is an author to put on my (and your) watch list.
Well done.
** I received a free copy of this book from publisher upon request. A positive review was not promised in return. **
July 14, 2014
I really like this book and the way it deals with Sean and Jaime's relationship ... After meeting each other when Jaime takes his cousin Lupe to her dance classes.
Sean knows that Jaime is gay but he is out to his friends but not his family in Arizona. Jaime's family is very religious and their beliefs don't align with Jaime's reality.
Sean has to look at this from a different perspective and be there for Jaime in a way that he is needed.
The secondary characters are a good compliment to the story.
What is really sad is that some families still have so many stereotypes about gays and try to impose religious obligations under their own kids trying to change them.
Jaime and Sean find strength to move forward and that is all that matter.
Sean knows that Jaime is gay but he is out to his friends but not his family in Arizona. Jaime's family is very religious and their beliefs don't align with Jaime's reality.
Sean has to look at this from a different perspective and be there for Jaime in a way that he is needed.
The secondary characters are a good compliment to the story.
What is really sad is that some families still have so many stereotypes about gays and try to impose religious obligations under their own kids trying to change them.
Jaime and Sean find strength to move forward and that is all that matter.
January 28, 2014
All of these great characters came together to form a story that kept me turning pages until I hit The End, before I was ready for it. As I said before, there were no huge angsty moments, no knock down drag out fights, and the confrontations with most of Jaime’s family took place off page. This in no way took away from the reality of Jaime’s situation. I knew that Jaime had to make a decision that would either leave him as part of a family and miserable, or happy with himself and having to make his own family.
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
See the entire review at The Novel Approach: http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
July 13, 2014
I have to say this one really got to me. What Jaime goes through with his family was heartbreaking. Sean is adorable and sweet and while his friends may say he's a spoiled brat, he isn't. Just by how he acted when Jaime's family was going crazy shows that he is able to be supportive and strong. These two as a couple were adorable.
April 20, 2015
A sweet story. Not a lot of sex and the story really just focuses on their relationship but there are some great secondary characters too. A great read and I highly, highly suggest getting the 2nd book in the series "Mi Familia."
December 27, 2013
It was a bit slow moving, but ended up being a great read.
September 10, 2016
4 Stars. Review to Come.
June 1, 2015
DNF 40%
It's not a bad book necessarily it is just not a me book
It's not a bad book necessarily it is just not a me book
September 17, 2016
An enjoyable read, not my favorite, but not my least favorite either.
July 16, 2017
I really liked this book. The writing is engaging and Jaime and Sean's relationship felt real. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
December 13, 2016
Muy bonito. Me pase todo el libro esperando una declaración de amor por parte de Travis a Alana, pero por lo demás nada que objetar. Sean y Jaime son adorables. Muy recomendable
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews