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Friends #2
Finally
Gray is committed to healing Jack’s insecurities and winning his closest friend’s love, finally.
Years after the end of his long-term relationship, kind-hearted, successful Jack Storm is close to giving up on love, certain the romance part of him is broken and he’s destined to be alone forever. Gorgeous, confident Gray McClellan has been pining after Jack for most of his adult life, committed to being his friend until he’s ready for more.
When their friends say Jack is ready to date, Gray jumps at the opportunity to finally shoot his shot. Jack’s deep-seated wounds challenge them both, but Gray is nothing if not tenacious, patient, and most critically, deeply in love with Jack. Now that he can finally have his man, Gray won’t let anything, including Jack’s insecurities, get in the way of their hard-earned happily ever after.
Years after the end of his long-term relationship, kind-hearted, successful Jack Storm is close to giving up on love, certain the romance part of him is broken and he’s destined to be alone forever. Gorgeous, confident Gray McClellan has been pining after Jack for most of his adult life, committed to being his friend until he’s ready for more.
When their friends say Jack is ready to date, Gray jumps at the opportunity to finally shoot his shot. Jack’s deep-seated wounds challenge them both, but Gray is nothing if not tenacious, patient, and most critically, deeply in love with Jack. Now that he can finally have his man, Gray won’t let anything, including Jack’s insecurities, get in the way of their hard-earned happily ever after.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2025
35 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Cardeno C.
71 books2,384 followersCardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.
Website: www.cardenoc.com
Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @CardenoC
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 30, 2025
~1.5~
This book is appallingly bad. Absolutely nothing happens. The characters meet at various locations and have the same mundane conversations. The dialogue is painfully artificial and cringey.
The MCs aren't described in any meaningful way. I've no idea what Gray and Jack look like, except that Gray has a big dick. They're in their 40s but act much younger. The entire friend group read very college frat boy to me.
At the beginning, Gray, who's a self-proclaimed slut, is already in love with Jack and talks Jack into being his boyfriend. Jack agrees. Then they talk some more and fuck and get married - all in under 200 pages.
Toward the end, some random attorney Gray works with shows up in Gray's office and propositions him. Gray threatens to out him, so the dude leaves. What the?! Mind you, this guy is never mentioned before. It's just this out-of-the-blue scene that adds nothing to the story.
The last chapter before the epilogue is dedicated to Gray screaming at Jaime, Jack's ex, because Jaime didn't love or appreciate Jack. Like??
I'm actually sad to write this review because I was looking forward to Cardeno's comeback, but this ain't it.
This book is appallingly bad. Absolutely nothing happens. The characters meet at various locations and have the same mundane conversations. The dialogue is painfully artificial and cringey.
The MCs aren't described in any meaningful way. I've no idea what Gray and Jack look like, except that Gray has a big dick. They're in their 40s but act much younger. The entire friend group read very college frat boy to me.
At the beginning, Gray, who's a self-proclaimed slut, is already in love with Jack and talks Jack into being his boyfriend. Jack agrees. Then they talk some more and fuck and get married - all in under 200 pages.
Toward the end, some random attorney Gray works with shows up in Gray's office and propositions him. Gray threatens to out him, so the dude leaves. What the?! Mind you, this guy is never mentioned before. It's just this out-of-the-blue scene that adds nothing to the story.
The last chapter before the epilogue is dedicated to Gray screaming at Jaime, Jack's ex, because Jaime didn't love or appreciate Jack. Like??
I'm actually sad to write this review because I was looking forward to Cardeno's comeback, but this ain't it.
February 5, 2026
Absolutely loved Gray tearing Jamie a new one. Really related to him not wanting to have it out with that man then losing his shit regardless and saying, "You know what? I've changed my mind. This is very much the day and I am absolutely the one."
Go offfffffffff, baby. Tell him everything he's done wrong.
Yes. I loved this book even though my review starts out with being happy that one MC tore the other MC's ex a new arsehole.
Mostly because what Jamie did to Jack was enough of an issue that it required a decade for Jack to heal.
But yeah. Ten years to heal sounds about right when you leave a decade long relationship with someone who you were madly in love with, who kept you around even if he had to 'try very hard to love you' and absolutely couldn't bring himself to desire you, and when the relationship finally ended, you STILL had to have that man around because y'all started and continue to run a successful business together, THEN you get to watch him find someone he actually does love and desire and settle down with that person. And you get a front roe seat. Yum.
Not just at work but everywhere else, too, because you're all in the same friend group. Yep. The original pairing that was together for a terrible decade then broke up, the new guy dating the ex and Gray.
That's.....a lot.
Ten years sounds like a reasonable time to unfuck that.
And even then, Jack stayed with enough PTSD from that relationship that Gray had a hell of a time convincing him that he was worthy of love. Hell, even desire.
I adore Gray, but waiting patiently for Jack from the sidelines for TWENTY years is crazyyyyy business.
No wonder he fucked everything that moved.
Which also became an issue because once they finally got together, every one of their friends found it necessary to warn Jack off Gray😂😂😂😂
Like....baby, let me hold your hand when I say this: that man will fuck you and leave you because that's all he knows 💀
Too funny. Waiting twenty years only to finally get your man and now everyone's telling him to run.
With good reason, too. Because that's the version of himself Gray allowed anyone to see. Wouldn't do to have everyone know you've been pining for twenty years.
This one was alternatingly sad and funny.
***figured Jaime might have his own story, went to check, found out I already read it AND I loved him in it.
🤡🤡🤡
But in my defense, he was adorable to HIS MC, whom he apparently did love and desire (unlike Jack).
Go offfffffffff, baby. Tell him everything he's done wrong.
Yes. I loved this book even though my review starts out with being happy that one MC tore the other MC's ex a new arsehole.
Mostly because what Jamie did to Jack was enough of an issue that it required a decade for Jack to heal.
But yeah. Ten years to heal sounds about right when you leave a decade long relationship with someone who you were madly in love with, who kept you around even if he had to 'try very hard to love you' and absolutely couldn't bring himself to desire you, and when the relationship finally ended, you STILL had to have that man around because y'all started and continue to run a successful business together, THEN you get to watch him find someone he actually does love and desire and settle down with that person. And you get a front roe seat. Yum.
Not just at work but everywhere else, too, because you're all in the same friend group. Yep. The original pairing that was together for a terrible decade then broke up, the new guy dating the ex and Gray.
That's.....a lot.
Ten years sounds like a reasonable time to unfuck that.
And even then, Jack stayed with enough PTSD from that relationship that Gray had a hell of a time convincing him that he was worthy of love. Hell, even desire.
I adore Gray, but waiting patiently for Jack from the sidelines for TWENTY years is crazyyyyy business.
No wonder he fucked everything that moved.
Which also became an issue because once they finally got together, every one of their friends found it necessary to warn Jack off Gray😂😂😂😂
Like....baby, let me hold your hand when I say this: that man will fuck you and leave you because that's all he knows 💀
Too funny. Waiting twenty years only to finally get your man and now everyone's telling him to run.
With good reason, too. Because that's the version of himself Gray allowed anyone to see. Wouldn't do to have everyone know you've been pining for twenty years.
This one was alternatingly sad and funny.
***figured Jaime might have his own story, went to check, found out I already read it AND I loved him in it.
🤡🤡🤡
But in my defense, he was adorable to HIS MC, whom he apparently did love and desire (unlike Jack).
December 2, 2025
Looks like I'm the first review, which is a shame because this is a boring book. And I DNF'd it at 29%. I remember loving this author and was excited to see a book I hadn't read yet. But, it's a "too much telling, not enough showing" snoozefest.
November 10, 2025
I loved Jaime and Oliver in 'Not a Game', so when I heard we were finally getting Jack’s story, super excited would be an understatement! One thing I always wondered about was how Jack really felt about his and Jaime’s relationship, and 'Finally' delivered that and more. Seeing the story unfold through both Jack’s and Gray’s perspectives was sweet, emotional, and deeply satisfying.
'Finally' is everything I hoped for: hot, sexy, sweet, funny, comforting, and more.
Cardeno C. does what they do best here — blending tenderness, humor, and heat with that perfect mix of hurt, comfort, and healing. Jack and Gray’s story isn’t just sexy or sweet; it’s deep.
I’m so happy Cardeno C. is writing again!
“Jack?”
“Uh huh.”
“I want you to let go. I know it’s terrifying. I know you were burned when you let yourself be vulnerable before. But I also know that you’re strong enough and brave enough to try again. And you need to do it. Not for me. I’ve been chasing you half my life, and I’ll be doing it for the rest of my life; you’re not going to scare me away. You need to do this for you. Because if you keep that emotional, sensual, passionate man inside you locked up for much longer, he’ll be lost forever, and you’ll walk through the rest of your life being a shadow of who you could have been. You already know you can trust me. Now trust yourself.”
'Finally' is everything I hoped for: hot, sexy, sweet, funny, comforting, and more.
“I did. I do. I always will,” he said, looking into Jack’s beloved face.
“I love you, Gray.” Jack’s voice was rough with emotion and his blue eyes shone with unshed tears. “This is our forever.”
“Finally.”
Cardeno C. does what they do best here — blending tenderness, humor, and heat with that perfect mix of hurt, comfort, and healing. Jack and Gray’s story isn’t just sexy or sweet; it’s deep.
I’m so happy Cardeno C. is writing again!
November 9, 2025
An OK read but it was, at times, rather slow and drawn out for me.
December 28, 2025
I have to assume this hit me at the right moment. I enjoyed this (minus Kevin and the unnecessary dude at the end). I read this in one sitting. Will i enjoy it again later? 🤷🏽♀️ but it worked for today.
November 16, 2025
Updating to add review of story below paperback version rant (I borrowed the book from KU so I could actually read it):
0 stars for the paperback version - I bought the paperback version which I regret: front is way too small (except for 1 page where it's much bigger), text runs into the spine of the book, pages with one or two paragraphs are centered on the page which looks ridiculous. There is zero quality control and I HATE that I spent this much money on such a crappy book.
2 stars for the story: I adored "Not a Game" and was really looking forward to Jack's story, but was let down by the style (a lot of tell not show) and content: and The whole thing kind of fizzles out. And the .
0 stars for the paperback version - I bought the paperback version which I regret: front is way too small (except for 1 page where it's much bigger), text runs into the spine of the book, pages with one or two paragraphs are centered on the page which looks ridiculous. There is zero quality control and I HATE that I spent this much money on such a crappy book.
2 stars for the story: I adored "Not a Game" and was really looking forward to Jack's story, but was let down by the style (a lot of tell not show) and content: and The whole thing kind of fizzles out. And the .
November 28, 2025
This is a lovely romance between two men who've been friends for twenty years and now are finally getting together. Jack was with his first partner in a loveless relationship for ten years. The other man, Jamie, whom we met in book one, didn't really love Jack but didn't want to hurt him by moving on. The problem was that by staying, he damaged Jack's self-worth and sex appeal. Now, years after they broke up, Jack's best friend, Gray, sees that Jack is getting over Jamie and it's time to move in. He's loved Jack all this time, but had to wait until Jack was ready to consider a relationship.
The story unfolds slowly, sweetly, and ergonomically. There's no sudden emotional or physical trauma in this one, it's simply a love story. I really enjoyed it as Gray took his time convincing and romancing Jack. Very satisfying read and what I needed at the end of a few very frazzled days.
The story unfolds slowly, sweetly, and ergonomically. There's no sudden emotional or physical trauma in this one, it's simply a love story. I really enjoyed it as Gray took his time convincing and romancing Jack. Very satisfying read and what I needed at the end of a few very frazzled days.
February 20, 2026
Jack is a character that I really wanted to know better in the first book of the series. He's taken a very long time getting over Jaime, and he still has some healing to do. Gray has been waiting in the wings. I loved that he established a strong friendship with Jack first. He doesn't hesitate to make his move as soon as Jack is ready. These two have to work through Jack's self-esteem issues. Gray is a steady rock, proving over and over again that it is Jack, and Jack alone, that he's been waiting for and loving all those years. I liked that Gray pulls no punches with Jaime about the damage he did to Jack, and it brings true repentance. The ending left me with a smile.
Highly recommended author and series
Audiobook: terrific narrator
Highly recommended author and series
Audiobook: terrific narrator
November 28, 2025
3.5 but I rounded up.
This author was one of the first authors I read in this genre. I devoured their books. And then I don't know what happened and no books were released until this year. 9 years, WOW.
This was a typical Cardeno C book so it was a little nostalgic to read. I thought I was going to be lost a bit because again 9 years since but it was explained well and I really felt bad for Jack. Like I wanted to hate on Jaime from the first book. Thank goodness for Gray.
Here's hoping for more from this author! :)
This author was one of the first authors I read in this genre. I devoured their books. And then I don't know what happened and no books were released until this year. 9 years, WOW.
This was a typical Cardeno C book so it was a little nostalgic to read. I thought I was going to be lost a bit because again 9 years since but it was explained well and I really felt bad for Jack. Like I wanted to hate on Jaime from the first book. Thank goodness for Gray.
Here's hoping for more from this author! :)
February 17, 2026
3.8 Stars
This book was mushy and sweet with a bit of angst. I loved Jack and Gray! My heart hurt for both of them for a bit. Jack because of Jamie and Gray because of his love for Jack and Jack didn’t know and wasn’t ready for a relationship and Jamie made him self conscious of himself, but Jack to the rescue and they became closer and Gray opened up to Jack and told him about his feelings and things progressed and their friendship became more and they finally( pun intended) got their HEA together.
This book was mushy and sweet with a bit of angst. I loved Jack and Gray! My heart hurt for both of them for a bit. Jack because of Jamie and Gray because of his love for Jack and Jack didn’t know and wasn’t ready for a relationship and Jamie made him self conscious of himself, but Jack to the rescue and they became closer and Gray opened up to Jack and told him about his feelings and things progressed and their friendship became more and they finally( pun intended) got their HEA together.
February 15, 2026
Was excited to see the author writing again and that we were finally getting Jack’s story. It had the potential to be very good, but for me ended up feeling a bit rushed. It felt like some scenes that should have been in there were skipped. Chapters were jump forwards in time when I expected to see more of the scene we’d been in. I’m really happy this author is writing again and I hope that they get their mojo back with each new release.
October 30, 2025
Finally… Worth The Wait
It’s been a long time coming. Loved Jack and Gray’s love story. It was classic CC which I loved and have missed. This was a sweet, sexy and finding love at long last happy read. I always enjoy the friendships and families created and surrounding the characters. I hope Kevin’s next. Welcome back Cardeno C., you’ve been missed.
It’s been a long time coming. Loved Jack and Gray’s love story. It was classic CC which I loved and have missed. This was a sweet, sexy and finding love at long last happy read. I always enjoy the friendships and families created and surrounding the characters. I hope Kevin’s next. Welcome back Cardeno C., you’ve been missed.
November 26, 2025
Falling for your best friend
I didn’t like Gray and Jack’s friends very much, especially Kevin. He doesn’t know when to quit. These two have been on a long journey but it eventually led to each other. Gray doesn’t date because he has been waiting for his best friend for years. Now he just has to convince the other man that he really means it.
I didn’t like Gray and Jack’s friends very much, especially Kevin. He doesn’t know when to quit. These two have been on a long journey but it eventually led to each other. Gray doesn’t date because he has been waiting for his best friend for years. Now he just has to convince the other man that he really means it.
October 30, 2025
Look, I’m probably a smidge biased because I finally have a new Cardeno C book in my hands but what can I say? I’ve always enjoyed this author’s writing (and have been reading it since I was 19). It was cute and I had a good time.
February 10, 2026
DNF.
Gray annoyed me so much. And there was a lot of telling what happens instead of showing us, which I am not a fan of. So while I was annoyed, I was also bored.
I like a few of Cardeno's books, but this one didn't do it for me. Sorry!
Gray annoyed me so much. And there was a lot of telling what happens instead of showing us, which I am not a fan of. So while I was annoyed, I was also bored.
I like a few of Cardeno's books, but this one didn't do it for me. Sorry!
February 21, 2026
CC used to be one of my favorite writers. I had high expectations for this book and was left disappointed.
It was a weak writing and an uninspiring story.
But I'm still excited that the author is back after such a long absence. Hopefully, the next book will be more to my liking
It was a weak writing and an uninspiring story.
But I'm still excited that the author is back after such a long absence. Hopefully, the next book will be more to my liking
November 2, 2025
4.5 stars
November 2, 2025
Loved this
So happy to see Jack getting the happy ending he deserves. Gray is perfect for him, his devotion is what we all dream of.
So happy to see Jack getting the happy ending he deserves. Gray is perfect for him, his devotion is what we all dream of.
November 7, 2025
I really liked this book. The persistent faithful MC and the clueless one
November 9, 2025
Not my type
It seemed kinda dumb to me. The characters were very stereotypical and lacked real depth. I didn’t like it at all.
It seemed kinda dumb to me. The characters were very stereotypical and lacked real depth. I didn’t like it at all.
November 9, 2025
Beautiful heart warming love story. I thought Gray was too harsh on Jack's ex. Glad they found each other.
November 15, 2025
Mr C is back with another great story
Humor, tears, and lots of heat make for a great read. Happy Mr C is back, now we are thirsty for more
Humor, tears, and lots of heat make for a great read. Happy Mr C is back, now we are thirsty for more
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews