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endemictoearth's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Another age gap novella! It’s a best friend’s dad situation, for those who enjoy that dynamic. The older MC is HIV positive and there are good conversations around that. I’d say that Tanner (younger MC) might be demi, bc he’s basically only has ever had eyes for the other MC. It’s probably really 3 stars, but I’m bumping it half a star for the HIV+ rep.
missysreadingcorner's review
5.0
As with the other Cardeno C. books I've read, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it was short, it was a well rounded story. I was glad the topic of HIV was brought up even though it is not a sexy topic. I've read a lot of romance novels (m/m and m/f) but STIs and STDs are rarely mentioned nor are the main characters infected with anything. It didn't distract from the overall theme of the story, which was about a young man insanely in love with his best friend's dad. I like how Tanner took the news seriously but at the end of the day was still crazy about Steve.
nicola949's review
5.0
Loved the age difference, loved the tackling of a relationship after losing a long term partner, loved Tanner's inexperience, loved Steve's handling of Tanner. Lots to love. :)
kbranfield's review
4.0
Jesse's Diner by Cardeno C. is a heartwarming May/December romance that is delightfully angst free. This sweet yet steamy addition to the Hope series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
Although Tanner Sellers is endearingly shy and a tad socially awkward, he successfully runs the diner he inherited from his mentor and friend, Jesse. Now his best friend Mike (Jesse's son) is attending college out of state, Tanner keeps to himself and concentrates on his business. But when Mike asks him to check on his widowed dad, Steve, Tanner eagerly agrees. Tanner has harbored a secret crush on Steve for years and although delighted to spend time with him, he is initially nervous and tongue-tied. But as the weeks pass, so does his anxiety and as he finally gets to know Steve, Tanner begins to see him as more than the object of his fantasies.
Despite being good friends with Jesse and his long time attraction to Steve, Tanner really does not know much about him. Steve easily opens up to him about his life before moving to Hope and the circumstances that brought him and Jesse together. His honesty is refreshing and when Tanner misses his subtle attempts to flirt with him, Steve does not hesitate to tell him that his feelings run deeper than friendship. Steve is gentle and patient with Tanner as they transition from friends to lovers and their romance is a wonderful blend of scorching hot love scenes and low key quiet times. With a welcome lack of drama, misunderstandings and miscommunications, their relationship is a warm, comfortable romance that is quite enjoyable to watch unfold.
Jesse's Diner by Cardeno C. is a heartfelt and engaging novella that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy. A quick read that is uplifting and satisfying, this second installment in the Hope series will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next book in this marvelous series.
Although Tanner Sellers is endearingly shy and a tad socially awkward, he successfully runs the diner he inherited from his mentor and friend, Jesse. Now his best friend Mike (Jesse's son) is attending college out of state, Tanner keeps to himself and concentrates on his business. But when Mike asks him to check on his widowed dad, Steve, Tanner eagerly agrees. Tanner has harbored a secret crush on Steve for years and although delighted to spend time with him, he is initially nervous and tongue-tied. But as the weeks pass, so does his anxiety and as he finally gets to know Steve, Tanner begins to see him as more than the object of his fantasies.
Despite being good friends with Jesse and his long time attraction to Steve, Tanner really does not know much about him. Steve easily opens up to him about his life before moving to Hope and the circumstances that brought him and Jesse together. His honesty is refreshing and when Tanner misses his subtle attempts to flirt with him, Steve does not hesitate to tell him that his feelings run deeper than friendship. Steve is gentle and patient with Tanner as they transition from friends to lovers and their romance is a wonderful blend of scorching hot love scenes and low key quiet times. With a welcome lack of drama, misunderstandings and miscommunications, their relationship is a warm, comfortable romance that is quite enjoyable to watch unfold.
Jesse's Diner by Cardeno C. is a heartfelt and engaging novella that fans of the genre are sure to enjoy. A quick read that is uplifting and satisfying, this second installment in the Hope series will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next book in this marvelous series.
papercranestitches's review
4.0
Not gonna lie, I'm really enjoying this light, smuffy series.
Bring on the Sheriff!
Bring on the Sheriff!
tltravis's review
5.0
Oh my gosh, I love them both!
What a fantastic, heart grabbing story. And to go so far as to make sure those you love are taken care of emotionally after time death, is truly amazing.
Loved it!
What a fantastic, heart grabbing story. And to go so far as to make sure those you love are taken care of emotionally after time death, is truly amazing.
Loved it!
kara_hildebrand's review
5.0
4.5
Jesse's Diner is the second in the Hope series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is a feel good read with a lot of emotion, humor and heat. Jesse dies and leaves his diner to twenty-two year old Tanner, who's quiet, soft spoken and has had a crush on Jesse's partner, Steve, for years. When Mike, Steve and Jesse's son, calls Tanner worried about his dad, Tanner and Steve start to spend more time together. Tanner has no experience with men or relationships, but he's attracted to Steve. Steve is thirty-nine years old and he's not ready to give up on love. When he realizes that he wants Tanner he attempts to flirt and tease and I laughed out loud. Tanner and Steve are so frigging cute! Steve is hot and sexy and Tanner is sweet and innocent. They are perfect for each other. Sometimes love finds you right when you need it.
"At some point I'd like to hear the ends of those sentences, but right now, I’m taking the yes as a win and moving on."
Talking about sex wasn't easy for me, mostly because it involved talking but partly because it involved sex.
"I'm a twenty-two-year-old virgin lying on the sex god I've had a crush on since I was sixteen. There is no "too much" in this scenario."
Jesse's Diner is the second in the Hope series, but it can be read as a standalone. This is a feel good read with a lot of emotion, humor and heat. Jesse dies and leaves his diner to twenty-two year old Tanner, who's quiet, soft spoken and has had a crush on Jesse's partner, Steve, for years. When Mike, Steve and Jesse's son, calls Tanner worried about his dad, Tanner and Steve start to spend more time together. Tanner has no experience with men or relationships, but he's attracted to Steve. Steve is thirty-nine years old and he's not ready to give up on love. When he realizes that he wants Tanner he attempts to flirt and tease and I laughed out loud. Tanner and Steve are so frigging cute! Steve is hot and sexy and Tanner is sweet and innocent. They are perfect for each other. Sometimes love finds you right when you need it.
"At some point I'd like to hear the ends of those sentences, but right now, I’m taking the yes as a win and moving on."
Talking about sex wasn't easy for me, mostly because it involved talking but partly because it involved sex.
"I'm a twenty-two-year-old virgin lying on the sex god I've had a crush on since I was sixteen. There is no "too much" in this scenario."