This had a fascinating start with new things showing up surprisingly to get me to try to understand Jason who I guess would be considered an unlikeable character. But the thing is that Abe got him and loved him, and he was instrumental in Jason’s metamorphosis. Their strong sexual connection started the book and was a through line (seriously there’s a lot of sex here which worked for them), but I also had a great time seeing everyone come together as a family. ( )

I usually like Cardeno's books, but there are some of her books that I found mostly boring and this is one of them.
I didn't like the MCs at all. I guess Abe is kind of okay, but he was mostly bland. Jason is emotionally stunted, has the psychology of a temper-tantrum throwing child, a douchebag and kind of sleazy too. There is not one thing I liked about him. I also didn't like that every nuance of emotion had to be spelled out. And I skimmed at least half of the sex scenes - they were plentiful and uninspiring and basically all the same. It got boring really really fast ( )

The saying "opposites attract" has been proven correct many times, and is an excellent starting point for an unexpected romance. Relationships that follow this principle may or may not succeed, but they are one of my favorite interpersonal dynamics to watch. 'The Half of Us' is a great example, since cardiac surgeon Jason and high school teacher Abe couldn't be more different if they tried. Don't get me wrong, they have much in common as well - without that I doubt any relationship would be possible - but in the areas that count initially, when two people first meet, they are truly opposites. I adored both of them (Abe a little more than Jason), and their gradual drifting toward a bond strong enough to withstand the "assault" of Jason's teenage kids, was a joy to watch.

Jason is - well, to call him rough, impatient, and blunt is probably putting it nicely. He is ambitious, wants a family desperately (but is not ready to put in the necessary commitment or work), and has decided relationships are not for him. His marriage did not work (probably because he is gay, but he won't admit that), and as far as he is concerned a committed relationship with a man is impossible. He wants the physical side, but no emotional strings whatsoever and now that he is divorced he can have exactly that. See what I mean? But... he also has a lot of redeeming qualities, once you dig deep enough, and Abe, luckily, is exactly the right man to reach places inside Jason nobody else could get to.

Abe is a teacher who loves his job and wants forever. He grew up in Utah, so having a family is important to him, just in a "nontraditional" way. His two attempts at a relationship so far have gone wrong, because he invested his whole heart, hoping for forever, a long time before his respective boyfriends did. With Jason, he knows he can only have one night, so he is relaxed and more daring than ever before. And when they have their second one-night stand, that is still fine, but by the third, Abe begins to realize there may be more to explore between them. He knows Jason well enough by then to understand he has to tread carefully, and he becomes a master at giving Jason what he wants and taking for himself what he needs. This "stealth" approach works well for both of them, and I loved seeing them gradually get closer and closer without either of them running for the hills.

If you like stories about opposites who attract, if you want to see two men who don’t want a relationship for various reasons drifting into one almost by mistake, and if you're looking for a read that is as hot and passionate as it is sweet, then you will probably like this novel. I loved it!


NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review. ( )

5 stars! I loved it! It was everything I expected from Cardeno C. A smoking hot story with a heart! I liked both Abe and Jason equally and I felt they were a perfect match. I loved how their "arrangement" turned into a relationship without them even having to consciously decide it. Oh and did I mention that it was freaking funny!!! The guy who walks and runs without using his arms...hysterical! Pure love for this book! ( )