4.5 stars. From the incredible prologue to the very last page, I was completely and totally captivated by In Another Life. Great characterization and stellar writing are hallmarks of a Cardeno C. story, but it is the very unique concept that makes this novella such an amazing experience.

In Another Life opens with 18 year old Shiloh Raben's suicide attempt and quickly flashes forward to the life he might have had. In this life, Shiloh meets Travis Kahn and they quickly fall in love and just as they are beginning their happily ever after, an unexpected event threatens their happiness. Then the story goes back in time to the aftermath of Shiloh's suicide attempt where he "re-meets" Travis in the present and their romance begins again.

Shiloh and Travis are exceptionally well-developed characters and I absolutely adored both of them. In the future relationship, Shiloh is endearing, a bit shy and when he is nervous, he tends to run off at the mouth. Travis is charming, confident and since he has been waiting a long time for the right man, their romance goes from zero to sixty in no time flat. There is a bit of an insta-love quality to their relationship in both the present and future, but in both instances, their feelings for each other are believable.

Once the story returns to the present, Shiloh and Travis have an instant connection and their relationship develops quickly. Shiloh retains some of his memories of Travis, but they are a bit hazy with a dreamlike quality. Shiloh's suicide attempt is not glossed over and the reactions of his parents and the treatment he receives are realistic.

In Another Life is a beautifully written novella that delivers a powerful message of hope and love. It is never gloomy or depressing and Cardeno C. deftly blends reality with a hint of fantasy and the resulting story is compelling, thought-provoking and heartwarming. ( )

This is an amazing story! The title is very accurate: Shiloh has an opportunity to see an alternative life flash before his eyes during his near-death experience, and it changes everything for him. The power of his emotions, the depth of his despair and why he attempts suicide, and the beauty of what happens after this monumental event had me spellbound and glued to the pages.

Shiloh has never felt he "belonged" anywhere and is too afraid of the consequences of coming out. Like too many young people, he is so overwhelmed that he sees no other way out of the suffering than to kill himself. And that is where this story turns magical. The alternative life he lives through during the few seconds before he is saved makes him reconsider everything.

Travis is the young EMT who is first on the scene after Shiloh's mother calls an ambulance. He is fascinated by Shiloh and doesn't quite know why. When Shiloh begins talking to him and opening up, he doesn't quite now what to do.The age difference of five years seems too big, but then again, when its right, it's right...

I totally adored this story about soul mates and two men finding each other against all the odds. It's beautifully written, very emotional, and has a perfect happy ending. If you like sweet romances with a touch of angst that makes the ending that much sweeter, if you enjoy reading about two men who just seem to belong together, never mind their differences, and if you're looking for a read with pure essence of miracle liberally infused, the you will probably like this novella. I'll definitely reread it!


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
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When a gay Jewish teen slits his wrists, instead of his unhappy past life flashing before him, he gets a glimpse of his potentially happy future. Now, can he hang on to life and make this positive future come true? Cardeno C. answers that question with a large dollop of humor and poignancy, making this a nearly perfect holiday treat.

We meet eighteen-year-old Shiloh Raben at the very lowest point in his life. His life blood is slipping away, and Shiloh sees himself as a 36-year-old guidance counselor, helping teens much like himself who are miserable and have nowhere to turn.

At a school dance he runs into Dr. Travis Kahn, and they immediately click. Within days they know they are meant to be together, and they learn all about each other's life. Both finally feel happy and fulfilled, as if life is worth living.

But Shiloh isn't really living his future life. In fact, until he's resuscitated by young EMT Travis Kahn, he didn't believe he had a future. Now all he has to do is convince Travis they belong together, which may be even more difficult than believing there was no future.

Read the rest of my review at The Romance Reviews: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/viewbooks.php?bookid=12352 ( )