Guest Post: Golden Valley (Pack #3) by Cardeno C.

A generous Alpha with a tragic past and a young Omega with hopes for the future overcome mistakes to heal a pack and find happiness together.

Life has thrown more than his fair share of challenges and losses at Alpha Morgan Peters. Despite his pain and disappointment, the shifter picks himself up and does right by his pack. As the years pass, Morgan establishes himself as a leader who is as kind as he is strong and Golden Valley prospers. But it isn't until an Omega shifter enters his life that Morgan sees hope for a future where he can be more than an Alpha.

When Psi Omega Ricky Marx goes to Golden Valley as a representative of his home pack, he is thrilled to find his mate—the beautiful, powerful Golden Valley Alpha. Unfortunately, their first meeting doesn't go well, and overwhelmed by his mistakes, Ricky sees no choice but to flee.

Morgan's past makes him struggle to absorb more loss. Ricky's youth makes him struggle to find his voice. But if these two shifters can overcome their challenges and come back together, they'll heal the Golden Valley pack and fulfill their destiny.

Review: Shee Reader

Cardeno C is one of my all time favourite authors. The writing is clever, funny, smart, generally low angst, sexy with The. Most. Perfect. HEAs. It is everything I am looking for in a book and this one is no exception.

It’s been a while since the last Cardeno C release so it could be an anti climax (there was a different story I’ve been hankering after but that one isn’t ready yet ;-) ) but this is a lovely sweet and sexy shifter MPreg story with a healthy dose of misunderstanding, running away and hiding and much longing for each other. Luckily, the HEA is satisfying and hope-filled which is usually the case for a CC book.

One of my favourite things about CC’s writing is that the main characters do eventually communicate with each other! The development of the relationship is fast with a fated-mate shifter story with oodles of insta-love and sexiness and in this one, a little baby! Aww the speed of the pregnancy did make my head spin, and I love CC’s take on the MPreg with the sensitive birthing skin.

This is a stand alone short novel or novella, but it does include characters from previous books in the same world. I really like the chance to catch up with characters I know and love, including Red River and Blue Mountain which are both lovely books filled with strong Alphas and sassy omegas.

Highly recommended escapist romance!

I was given a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Review: In Your Eyes (Mates #3) by Cardeno C.

Two very different men with a tumultuous history must overcome challenges from all sides and see past their society's rules to realize they are destined for one another.

Raised to become alpha of the Yafenack pack, Samuel Goodwin dedicates his life to studying shifter laws, strengthening his body, and learning from his father. But despite his best efforts, Samuel can't relate to people, including those he's supposed to lead.

When Samuel meets Korban Keller, the son of a neighboring pack's alpha, he reacts with emotion instead of intellect for the first time in his life. Resenting the other shifter for throwing him off-balance, Samuel first tries to intimidate Korban and then desperately avoids him. What he can't do is forget Korban's warm eyes, easy smile, and happy personality.

When a battle between their fathers ends tragically, Samuel struggles to lead his pack while Korban works to break through Samuel's emotional barriers.

Narrated by: Charlie David
Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins

5 - Peter Gabriel playing over my head through a boombox - Hearts!

You can’t give me a book with the title “In Your Eyes” and have me not automatically start singing the song by the same name by Peter Gabriel. I am a music nerd and like, totally an 80’s girl so it’s bound to happen. You also can’t give me a book about a sweet but clueless young man destined to be his pack’s alpha only to realize the boy he thought was a threat for years is now his true mate. AND YOU CAN’T give me all the feels that come with this book and not have me go back to the Peter Gabriel song and want to imagine Samuel as John Cusack with a boombox declaring everything to Korban. Seriously. The lyrics to the song are so complimentary to this romance, whether it was intended or not. I am sticking to my fantasy. Okay?

Now, while I am on a rambling fangril deal here, let me say before I even get into the story that Charlie David is fantastic as a narrator. I haven’t listened to a book read by him yet that I haven’t fallen in love with and blushed ridiculously as he read me… everything. I used to think that audio books weren’t for me or that I could only listen to a book that I had read before because I would lose focus or interest but that isn’t the case. David is extremely talented as a narrator in that he really brings the story and the characters to life. I can’t get enough of listening to him transform into these shifters, men, women… anyone really. Charlie David doesn’t read the book to you, he becomes the characters with incredible depth and emotion that allows you to get lost in the story. I used to love listening to mysteries on the radio with my late father and adored the storytelling. Charlie David gives that feel with his narration without the need for extra cast members. I don’t know how he does it but I love it. Even when I blush – as a ginger it’s stupidly noticeable – during intimate scenes with the man’s voice going to pure sex as he brings each moment to life. To sum this paragraph up: Charlie David is awesome.

On to the story.

GAH! This one is my favorite out of the series. I can’t type fast enough to tell you everything I loved about it but I will try.

I loved Samuel and Korban so much. Fated Mates or True Mates is one of my favorite things about shifter stories. The idea that someone out there is yours before you even know it is the most romantic thing ever. It was refreshing though frustrating to have this romance told by a very sweet yet clueless young man named Samuel Goodwin who has no idea the boy he views as threatening, is his true mate. And yet, I loved getting to see Samuel and Korban meet at a young age and how Korban affected Samuel the way he did. It was obvious early on that Korban knew Samuel was his mate from the way he treated him and it was obvious to the reader what was going on with Samuel when he was around Korban. It just took Samuel a few *cough* almost 12 *cough* years to finally understand who and what Korban is to him. But poor Samuel only knows what he’s learned as to what an Alpha was supposed to do but the books, the pack history were wrong.

Don’t misunderstand me when I talk about Samuel. Just because I say he is clueless and has his head firmly stuck on what books tell him to be true (like having to tie with a female only and never mentioning a male) the dude is Tarantino style badass in this when it comes to protecting his mate. Samuel is such a strong Alpha though he doesn't think so because he has never been able to find a mate to tie with. Poor Samuel is losing his ability to shift from wolf to human and he feels like his wolfy bio clock is tick-tocking away. But Samuel is seen by shifters in other packs as strong and smart. He is fair, honorable and after he learns his true mate is a man, he is determined to allow his pack to be strong and mate with whomever they choose, which ever sex they choose.

Wow. I am getting all sorts of lost in feelings here and not saying a damn thing.

The story deals a lot with Samuel and Korban growing up through the years but it’s important to get them that way. When they become adults and Korban’s father challenges Samuel’s father… dirty deeds go down but it’s through this Samuel has his awakening and sees Korban as his true mate.

When these two finally mate and Samuel acknowledges that Korban is his true mate, they act like friends to lovers and it's adorable. Korban is really the other half of Samuel and they complement one another so damn well.

It was great that we get bits of Zev in the story assuring both young men that having a male for a true mate is okay and fantastic. I loved that Korban talks about Ethan and Miguel as well and that the series ties together nicely without muddling up Korban and Samuel’s story.

ACK! Rambling Red is Rambling away.
Time to wrap this up.

I just loved this. It made me so damn happy to read and fall in love with both men. Korban is beyond patient and everything that Samuel could ever want and Samuel, he is who he is and Korban is blessed to have such a strong Alpha as his mate.

Cardeno C. has created a fun, interesting and sexy world with this Mates series and Charlie David brought it to life with is narration.

Red. Out.

A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook Review: Until Forever Comes (Mates #2) by Cardeno C.

A sensitive wolf shifter and a vicious vampire challenge history, greed, and the very fabric of their beings in order to stay together until forever comes.

Plagued by pain and weakness all his life, Ethan Abbatt is a wolf shifter who can't shift. Hoping to find an honorable death by joining his packmates in a vampire attack, Ethan instead learns two things: Draining his blood releases his pain and his wolf, and he has a true mate: a vampire named Miguel.

More than four centuries old, strong, powerful, and vicious, Miguel Rodriguez walks through life as a shadow, without happiness or affection. When a young shifter tells Miguel they're true mates, destined to be together, Miguel sends him away. But Ethan is persistent, and being together comes so naturally that Miguel can't resist for long. The challenge is keeping themselves alive so they can stay by each other's side until forever comes.

Narrated by: Charlie David
Length: 5 hrs and 54 mins

I read/listened to this series out of order. I first met Miguel and Ethan in To Touch You when Yoram needed a bit of mentoring about his blood situation from his favorite uncles. When Yoram meets Salvatore and realizes there is a solution to his blood problem as well as Salvatore being Yoram’s true mate, Miguel and Ethan were front and center giving guidance to the new couple and how to navigate their shifter/vampire mating. I knew then I needed to meet Ethan and Miguel and was not disappointed in their story at all.

“I’ve been alone for a long time, even before I was turned. Why, all of a sudden, did I feel like something was missing just because you weren’t in my bed?”

I loved this. Know that now so you won’t be surprised when I fangirl all over this review. I love the way Cardeno C. writes shifters and when you pair that with the talent of Charlie David as a narrator you are given one hell of a romantic story.

Knowing a bit of who Ethan and Miguel were, I was excited to start this book. I had to know how they met and how they figured out Ethan - and his blood - were made for Miguel and how Miguel would handle being mated/bonded to a shifter. The way they met was action packed and held so much emotion. It was great that they had chemistry instantly and simply being around Miguel changed Ethan’s life forever.

Poor Ethan. He’s lived his life thinking he was always less than and that something was wrong with him because he couldn’t shift into his wolf like everyone else. Top that with his body seeming to make too much blood that he had to resort to cutting to relieve the pressure on his body and his heart was so sad to read but Ethan just needed the one thing, the one man to change his life…

Miguel. Goodness but I’ve always had a soft sport for a vampire with a conscience. I blame Buffy for giving me Angel and I love it when they have this moral compass they have created and live by. Miguel has been through so much in his 400 years as a vampire and learning how he was turned broke my heart. He needs someone to take care of, he needs someone to be his and his only and he needs someone who can not only match his hunger but satiate it in every way.

These two were super swoony. This focuses more on the couple than the pack or vampire dynamics so we get a lot of time spent with Miguel and Ethan together and it really allows the intimacy to be felt. We know through Ethan they are true mates and later learn what it means for a vampire to be bonded to the one who give them blood and that is where the title comes in. I have a thing about titles and what they mean to the book and this one, it means everything.

“Heaven help me, but I want you to stay with me. But, Ethan, I will let you go if you say the word. I will never harm you.” He paused, looking deeply into my eyes. “You don’t need to run away from me. Just say the word and I’ll return you safely to your pack.”

“I wasn’t running away,”

“Okay,” he mumbled against my mouth and then nibbled on my lower lip. “I’m glad, But if you change your mind, wolf, it’s an open-ended offer. I’ll get you where you want to be safely, even—” His voice cracked, and could feel his heart racing. “Even if it isn’t with me.”

This is the first romance I have listened to and not read before and I had a blast with it and no trouble following along. Charlie David is an amazing narrator, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. As a young girl, I used to listen to mysteries and detective stories on the radio with my late father and loved the differential voices between characters. Sure, back then there were numerous actors bring the characters to life with nothing but their voice but Charlie David accomplishes that with his alone. Miguel came to life in this book and Ethan right along with him. I adored their voices and honestly, Miguel whispering in my/Ethan’s ear was so sexy. There is something so organic with Charlie David’s delivery of this characters that allows a deep intimacy with the romance. You’re not just listening to a story being told, you are part of that story. David isn’t just a narrator, he’s a true voice actor and that makes a difference.

The back and forth between Ethan’s pack and Miguel, the shifters distrust of Vampires and Miguel's knowledge of what shifters have been doing for hundreds of years brings the drama to this book as Ethan’s pack fights to keep their land in Kfarkattan. That gives us a good deal of pack relations within the story as well as some dealings with vampires that becomes action packed, violent and bloody which was perfect for this story. People, shifters, vampires just everyone needs to learn, you don’t separate mates. Goodnes.

That epilogue was exactly what I needed to wrap this story up even though I met Ethan and Miguel around that time in book four, it was still swoony and perfect.

This was so much fun and so super romantic. Cardeno C and Charlie David are a fantastic match when it comes to romance authors and narrators. I have enjoyed listening to the first two books in this series now and am eager to move on to book three.

Audiobook Review: Smitty's Sheriff (Hope #3) by Cardeno C.

Todd is too flakey. Richard is too stubborn. Together, they're perfect. A May-December couple get a second chance at love.

Retired soldier Richard Davis wants a stable life in a quiet town with a forever man. Becoming the sheriff of Hope, Arizona, accomplishes two of his three goals, but instead of finding a serious partner, he falls for too-young-to-be-committed and too-flakey-to-be-serious Todd Smitty. Richard won’t find the right man if he’s obsessed with the wrong one, so he walks away from Todd.

It’s lust at first sight when Todd meets his sister’s army friend. He sets his sights on the worldly, strong, stable older man, and the more time he spends with Richard, the harder he falls. But after three years together, Richard cuts off all contact with no explanation.

When a mutual obligation requires Todd to move into Richard’s house, he’s thrilled at the opportunity to earn a second chance. Ignoring Todd from across town was hard enough. Can Richard resist temptation under his own roof?

Narrated by: Ezekiel Robison
Listening Length: 3 hrs 19 mins

Smitty's Sheriff is a simple opposites attract story that features former hookups to lovers. Smitty's Sheriff works well as a standalone (as I haven't read the previous books) for anyone interested. It's set in an Arizona town and features older hero, town sheriff, Richard Davis. Richard has been hooking up with his best friend's little brother for sometime but took a break when he wanted more...a steady relationship.

The little brother, Todd Smitty? He's in his early twenties and "flakey". Other than having a good time, Richard never thought to ask for more. So he cooled it off for a few months. But his feelings, as much as Richard would like to deny, were still there. And needing release.

An unexpected job (Todd's sister is still in the service) makes her have to leave her baby with responsible Richard and her youngest brother who doesn't have a full time job to occupy his time. [Don't worry the baby is just used as a plot device to bring the men together in a living space--she is not prominent at all. In fact, it was a little weird for me to see a book with a baby barely getting any mention other than in passing] It's all about these two men.

Hmm...former lovers who never quite got over each other having to care for one small child in a shared space?

I wonder what could happen?

Richard is a dominant without the title or formalities. He enjoys being in control. He's organized and prefers things under his thumb (it's the impression he gave me). Todd enjoys being "deferential". And Todd also craves Richard's body. So add sexual tension and miscommunication and you get the gist of the conflict for this novella.

I liked the simplicity of the story. It wasn't burdened with a lot of sex. Instead, we get two adults who are obviously made for each other thrown into a domestic situation. Do they get it right after day one? No.

Todd proves himself to be more mature by some of his actions. It seems to satisfy Richard's controlling nature. I wished they would have talked more openly from the start especially before Todd moving in to stay with the baby. The story itself was 3.5 Hearts. It used tropes I like: brother's best friend finally gets the protagonist, second chances, opposites attract, large age gap, miscommunication/non-communication. Nothing went too wild. Contemporary brain candy...

But...there was something that gave me pause. I want to preface that both main characters were happy with their roles. Richard was dominant and liked to control, Todd enjoyed being "deferential" to Richard's needs and moods. Listening and reading Smitty's Sheriff, their relationship read like domestic discipline or a 24/7 type of deal without BDSM. I like reading D/s. But Richard seemed just a tad too much in the controlling department. If Todd ended up calling Richard master or sir at any point, I wouldn't have thought twice.

There was nothing that Richard did that would make me think he'd turn abusive at any point. But he's one who was just at the border of being too much. He would fly off the handle when it came to other men just as so much as talking to Todd. It was unjustified and unnecessary...if he talked and explained himself, he wouldn't need to waste so much energy and inner angst.

You like boundaries, pal? Then set them up from the start. (Mind you, I like reading about possessive guys, so in a way Richard definitely checks off the possessive category)

This was my first time listening to Ezekiel Robison and I would definitely listen to books narrated by him again. He gave good emotion to the text, I liked the way he characterized each character. I'd rate the narration 4 Hearts. I haven't listened to a bad Cardeno C. contemporary yet. (*knocks on wood*) And I'm glad to have extended my list of narrators to try out.

Recommended for fans of age differences, some miscommunication, opposites attract and possessive heroes. If you enjoy that, you can't go wrong in the audio or eBook direction.

 

Audiobook Review: Wake Me Up Inside (Mates #1) by Cardeno C.

Zev Hassick is surprised and confused when he finds himself attracted to his best friend. His very human, very male best friend. Zev is the son of the pack Alpha, regarded as the strongest wolf in generations, born to lead. And everyone knows a male shifter has to mate with a female of his own kind to keep his humanity. So shifters can't be gay, right?

Jonah Marvel wants a relationship with Zev, his best friend, the man he has loved since childhood. It wasn’t easy to maintain that relationship over years spent living apart while Jonah studied to become a doctor. And then things grow more difficult when Jonah becomes his own patient. Before he can make a life with Zev, he has to understand his past and cure the unexplained ailments that plague him.

Zev and Jonah know they’re destined for each other, but they’re facing traditions ingrained over generations and long-buried secrets that may threaten any future together.

Narrator: Charlie David
Listening Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

I’m kinda odd. I don’t re-read books anymore because I like to keep the first feeling I had with a book. But with audio, it’s different. I love listening to a book I’ve already read to see how different the story looks while being told to me. With someone bringing the characters, the setting and the romance to me in a new way that I see it with new eyes… or rather new ears? You get what I mean, right?

Anyway.

I adored Zev and Jonah when I first read their book. Their story is endearing and fluffy and sexy and romantic and so freaking fracking angsty with the separation but I loved it.

And then…
Then Charlie David took over and told me the same story with so much feeling that I was either swooning, squirming or screaming in frustration and delight waiting for Zev and Jonah to get their HEA.

Let me say, Charlie David as a narrator does not just read the story, he becomes it and by becoming it he pulls you in on a deeper level than you ever expected. I felt everything with Zev and Jonah. I felt the pull of them wanting to be together but not understanding the why of it yet. I felt the affection Jonah had for the wolf he calls “Pup” and how he always felt safe with the wild creature. I felt the horrible separation and what it did to both of them and I felt. I felt and I felt some more and then when I didn’t think I could feel anything more, Charlie David panted in my ear.

I need to take a moment for station identification… when you read a book and it says the character panted, you know what panting means and what it sounds like. Some narrators just read that “he panted” but Charlie David took it a step farther and he panted. It sounds so simple but that action, that really becoming the character took this story to a whole new level and took my blush a few shades darker.

Yup. I’ll say it. The panting was hot!

I don’t know what else to say other than fantastic story. Fantastic narration. Fantastic paring of Jonah and Zev.

This was…

Yup.

Fantastic!

Anniversary Shenanigans: Author Visit + Giveaway: Cardeno C.

Are you feeling stuffed? Let's hope not because we have more fun visits and prizes to share! Today's first author jamming with us needs no introduction. If you're a long time MM reader, you must have encountered this author once or twice. 

We're so happy to have Cardeno C. take over today! Stick around for the sweet visit and prize! *passes mic*

Happy anniversary to Boy Meets Boy! I love reading romance stories as much as I love writing them. (Sometimes more.) When I’m choosing new books to read, I often rely on reviews, like those here on Boy Meets Boy or from readers. So in the spirit of honoring reader recommendations, I decided to use this opportunity to ask my readers for their thoughts on my books. Here are some of their responses:

Your books give me the greatest gift  - a safe place to relax, have fun and feel good. There is something to love about every single character, but I especially love how every man finds the yin to his yang. Be it a neurotic rock star who finds himself and true love, or a maths professor finding his confidence and joy in a contractor, the love is real. It lasts. The HEA is a given, and in the current world, I need every bit of joy I can find. My favorite dialogue would have to be a tie between Oliver & Jamie in Not a Game (such clever funny guys) or Trevor & Ford in Strange Bedfellows (such big feelings and drive). To summarize, I adore the smartly written strong men you conjure for your readers ❤ - Shee Reader

My absolute favourite scene is Mitch's declaration in Chapter 7 of Blue Mountain. His absolute selflessness and steadfastness that Simon is his mate and would come before all others epitomizes the alpha/omega fated mates storyline. Makes my heart swoon :) -- Becky L

One of my fave CC books is Love at First Sight. There’s such love, such earnestness, that you can’t help but root for Jonathan. -- Bijou Bleu

One part that always makes me cry is in Love At First Sight when Jonathan says to David, “It’s like you see me.”  Gets me every time.  There’s sweetness in every one of your books, but to me, that book is the sweetest. -- Meredith

The Half of Us...easily my favorite.  Incredibly developed characters; relationship development that is not rushed--and the story is very focused on the relationship development, something that I LOVE in any romance book; scorching hot; and the audio version is so fantastic that I have lost count (like really, truly have lost count) of how many times I've listened to it.  I also love how we get to see back into the lives of the other characters from this series/collection--this made the whole series more satisfying overall. -- Carra Saig

One of the MANY reasons I enjoyed "Johnnie" so much was that it touched on a topic that is important to our daily interactions, but is often missed: perception and visibility. There is no one "reality" because everyone has individual experiences that shape what and how they perceive the world, and until we can be more empathetic and outward-focused, we will continue to overlook, dismiss and sometimes hurt people who don't share our views. Moreover, we close ourselves off to opportunities to expand our horizons in potentially amazing ways, a concept "Johnnie" captured beautifully. – Jovan

The Family Collection was one of the first series I listened to when I first turned to m/m.  I still think More Than Anything is one of my favourite m/m/m.  – ErrynB

Thank you so much to readers and bloggers for helping us choose our next great read!

CC

http://www.cardenoc.com/

Our many thanks to CC and the readers who shared fave quotes!

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Short Bio: Cardeno 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.

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Guest Review: Smitty's Sheriff (Hope #3) by Cardeno C.

Todd is too flakey. Richard is too stubborn. Together, they're perfect. A May-December couple get a second chance at love.

Retired soldier Richard Davis wants a stable life in a quiet town with a forever man. Becoming the sheriff of Hope, Arizona, accomplishes two of his three goals, but instead of finding a serious partner, he falls for too-young-to-be-committed and too-flakey-to-be-serious Todd Smitty. Richard won’t find the right man if he’s obsessed with the wrong one, so he walks away from Todd.

It’s lust at first sight when Todd meets his sister’s army friend. He sets his sights on the worldly, strong, stable older man, and the more time he spends with Richard, the harder he falls. But after three years together, Richard cuts off all contact with no explanation.

When a mutual obligation requires Todd to move into Richard’s house, he’s thrilled at the opportunity to earn a second chance. Ignoring Todd from across town was hard enough. Can Richard resist temptation under his own roof?

Reviewer: Shee Reader

Oh my word, I’ve been waiting for this book since Jesse’s Diner (Hope book 2) came out and we met Richard refusing to answer his phone to the-reader-didn’t-know-who, but now I’m guessing it was Todd Smitty!

Richard is a very strong and complex man. He makes up rules for himself and is pretty inflexible about crossing lines. Then there’s Todd (who we first met in McFarland’s farm - Hope book 1) who is light and carefree, fun loving and enthusiastic. The perfect antidote in fact to Richard’s brooding.

Richard tried to suppress his desire to own Todd completely, which is what Todd truly wants. I adored the fact that these two guys are the perfect yin to each other’s yang, just as I have come to rely on from Cardeno C. The story is well crafted, with less of the incredibly sharp sassy dialogue of some of CC’s books, but with plenty of character development and astute understanding.

Todd knows his own limitations, but when the men are bound together in responsibility, Todd commits time and energy to working out what went wrong between him and Rich, and working out how to fix it. The absorbing thing about these guys (and one of the things I most love about CC’s writing) is that they really talk to, and listen to each other.

I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous books getting a mention, and we get a little teaser for what I hope will be Hope book 4!

It is a quick fix of happy loveliness being a pretty quick read, but is no worse off for that. I absolutely loved it.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: To Touch You (Mates #4) by Cardeno C.

“His name is Salvatore Rossi. He’s a vampire. And he’s my true mate.”

By not relying on anyone except himself, Salvatore Rossi escaped a dead-end existence and reached the height of corporate success. But just when he has everything he always wanted, fate throws Salvatore a challenge he can’t solve alone and a young wolf shifter comes to his rescue.

Since childhood, Yoram Smith’s family was certain he would grow to become Alpha and save their beloved pack from its slow demise. When the time comes for a new leader, Yoram is forced to juggle his duty to care for a splintering pack with his duty to care for an absent mate, and his own strength suffers.

Being turned into a vampire didn’t alter Salvatore’s life philosophy: if you don’t rely on anyone, nobody can let you down. But when the boy who saved his life becomes a man who needs his help, the icy vampire must find his humanity.

True Mates were connected at the soul, but shifters said vampires were soulless.

This is the fourth book in the Mates series and while past characters from previous books do show up, you don’t have to read them in order to enjoy Yoram and Salvatore’s story. It does help to know who everyone is or in my case to satisfy my OCD, but the author does a great job of giving you enough detail about everyone the story flows yet intrigues you go to back and learn more.

Okay. Let’s do this.

Told in Dual POV’s, we meet a 7 year old Yoram Smith as he is waiting for his Uncle's Ethan & Miguel. When Yoram feels a pull to a human stranger, he walks right up and talks to him avoiding any stranger danger. Of course, Yoram instantly recognizes the stranger as “his friend” and proceeds to ask questions and tell his Uncles about all about him. Both Ethan and Miguel know who the human is and what he wants and while they decline, Miguel tells the human to see his doctor.

We turn the page and meet the human aka Salvatore Rossi, a 37 year old successful business man in finance who took Miguel’s advice to see his doctor and has learned he has leukemia and that it’s terminal. After trying numerous treatments that money can buy, Salvatore is curious why Miguel knew he needed to see a doctor and his hell bent on getting answers so he heads back to the town of Kfarkattan.

I love, love, love how this fated mates story is told. Yoram is young and Salvatore is dying and yet no one messes with the fact that these souls are fated for one another. In fact, they all know how rare it is to find your true mate and refuse to allow Yoram to be without his. I dug how strong and stubborn Yoram is at this point because he is going to be one hell of an alpha.  I shamelessly giggled through Yoram’s father, uncle, Ethan and Miguel discussing how and when they would turn Salvatore to cure him when he was standing there amongst the swirling paranormal shifter chaos wondering WTF is going on! Seriously, it was fun and getting a mini Yoram declaring the adult male as his was adorable. So freaking fluffy.

The time frame and progression of this book is great. I am usually one who has to read books in order but I couldn’t stop myself from opening this and diving in. Having only read the first in the series, it was still fun to get Ethan and Miguel as well as a 14yr old Yorry being a cousin and BFF with Toby (who’s love of Barry Manilow is EPIC!) who hadn’t married Lori yet. Then the deal with Korban and Samuel… the author moves through the years with Yoram and Salvatore which moves through the first three books in the series. Pretty cool, eh?

Anyway.

Though Salvatore takes the “cure” from Miguel, he doesn’t buy that he is Yoram’s true mate nor does he want anything do with him. He really doesn’t understand who he is to Yoram, who Yoram is as the Alpha to his pack and really, all Sal wanted to do was not die. He could care less about the side effects of becoming a vampire. It was heartbreaking how cruel Sal could be when Yoram followed his wolf’s pull to see his mate as young teen, breaking your true mate’s heart requires some major sucking up… ya know?

Their road together had been long, winding, and occasionally disheartening…

What I love about these books is yes the men are true mates but we do get time with them apart as separate beings, whatever that might be. It provides the reader with angst and frustration but it also leads to an amazing reunion when the mates are together. It took some time for Yorry and Sal to find their way to one another, for Sal to realize what he completely has in Yoram and OMG, was it ever worth the wait.

I loved both men. Yoram is strong and compassionate as an Alpha, as all good Alpha’s should be. The scene with Davey was beautiful and showed so much of Yoram as Alpha and then of course what followed was hot and goo worthy. Sal is pretty cold and arrogant but the man has been without his true mate for so long, he didn’t know if he should scratch his watch or wind his butt. He was looking for contentment in all the wrong places when everything he needed was just Yoram. Sigh. These two, when they finally figure it all out there is nothing holding them back and I am so thankful for that.

This paranormal world was exciting to read. I liked how Ethan and Miguel lay it all out for Salvatore to understand, why he felt the way he did when he was apart from Yorry and what it was physically doing to him. It would seem odd that Sal would go from being so standoffish to Yorry to claiming his mate in a matter of days, but for that justification I give you two words; true mates.

Okay. I need to stop rambling before I start to draw hearts all over this review for how much I loved it.

To Touch You was a sweet and sexy paranormal read about true mates that shouldn’t be. A wolf needs humanity to tie (*ahem* KNOT) with and how can he tie with a soulless creature? How can a vampire survive with a shifter whose blood is supposed to be poisonous to him? How? They are fated and true mates, folks. Nothing can keep them apart. Nothing.

Don't miss the Mates (#1-3) giveaway HERE!

Giveaway: The Mates Collection by Cardeno C!

Cardeno C is in the stable! And CC is hosting an AMAZING giveaway! Check out today's info on the paranormal Mates series and three people could have a chance to win an eBook from Mates #1-3!! Don't miss our review of To Touch You (Mates #4) HERE

Wake Me Up Inside (Mates #1)

A powerful Alpha wolf shifter and a strong-willed human overcome traditions ingrained over generations and uncover long-buried secrets to fulfill their destiny as true mates.

Regarded as the strongest wolf shifter in generations, Alpha Zev Hassick is surprised and confused by his attraction to his best friend. His very human, very male best friend. A male shifter has to mate with a female shifter to keep his humanity, so shifters can't be gay. Yet, everything inside Zev tells him Jonah is his true mate.

Maintaining a relationship with the man he has loved since childhood isn’t easy for Jonah Marvel, but he won’t let distance or Zev’s odd family get in their way. When unexplained ailments begin to plague Jonah, he needs to save his own life and sanity in order to have a future with Zev.

Zev and Jonah know they're destined for each other, but they must overcome traditions ingrained over generations and long-buried secrets to fulfill their destiny.

Until Forever Comes (Mates #2)
A sensitive wolf shifter and a vicious vampire challenge history, greed, and the very fabric of their beings in order to stay together until forever comes.


Plagued by pain and weakness all his life, Ethan Abbatt is a wolf shifter who can’t shift. Hoping to find an honorable death by joining his pack mates in a vampire attack, Ethan instead learns two things: draining his blood releases his pain and his wolf, and he has a true mate—a vampire named Miguel.


Over four centuries old, strong, powerful, and vicious, Miguel Rodriguez walks through life as a shadow, without happiness or affection. When a young shifter tells Miguel they're true mates, destined to be together, Miguel sends him away. But Ethan is persistent and being with him comes so naturally that Miguel can't resist for long. Their challenge is staying alive so they can be together until forever comes.

In Your Eyes (Mates #3)

Raised to become Alpha of the Yafenack pack, Samuel Goodwin dedicates his life to studying shifter laws, strengthening his body, and learning from his father. But despite his best efforts, Samuel can’t relate to people, including those he's supposed to lead.

When Samuel meets Korban Keller, the son of a neighboring pack's Alpha, he reacts with emotion instead of intellect for the first time in his life. Resenting the other shifter for throwing him off-balance, Samuel first tries to intimidate Korban and then desperately avoids him. What he can't do is forget Korban's warm eyes, easy smile, and happy personality.

When a battle between their fathers ends tragically, Samuel struggles to lead his pack while Korban works to break through Samuel’s emotional barriers. Two very different men with a tumultuous history must overcome challenges from all sides and see past their society’s rules to realize they are destined for one another.

Released May 4th, 2017!

To Touch You (Mates #4)

“His name is Salvatore Rossi. He’s a vampire. And he’s my true mate.”

By not relying on anyone except himself, Salvatore Rossi escaped a dead-end existence and reached the height of corporate success. But just when he has everything he always wanted, fate throws Salvatore a challenge he can’t solve alone and a young wolf shifter comes to his rescue.

Since childhood, Yoram Smith’s family was certain he would grow to become Alpha and save their beloved pack from its slow demise. When the time comes for a new leader, Yoram is forced to juggle his duty to care for a splintering pack with his duty to care for an absent mate, and his own strength suffers.

Being turned into a vampire didn’t alter Salvatore’s life philosophy: if you don’t rely on anyone, nobody can let you down. But when the boy who saved his life becomes a man who needs his help, the icy vampire must find his humanity.

Buy link

Amazon

Three winners will have a choice of (1) eBook of Mates #1-3 by Cardeno C.: Wake Me Up Inside, Until Forever Comes, or In Your Eyes! Giveaway ends May 14th  midnight EST

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Audiobook Review: Rough Edges by Cardeno C.

Kyle has an unwelcome crush on his nemesis Brent. Brent has a welcome crush on his friend Kyle. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn't have to be a line at all.

Born on the wrong side of the tracks to the wrong family, Kyle Potter has spent his life clawing his way toward a better future. When he gets the perfect job at the perfect firm in perfect Los Angeles, Kyle is sure there are only blue skies ahead. And then he meets perfect Brent Haralson.

Born with a silver spoon to a well-established family, Brent Haralson has never been interested in leveraging his connections. Friends, success, and dates come easily to Brent and rejection isn't something he has to deal with in life. And then he meets perfect Kyle Potter.

Kyle despises his unwelcome crush on his lazy, arrogant nemesis. Brent welcomes his feelings for his stubborn, brilliant friend. As it turns out, the line between a friend and an enemy doesn't have to be a line at all.

Listening Length: 1 hour and 52 minutes
Narrator: Kevin Chandler

Another Cardeno C winner for me! Short and contemporary from this author seems to work for me.

I love a lot of tropes, but enemies to lovers is near and dear. In Rough Edges, the enemies are within a group of friends.

Can we say awkward especially when they all hangout?

Thirty-something year old Kyle is determined. He's come a long way from that trailer park in Alabama. He fought and studied hard to be a professional at a prestigious firm in LA. He's got the right clothes, the perfect job, and soon to be the perfect condo. And others think he's a pretentious snob, so what? He's earned it. What he can't stand are people who are "lazy" and live off their trust funds without working and making something of themselves.

Unfortunately, the guy he started to crush on when he first moved to LA, Brent, falls under that category. And Kyle's been prejudiced ever since. Two years has passed from that initial magic meeting. The vitriol that Kyle spews is still iron strong. He digs at the happy go lucky Brent any chance he gets.

One day Kyle loses it all. (Cardeno is good at that, giving a character maximum crap day dealings by the boatload) And you know who helps the pissy guy out? You guessed it, Brent. They become roommates.

In this book the enmity read more one sided but Brent had the mouth and backbone to give as good as he got. But damn is Kyle a prick to Brent. I get Kyle's mindset: when you come from nothing and have to fight for any semblance normal you can get, you could resent others who have it easier aka born with a silver spoon in their mouths.

But Brent's not that guy. He's so likeable. He gets under Kyle's skin. And best part is he gets why Kyle is the way he is toward him.

Kyle is angry and pretentious and that stick in his ass is rooted deep. (The thing is I expected Kyle to be appreciative and humble. But he's not that guy.)

Thankfully, the chemistry is there. And we got dual POV because if it was one sided, I might not have bought it.

I both read and listened to new to me narrator, Kevin Chandler. I think he did a pretty good job. And I would listen to him again. Chandler didn't make all the voices distinct.  But I loved what he does for Kyle's voice. I knew exactly where he was from (the South). And when Kyle gets upset, the Southern intensifies. That was the best part of the audiobook, his take on Kyle.

The roommates learn about each other. That years long lust that was shelved for Kyle's ridiculousness? It comes off the shelf...

"When you want more, I'll give you my dick and then we can see which of us is begging to finish first."

Yes!

The sex is hot, nothing extreme. But the author sets up the characters to share just enough of themselves for the moment to feel intimate. Having Chandler narrate those bits didn't hurt.

Someone's monogamous and definitely a relationship guy. (Cardeno C staple!) Once bedroom action happens, he wants his man. The relationship is not one sided. And the guys seemed to be a great fit, in and out of the bedroom.

Kyle's the type of character who needs to learn as a person to grow. I think he's still a work in progress. He shares his inner demons with Brent. And Brent brings out the best in him.

Overall, a pretty great story with good narration. I'd recommend either version: ebook or audio.