I don't read a lot of shifter books. Because reasons. But now, now that I've read this first book in the Mates series, I'm about halfway to being convinced that I've been missing out. Holy hot boysecks, Batman.... The part how they were drawn together, so perfect for each other, from the very beginning recognizing their true mate bond ...I loved the easy banter, the deeply formed relationship....Fully developed characters give this book the extra oomph. Witty dialogue, snarky snark and humorous banter had me laughing out loud on many occasions, and only CC can manage to make me giggle and go 'awwwww' at the same time....Let's not forget, this is a shifter book. A book about shifter mating, and holy cow, that first time for these two - it nearly melted my Nook. I felt like I was intruding on something sacred when Zev and Jonah make love for the first time....this was a wonderful story to convince me of the merits of shifter stories.

The fact that we get to see them grow up together; it was just precious and enthralling and like an inner tube ride down a long and winding river on a warm day with a great breeze. You just know this is a once in a lifetime journey you are never going to forget. ... Some authors I just connect with immediately and this is one of those authors. Wake Me Up Inside is about the "who" not the what or the why or the how. A wonderful story that should be savored like the best chocolate. There is no better place to lose yourself for a few hours than in this author's fine words!

I really have a weak for hot shifters and this book was right up my alley. I have, to be honest though…I have read this series kind of out of order. This happens to me a lot though, and since these books can be read as standalone…it wasn’t an issue....These boys were hot together before they mated but after…phhewww. 

It is really a nice slow build for their relationship. I liked the pacing of the story. The slow burn and desire that becomes all-consuming and almost debilitating as the years pass. It makes the union that much sweeter when it finally happens. Cardeno C just has a way of weaving a story that pulls the reader in and washes them in love and warmth. Zev and Jonah are hot as hell between the sheets and sweet as honey out of them.