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.
“I don’t disagree with you, Mother. Clarissa is a very beautiful woman. But I’m not going to date her.”
Zev didn’t bother trying to hide the frustration in his voice. Honestly, how many times would he have to tell his family that he wasn’t interested in their setups? Exhaustion beating at him, he leaned against the back of the leather couch and rubbed his palms over his eyes. Sleep rarely came to him, and when it did, he remained partially alert, terrified of losing his humanity while he was unconscious. He was barely hanging on as it was; this intervention was the last thing he needed.
Grandma Mae’s voice broke into his thoughts. Her frustration with Zev had reached such a high level that she willingly questioned him, her Alpha, a practice unheard of in her generation. Then again, maybe it wasn’t just her frustration; maybe Zev’s attempts to…
I started this book last night and was awake way past my bedtime because I just could not put it down. The meeting between Jonah and Zev as toddler and pup had to be one of the sweetest beginnings I have ever read. Their courtship, which neither realized was happening, was endearing and drew me into the the story so quickly I couldn't believe how quickly I cared about these two people. I always know it's a good book when I find myself talking to the characters. I was so frustrated with what the separation was doing to both Zev and Jonah that I was yelling, "Just tell him already" a couple of different times. A very unique premise and a story that was wonderful and sexy to read.
This was a beautiful love story full of lust, angst and sexiness with hot mix of intrigue. It made me anxious, it made me tear up and it definitely made me HOT as heck! Cardeno's writing was just smooth and beautiful one of he best telling of shifter story I have read so far. I look forward to reading more of his work and I'm excited to experience more. Absolutely LOVED it! Go get it and enjoy!
This is a great shifter story that gives a new view on shifters and the world they live in. Zev and Jonah are a fantastic couple. ... I loved this story. it was perfect, going from childhood best friends to adult lovers. Zev refusing to take that final step until Jonah could be all his. A perfect sweet romance with a twist of mystery. ... Cardeno C. has written a story that keeps your interest. It has an interesting shifter element and has woven bigotry, prejudice, love, overcoming circumstances, friendships and secrets together to bring us a story that is sweet with a tinge of mystery and danger. ... I will recommend this to those who love shifters, hot loving, sacrifice, strong and enduring love, mysterious happenings, a touch of danger and a very happy ending. Grabbing a cuppa and snuggling with this book is a great way to spend an evening.
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!