I liked how these guys get together and how Kyle’s perception and treatment of Brent changes. Kyle comes across in a better light here, so by the end of the story I’d grown to like him. We are treated to a few of CC’s trademark steamy scenes.

This is the first book in the Mates series and is a fun one I like to re-read. Zev is the son of a pack alpha and is supposed to mate with a female wolf. Only, he's finding himself more and more attracted to his best human friend, Jonah. And there's no such thing as a gay shifter. This is a bit different from my usual fare because there wasn't a clear villain or straight plot line. It was more like a peak inside the lives of these two men, which is perfect if that's what you're looking for. I love the two heroes, and I loved reading as they fought (or tugged) on their chemistry and created a bond.

Mary Calmes and Cardeno C. are definitely both wonderful authors individually. I didn't know what would happen when they teamed up because they do have very different writing styles. In my opinion, they did a wonderful job of getting the story across and making me love the MCs and the supporting characters, as usual…. This definitely isn't a Mary Calmes book or a Cardeno C. book, but a good collaboration that had me turning the page as fast as I could.

Book 2 in the Mates series, just as quickly devoured by this reader as the first one, tells the story of Ethan Abbatt, a young wolf shifter who can't shift, and Miguel Rodriguez, a centuries old, powerful vampire...Prejudice is explored quite well in this novel, and could be liked to interracial relationships - the comparison is most apt.....The first time mating was super hot, but also extremely emotional, as I've come to expect from this author, and as a reader I will always feel as if the moment is sacred and special. The connection between mates is cemented upon the first love making, and this was no different here. Ethan may have been from a small Georgia town, and he wasn't a learned man, which is expressed in his speech and mannerisms, but he's no dummy. And Miguel, despite being as old as he is, still has things he can learn from Ethan - it's a good thing Miguel is no dummy either, and once he gets over his initial disbelief, he's fiercely protective, something the other vampires and anyone who tries to cross or hurt Ethan should have heeded. I loved how the author explored the meaning of family, and how love is stronger than prejudice. The main villain in this book gets what's coming to him, and all is well that ends well. Honest communication and great dialogue rounded out a super awesome story that I liked almost as much as the first one.

First off I have to say this story is WAY different from anything I've seen from Cardeno before. Dealing with a Dom/sub relationship directly isn't usual from this author. While the story is still sweet, there is an edge to it that makes it that much more interesting. ... The ending, when it finally comes, is pure Cardeno. This wasn't an easy story, but Family never is.