Cardeno C. is masterful at writing steamy sex scenes. 

I am a huge fan of Cardeno's books, they are like hugs to me when I am having a bad day. Or a good day. And this one is no different, its sweet, with mild angst, HOT smexy times and a HEA that will leave you with a smile on your face.

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.

Mary Calmes and Cardeno C., are these two authors who have decided to band together and create a sweet story of how two seemingly disparate men overcome the odds and end up complimenting each other in every way…This was an exciting, fun and erotic read for these two men's relationship was hotter than HOT! Their love affair was sweet and romantic yet never once crossed over onto the sappy-cheesy. Their solid relationship outside of their fated mating was what made me fall in love with both men.

Wow, just wow! I love all of Cardeno C. stories, but Strange Bedfellows is my favorite now and one of my top reads of the year for sure.