“To Touch You” by Cardeno C is an interesting twist on the forbidden love theme in multiple dimensions. Not only is there the crossing of the taboo line between shifters and vampires, there is Sal’s initial condition which makes him even more of an anathema, plus the rejection of the bond complicates things considerably. I love seeing how things start with foreshadowing of Yoram’s future role as he is calm and firm even at such a young age. It was fun watching him grow into the predictions for his future and I ached at his determination to care for his mate. 

I have two reactions I flip flop between when reading Cardeno C. I'm either saying "D'aawww!" or "Holy shit, that's hot." Happens every time.

A great story with characters that I genuinely grew to love and with the kind of Happily-Ever-After I love.

Emotionally laden romance with excellent alternating dual first-person narration that I devoured. Its cloying sweetness and perfection hit my romance sweet-tooth perfectly. ... I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers romance trope and I got that here but without a lot of angst that usually happens for the previously "straight" lead. Jake's total acceptance of his love for Nate had a simplicity that is rarely found in gay-for-you books and I ate it with a spoon! This book is emotionally intense where every sex scene is steeped in the men's grandiose feelings for each other and I loved this huge romantic relationship....I loved how this romance was told as well as the huge, idealistic relationship between two nearly perfect men.

I loved the humor with which Ethan tells his story and the change in mood from totally flippant and somewhat annoyed with life to thoughtful, appreciative and loving at the end. ... Deep feelings and good characterizations are not easy to develop in such a short story, but the author manages it really well. Ethan pulled me in from the very start; while it was the initial humor that made me smile, it was his cluelessness that kept me reading. I wanted to know if he'd get it. And at the end, when he finally admitted how he felt, the depth of his emotions was very rewarding. If you like short, sweet stories with a (temporal) twist, you will probably like this one.