I loved this story. It is very short, but it is very well written. The characters have a bunch going on, but it doesn’t’ feel pressured. I like how this author can do characters that have insta-love, like this story and make it feel realistic. The sex scenes are some of the hottest I’ve read, ever. This story doesn’t have a bunch of angst or heavy drama, just a nice, feel good story. The kind that Cardeno C is famous for. I will be reading this book over and over.

This book is a beautiful balance of heartbreak, romance, eroticism, political intrigue, action and mystery.

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.

I recommend this to those who like new and unique shifter stories, those who love their M/M romance with some smoking hot sex scenes, including a first time experience.

A family size package of Double Stuf Oreo cookies - that's what this book reminded me of. For me, that equates to a package full of pure bliss. And, as if one helping were not enough, I had to gorge myself with a second (or in this case, an immediate re-read)! ... I dare you not to fall in love with Charlie - in fact, I'll double dare you... Those two cookie shells need the fluffy center - it's the only thing that makes them complete. And those three pieces together? A little taste of heaven on earth! ... While it may seem logical to expect sadness in a story involving splits, this is not a sad story. Yes, there is clearly some pain involved, but the story doesn't dwell in those areas. The author keeps things moving along and you can't help but look forward to the next chapter in their lives. ... So, yeah, a family size package of Double Stuf Oreo cookies - that's what this book is all about. Grab the package and be a glutton. It's more than worth it!