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 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.

Zev and Jonah are very interesting characters to get to know. To see them grow and mature from children gives you a feeling of closeness that you don't often find in the shifter genre. Did I mention that the sex is hot, hot, hot?! ... I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys shifter books and enjoys a good love story.

This was my first book by C. Cardeno and I absolutely loved it. It is definitely one of the best shifter books I have had the opportunity to read.