Cardeno has written such a feel-good story, and it's wonderful watching sweet, deserving Spencer finally believe he's strong enough and deserves this treasure of Emilio and his family.

Cleverly written and wonderfully portrayed another all round happy feeling story for the holiday period. This book is really about second chances and realizing your opportunities when they present themselves and grasping on to them. ... I enjoyed this story a lot. It has a strong message that life is too precious to throw away and you should enjoy every day and take joy in the things you have.

I don't read a lot of shifter books. Because reasons. But now, now that I've read this first book in the Mates series, I'm about halfway to being convinced that I've been missing out. Holy hot boysecks, Batman.... The part how they were drawn together, so perfect for each other, from the very beginning recognizing their true mate bond ...I loved the easy banter, the deeply formed relationship....Fully developed characters give this book the extra oomph. Witty dialogue, snarky snark and humorous banter had me laughing out loud on many occasions, and only CC can manage to make me giggle and go 'awwwww' at the same time....Let's not forget, this is a shifter book. A book about shifter mating, and holy cow, that first time for these two - it nearly melted my Nook. I felt like I was intruding on something sacred when Zev and Jonah make love for the first time....this was a wonderful story to convince me of the merits of shifter stories.

This story, though short, is packed full of chemistry, humor, and romance.

Their little dance is very endearing. So sweet to see big Mitch being gentle and reserved for his love. It's heartwarming to see Simon glow and bask in love and affection even if it's simple things and with no touching.... If there's one thing Cardeno C does, it's make the pages burn from the love once the guys get to that point! There is nothing more intense than an Alpha marking his mate. Claiming him and letting EVERYONE know who loves, protects, provides for and calls him mine. Another smoking hot shifter book that you won't be able to put down! I can't wait for more in this series!!