Wake Me Up Inside is the first book in the Mate series from Cardeno C and I can't wait for more. Cardeno C has a straightforward narrative that delivers the story in a manner that makes it easy for the reader to follow the timeline of Jonah and Zev's relationship as it grows from childhood to adult. ... Take a good long look at that marvelous cover and it gives you an accurate picture of a scene in the book. Boy and wolf pup and Jonah and Zev, always together no matter the form Zev is in. How does that idea not draw you in? It is the characterizations that make or break a story for me and in Zev and Jonah we get two characters to connect with immediately.

This author's brand of snarky, witty humor is perfect for me. ... This latest book was no different. I loved it from the start... It allowed me to fully immerse myself into the book, and follow along, laugh and snicker and giggle and rage, and yes, even shed a few tears from the beauty of it all. ... What impressed me too was that CC let his characters grow throughout. ... It was fluffy and sweet and funny and cute, and I want you all to read this.

The emotions are so well written; they come across so realistic. ...For a short shifter story, this is a great read. ...for readers who like to read in between busy periods or before bed, this is an excellent story. I can definitely recommend it.

What ensues is a story of friendship, trust and acceptance...the emotions are in the forefront along with the humor. The ‘feels' in this story are subtle but heartfelt nonetheless. Jeremy and Reg's connection is instant but through honest dialogue, funny banter and flirtatious and candid interactions, Cardeno deepens it. Bringing forth numerous ‘awww' moments, laughs and sighs. I loved Jeremy and Reg's easy camaraderie. It was great to see how it jumped off the page. They were friends first, lovers later and their journey was a treat to experience.

"Every human being is made in the image of God and he makes no mistakes." LOVED Eli as soon as he showed up on the page. He made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes. And poor Seth had no idea how to handle it. Eli is young and brash and so eager to experience everything. His personality jumped off the pages and pulled you right in. Seth may have been a little more reserved but he was no less engaging. I loved the way that he tried to guide Eli but never tried to change him. The time that he took to figure out who "he" was, was authentic and believable. The uncertainty that he felt made sense. Watching these two build a friendship and grow together through that relationship was captivating and I could not put this book down. The author took me through the years of their lives and made them so real. One of the most beautiful books I have read, and also one of the funniest. I don't know the last time that I laughed so hard, from one catastrophe to the next. This book has everything you could ask for in a romance and then some. I could not recommend a better read if you are looking for something with a genuine, romantic feel.