A very unusual pairing in the shifter genre and I soon learned that the two authors happily left behind any shifter cliche I could think of :) The hawk alpha may be strong, but he's also small like avian shifters in this book tend to be. He is also a control freak, who craves to release the control in bed. The bear shifter is even stronger and dominant in his human form when he is in bed with his lover, but he is usually completely tame and couldn't hurt a fly as it seems. He's even a vegetarian (like me – yay!) and it makes for very striking oppositions between the characters! …I loved that they aren't just opposites, they complete each other and there was a lot of chemistry from the very first time they met… One of my favorite aspects was the different take on bonds. Well, let's say the different perspective one of the MCs had. Insta-love is usually not my cuppa, so I applauded him for not letting fate determine his destiny but for wanting to take destiny into his own hand and make his own decisions… The animal halves seemed to be a big part of the characters and I loved the mythology of this world and the heartbreaking backstory of one of the MCs. I also really enjoyed the secondary characters in this town and it was fun to watch the characters interact ;) … I can really recommend this book. Try something that's…

Cardeno C. has written a beautiful and compelling story about the power of love. I loved reading the interactions between Dean's wife and the guys. She was such a fireball that they were scared to cross her even thought she was much smaller than they were.

Beans: This novella is spectacular. Shiloh is a beautiful combination of shy and quirky. He struggles to find his way but Travis's calm demeanor and strength are a balm to Shiloh. They are both incredible men and there is passion, humor, love, and and a faith in something amazing. ... Brilliantly written and executed, this is my favorite of Cardeno C's novellas.Nina:  I've read this a couple times now. It keeps getting better. There were so many beautiful, touching moments. I laughed, cried and smiled throughout. ... I loved the messages that are clear and resonant throughout. The sweet, tender and sensitive handling of serious and painful issues. A story of hope, second chances, new beginnings, faith, family, trust and love, so much love. A lot of that love will be yours. This is a holiday story that you will read again every year. I know I will.

Wow, just wow! I love all of Cardeno C. stories, but Strange Bedfellows is my favorite now and one of my top reads of the year for sure.