In Your Eyes

Mates #3

by Cardeno C.

A Book in the Mates Series

Raised to become Alpha of the Yafenack pack, Samuel Goodwin dedicates his life to studying shifter laws, strengthening his body, and learning from his father. Taking control comes easily to Samuel, but relating to people, including those he's supposed to lead, is a constant challenge.

When Samuel meets Korban Keller, the son of a neighboring pack’s Alpha, he reacts with emotion instead of intellect for the first time in his life. Resenting the other shifter for putting him off-balance, Samuel first tries to intimidate Korban and then tries to avoid him. What he can’t do is forget Korban’s warm eyes, easy smile, and happy personality.

When a battle between their fathers results in tragedy, Samuel and Korban are thrown together. With his world crashing down around him, Samuel must save his pack and show them he can lead. But first, Korban needs to save Samuel by inspiring him to feel. Two very different men with a tumultuous history must overcome challenges from all sides and see past the rules they’ve been taught to realize they are destined to fit together.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary, LGBT

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2014

About the author

Cardeno C. - CC to friends - is a hopeless romantic who wants to add a lot of happiness and a few "awwws" into a reader's day. Writing is a nice break from real life as a corporate type and volunteer work with gay rights organizations. Cardeno's stories range from sweet to intense, contemporary to paranormal, long to short, but they always include strong relationships and walks into the happily-ever-after sunset.

Heartwarming Stories. Strong Relationships. Forever Love.

Website: www.cardenoc.com

Blog: (Shared Blog) https://gayromanceauthors.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @CardenoC

FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/CardenoC

FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carde...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6M...

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/

Reviews

[Sophia Triad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love this book from the first line:

The first thing I hated about him was his smile.

And a couple of lines later:

My clearest memory about him was of his eyes.

Samuel Goodwin is the son of the Alpha from Yafenack pack.
Korban Keller is the son of the Alpha from Maincarem pack, their neighborhood pack.

They met when Samuel was eight years old and Korban was eleven. Samuel knew that there was something wrong with Korban straight away. Korban was too friendly, too happy with Samuel and this could not be right. They were supposed to be the next Alphas. They had to be serious, reserved, and level headed. They had to stay with the adults and learn, not play around and have fun. However, they played together.

They met again after a few years and Korban was still outgoing and friendly, while Samuel just didn't know what to do with that. However, they played together again.

Their story is told by Samuel. I really missed Korban’s POV. But when they are finally together, after a tragedy, Korban will explain everything to clueless Samuel.

Samuel’s mind is a funny place to be. His desperation and his ignorance made him a cute puppy when he was a kid.
When Samuel becomes an adult, you know that there is something coming for him and you may smile with his desperate attempts to prevent it.

As in all the books in the series, there is a lot of sex in this book as well – especially at the second half of the book. This does not prevent the story to unfold in the just right pace and to keep me interested until the last page.

There were moments of sorrow that I could feel my heart breaking and moments of angst that kept me awake to finish the book.
Finally there were glorious moments where Samuel and Korban’s relief and acceptance made me a happy girl.

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

Good things comes to those who wait patiently!

Cardeno C's books are like a balm to my soul. I don't mind angst and drama when I know the payoff is a glorious HEA.

I loved the other two books in this series, and this one certainly didn't disappoint.

Told from Samuel's first-person POV, this book seems to be set a couple years after book 1 ends. There are references to Zev and Jonah, as well as Ethan and Miguel, but there's no on-page interaction with the other two couples besides one phone call between Samuel and Zev.

Samuel, who's next in line to be his pack's Alpha, is so focused on rules and logic, he completely misses the forest for the trees. He's serious, obsessive, detached, and not very likable. His unwillingness to be around other shifters, much less to tie, leads to difficulty letting go of his wolf.



Even worse, every time Samuel runs into Korban, the son of the Alpha who rules the neighboring pack, he's thrown for a loop. Korban unnerves Samuel, and Samuel resents feeling unsettled.

What Samuel refuses to acknowledge is that Korban is his true mate. It takes Korban's vicious, power-hungry father to make Samuel truly see (and feel) for the first time. In the midst of injustice and chaos, Samuel acts impulsively, and his impetuous behavior puts Korban in danger. Only then does Samuel let down his guard and listen to his heart for the very first time.

This book blends tenderness with hawtness (CC's trademark!). The MCs don't get together until approximately 60 percent into the book, but there's still plenty of tension and steam. And biting, of course!



The secondary characters, especially Samuel's gentle father, were wonderful! There was some conflict and angst, but once the guys found each other, they didn't let go!

Wonderful writing, wonderful wolves, wonderful book!

I really hope there's a book 4!

(This book can easily be read as a standalone, although the other two books in the series are wonderful and I wouldn't recommend skipping them.)

__________________________________________

Patience is highly overrated.

[Rosa, really · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you excited?

‘Cause I’m excited.

New Cardeno C., people! I love the Mates series and would possibly consider sacrificing a finger just to read more of them. So it’s a forgone conclusion I would enjoy this book.

One of the many things that make this particular Cardeno book enjoyable is main character Samuel Goodwin. Samuel is the son of his pack’s alpha and takes his role of presumptive alpha extremely seriously. He’s in love with facts and knows exactly how an alpha should act at all times. But empathetic he is not. Yes, he understands how he should behave, that part of being a good alpha is sympathy and compassion – unfortunately anything involving an emotion is lost on him. He doesn’t understand other people’s feelings and doesn’t recognize his own. Samuel doesn’t even know how to hug people; where does he put his hands? How long does a hug have to last? 2 seconds? 3? Some readers may find him a bit robotic, but to me his lack of emotional intelligence makes him vulnerable and even more loveable for it. He’s like a shifter Mr. Darcy. A shifter Mr. Darcy who hates Korban Keller.

The first thing I hated about him was his smile. Nobody smiles that much genuinely. It’s fake.

Samuel and Korban first meet when they’re eight and eleven respectively.
Like Samuel, Korban is the presumptive alpha of his pack but in every other way he’s Samuel’s opposite. He’s friendly, smiles and laughs easily and is completely uninterested in the rules and regulations of shifter lore. But he’s extremely interested in Samuel. Samuel, aka Mr. No Emotions, finds such interest highly suspicious. Samuel may have trouble keeping his eyes off Korban, but he mistakes this for distrust. Korban confuses him and rather than deal with it, he assumes his discomfort stems from hatred, which is much more understandable than anything else he may imagine.

And therein lies the problem; it never occurs to Samuel that he may be feeling a more pleasant emotion. Samuel knows only facts and it’s a fact that males only mate with females. It’s simple shifter lore: men are more in touch with their shifter side and so must “tie” (sexy times) with a female shifter, who are more connected to their human side. It’s how shifters retain both their humanity and their shifterity (that’s right, I just made that up). He’s never seen any proof that two males may tie together and therefore the possibility doesn’t exist for him. Which makes it even sweeter when, after a series of dramatic events, Samuel finally realizes that what he’s feeling is love. That Korban is in fact his mate.

The feelings were already there—locked away, hidden, but there....[Korban’s] kiss led them out from the darkness where they were buried and showed them the light of day....For the first time in my life, I was where I was meant to be, who I was meant to be. I was whole.

If that doesn’t make you go aww… as you melt into a puddle of syrup I don’t know what will.

What I like most about this whole series is the way Cardeno deals with the ever popular shifter mates theme. As I stated above according to the shifter lore found in this series there is only one correct combination that makes up a mating; males and females. But Cardeno shows that not only can two men love each other, two men, even two species within the series, can complete each other. Wake Me Up Inside features a shifter and a human, Until Forever Comes features a shifter and a vampire and in this book we have two alpha shifters. Cardeno uses the Mates series to show that there’s more than one way to be “correct.” As Zev from the first books says (he makes a brief appearance by phone):

Tying isn’t about males and females. It’s about connecting with someone who can better you, someone who can give you what you’re lacking, someone who can fulfill you and make you whole....We tie with our mates on all levels—physical and emotional—so we can become the best versions of ourselves. That’s what makes us complete, and then we’re stable enough to bind both our forms—wolf and human.

We may not live in the Mates world, but this is still a lesson the world needs to learn and a lesson we should take to heart in our own lives.

The only problem I have with this book is that I want more Samuel and Korban together. They have a few interactions early in the book, but they only start really communicating about halfway through. It’s even further on that we finally get to the smex. Once they do it’s wonderful but I need MORE time with my boys. Especially Korban. He’s a great character, absolutely loveable, but I never get to know him as well as Samuel.

Other than that tiny complaint, this book was the fluffy, romantic & sexy good time you can expect from a Cardeno C. book. Now I can’t wait for the next one. This time I may be willing to give up 2 fingers.

This book was provided by the author for the purpose of providing an honest review for Because Two Men Are Better Than One!

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.85 stars



-True mates

-Two Alphas

-Knotting

-Arkward geeky clueless Mc and patient loving Mc

-Hot Sex

- Candy Coated sugary fluff

- Cuteness overload

-Childhood crush

After reading too much fluff.. i believe its time for dark and heartbreaking-tear inducing read.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel came across as someone on the autism spectrum. Having a child with autism, I know what it looks like in some ways. I could feel his frustration and lack of connection with those around him, his dislike for touch, and his love of the rules all painted a very clear picture. Korban knows that Samuel is his mate from childhood. I liked that he reaches out to others for help and guidance. His sacrifice, knowing his mate would never hurt him, made him a true hero. Once they finally come together, the changes in Samuel are amazing. Korban is his balance and connection to others. The way Samuel handled a belligerent pack member was exactly what his father has spent his entire life trying to teach his son. There are bad guys that need to be dealt with and some things that need to be put right but together they create something amazing.

Highly recommended author and series

Audiobook: Fantastic narrator

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I was just in the right mood, but I absolutely loved this story. Samuel and Korban were so perfect together. I have a big smile on my face and my heart is happy. Highly recommended!!

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I'm ready for book 4. Bring it!!

-------Original 30 Nov 2014-------
In Your Eyes is the third book Cardeno C.'s Mates series. The story is told from Samuel's POV and thank goodness, because otherwise I don't think we would have been able to distinguish him from a robot. He had a wee bit of a problem processing and understanding emotion and interpersonal connections.

Samuel was raised to someday take over as Alpha of the Yafenack pack. He has spent all his time studying history and pack law and though he has an excellent example of a leader, in his father, Samuel is clueless as to how to actually relate to people and no matter how much his father tries to explain interpersonal relationships and duties to Samuel , he Just. Doesn't. Get. It. Seriously, I don't think I have ever wanted to shake a character as much. Samuel was just that frustrating.

Samuel met Korban when he was eight years old and Korban was eleven. Korban is also the son of an Alpha (Maincarem pack), so he is at events sometimes when the various pack Alpha's meet. Korban has always been outgoing and friendly and Simon just doesn't know what to do with that. Korban unsettles Samuel something fierce and Samuel is sure it'a all a ruse and comes to resent the effect that Korban has on him. Being completely socially inept, he doesn't recognize his feelings as being attraction at all. Korban, though, seeks out Samuel at every gathering he and Samuel are both attending.

It takes a serious tragedy for any headway in their relationship to actually happen. And that progress was fought tooth and nail by our Samuel (and left me with a headache from beating my head against the wall). Once he FINALLY got it, though, he and Korban are both hot and inseparable. And Samuel finally gets a personality. Thank you Korban!

So, be patient with this story. The journey is fraught with frustration, but the destination was so worth it! I am hoping for more in this series, specifically to deal with the issue of Maincarem pack being left Alpha-less. That pack has not exactly been blessed with good leadership over the past few generations at least. Korban would have made a great Alpha, but as he repeatedly states, his place is with Samuel..

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this one. I liked it better than the previous book. Also this one was more fun !! There are 3 books in this series and they are all different.

In 1, we have a shifter and a human, in 2, we have a shifter and a vampire and in this one we have 2 delicious alpha male shifters together.



Korban is the sweet and fun loving one, while Samuel is the smart, distant and cold one. They are both in line to be the next alpha of their packs, since both of them are sons of the current alpha's.

Korban figured out that Samuel is his true mate, at the age of 11, but it took Samuel way way longer to figure his shit out.



So it does take them some time to get together and a lot of things happen in between, most having to do with their packs and their Alpha's. Since I don't want to spoiler anything, you will just have to read all of that yourself. However, once they do figure things out....damn they were HOT !! All the hot sex and the biting and ...did I mention the knotting ??



So far I have enjoyed all books in this series, but so far this one is my favorite. Guess that's because I have a preference for all thing Alpha :P

This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

I’m at the end of an intense week of reading, which has been solely focused on devouring Cardeno’s Mates series. I just finished. So, the question is – now what do I do?! I equal parts hate and love being so into a book (or series) that upon completion I feel a little lost. I love that it happened and that I was consumed by the storytelling, but I hate that it stalls me from moving on to new books, because my mind is still living in the previous stories world. This is the ultimate booklovers conundrum. *sigh*

So, here we have Samuel and Korban. They are shifters, and are both prospective Alphas of their respective packs. They initially meet as young boys while accompanying their Alpha fathers to Interpack meetings. Samuel, our narrator, takes an immediate dislike to the fun and carefree Korban – or at least he deciphers his intense feelings for the other boy as dislike, because what else could it be??… Hint: LOVE! Mmm, the “true mate” feels are in full swing here and I loved it!

The thing about Samuel is that he’s intellectually brilliant, but socially awkward. He’s studied his ass off to learn everything there is to know about pack lore and what it takes to be an awesome Alpha, but unfortunately for him, he doesn’t quite know how to interact with other people. He’d rather be anywhere but in a social situation, and when he is thrust into unwanted interactions, he always seems to say the wrong thing. His character was equal parts frustrating and endearing. I often alternated between thoughts of, “you condescending little shit!!” and “aww, poor awkward Alpha!!” But, ultimately, his problem was that he needed his mate to balance him out. Cue shocking revelations of “OMG, I have a true mate and it’s a dude”. It’s not a revelation to us, or Korban – who has been beautifully aware of what they meant to each other since he was 11 *swoon* - but Samuel is on the slow train to happy realisations, so we can’t fault him for this mental and emotional blunder. Sidenote: I’m pretty sure Samuel has a mild case of Asperger’s Syndrome. The evidence is in abundance, people. Just saying.

Some pretty dicey situations arise in this story - none of which I will go into here because it’s a spoiler-free zone of goodness - causing an explosion of feelings to pour out of me, including, but not limited to: annoyance, shock, outrage, sympathy and, finally, pure delight! It wasn’t quite as riveting as the previous two stories, but it still had a little something that added to the shifter world that Cardeno has created within this series. I’m ultimately a fan, and I definitely hope there is more to come…

Fun Fact: I wrote this review with Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” playing in the background on repeat – God, what I wouldn’t give to have John Cusack standing outside my window serenading me with a boom box held high *sigh* – so it’s safe to say I LOVE this book title!

[Trisha Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the second book in the Mates series, but I haven't read the book because I don't think it would be for me. In Your Eyes is up there with Until Forever Comes, book 2 in the series. It's so good and I fell in love with it easily. I love the characters, the story, and also the cover (I'm a cover slut, I can admit it).

I love a good shifter story, and the two books I've read in the series are perfect for me. I like shifters and I love true mates. And this is what this series has. But it also has vampires (even though they're not in this, only mentioned).

I love how Samuel and Korban work so well together. They're not exactly alike, but they are similar in a sense, and they balance each other out perfectly to make the perfect couple. I think Korban is probably my favorite of the two, just because he's so sweet and nice and lovable. He's a really bubbly guy. He's the kind of guy I would love to be around. Of course, Samuel is a great character, too. He's super smart, but he isn't exactly an emotional guy, which might be off-putting for some. But it's what made him so lovable, in my opinion.

The plot is amazing, too. It's a bit angsty, but not too much, and once Samuel and Korban get together, at around 60% or so, they're together. There's no major couple drama, which I like. The build up to them becoming a couple is definitely a bonus. It's not insta-love. And Samuel doesn't realize Korban is his mate, but he does struggle to keep his eyes off Korban, which is what makes this a bit more realistic in a sense.

Do I think this will be for everyone? No, I don't. But if you like and/or can take sweetness, then you should definitely give this book a try because it can be read as a standalone.

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I will admit to having a soft spot for Cardeno C.'s books and I also have a thing for shifters.
So this is has my name written all over it.
It didn't disappoint.
Samuel is smart, dedicated and takes his responsibility very very seriously.
But emotionally he's a little off, he doesn't quite get people ( or you know, wolves) or emotions and isn't social at all. Which for a future alpha isn't all that helpful.
Korban is all those things, and it really felt for him, even when we didn't get his POV I could imagine what was going through his mind, knowing they are mates and also knowing that Samuel is a little dense.
I really liked how having a mate helped them both, with the shifting, the shortcomings that Samuel had with interacting with his pack.
All in all a great addition to the series and I'm still a big CC fan!
Bring on the next one! :)

[BWT · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for audio!



This is what you get when you put together a story I already love with a narrator I love.



Samuel Goodwin and Korban Keller are both the prospective Alphas of their respective shifter packs and they meet initially at an interpack council meeting when Samuel is eight and Korban is eleven.

Told entirely through Samuel’s perspective, he's initially distrusting and suspicious of Korban and how bright, sunny, smiling, and seemingly carefree he is. Duty and responsibility is very important to Samuel. He takes his prospective Alpha status very seriously. Samuel desperately needs order, control, facts and rules to function.

My father said people shied away from me because I was strong and they knew I’d be Alpha one day. He said that meant I needed to make the effort to approach them instead of waiting for them to approach me. Apparently he didn’t realize I wasn’t waiting for them and I had good reasons.

As the boys continue to meet at different points in their lives at different interpack council meetings Samuel becomes more frustrated because he can’t figure out what it is about Korban. Spoiler: Korban is his True Mate! Samuel finds it strange that he has “feelings” for Korban, because Samuel doesn’t really have feelings per se, he relies solely on intellect and is a complete over thinker. He doesn’t know how to go with his gut, no matter how hard his father tries to teach him. He constantly studies oh-so diligently, reading all the old lore and shifter laws and runs and shifts to make himself into the strongest wolf he can be.

I was more a brain man than a gut man, always had been. When my father used to ask me what my gut said, I always wondered what he meant.
“How do you feel, Samuel?” he’d say. “Not what do you think up here.” He’d tap his head. “What do you feel down here?” He’d pat his belly. “Go with your gut.”
All those years and I never understood, but suddenly, I thought maybe I did. Maybe that feeling in my belly telling me to keep trying, telling me there was something I was missing, telling me to look harder, maybe that was my gut.

So, it doesn't really come as a real surprise that Samuel doesn’t have friends, or share normal pack intimacies, and that he’s completely awkward and socially backward, often saying the wrong thing and not knowing how to interact with others. Which is the absolute opposite from Korban in every way possible. (Personally, I think Samuel is definitely on the spectrum; from his mannerisms, to his thought processes I would lay a bet for high-functioning autism.)

“I like order. When things aren’t where they’re supposed to be, I can’t focus on anything else,” I explained, hoping that wouldn’t make me sound as rigid as I probably was. I didn’t want Korban to be worried about living with me.

I love the UST in this story. I love Samuel's father and I absolutely love Korban! The story takes a while for the guys to get together, but once they do, it's full steam ahead!



I won't lie to you - the first 40% or so of this story is a bit hard to take because Samuel isn't the most likeable of characters. It's juxtaposed with how he is once he is able to tie with his other half. In true Cardeno fashion once our two mates actually connect and get together they are each other's rock and strike a perfect balance. Truly two halves of a whole. It takes a while to get there, but once it does, Cardeno doesn't disappoint - the smexy times are awesome and abundant (thank heavens!).

I love visiting this world Cardeno has built and Charlie David brings to life through his absolutely wonderful narration.

RECOMMENDED!

Review Copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

Listened 11/11/15

*********************************
4 Stars

Took me a bit to get into the final installment of the Mates series. Samuel is a bit hard to take until he and Korban sealed their mating bond. After that? I loved it!

BTW - I’m pretty sure Samuel is mildly (or, not so mildly) on the spectrum. Looking at the character from that perspective makes me like him more. If he's not on the spectrum...well, Korban saves him from being a complete uptight asshole thankfully.

Read 03/14/2015

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've gotten this far in the series then you know the basic premise - werewolves finding their "true mate" is a rare and beautiful thing. I admit that I wasn't so sure about this in the beginning, especially since it seemed 8 year old Samuel had the biggest chip on his shoulder. He was defensive and unfriendly and it took awhile for him to grow on me. However, one just had to realize that he didn't know how to process his feelings when he came across openly effusive Korban.

So you have MC Samuel, destined to be alpha - needing order, control, facts and rules to function. He's lacking a bit in social skills and empathy, always having difficulty connecting emotionally with others. This inability was at times frustrating but also endearing. I felt for him his lack of understanding, but his oh so earnest intentions came from the heart as he always wanted to do right and be a great alpha to his pack.

Korban was like rubber. Everything terse and uncomfortable Samuel said and did just bounced right off him. He was steadfast in his patience and commitment to his mate, giving new meaning to unconditional love.

So there was definitely some conflict and angst of course, but this was also a sweet, tender tale of destined mates (with KNOTTING) showcasing really how these two together were stronger than apart; their two selves making a whole.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm such a sap for Cardeno C. books. I can't even claim to not be biased. I loved it. Sue me.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: In Your Eyes
Author: Cardeno C.
Series: Mates, Book 3
Narrator: Charlie David
Publisher: The Romance Authors
Audio Release Date: 10-26-15
Release Date: July 15th 2015, 2nd Edition
Genre(s): Male/Male Romance, Paranormal/Shifters
Audio Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins
Reviewed by: JLoves2Read for Gay Book Reviews and Alpha Book Club
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5+ stars out of 5
Blurb:

Two very different men with a tumultuous history must overcome challenges from all sides and see past their society's rules to realize they are destined for one another.
Raised to become alpha of the Yafenack pack, Samuel Goodwin dedicates his life to studying shifter laws, strengthening his body, and learning from his father. But despite his best efforts, Samuel can't relate to people, including those he's supposed to lead.
When Samuel meets Korban Keller, the son of a neighboring pack's alpha, he reacts with emotion instead of intellect for the first time in his life. Resenting the other shifter for throwing him off-balance, Samuel first tries to intimidate Korban and then desperately avoids him. What he can't do is forget Korban's warm eyes, easy smile, and happy personality.
When a battle between their fathers ends tragically, Samuel struggles to lead his pack while Korban works to break through Samuel's emotional barriers.

To say that I am a fan of Cardeno C. would be putting it to lightly, Add Charlie David as a narrator and you have a masterpiece. Each book by Cardeno C. is written with such vivid description the reader will not only read the story but they will live the story! The quality of Charlie David's performance is excellent. His cadence and inflection literally make you feel as if you are living the story. I was immediately taken in by the story, characters, and theme and I devoured the book both written and audio straight through!

We meet the two main characters of this story as they are at a inner-pack meeting accompanying their fathers, the current Alpha’s, so they can learn and gain experience to use when they are Alpha’s of their packs. Yep, both of the boys are expected to grow up and one day be Alpha’s of two different packs! But that is not all that could potentially keep these two apart.. no it gets much more complicated as they grow up, I loved this scene when the two first meet --

“I’m Korban Keller.” He smiled so broadly his nose crinkled a little. “What’s your name?” I glanced up at my father to see if he could help me figure out how to deal with the unexpected interrogation, but he was busy talking with the other adults. “I’m Samuel Goodwin,” I said eventually.
I hated being called Sam. I also hated being asked questions when I didn’t know why they were being asked. And I didn’t like people poking their noses in my business. But on the other hand, I worried it’d be considered rude if I didn’t answer. I’d have to work with this boy one day because I’d be Alpha of my pack, he’d be Alpha of his pack, and my father said getting along with people was important. I wasn’t sure why or if I agreed, but he was a smart man and I tried to listen to him.
“I’m eight.” “Cool. I’m eleven.” He kept grinning and looking at me. I wondered if I was supposed to say something or if we were done talking and he’d go away so I could stop feeling nervous and focus on my dad’s conversation. “You want to go play, Sam?”
“It’s Samuel!” I snapped. His eyes widened in surprise, but that reaction to my obvious annoyance. “Do you want to go play, Samuel?” I looked him over and tried to figure out what he was doing.
“They have a football in the back.” I stared at him. “And the yard is really big.” Big as in big enough that nobody would hear me if I got hurt? Was he threatening me? “But if you don’t like football, they have checkers too.” Why wouldn’t I be able to play football? I was one of the strongest boys in my grade and, yes, Korban was bigger than me, but that was only because he was older. “If you like checkers.” He smiled again, but it wasn’t as big that time. There was something softer about it. “It’s okay if you don’t.” Oh, so now I wasn’t strong enough for football and I wasn’t smart enough for checkers. The nerve of that guy! “We can shift instead. I bet we can find good stuff to sniff when we’re in our wolf forms.” The conversation made me uncomfortable. He made me uncomfortable. I felt off-balance and confused, which was probably exactly what he intended. No way was I wandering off with him away from my father and the other adults. No way. “I don’t think I’m supposed to—”

And that is how Korbin and Samuel's story begins.

As stated, this story follows two different Packs, The Miancarem and The Yafenak Packs as we watch the two future Alpha's of the Packs, meet, grow up, deal with tragedy and finally come to recognize they are True Mates. To find a True Mate is rare, to find a True Mate of another Pack who is meant to be Alpha, oh and yeah who is the same sex as you - well that leaves the realm of rare and many feel enters the area of unnatural.

Thankfully these two are not the only shifters to find themselves in unusual situations they have heard the Alpha of the Etzgadol Pack Zev is also mated to a male, a male who isn't even all shifter but half "half-soul" - so Samuel and Korbin understand that while their mating may not be usual -- it is perfectly acceptable and they are each other's other half.

Another Highly Recommended Story from The Mates Series by Cardeno C. Please note that although this is a series each book is complete and can be read in any order. I would however recommend reading and/or listening to them in order at least once; if you are like me this series will be one you revisit.

Audio Copy Provided by Author for an honest review.

[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*

This series was a bit of a hit and miss for me. I liked the first one. I really enjoyed the second one. Unfortunately this one was just a miss.

The book was a real struggle for me to get through. I didn't like Samuel and I didn't warm up to him as the story went. Korban wasn't a big part of the story until towards the end. Even then I didn't believe in the relationship they had. I didn't feel the chemistry between the two guys. With the ending being so abrupt you never really got to know them as a couple so for me they end up seeming more equipped to be friends than lovers with a true mate bond.

This was the weakest book in the series for me.

But hey, a lot of people really enjoyed this one so maybe I am in the minority.

Happy reading, dolls! xx

[Rielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best one of the series!

The author really found their voice and did an excellent job balancing romance with plot and finally succeeding in ending the book well. My issue with the other books has been that the last quarter seems disjointed and often rushed. This installment succeeded in being enjoyable throughout. There honestly wasn’t anything I can recall disliking. It’s still all fluff, but done well.

MCs:
Samuel and Korban are fated mates and they are so clearly two halves of one soul. I just adore them. Usually one of CC’s MCs is bland and Korban slides into that role, but I think it’s mostly because the book is from Samuel’s perspective. I love Samuel! I can relate to his awkwardness and inability to understand emotions and people.

“‘There’s no shame in it, son. Like I’ve told you before, sex is natural. It’s part of who you are.’
Yes, he had told me that on more than one occasion. But I’d been younger then, and once puberty was over, I thought we were done with those horrible conversations.”

Romance:
Oh god the romance. Korban knew right away that Samuel was his true mate, but Korban misinterpreted things and couldn’t allow himself to feel that. It never felt like the separation was too much or the misunderstanding too intense. These two needed to wait and they both grew during the process. It also made it so satisfying when Samuel finally understood.

“‘That works out well because I want to take care of you too.’”

“‘You can count on me.’
‘I know,’ he whispered as he gazed at me warmly and caressed my cheek. ‘I trust you. I’m yours.’
And I was his.”

Awwww such fluff. I love all the love. Don’t worry though; there’s definitely some heat.

”’I want you.’ I bucked my hips, nudging my erection against him.
‘Take me.’ He rolled his groin over mine. ‘I’m yours.’
He lowered his mouth to mine. ‘Always yours.’”

Plot:
I read this book last in the series (I think it’s meant to be third), but I’m so happy I read it last. I was glad to have already been introduced to some of these characters and I think I would have been disappointed to read the book meant to be last as my final one (it wasn’t great). And oh boy was it satisfying to see some awful characters get their due on page. Revenge was sweet and desperately needed because this book had two surprisingly emotional moments for me. I actually teared up and needed an outlet for those emotions.

This was an excellent end to the series for me and it was immensely satisfying to see these two complete each other and for Samuel to finally feel like he belongs.

”’You led with your heart today and turned an enemy into a supporter. And you did it while letting him keep his dignity in front of his friends.’ He trembled, his eyes wet. ‘I am so incredibly proud to call you mate.’”

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book felt different than the other two in the series. Less fluffy.

I was mostly disappointed with the first half of the story. Samuel and Korban spend hardly any time together. They see each other 4 times in 15 years. The first half revolved mostly about pack laws and although interesting, I just wanted the wolf love, not the wolf lore.



These guys were incredibly cute together and once they do get together it does get a little fluffy.

But I would have liked it if the relationship actually developed some more. These boys go from being acquaintances/enemies to lovers in a day.

The second half was what I was hoping it would be, and I really did love the boys, so 3.5 stars it is.

[Sara]

5 Peter Gabriel playing over my head through a boombox - Hearts!

You can’t give me a book with the title “In Your Eyes” and have me not automatically start singing the song by the same name by Peter Gabriel. I am a music nerd and like, totally an 80’s girl so it’s bound to happen. You also can’t give me a book about a sweet but clueless young man destined to be his pack’s alpha only to realize the boy he thought was a threat for years is now his true mate. AND YOU CAN’T give me all the feels that come with this book and not have me go back to the Peter Gabriel song and want to imagine Samuel as John Cusack with a boombox declaring everything to Korban. Seriously. The lyrics to the song are so complimentary to this romance, whether it was intended or not. I am sticking to my fantasy. Okay?

Now, while I am on a rambling fangril deal here, let me say before I even get into the story that Charlie David is fantastic as a narrator. I haven’t listened to a book read by him yet that I haven’t fallen in love with and blushed ridiculously as he read me… everything. I used to think that audio books weren’t for me or that I could only listen to a book that I had read before because I would lose focus or interest but that isn’t the case. David is extremely talented as a narrator in that he really brings the story and the characters to life. I can’t get enough of listening to him transform into these shifters, men, women… anyone really. Charlie David doesn’t read the book to you, he becomes the characters with incredible depth and emotion that allows you to get lost in the story. I used to love listening to mysteries on the radio with my late father and adored the storytelling. Charlie David gives that feel with his narration without the need for extra cast members. I don’t know how he does it but I love it. Even when I blush – as a ginger it’s stupidly noticeable – during intimate scenes with the man’s voice going to pure sex as he brings each moment to life. To sum this paragraph up: Charlie David is awesome.

On to the story.

GAH! This one is my favorite out of the series. I can’t type fast enough to tell you everything I loved about it but I will try.

I loved Samuel and Korban so much. Fated Mates or True Mates is one of my favorite things about shifter stories. The idea that someone out there is yours before you even know it is the most romantic thing ever. It was refreshing though frustrating to have this romance told by a very sweet yet clueless young man named Samuel Goodwin who has no idea the boy he views as threatening, is his true mate. And yet, I loved getting to see Samuel and Korban meet at a young age and how Korban affected Samuel the way he did. It was obvious early on that Korban knew Samuel was his mate from the way he treated him and it was obvious to the reader what was going on with Samuel when he was around Korban. It just took Samuel a few *cough* almost 12 *cough* years to finally understand who and what Korban is to him. But poor Samuel only knows what he’s learned as to what an Alpha was supposed to do but the books, the pack history were wrong.

Don’t misunderstand me when I talk about Samuel. Just because I say he is clueless and has his head firmly stuck on what books tell him to be true (like having to tie with a female only and never mentioning a male) the dude is Tarantino style badass in this when it comes to protecting his mate. Samuel is such a strong Alpha though he doesn't think so because he has never been able to find a mate to tie with. Poor Samuel is losing his ability to shift from wolf to human and he feels like his wolfy bio clock is tick-tocking away. But Samuel is seen by shifters in other packs as strong and smart. He is fair, honorable and after he learns his true mate is a man, he is determined to allow his pack to be strong and mate with whomever they choose, which ever sex they choose.

Wow. I am getting all sorts of lost in feelings here and not saying a damn thing.

The story deals a lot with Samuel and Korban growing up through the years but it’s important to get them that way. When they become adults and Korban’s father challenges Samuel’s father… dirty deeds go down but it’s through this Samuel has his awakening and sees Korban as his true mate.

When these two finally mate and Samuel acknowledges that Korban is his true mate, they act like friends to lovers and it's adorable. Korban is really the other half of Samuel and they complement one another so damn well.

It was great that we get bits of Zev in the story assuring both young men that having a male for a true mate is okay and fantastic. I loved that Korban talks about Ethan and Miguel as well and that the series ties together nicely without muddling up Korban and Samuel’s story.

ACK! Rambling Red is Rambling away.
Time to wrap this up.

I just loved this. It made me so damn happy to read and fall in love with both men. Korban is beyond patient and everything that Samuel could ever want and Samuel, he is who he is and Korban is blessed to have such a strong Alpha as his mate.

Cardeno C. has created a fun, interesting and sexy world with this Mates series and Charlie David brought it to life with is narration.

Red. Out.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I loved this book! I finished this book in a day, I absolutely couldn’t put it down! I love Cardeno C, and I especially love his shifter series and this story didn’t disappoint!

Like the blurb states Sam has dedicated his life to learning and studying everything he needs to be alpha of his pack when he comes of age. The only thing he doesn’t seem to do well is interact with others. Sam quickly meets Korban, the son of the alpha of the nearest pack. Sam and Korban are kids when they meet and Korban is immediately friendly, which Sam immediately questions and doubts is sincere.

Wolves are social creatures, but Sam seems to be the exception to that rule. He doesn’t really connect emotionally with anyone in his pack, he is uncomfortable with touch and emotions. Eventually this leads to Sam not being able to shift from wolf to human quickly, so when the moment he is needed he can’t meet the challenge. The result of this difficulty is tragic and everything in Sam’s life is shattered.

I simply loved Korban, OMG! He knows who and what he is to Sam, and he never loses faith in that.

I loved this story, here is another book that just filled my heart with warm, love and left me sighing in happiness!

[Elsbeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Narrator: Charlie David

*2,5 stars*

IMO this was the weakest of the series. I kinda enjoyed the first half but then it changed to pack.lore.pack.lore.....



Maybe I shouldn't have finished this audio after reading such a swooning story??

And man... I know this is about shifters and mate bonding but this was really quick.

I just recognized you as my mate, you're hotttt, let's bond and I luuuuuuve you so much, let's have SEX!!

Let's move on!!

[♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall book review 4.6 Sad stars
Audio book rating: Narrator Charlie David - 5 Amazing stars
Book Cover: 4.3 Stars



This book was different but then again that's why I loved al 3 everyone is different.

Samuel and Korban wow!!!

I just need more of this asap!!!!

[⋆˚ʚ Abril ɞ˚⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✧ Está historia es un enemies to lovers pero que uno de ellos no sabe que son enemies jajaja. Es muy interesante ver como ambos protagonistas desde niños sienten ese vínculo de ser mates, pero uno de ellos (Samuel) no lo identifica como tal y en lugar de eso piensa que es incomodidad y entonces planea mantenerse alejado de Korban.

✧ Korban desde que aparece por primera vez es tan precioso, tan amable y carismático, amo mucho la forma en que siempre fue tan paciente y comprensivo con Samuel pese al mal humor, desprecios o mal carácter que este le demostraba. Y la manera en que lo ayudó en varias ocasiones a través de su vínculo mental, Dios mío, es que Korban es tan cute.

✧ Samuel, por otro lado es completamente lo opuesto, es muy cerrado de mente, muy estricto y con dificultades para demostrar o recibir las emociones de los demás, obviamente cuando está cerca de Korban no puede mantenerse alejado de él, le gusta que lo toque y como lo hace sentir, pero se niega a reconocer lo que muy en el fondo sabe: que son compañeros.

✧ Poco a poco y tras una serie de eventos trágicos, Korban y Samuel están juntos y pueden finalmente sentir juntos toda esa pasión, esa tensión y ese amor que han acumulado a lo largo de tantos años. Cuando por fin ambos están en sintonía con ser mates, llega el maldito del papá de Korban para arruinar todo y aquí podemos ver que Samuel es capaz de todo con tal de proteger al hombre que ama.

✧ No le doy más puntaje sólo porque me he tenido que esperar hasta medio libro para que Samuel y Korban puedan volver a interactuar, también porque hay una serie de cosas que suceden con su primer apareamiento que me hicieron sentir un poco incómoda o sentí raro y porque me hubiera gustado leer más de ellos en cómo avanzaban en su relación y en irse conociendo más a profundidad.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in this series, and one that takes the whole concept of opposites attracting and true mates being the other half, the part that completes a person, to a quite extreme example.

At times I loved how literal Samuel was, how he would be given information or a lesson from his father and be so determined to incorporate it into his education on becoming the best alpha for his pack that he sometimes missed the heart of the matter...the underlying message. Other times I felt as frustrated as his father did with it because it reminds me to a lesser extent of people I know who tend to miss the point and while having a seemingly moral, good heart & intentions don't always come across as empathetic.

I do wish that we'd had a little of Corbin's POV but this is Samuel's story, his journey.

(Also, I've mentioned before that Charlie David narrating can be a bit hit-or-miss for me, but in this case his performance was quite entertaining.)

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone reading this follows my reviews, then you already know that I absolutely, 100 percent adore Cardeno C. I have yet to read a book by this author that hasn't impacted me emotionally and left me wanting more. I'm so very, very, very grateful that Cardeno writes a lot of series because I'd be really lost otherwise. And, frankly, I think Cardeno is tired of me whining about wanting more, more, and even more! So, with all of that in mind, you can imagine the giddy squealing that emitted from my mouth when I heard about 'In Your Eyes', book three in the 'Mates' series. Not only is this another addition to a series by an author that I truly respect and admire, BUT, it's a shifter series and really? Nothing gets my motor revving more than shifters. *grins* Well, that and hot, sexy menz whom Cardeno writes just for me!

Samuel, not Sam, was born a very old, responsible, serious man, and he never saw any reason to change that or even notice it was odd. Samuel thinks through every question, every statement, every action directed towards him, about a hundred times, looking for ulterior motives or harm. He isn't bothered by the fact that his peers in his pack don't want to be friends with him, he has no interest in spending time with them and their silly ways. Samuel's entire existence, his life, his world, is wrapped up in learning to be the best alpha he can be. Unfortunately, he doesn't understand or realize that being approachable, compassionate, and caring are traits much needed in a good alpha. Korban is the complete opposite in many ways. He certainly knows and understands his responsibilities, but Korban is outgoing, jovial, and strong in areas which Samuel is not. Korban has been confusing Samuel since the first time they met when Samuel was eight and Korban was eleven. It got so bad one time when they ran into each other at a meeting that Samuel vowed to just stay away from Korban from then on, and that way Samuel didn't have to deal with all the strange and unwelcome thoughts and feelings that occur.

If you've read the first book in this series then you understand the unique perspective this author puts on wolf shifter lore. In this world the shifters are raised to believe that male shifters have a hold of their wolf sides from a young age, but their human sides are not as stable, and the female shifters are the opposite. Thus when they reach adulthood, males and females tie to one another, true mates being exceedingly rare, and the female cements the male's human, while the male helps release the female's wolf. If the male shifter goes too long without mating or tying, he begins to lose his human side. The problem, however, is that Samuel has no desire to tie or let any female touch him. In fact, Samuel dislikes being touched by anyone, period. This means that by age twenty, Samuel is finding it harder and harder to return to human and it gets worse as he grows older.

Now, I originally wrote a very long and detailed explanation for how their respective fathers managed to exact severe tragedies leaving Samuel and Korban alphas of their packs. After several hours of contemplation I decided that nope, you're going to have to buy this book and read it to get the whole story. What I can say is that Samuel's father is dead, Korban's father is completely incapacitated, and Samuel has finally realized that Korban is his true mate. A fact, by the way, which Korban has known since they first met. However, Samuel's intense mental focus prevented him from ever listening to his heart. I'm not revealing anything more because I don't want to ruin this book for any other reader out there.

I loved this addition! Samuel reminded me almost of a very high functioning person with autism and I adored the way the author wrote him. Korban I could've definitely seen more of and I would've loved to have a little of his point of view. Ah, well. C'est la vie! I still loved their story and can't wait for another book in this series. Thank you, Cardeno!

NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
First off I have to say – Cardeno makes you work a little more for the “awwww” in this one. This is told in first person from the point of view of Samuel, a shifter in the Yafenack pack and heir to the Alpha.

We meet Samuel and Korbin when they are children, 8 and 11 respectively. Where Korbin is sunny, smiling and kind, Samuel is awkward, suspicious and sort of cruel. They are both the heir presumptive to their packs, Yafenack and Miancarem. They meet at an interpack council meeting, where Korbin immediately tries to befriend Samuel, who is having none of it. Samuel, there aren’t words to convey how impolite he can be (and his family knows it). He’s just not social and not socially appropriate. His father, the alpha, wants him to learn more than the lore and history of the shifters and the pack, he wants Samuel to learn about the people. Tough thing for Samuel, though. He tolerates Korban only because he knows in the future he will have to work with him, being neighbor alphas.

Whereas Korban wants to be friends, Samuel just doesn’t know how and doesn’t trust at all. He takes everything about Korban as a swipe at him, a dig or an insult. Poor Samuel is just so confused.

As they get older they really only see each other at the interpack meetings and Korban remains friendly, Samuel remains confused and almost hostile. In his world, Samuel is asexual, completely immersed in the history of the pack, hates to be touched by anyone at all and can’t figure out why people want him to, well, be part of the pack. When Samuel’s father brings up the issue of tying (sex, which leads to shifters being able to keep their human side) it is because Samuel is having trouble shifting back. The wolf is taking over because Samuel has no desire to be with anyone. Dad is worried because it is necessary to maintain humanity and Samuel doesn’t want to admit that he’s never done it, never wants to. So much conflict for the poor Samuel, though his wolf knows what’s what.

There is a big prejudice in places about associating with humans and Korban’s father, Dirk, has this in firmly in place. Samuel’s father doesn’t believe it, he wants shifters to coexist peacefully. When this leads to a challenge with tragic consequences, Samuel is forced to step up and in doing so starts to realize some of the things he’s learned just may not be true and he learns he has to think more clearly about consquences. This is never more obvious than when he demands a tribute for his father. He didn’t think far enough ahead. Samuel is just so bookish and awkward and then at one point believes the worst of himself. Korban never does. He always believes in Samuel. I wish we had gotten some of Korbins POV because he is seriously amazing. There is an epic “awwww” inducing moment with Korban, “And I am so very lucky”. Ohhhh, awwwww!

These two have to deal with so much and part of that is Samuel being unable to accept things he didn’t learn in a book. Korban’s father is a huge asshat and plays a role throughout. You wonder how Korban turned out as lovely as he did.

There is knotting in this book (yes!) and sex in wolf form. There is confusion and faith in another person. There is facing off against bigotry and there is a lot of love, even if it’s not written in a history.

[Gwen ~the Book Diva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well hello, Alpha!

Check out the video trailer below, too!


*ARC provided to G the Book Diva blog in exchange for an honest review*

This was new for me, MM Paranormal and I really enjoyed it.

To be a good Alpha to his pack, that is all Samuel has ever wanted. He's studied his entire life for this role but books can't teach him how to connect with people on an emotional level, an area he is severely lacking in. He also has no idea why he is so drawn to the future Alpha of a neighboring pack and it bothers him...a lot. But oh man, those eyes and that smile....



For Korban, he just knew from the very moment he met Samuel that he had found an undeniable connection. Finally, he could envision a life of true happiness! Now, all he needed was for Samuel to recognize it too.



I love the logic in finding the person who makes you better and stronger, regardless of gender! My only issue is that I wish it was a little bit longer, I had some linger questions but I think I have to go back and read books 1-2 to fill in a few gaps. This can be read as stand alone.

Even still, I am really liking Cardeno C's writing style! I am a total fan!



Video Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqAEK...

[Federica Lemme · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Samuel and Korban are the respective Alpha sons of their Packs. They are like night and day, chalk and cheese.

Samuel is the serious one – he totally focused on becoming the best and truly worthy of being his father’s successor. Korban on the other hand, has a much lighter disposition and far more social than Samuel, as I said, night and day.

They first meet when Samuel is just eight years old and Korban eleven and then on further visits over the years when their fathers met to discuss various Pack business.

At an early age, Samuel is confused where Korban is concerned, he doesn’t understand the feelings he has and this confuses him, so he tries to distance himself.

I don’t do spoilers, but years after their first meeting, there is an altercation between their two fathers and this presents Samuel with another dilemma, that is when everything changes.

Even after everything happens, Samuel is still confused by his feelings, he just doesn’t understand them! However, patient Korban knows exactly what Samuel is feeling, he has always known from their first meeting, all those years ago – Samuel is Korban’s True Mate! He has waited patiently and now eager to show Samuel exactly what that means!

I really liked Korban’s character, he was interesting and positive, a complete opposite to his father. Samuel on the other hand was rigid, very focused on traditions and the old manuscripts – at times I wanted to shout and scream at him and even shake him hard, to knock some sense into him!

Will Zev, Ethan and Miguel help Samuel to “get his man”? With these three on his side, how can he fail?

This book is part of a series and I cannot stress enough that you need to start at book 1, the characters appear throughout all the books, so you need to start at the beginning to get full benefit.

I loved all the books of this series, at times I was left breathless, which yet again shows off the extrodinary talent of Author Cardeno C.

Highly recommended.

***I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reviewing this ARC. My review was an honest opinion of the book***


https://threebooksovertherainbow.word...

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cardeno C has brought me some wonderful stories, and this is another.
We like these upcoming Alphas, who are so different from one another. Korban, blonde and blue eyed, a white wolf shifter, of the Minancarem Pack, is their Alpha's son. He is bright, charismatic and happy. Samuel, 20, with green eyes, an Alpha, is the son of the Yafenack Pack Alpha. He's been serious, stiff, a genius, and dedicated to the pack rules and lore, seeking only to be the best, next Alpha, but his people skills are lacking. In this M/M shifter tale, we have knotting and brutal violence.
We get their progression as kids and up through the years. Now, Samuel's Dad is challenged, it is compromised and rules are broken. Samuel tells the council of his rights according to the laws, and they deliver. But when it's Korban who shows up, Samuel's world is rocked ! Korban knows of his true mate, but Samuel does not, not yet. After a bad deed, Samuel is in anguish, but Korban does get to explain it to Samuel. Then other's knowledge is shared.



Samuel must come to terms that reality is not always written down in rules and lore.
As true mates, things have changed for Samuel and Korban. Korban needs to be re-installed as Alpha of his pack, and Samuel faces the realities of his father's teachings.

Their sexy times are fantastic as they explore, because Samuel is a virgin. Korban is the perfect ying to Samuel's yang.
This can stand alone, and I look forward to the other series books.

It's touching, heartwarming, and exciting, plus we also get the brutal violence and heartache. This combination makes a wonderful shifter story.
ENJOY !

=====

[Elyxyz Elyxyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voto:4.5 stelline.
Terzo capitolo della serie e Cardeno ci regala un'altra storia molto dolce, con delle bellissime scene passionali e bollenti; ma non mancano neppure lotte, dolore, intrighi. Una storia a suo modo completa.
Korban e Samuel sono i rispettivi futuri Alpha dei loro branchi confinanti e sembrano agli antipodi, ma proprio per questo si completeranno a perfezione: la parte razionale dell’uno calibra l’empatia generosa dell’altro.
Samuel si consuma nell’impegno profuso per diventare il miglior Alpha possibile, ma non è perfetto e ho amato la sua metamorfosi. È però Korban che ha conquistato il mio cuore e ho adorato il suo personaggio sotto ogni aspetto!
Ancora una volta ritroviamo accenni dei precedenti protagonisti e lottiamo per far cambiare leggi bigotte o desuete. Anche Korban e Samuel devono dare il loro contributo.
L’unica cosa di cui mi rammarico è che avrei voluto sapere con più chiarezza le sorti finali di Miancarem, ma la chiusura è comunque positiva.
Lettura consigliata per completezza della serie e se amate i m/m romance con licantropi e anime gemelle.