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Pack #3
Golden Valley
A generous Alpha with a tragic past and a young Omega with hopes for the future overcome mistakes to heal a pack and find happiness together.
Life has thrown more than his fair share of challenges and losses at Alpha Morgan Peters. Despite his pain and disappointment, the shifter picks himself up and does right by his pack. As the years pass, Morgan establishes himself as a leader who is as kind as he is strong and Golden Valley prospers. But it isn't until an Omega shifter enters his life that Morgan sees hope for a future where he can be more than an Alpha.
When Psi Omega Ricky Marx goes to Golden Valley as a representative of his home pack, he is thrilled to find his mate—the beautiful, powerful Golden Valley Alpha. Unfortunately, their first meeting doesn't go well, and overwhelmed by his mistakes, Ricky sees no choice but to flee.
Morgan's past makes him struggle to absorb more loss. Ricky's youth makes him struggle to find his voice. But if these two shifters can overcome their challenges and come back together, they'll heal the Golden Valley pack and fulfill their destiny.
Life has thrown more than his fair share of challenges and losses at Alpha Morgan Peters. Despite his pain and disappointment, the shifter picks himself up and does right by his pack. As the years pass, Morgan establishes himself as a leader who is as kind as he is strong and Golden Valley prospers. But it isn't until an Omega shifter enters his life that Morgan sees hope for a future where he can be more than an Alpha.
When Psi Omega Ricky Marx goes to Golden Valley as a representative of his home pack, he is thrilled to find his mate—the beautiful, powerful Golden Valley Alpha. Unfortunately, their first meeting doesn't go well, and overwhelmed by his mistakes, Ricky sees no choice but to flee.
Morgan's past makes him struggle to absorb more loss. Ricky's youth makes him struggle to find his voice. But if these two shifters can overcome their challenges and come back together, they'll heal the Golden Valley pack and fulfill their destiny.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2020
117 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Cardeno C.
61 books2,380 followersCardeno 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...
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Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/cardenoC/
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/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 4, 2020
I've been looking forward to this book. I look forward to anything CC writes, and it's been a while.
In some ways, this story delivered. It's what Cardeno does best: mates, all-consuming love, perfect HEA.
Like the other books in this series, Golden Valley features shifters, Alphas/omegas, and mpreg.
Ricky is a traditional omega who just wants an Alpha to take care of him. He's also a male omega who can get pregnant.
Morgan is a young Alpha who lost his family in a fire caused by a male omega. His pack has a reason to be suspicious of Ricky.
Unfortunately, this story just wasn't developed enough. There were numerous plot holes and the central mystery (what happened in that fire?) was never addressed.
Despite the sweetness and sexy moments, I felt like I was missing half the story.
And don't get me started on the ridiculous, drawnout miscommunication. The MCs are adults and fated mates. I had a hard time buying they could misread each other to that degree.
I still enjoyed the story, but I wanted more, much more.
In some ways, this story delivered. It's what Cardeno does best: mates, all-consuming love, perfect HEA.
Like the other books in this series, Golden Valley features shifters, Alphas/omegas, and mpreg.
Ricky is a traditional omega who just wants an Alpha to take care of him. He's also a male omega who can get pregnant.
Morgan is a young Alpha who lost his family in a fire caused by a male omega. His pack has a reason to be suspicious of Ricky.
Unfortunately, this story just wasn't developed enough. There were numerous plot holes and the central mystery (what happened in that fire?) was never addressed.
Despite the sweetness and sexy moments, I felt like I was missing half the story.
And don't get me started on the ridiculous, drawnout miscommunication. The MCs are adults and fated mates. I had a hard time buying they could misread each other to that degree.
I still enjoyed the story, but I wanted more, much more.
September 18, 2020
I am overdue on this review. I don’t like to get behind but life has been crazy and well, I’ll catch up…eventually. As I sit down and reflect on this story, I recall scenes with vivid clarity and can still grasp the emotional pull. That alone tells me I need to finally get in gear and review it! I was super excited to dive back into this shifter world. I loved the first book and despite being thrown for a loop, enjoyed the second story. I do think it’s necessary to read them in proper order because the pack history sets a solid foundation. You could start here but, I think it holds more power reading them in sequence. They are quick reads and starting at Blue Mountain wouldn’t be a hardship.
What's to like: I admit that I was unnerved with the Psi Omegas in this series. But on the flip side, I was also intrigued. I can’t say that I’m a true fan of mpreg but I’m not traumatized either. Perhaps it’s best I was blindsided last time because I would have hated to miss out on Ricky and his ‘secret’. Since Morgan lost his family in the fire, he’s had to put the Pack first. Finding his own mate was not a priority…until it happened. Then emotions, fear, and festering anger take over. Healing has occurred but is clearly not complete. It’s obvious no one can move forward until they relent and completely let go of the past. Rebuilding a home is easy. But trust? Not so much. Lots of emotions surge through the pages at a smooth pace. This is why I always enjoy Cardeno’s writing!
What's to love: It’s easy to fall under Morgan’s charm. Forced to lead his pack, especially under the circumstances, harden his shell but his tender heart remains. He’s respected and honored for good reason. When young Ricky comes to the Valley, everything changed. I liked Ricky. I felt for him even when I wanted to shake him. The drama kicks things into high gear and I raced towards the finish, eager for answers. But if there’s one thing I know I can count on when it comes to Cardeno’s stories, it’s a beautiful ending. I was delighted to see familiar faces return and would love to check in on all of these marvelous couples in the future!
Beware of: Lack of understanding and communication…you’ve been warned. Age gaps don’t hit my radar in paranormal stories but in case it’s a thing for you, Ricky is extremely young. And there is some push/pull and race/chase but again, I enjoy the hunt with shifters.
This book is for: Cardeno fans, shifter lovers, and anyone looking for a fetching take on a fated family.
What's to like: I admit that I was unnerved with the Psi Omegas in this series. But on the flip side, I was also intrigued. I can’t say that I’m a true fan of mpreg but I’m not traumatized either. Perhaps it’s best I was blindsided last time because I would have hated to miss out on Ricky and his ‘secret’. Since Morgan lost his family in the fire, he’s had to put the Pack first. Finding his own mate was not a priority…until it happened. Then emotions, fear, and festering anger take over. Healing has occurred but is clearly not complete. It’s obvious no one can move forward until they relent and completely let go of the past. Rebuilding a home is easy. But trust? Not so much. Lots of emotions surge through the pages at a smooth pace. This is why I always enjoy Cardeno’s writing!
What's to love: It’s easy to fall under Morgan’s charm. Forced to lead his pack, especially under the circumstances, harden his shell but his tender heart remains. He’s respected and honored for good reason. When young Ricky comes to the Valley, everything changed. I liked Ricky. I felt for him even when I wanted to shake him. The drama kicks things into high gear and I raced towards the finish, eager for answers. But if there’s one thing I know I can count on when it comes to Cardeno’s stories, it’s a beautiful ending. I was delighted to see familiar faces return and would love to check in on all of these marvelous couples in the future!
Beware of: Lack of understanding and communication…you’ve been warned. Age gaps don’t hit my radar in paranormal stories but in case it’s a thing for you, Ricky is extremely young. And there is some push/pull and race/chase but again, I enjoy the hunt with shifters.
This book is for: Cardeno fans, shifter lovers, and anyone looking for a fetching take on a fated family.
May 11, 2020
Morgan, Alpha leader of the Golden Valley pack, had a dream when he was sixteen, to find his true mate and have a big house full of children. That was seven years ago, the moment where a big destroying fire put that dream on hold, or even as something impossible and unreachable.
Because of this fire, he’s already seven years the leader of a healthy pack, and no time for anything else.
Ricky Marx is an eighteen-year-old Psi shifter and that's something very special.
While visiting the Golden Valley pack he smells a scent that speaks to his heart. Morgan experiences the same when Ricky steps into his house. One whiff of his scent and he knows for sure, omega Ricky is his mate.
They spend the night. The next morning, after overhearing a conversation, Ricky seems to have made a big mistake and runs away from his mate.
The devastating feelings were palpable. Morgan tries to find his mate. When Morgan finally finds Ricky he understands his mate will not go with him. Gosh, Ricky is killing me with his vague communication, ugh.
Come on! Talk Ricky! Tell your secret! It was killing and I had some trouble handling this situation.
Morgan was quite the perfect alpha, forgiving, kind, protective, and caring. This sweet story had some sharp edges which gave it some thrills.
It had a lot of explication about certain circumstances, I would have loved to experience those moments instead of reading about it as statements, I also missed some quality time with only Ricky and Morgan, it was a bit short, but that’s me.
The world of alpha’s and omegas, mpreg shifters is one I’m always smitten with. The Psi factor was awesome!
Overall an enjoyable, kind, and sweet story.
Because of this fire, he’s already seven years the leader of a healthy pack, and no time for anything else.
Ricky Marx is an eighteen-year-old Psi shifter and that's something very special.
While visiting the Golden Valley pack he smells a scent that speaks to his heart. Morgan experiences the same when Ricky steps into his house. One whiff of his scent and he knows for sure, omega Ricky is his mate.
They spend the night. The next morning, after overhearing a conversation, Ricky seems to have made a big mistake and runs away from his mate.
The devastating feelings were palpable. Morgan tries to find his mate. When Morgan finally finds Ricky he understands his mate will not go with him. Gosh, Ricky is killing me with his vague communication, ugh.
Come on! Talk Ricky! Tell your secret! It was killing and I had some trouble handling this situation.
Morgan was quite the perfect alpha, forgiving, kind, protective, and caring. This sweet story had some sharp edges which gave it some thrills.
It had a lot of explication about certain circumstances, I would have loved to experience those moments instead of reading about it as statements, I also missed some quality time with only Ricky and Morgan, it was a bit short, but that’s me.
The world of alpha’s and omegas, mpreg shifters is one I’m always smitten with. The Psi factor was awesome!
Overall an enjoyable, kind, and sweet story.
January 22, 2021
I love all Cardeno's books, because of the deep connections and real and slow emotions.
It took me a minute to realize that Ricky was the Ricky of Red River (I know, shame of me), and I remembered because of Brian. And after that, something click and I got it.
I loved the little peak on Simon's live, I think I needed to see him so confident with his life and his mate that he went to fight and hit Morgan only because he thought Ricky was hurt by him. And Morgan is a strong alpha.
I loved that Mitch was there, a strong presence but he left Simon be himself. As it supposed to be.
Morgan's past was really sad, and there was a lot of emotions there, but I don't know, I couldn't connect completely with him and Ricky (specially because Ricky wouldn't talk, and it got me so frustrated, I mean, even Simon talked more that Ricky and he was fiscally, psychological and sexually abuse all his life!). And I was kind of waiting for an explosion in Morgan's side, that didn't happen, but it was a nice sweet book, and I get to read Cardeno again, witch is always welcome.
It took me a minute to realize that Ricky was the Ricky of Red River (I know, shame of me), and I remembered because of Brian. And after that, something click and I got it.
I loved the little peak on Simon's live, I think I needed to see him so confident with his life and his mate that he went to fight and hit Morgan only because he thought Ricky was hurt by him. And Morgan is a strong alpha.
I loved that Mitch was there, a strong presence but he left Simon be himself. As it supposed to be.
Morgan's past was really sad, and there was a lot of emotions there, but I don't know, I couldn't connect completely with him and Ricky (specially because Ricky wouldn't talk, and it got me so frustrated, I mean, even Simon talked more that Ricky and he was fiscally, psychological and sexually abuse all his life!). And I was kind of waiting for an explosion in Morgan's side, that didn't happen, but it was a nice sweet book, and I get to read Cardeno again, witch is always welcome.
March 6, 2025
2.5 - 2.75⭐
This couple was the best in the series. I really liked them both. The problem is, they only have one encounter at the beginning of the book and then come together at the very end.
In the meantime you'll get plenty of miscommunication and again a story that's simply not well developed.
🔵 Omegaverse
🟢 Alpha/Omega, both like very traditional roles
🟡 Gay/bisexual
🟠 Size difference
🟣 Miscommunication
🔵 Mpreg
🟡 Age gap 18/23
🌶️ Sex is descriptive, not that much of it; frotting, oral, penetrative; t/b
This is Ricky's book whom we've already met in the previous installment. He's a psi Omega who meets his mate at a formal pack visit, then realizes he's not really wanted there, although Morgan, the Alpha, is willing to give him a chance, since a mate is something he's always wanted, but eventually Ricky runs away and then we have a lot of time jumps throughout the story where Ricky is pregnant, living with yet another pack and he's basically depressed, since he's alone with his baby and without his mate.
What completely irked me was the damn miscommunication, the lack of communication and the weird reasoning both main characters had about why they're not together.
Ricky somehow felt he manipulated and forced Morgan into having sex, when he simply just felt the pull and went to see him.
And because he was under the impression he forced himself on Morgan - the much bigger alpha who also wanted him - he felt guilty all the time and doubling down on that guilt because he also got pregnant, which he thought was yet another trick he pulled on Morgan (??).
Morgan was actively seeking out Ricky, so that was something, but I still can't quite fathom why they couldn't simply just tell each other all the important things? It was so frustrating to read.
That's very evident also when they finally do come together at the end of the book and Ricky needs quite a few paragraphs to tell Morgan that Alex is his baby. Why wait so long?
Morgan was also under the impression Ricky had the baby with another woman and then just ran off with the baby and came to Morgan - but he'll protect them both because now they're his family.
In the last few pages of the book is when Ricky and Morgan come alive and have a bit of that interesting, lively interaction that I really liked and this should've been more present in the story. They're both young and want a big family, they simply adore each other and out of all the couples they only get a few scraps in terms of their time together on-page.
The author is really leaving a lot of things out, certain topics are being opened and then not developed, the whole series feels to me like it's badly missing something.
I usually like Omegaverse books, I also like mpreg, but I don't particularly like this series. The main characters were good in every book and the ideas are quite interesting, but the execution is almost subpar. I don't like it.
This couple was the best in the series. I really liked them both. The problem is, they only have one encounter at the beginning of the book and then come together at the very end.
In the meantime you'll get plenty of miscommunication and again a story that's simply not well developed.
🔵 Omegaverse
🟢 Alpha/Omega, both like very traditional roles
🟡 Gay/bisexual
🟠 Size difference
🟣 Miscommunication
🔵 Mpreg
🟡 Age gap 18/23
🌶️ Sex is descriptive, not that much of it; frotting, oral, penetrative; t/b
This is Ricky's book whom we've already met in the previous installment. He's a psi Omega who meets his mate at a formal pack visit, then realizes he's not really wanted there, although Morgan, the Alpha, is willing to give him a chance, since a mate is something he's always wanted, but eventually Ricky runs away and then we have a lot of time jumps throughout the story where Ricky is pregnant, living with yet another pack and he's basically depressed, since he's alone with his baby and without his mate.
What completely irked me was the damn miscommunication, the lack of communication and the weird reasoning both main characters had about why they're not together.
Ricky somehow felt he manipulated and forced Morgan into having sex, when he simply just felt the pull and went to see him.
And because he was under the impression he forced himself on Morgan - the much bigger alpha who also wanted him - he felt guilty all the time and doubling down on that guilt because he also got pregnant, which he thought was yet another trick he pulled on Morgan (??).
Morgan was actively seeking out Ricky, so that was something, but I still can't quite fathom why they couldn't simply just tell each other all the important things? It was so frustrating to read.
That's very evident also when they finally do come together at the end of the book and Ricky needs quite a few paragraphs to tell Morgan that Alex is his baby. Why wait so long?
Morgan was also under the impression Ricky had the baby with another woman and then just ran off with the baby and came to Morgan - but he'll protect them both because now they're his family.
In the last few pages of the book is when Ricky and Morgan come alive and have a bit of that interesting, lively interaction that I really liked and this should've been more present in the story. They're both young and want a big family, they simply adore each other and out of all the couples they only get a few scraps in terms of their time together on-page.
The author is really leaving a lot of things out, certain topics are being opened and then not developed, the whole series feels to me like it's badly missing something.
I usually like Omegaverse books, I also like mpreg, but I don't particularly like this series. The main characters were good in every book and the ideas are quite interesting, but the execution is almost subpar. I don't like it.
May 2, 2020
Rating: 4 stars
It had been a long time since I’ve read one of this author’s books and I really enjoyed this one. I absolutely loved Morgan as a character. He is one of my favorite alpha types. Strong, caring, dominate without being overbearing. Ricky on the other hand, I didn’t like quite as much. He created all this unnecessary drama and angst and did the one thing that I hate. Run away without talking things through. I found myself getting very frustrated with him throughout the book. Despite that though, I enjoyed it start to finish and couldn’t put it down once I started it. I really hope the author writes more in this series.
It had been a long time since I’ve read one of this author’s books and I really enjoyed this one. I absolutely loved Morgan as a character. He is one of my favorite alpha types. Strong, caring, dominate without being overbearing. Ricky on the other hand, I didn’t like quite as much. He created all this unnecessary drama and angst and did the one thing that I hate. Run away without talking things through. I found myself getting very frustrated with him throughout the book. Despite that though, I enjoyed it start to finish and couldn’t put it down once I started it. I really hope the author writes more in this series.
April 16, 2022
Miscommunication leads to a happy ending.
It took a bit to get there, and Ricky tested my patience to the limit, and I wish a few scenes had been more fleshed out, but Ezekiel Robison made this an absolute pleasure to listen to. He's a fantastic voice actor, and I just enjoy listening to him so much.
It took a bit to get there, and Ricky tested my patience to the limit, and I wish a few scenes had been more fleshed out, but Ezekiel Robison made this an absolute pleasure to listen to. He's a fantastic voice actor, and I just enjoy listening to him so much.
September 16, 2020
My main problem with this book was that the MCs spend barely one night together and then almost all the story apart. Why they kept pushing each other away was beyond me, their logic was confusing and ever changing. Still, I had a hard time putting it down, so there's that.
May 8, 2020
I have been waiting to read this book ever since I finished reading "Red River" back in 2016. So, I literally jumped to read this one, the very moment I learned it had been published.
It's Cardeno C., its shifters and its a mpreg - the trifecta of my perfect comfort read, what could go wrong?
I really liked the characters, Morgan and Ricky. Both these characters were introduced in Red River, I don't remember if we met them in there but they were definitely mentioned and you are aware of their story. We already know that they would be separated while Ricky is pregnant because that part is mentioned in the previous book.
Personally, I loved Morgan. Morgan is an alpha who has had to stand tall for his pack despite hardships and he does an amazing job of making it look easy when it is anything but.
Ricky is a psi omega and I guess a lot of his actions can be excused by his immaturity. He's eighteen when the story starts and frankly he is quickly overwhelmed which leads him to make some really poor decisions.
I really liked how the story starts out with Morgan and Ricky encountering each other. Morgan's pack has a really bad history with male omegas and that prejudice leaks out when they are introduced to Ricky.
I loved Morgan and Ricky, they were so good together but then a misunderstanding happens (not really) which leads to Ricky running away and further miscommunication worsens things between them, till Ricky learns that Morgan may be fatally wounded.
The thing I have the most problem with is that what Ricky overhears isn't so bad that I can justify his running away. I might excuse his rash decision on his age, that fact that he is faced with his mate's pack who holds a certain prejudice against male omegas and the fact that he finds himself pregnant when his mate doesn't even know that he can get pregnant. So, yeah I think I can reconcile him running away what I don't get is why he sends Morgan away when Morgan finally ends up finding him again after spending so much time and effort looking for him.
After that till their eventual reunion, the story is just unnecessary in my opinion because as Ricky soon realises he actually can't continue living the way he is and also I love how Simon never actually gets the whole story from Ricky because if anyone actually heard Ricky's excuses for turning Morgan away they would probably either laugh hysterically or smack him upside the head or both. Both is definitely an option.
I loved all the parts where Ricky and Morgan were together but this book would have been much much better without that unnecessary melodrama in the middle.
But, I have to confess I still liked this book an inordinate amount just because it has been so long since I read a mpreg shifter romance which is a particular guilty pleasure of mine, so even though the plot could have been better. I still loved the book for delivering on all other fronts.
It's Cardeno C., its shifters and its a mpreg - the trifecta of my perfect comfort read, what could go wrong?
I really liked the characters, Morgan and Ricky. Both these characters were introduced in Red River, I don't remember if we met them in there but they were definitely mentioned and you are aware of their story. We already know that they would be separated while Ricky is pregnant because that part is mentioned in the previous book.
Personally, I loved Morgan. Morgan is an alpha who has had to stand tall for his pack despite hardships and he does an amazing job of making it look easy when it is anything but.
Ricky is a psi omega and I guess a lot of his actions can be excused by his immaturity. He's eighteen when the story starts and frankly he is quickly overwhelmed which leads him to make some really poor decisions.
I really liked how the story starts out with Morgan and Ricky encountering each other. Morgan's pack has a really bad history with male omegas and that prejudice leaks out when they are introduced to Ricky.
I loved Morgan and Ricky, they were so good together but then a misunderstanding happens (not really) which leads to Ricky running away and further miscommunication worsens things between them, till Ricky learns that Morgan may be fatally wounded.
The thing I have the most problem with is that what Ricky overhears isn't so bad that I can justify his running away. I might excuse his rash decision on his age, that fact that he is faced with his mate's pack who holds a certain prejudice against male omegas and the fact that he finds himself pregnant when his mate doesn't even know that he can get pregnant. So, yeah I think I can reconcile him running away what I don't get is why he sends Morgan away when Morgan finally ends up finding him again after spending so much time and effort looking for him.
After that till their eventual reunion, the story is just unnecessary in my opinion because as Ricky soon realises he actually can't continue living the way he is and also I love how Simon never actually gets the whole story from Ricky because if anyone actually heard Ricky's excuses for turning Morgan away they would probably either laugh hysterically or smack him upside the head or both. Both is definitely an option.
I loved all the parts where Ricky and Morgan were together but this book would have been much much better without that unnecessary melodrama in the middle.
But, I have to confess I still liked this book an inordinate amount just because it has been so long since I read a mpreg shifter romance which is a particular guilty pleasure of mine, so even though the plot could have been better. I still loved the book for delivering on all other fronts.
July 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much I almost read it it one sitting. There were many misunderstandings 😤 during this book which left me bitting my nails at times but I kept reading well into the night and early morning. 😁
July 6, 2020
I’m surprised it took me so long but this book finally gave me the push I needed... I now have a bookshelf titled “Big Misunderstanding”
June 20, 2020
This was an enjoyable package of sweet shifters, mpeg, and pack goodness. I did a quick re-listen to my audios of the first two books in the series and that put me in the mood and refreshed my memory of those characters, some of whom appear here in brief segments. If you can do that, it should enhance your enjoyment of this book.
Morgan is a pack alpha who could serve as the epitome of how a pack alpha should be. He's young, smart, sweet, kind, loving, and more. But he makes a big mistake when he meets his mate and that sets the tone for a big chunk of angsty time.
Ricky is also a sweetheart. Eighteen, an omega who is also a psi (a male who can get pregnant) and he makes a big mistake when his mate, Morgan, rejects him.
It takes both guys a while to make their way through layers of interference by other pack members and well-meaning alphas (see the previous two books for names) and when they finally get together it's everything a sappy romantic like me would want. Hence, the four stars. Ooey, gooey, goodness.
Morgan is a pack alpha who could serve as the epitome of how a pack alpha should be. He's young, smart, sweet, kind, loving, and more. But he makes a big mistake when he meets his mate and that sets the tone for a big chunk of angsty time.
Ricky is also a sweetheart. Eighteen, an omega who is also a psi (a male who can get pregnant) and he makes a big mistake when his mate, Morgan, rejects him.
It takes both guys a while to make their way through layers of interference by other pack members and well-meaning alphas (see the previous two books for names) and when they finally get together it's everything a sappy romantic like me would want. Hence, the four stars. Ooey, gooey, goodness.
December 27, 2021
Ciò che emerge leggendo questo libro è un festival di fraintendimenti. L’Alfa Morgan è alla guida del suo branco dopo la morte dei genitori, della sorella e del fratello futuro Alfa. Non aveva mai voluto questo incarico, tuttavia il fato lo costringe ad assumerlo. Quello che lui sogna è una famiglia e dei figli, tanti figli. Ricky è un Omega maschio, un essere raro, in visita al branco di Morgan. Entrambi capiscono di essere compagni predestinati e qui iniziano i fraintendimenti, uno via l’altro, che portano a situazioni drammatiche per i protagonisti. Il libro si sviluppa in modo piuttosto veloce in centocinquanta pagine e ciò non permette di approfondire molto le varie dinamiche. Forse a causa della sua brevità, ho trovato l’intera storia trattata in modo piuttosto superficiale. Peccato, un ottimo potenziale andato un po’ sprecato.
Per me 3,5 coccole.
Alla prossima, la vostra Aylen.
Per me 3,5 coccole.
Alla prossima, la vostra Aylen.
August 14, 2020
I wish characters would talk to each other...I know, the big misunderstanding is such a convention, but...after a while, it just gets more than a little annoying? Although this one was really heartbreaking with the number of different personal losses involved. Still, beautifully written characters.
May 1, 2020
well
what a great mess wasn't it?
I don't know what to say
I don't expect anything different really but damn
there's no development, absolutely zero
anyway is bad
what a great mess wasn't it?
I don't know what to say
I don't expect anything different really but damn
there's no development, absolutely zero
anyway is bad
July 13, 2020
First, let me say how absolutely PSYCHED I am to see Cardeno C writing again! I love this series – I probably read or listen to the entire shifter series and the Mates series 3 or 4 times a year. It’s a definite comfort for me and I am so grateful to have more to add in to the mix!
I was happy to see Ricky get his own story and I found Morgan to be a fabulous mate for him.
There are things I didn’t love – how long they were separated/how little time they spent together on page being the biggest issue. There were things I loved – how Ricky just goes for it and essentially demands to be mated and I loved seeing the folks from Blue Mountain again.
Overall, Red River is still my favorite in this series but I think it might tie with Blue Sky for next honors.
Highly recommended to fans of the author, the series, fated mates, mpreg, shifter stories and paranormal romance in general!
Audio
Ezekiel Robinson is definitely a narrator I trust. He does a good job with the story line but I found his lack of unique voices a little disappointing. Everyone (mostly) sounded the same.
It was a good way to listen to the story and he’s still a great narrator whom I will look to in the future, but it wasn’t my favorite from him.
4 of 5 stars
I was happy to see Ricky get his own story and I found Morgan to be a fabulous mate for him.
There are things I didn’t love – how long they were separated/how little time they spent together on page being the biggest issue. There were things I loved – how Ricky just goes for it and essentially demands to be mated and I loved seeing the folks from Blue Mountain again.
Overall, Red River is still my favorite in this series but I think it might tie with Blue Sky for next honors.
Highly recommended to fans of the author, the series, fated mates, mpreg, shifter stories and paranormal romance in general!
Audio
Ezekiel Robinson is definitely a narrator I trust. He does a good job with the story line but I found his lack of unique voices a little disappointing. Everyone (mostly) sounded the same.
It was a good way to listen to the story and he’s still a great narrator whom I will look to in the future, but it wasn’t my favorite from him.
4 of 5 stars
May 12, 2020
Cute! Lots of drama to keep you entertained.
May 7, 2020
Finally new by CC - long-awaited
~ 4-4.25 ~
This title is a long-awaited third in Pack Series. It's MM Wolf Shifter Romance, involves Alphas, Betas, Omegas, MPREG and of course a HEA when we're talking about a story by CC. It fits those who like it sweet, cute etc.
Ohhh and Awww!
New by Cardeno C - finally! Welcome back!
An old fan in near tears here in seeing one of the old favourite MM names writing more for us, of joy!
It's of course such a sweet one - hey, written by CC. Signed, sealed and guaranteed. ♥️
These main couple characters are sweet, nice, cute, adorable, good people, and so on and I'm on that binge right now anyway, so... What's but to enjoy. It is very very "insta". If you don't appreciate those, this isn't for you. I don't like them *always* either in every single thing but it depends among other things on the trope and the author. For example with Fated Mates it works and fits soooo well.
Ricky, the Omega and Morgan, the Alpha of his own pack, both have their own preconceptions and insecurities. While meeting they recognize each other but being non-perfect as we all are, they end up getting things a bit messed and mixed up. They get separated and have to go through their angst and own attitudes. Then they end up getting a new chance anyway as it should be.
There's more of this new MPREG style CC's cooked up in the last Pack title Red River.
I have one warning which isn't a trigger warning. There's no need for those, there's no Omega abuse in this one.
It'd perhaps be better to read or reread the first two titles in order before this to refresh memory of characters in previous titles. My mistake. The one critique I have that there was a pile of pack names and other alpha names. As I've not reread for ages, I confess it'd have been wiser. So that's recommended. My mistake, not the author's. I was simply so over-eager :D I'll have to correct my mistake: I see a CC binge beckoning me like a Fated Mate ...
But still I made through. It could be read as a standalone if bearing that in mind if it's not a thing for you. Otherwise start up at the beginning with the Blue Mountain title and recommended for new readers.
I cannot wait what CC'll give us next! Pretty please and thank you!
~ 4-4.25 ~
This title is a long-awaited third in Pack Series. It's MM Wolf Shifter Romance, involves Alphas, Betas, Omegas, MPREG and of course a HEA when we're talking about a story by CC. It fits those who like it sweet, cute etc.
Ohhh and Awww!
New by Cardeno C - finally! Welcome back!
An old fan in near tears here in seeing one of the old favourite MM names writing more for us, of joy!
It's of course such a sweet one - hey, written by CC. Signed, sealed and guaranteed. ♥️
These main couple characters are sweet, nice, cute, adorable, good people, and so on and I'm on that binge right now anyway, so... What's but to enjoy. It is very very "insta". If you don't appreciate those, this isn't for you. I don't like them *always* either in every single thing but it depends among other things on the trope and the author. For example with Fated Mates it works and fits soooo well.
Ricky, the Omega and Morgan, the Alpha of his own pack, both have their own preconceptions and insecurities. While meeting they recognize each other but being non-perfect as we all are, they end up getting things a bit messed and mixed up. They get separated and have to go through their angst and own attitudes. Then they end up getting a new chance anyway as it should be.
There's more of this new MPREG style CC's cooked up in the last Pack title Red River.
I have one warning which isn't a trigger warning. There's no need for those, there's no Omega abuse in this one.
It'd perhaps be better to read or reread the first two titles in order before this to refresh memory of characters in previous titles. My mistake. The one critique I have that there was a pile of pack names and other alpha names. As I've not reread for ages, I confess it'd have been wiser. So that's recommended. My mistake, not the author's. I was simply so over-eager :D I'll have to correct my mistake: I see a CC binge beckoning me like a Fated Mate ...
But still I made through. It could be read as a standalone if bearing that in mind if it's not a thing for you. Otherwise start up at the beginning with the Blue Mountain title and recommended for new readers.
I cannot wait what CC'll give us next! Pretty please and thank you!
May 13, 2020
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a paint by numbers shifter story full of tired tropes and stock characters. I have really enjoyed Cardeno C’s work in the past so this was a surprisingly disappointing read. I usually love shifter romances but this book really didn’t work for me.
Even the two leads are sketched caricatures. Morgan is a young Alpha who runs a powerful pack. Ricky is a timid young Omega who wants a mate and a family. We never really get more from either of them. We’re told things about their lives and emotions but neither man really came to life for me. Despite both men experiencing tragedy and personal difficulties, I feel like the writing never quite goes deep enough for readers to engage with or relate to the characters.
I really hate it when m/m romance is used to allow portrayals of relationships and gender roles that wouldn’t be acceptable in contemporary m/f romance. Ricky is treated like a vulnerable child throughout this story. He is adored, infantilised and protected. His only skills, goals and hopes involve a mate and a family. And of course, Morgan is physically strong and oozes power. It feels like lazy, outdated writing. Adding an Mpreg storyline and the tired ‘fated mates’ shifter trope allows the author to skip any sort of courtship or relationship building and move straight to a nauseating 1950s style white picket fence HEA.
So. This wasn’t a good fit for me. The writing isn’t great and the mashup of tired genre tropes did my head in. With so many brilliant shifter series available, a new series needs to feel fresh and original for it to catch my attention. I’ll give the rest of this series a hard pass.
This is a paint by numbers shifter story full of tired tropes and stock characters. I have really enjoyed Cardeno C’s work in the past so this was a surprisingly disappointing read. I usually love shifter romances but this book really didn’t work for me.
Even the two leads are sketched caricatures. Morgan is a young Alpha who runs a powerful pack. Ricky is a timid young Omega who wants a mate and a family. We never really get more from either of them. We’re told things about their lives and emotions but neither man really came to life for me. Despite both men experiencing tragedy and personal difficulties, I feel like the writing never quite goes deep enough for readers to engage with or relate to the characters.
I really hate it when m/m romance is used to allow portrayals of relationships and gender roles that wouldn’t be acceptable in contemporary m/f romance. Ricky is treated like a vulnerable child throughout this story. He is adored, infantilised and protected. His only skills, goals and hopes involve a mate and a family. And of course, Morgan is physically strong and oozes power. It feels like lazy, outdated writing. Adding an Mpreg storyline and the tired ‘fated mates’ shifter trope allows the author to skip any sort of courtship or relationship building and move straight to a nauseating 1950s style white picket fence HEA.
So. This wasn’t a good fit for me. The writing isn’t great and the mashup of tired genre tropes did my head in. With so many brilliant shifter series available, a new series needs to feel fresh and original for it to catch my attention. I’ll give the rest of this series a hard pass.
May 17, 2020
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the third book in the series - and even though it's been a while, it was good to get updates on the progress of the previous matings. I would say is that knowing the basics of shifter lore will definitely be useful.
Morgan at 16 inherits the role of pack Alpha when his family is all killed in a fire. He is resigned to being alone in the role, until visitors reveal that he has a mate. Unfortunately a misunderstanding causes Ricky to run, and the guys have to find a way back together. And as they say, the course of true love doesn't run smooth, well this has a few well intentioned friends interfering.
It was good to dip back into this world again.
This is the third book in the series - and even though it's been a while, it was good to get updates on the progress of the previous matings. I would say is that knowing the basics of shifter lore will definitely be useful.
Morgan at 16 inherits the role of pack Alpha when his family is all killed in a fire. He is resigned to being alone in the role, until visitors reveal that he has a mate. Unfortunately a misunderstanding causes Ricky to run, and the guys have to find a way back together. And as they say, the course of true love doesn't run smooth, well this has a few well intentioned friends interfering.
It was good to dip back into this world again.
May 3, 2020
3.5 stars - When I saw that Cardeno C had a new book out I was ecstatic! It’s been so long and I’ve missed their books. I’m hoping this release means that we can expect more to come.
Morgan was so sweet in this addition to the Pack series. I didn’t feel as much for Ricky because it bugged me how he would never just open his mouth and speak!!! I also didn’t like Simon in this book. I loved him in the first one, but he came across as a jerk in this one. I wish we had gotten to spend more time with Ricky and Morgan together.
Morgan was so sweet in this addition to the Pack series. I didn’t feel as much for Ricky because it bugged me how he would never just open his mouth and speak!!! I also didn’t like Simon in this book. I loved him in the first one, but he came across as a jerk in this one. I wish we had gotten to spend more time with Ricky and Morgan together.
May 4, 2020
3.5 stars
It's so good to see CC back.
It's been a long time coming but lovely to see them finally getting back to putting pen to paper.
This was a fated mates story where their getting together didn't quite go to plan. Whilst light on the details in places, I still really enjoyed reading this. It had the sweetness and adoration that is always in their stories and it was great to be back on pack lands. CC has always been my guilty pleasure.
Glad to have you back x
It's so good to see CC back.
It's been a long time coming but lovely to see them finally getting back to putting pen to paper.
This was a fated mates story where their getting together didn't quite go to plan. Whilst light on the details in places, I still really enjoyed reading this. It had the sweetness and adoration that is always in their stories and it was great to be back on pack lands. CC has always been my guilty pleasure.
Glad to have you back x
July 10, 2020
3.5 Stars ~ To CC: I missed you, too. So much. ~ CCD
It has been quite a while since there has been a new release by this author. I certainly understand the delay but at the same time I was overjoyed at the prospect of reading ‘Golden Valley’, the third novella in the ‘Pack’ series. Each of these installments has featured a different pack although there’s been some crossover so I have been able to keep track of characters that I adored from the first two volumes. In ‘Golden Valley’ I get to see Ricky, a male Psi omega, and Morgan, alpha of this large and prosperous pack, fumble their way towards a future both crave so desperately.
At sixteen, the second son of the pack alpha and with no desire to ever be a pack alpha, Morgan is about to head off on his adventure: five years spent traveling from pack to pack and living with them to experience the different cultures and perhaps find his mate. As his best friend Lillian always tells him, he’s the only teenager she’s ever known whose biological clock is ticking. Morgan can’t help it. All he’s ever wanted is to find his mate and have a big family while supporting his older brother as pack alpha. But the night before he is to leave, Morgan’s entire world is thrown apart by disaster, leaving him with no choice but to pick up the pieces and become pack alpha at his tender age.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
It has been quite a while since there has been a new release by this author. I certainly understand the delay but at the same time I was overjoyed at the prospect of reading ‘Golden Valley’, the third novella in the ‘Pack’ series. Each of these installments has featured a different pack although there’s been some crossover so I have been able to keep track of characters that I adored from the first two volumes. In ‘Golden Valley’ I get to see Ricky, a male Psi omega, and Morgan, alpha of this large and prosperous pack, fumble their way towards a future both crave so desperately.
At sixteen, the second son of the pack alpha and with no desire to ever be a pack alpha, Morgan is about to head off on his adventure: five years spent traveling from pack to pack and living with them to experience the different cultures and perhaps find his mate. As his best friend Lillian always tells him, he’s the only teenager she’s ever known whose biological clock is ticking. Morgan can’t help it. All he’s ever wanted is to find his mate and have a big family while supporting his older brother as pack alpha. But the night before he is to leave, Morgan’s entire world is thrown apart by disaster, leaving him with no choice but to pick up the pieces and become pack alpha at his tender age.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
May 4, 2020
What a book! It was great yeah, but so very sad. The tears continually fell down my checks. It was well over halfway before I could finally calm my tears & take a breath, phew.... At least it ended happy. I read the other books of this series & I don't remember them being this sad but I knew I loved them & it was exciting that Cardeno C was writing again. Can't wait to see what comes next.
September 18, 2020
Story: 8
First MC: 8
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 5
Mystery: 2
Sexual tension: 5
Humor: 2
Hotness: 6
Product placement: 2
Ridiculousness: ?
Suspense: 4
Annoying: 1
Audio: 10 (4hr 11min)
Ending: 9
To re-read: 7
First MC: 8
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 5
Mystery: 2
Sexual tension: 5
Humor: 2
Hotness: 6
Product placement: 2
Ridiculousness: ?
Suspense: 4
Annoying: 1
Audio: 10 (4hr 11min)
Ending: 9
To re-read: 7
June 23, 2020
Another book from Cardeno C. is definitely a gift.
September 14, 2020
The misunderstanding was strong in this one.
October 28, 2020
3.5 STARS
February 2, 2021
Revist of this story, this time via audio. Ezekiel Robison did another fantastic job with this story.
August 21, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
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