Control by Mary Calmes and Cardeno C.

ControlLGTitle: Control

Author: Mary Calmes & Cardeno C.

Genre: Paranormal

Length: Novel (220pgs)

ISBN: 978-1-62798-742-4

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (18th April 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Vy Aleknos is the leader of a hawk shifter flock. Openly gay since he was a teen, Vy is proud and self-assured on the outside, while secretly worrying he’ll be forced to spend his life alone because two males can’t be mates. When bear shifter Robert Cimino appears in Vy’s small town, Vy realizes his concerns were unfounded — he has a male mate, and a sexy, dominant one to boot.

Robert is a bear shifter who refuses to shift. Immediately attracted to Vy, he deviates from his normal pattern and seeks more than a one-off with the powerful, bristly hawk. But Robert’s affections are rooted in his human form, and when Vy discovers Robert doesn’t recognize him as his mate, he pulls away. If Robert wants to stay with Vy, he must convince a man deeply ruled by his animal instincts to give their relationship as humans a chance.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4883

Review: Vy is kuar of his hawk shifter flock and while he wants a mate, he has always feared he would not have one because he is gay. When Vy meets Robert, he is overjoyed at discovering his mate but when he realizes Robert doesn’t recognize him as his mate Vy begins to fall into a downward spiral of doubt. Robert has lived for most of his life as human. But he is strongly drawn to Vy and wants to give their relationship a go. But when Vy turns him away, Robert tries to prove to Vy that their human side is just as important as their animal sides.

This is an incredible story of two shifters coming together from different angles, one from shifter mating and the other from human attraction, and working out their differences to become a couple where love shines through. Vy is ruled by his animal side, everything he does is based on what is good for his ket and flock, but what happens when his mate isn’t ruled by his animal instincts? Robert has avoided his animal side ever since he was a young boy, watching a tragedy unfold before him has him caging his animal so he would never react like he saw others do, but what happens when his love interest ignores him human feelings? Vy and Robert have a rough road ahead of them as they try to find a balance not just for themselves but for Vy’s ket as well.

This was a wonderful story to read, it was such a joy to see these two men, who value different things about a person, to come together and make their relationship work. It isn’t easy though because Vy places such value in his animal instincts, but Robert goes with his human instincts… so we have a great bit of frustration as we silently scream at Vy because he ignores his human side. Robert is a complete sweetheart and we root for him as he tries to crack through Vy’s stubborn shell, and, as he handles the ket with panache. We do learn why Robert is so wary of his own bear and it breaks your heart when he is forced to shift but Vy handles it wonderfully, proving that he is the shifter worthy of Robert.

Oh if there was ever a marriage that should be celebrated then it is of Mary Calmes and Cardeno C’s writing collaborations because these two authors can melt a heart at a thousand yards and leaves you blissed out on warm fuzzies for hours after the conclusion of their stories *sigh* just magic. Control is another beautifully blended story, the authors writing slips seamlessly together and complements each other perfectly. The story is written from both characters points of view and we clearly know when the perspective changes. The storyline is wonderful showing that getting to know your mate is just as important as the mating instinct. There is some danger, tension, and violence but none of it is overdone and fits perfectly in the story, it isn’t just there for show.

I recommend this to those that love shifters, difficult matings, fantastic characters, a great storyline, hot sex, a story that leaves you with the warm fuzzies and a wonderful ending.