Book Review: Blue Mountain by Cardeno C.

Reviewed by JustJen and Nikyta

Title: Blue Mountain
Author: Cardeno C.
Series: Pack #1
Heroes: Simon Moorehead/Mitch Grant
Genre: M/M Paranormal
Length: 110 Pages
Publisher: The Romance Authors, LLC
Release Date: November 21, 2014
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Exiled by his pack as a teen, Omega wolf Simon Moorehead learns to bury his gentle nature in the interest of survival. When a hulking, rough-faced Alpha catches Simon on pack territory, he tries to escape what he’s sure will be imminent death. But instead of killing him, the Alpha takes Simon home.

A man of action, Mitch Grant uproots his life to support his brother in leading the Blue Mountain pack. Mitch lives on the periphery, quietly protecting everyone, but always alone. A mate is a dream come true for Mitch, and he won’t let little things like Simon’s rejections, attacks, and insults get in their way. With patience, seduction, and genuine care, Mitch will ride out the storm while Simon slays his own ghosts and Mitch’s loneliness.

Jen’s Review:

I don’t normally read the fluffy stuff, but I admit I do really enjoy reading Cardeno’s stories. This one called to me right away knowing it was going to be a little sweet with some hot shifter romance thrown in.

Simon is a super sweet Omega who truly does not realize his worth. He was forced from the original pack at an early age, as they didn’t feel a gay omega had anything to offer the pack either. So, he has learned to live a life without a pack, just him and his mother. Fulfilling her dying wish to return to that land, Simon is found and reported to the current pack alpha.

This pack is a little different in that it has two alphas. They are brothers, though Mitch is gay and has never had a desire to lead the pack and chooses to back his brother instead, taking the role of pack enforcer. These guys have soul mates, but it is believed that only truly happens to alphas who are strong enough to both lead the pack and have that type of relationship. Mitch and his brother are each lucky enough to have that.

Mitch senses right away that Simon is his mate, but he has quite a time convincing Simon of this fact, something which he feels Simon should sense on his own. It’s a rough beginning for these two, and Mitch has to tread very carefully so as not to send Simon running for the hills. His methods are a bit harsh at first, but they quickly come to an agreement of sorts, making little deals here and there that enable them to get to know one another. This is what I enjoyed most – watching the trust grow. Mitch could have made things a little easier by providing more information early on or communicating better, but hey, he’s not perfect, and it is his first time with his mate, so emotions and hormones are running a bit strong.

As with all of the Cardeno books I’ve read, I quite enjoyed this one. It was a quick and easy read which I really find refreshing now and then. I’m excited to see where this series is headed and am looking forward to the next one.

Nikyta’s Review:

Jen and I are definitely in agreement on this one. She describes the story pretty well and my favorite part as well was the trust growing between them. Mitch is definitely that possessive alpha that I love in my shifter stories while Simon, as an Omega, is more submissive. HOWEVER, while Simon’s instincts tell him to submit to Mitch, that doesn’t stop him from being defiant and feisty; he won’t go easily with Mitch. His heart may say to trust Mitch but his gut keeps telling him not to give in and keep fighting.

I loved that they were such contrasts as characters especially since they fit so well. Simon has a lot of healing to do because of how he’s been treated in his past and Mitch understands that. I really enjoyed the slow development in their relationship and how Simon didn’t just accept the mating instinct. It made the story intriguing because there was none of that blinding instinct to mate and have lots of sex.

My only issue is that I wished there had been more of Simon interacting with the pack. With all the issues he had, I was hoping to see more of him and Mitch outside of their comfort zone especially when it came to the pack and how they would accept/reject a male omega and his alpha.

As with Jen, I enjoyed this one a lot. It was a quick but easy and feel-good read that was well worth the few hours it took to read it. I adored the characters and can’t wait to see where Cardeno takes the series next. Will subsequent books be about Simon and Mitch? Or will there be all new couples? Can’t wait to find out!

Overall Impression: We really liked it!

*We received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*