Johnnie by Cardeno C.

Johnnie by Cardeno C.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

I absolutely adore Cardeno C.’s shifter romances. Hot man-on-man action coupled with animal instincts and sweet romances – what’s not to love? Even when I’m not actually in the mood to read a paranormal romance, something about this author’s books just seems to call to me and CC has never let me down. Johnnie was no exception.

Because the book starts in what seems like mid-scene, I was a little off balance at the very beginning. But as the events unfold I came to realize that this was the author’s intention as it enabled me to experience what Hugh was going through when the Siphon attempted to end its life. The Siphon. Its Life. Odd choice of phrasing? Not at all. We learn rather quickly that the Siphon is seen as a possession of the pride, but specifically belonging to Hugh. As a Premier lion shifter, Hugh requires the presence of a Siphon lion shifter to do exactly that, siphon off and store his excess energy. This scenario is one that I have never encountered before in my reading and I absolutely loved it. One would think that such a symbiotic relationship would lead to a closeness between the Premier and the Siphon, especially as Siphons are even rarer than Premiers, but apparently that is not the case or at least it hasn’t been Hugh’s practice. Being forced to pay attention to the Siphon who has been by his side for close to ten years, Hugh is understandably horrified to learn that this was not the first time the Siphon had attempted suicide. But he is even more horrified to learn that it was his careless treatment of the Siphon that led to it. Hugh not only saw his own actions as thoughtless, but also as a failure to do his duty to protect ALL members of the pride. Initially he resents having to give up his downtime so that he can keep an eye on the Siphon, but as he gets to know the Siphon and comes to appreciate the man that he names Johnnie, his resentment turns to appreciation, friendship, companionship, and eventually, love.

One of the many things I enjoy about this author’s work is that regardless of whether a book is a novella or a full-length novel, it always leaves me satisfied with the experience. That said, as Johnnie is a full-length novel, CC was able to show Hugh and Johnnie’s relationship develop gradually over the course of the book. This not only gave me more time to enjoy their story, but it also gave the pride the opportunity to see Johnnie the man instead of the Siphon. As Hugh’s attraction for Johnnie strengthens, he comes to realization that Johnnie has never been with anyone… EVER. Because of this, the reader is treated to what amounts to Johnnie’s sexual awakening as Hugh takes his time introducing Johnnie to physical intimacies, which means lots of foreplay for Johnnie and the reader. I loved the twist that CC added when their physical relationship was finally consummated as it not only made for some seriously hot sex, it served as one heck of a flashing neon sign to point out that their relationship was meant to be. The added suspense element was merely the icing on the cake. Johnnie is yet another wonderful read from Cardeno C. and, as always, I’m already looking forward to the next book in the Siphon series.

Check out the Johnnie by Cardeno C. Blog Tour post on Wicked Reads.


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