Two Chicks Obsessed with Books & Eye Candy

Sharing our love of M/M Romance

Charlie Cochet

Love for the Reaper (The Elite Book 1) by Charlie Cochet: New Release Review

by

.                                       .

Devlin “Dev” Espinosa lives in the shadows of the criminal underworld. As a Ferryman, his job is to safely transport “the dead” to their new lives, no questions asked. With no one to answer to, lots of cash, and access to The Anonymous–an exclusive club for the elite–Dev is loving life.

Until Remy Corbin gets into his car.

Remy is just a regular guy working a regular bartending job. At least, that’s what he thought before walking in on his boss taking someone out. Witnessing the assassination paints a target on Remy’s back, and when the bullets fly, he jumps into a stranger’s car.

Dev has no intention of getting involved in Remy’s problems, but something about the guy brings out protective instincts Dev didn’t know he had. Going against his better judgment, Dev vows to keep Remy alive.

Can wild nights fueled by danger and explosive passion lead to more? Or will the hitman on their tail cut their romance–and lives–short?

Love for the Reaper is a part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

Books 1-9 in The Elite multi-author series

This book is part of a shared world, but they are all stand alones. Which totally works, but I would have liked to know more about this fictional city they live in. But not a big deal.

Being a novella, we jump right into the action. Very little backstory on the characters. But enough to get who they are and why they are in this place in life.

Almost immediately a murder is witnessed, the two main characters are shot at and go into hiding. Not really hiding, but an agreed upon safe zone for all of the bad guys. Seriously. Kinda silly, lots of fun.

Dev goes against everything he has been up until this point for a guy he just met. And Remy is just a regular guy caught up in a mess who falls in love with a criminal.

Could be an episode of a tv show.

Fun, fast, totally unrealistic but it sucks you in.

If anything screams afternoon beach read- it’s this!

4 pieces of eye candy

Dangerous (Shifter Scoundrels Book 2) by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake: New Release Review

by

.                                       .

A grumpy lion shifter duke with secrets, a sassy human who knows nothing of the shifter world, and a fiery arrangement neither of them expected.

Cormac Donegan, Duke of Everard, is all too familiar with the perils of his shifter world, especially as a Dahlia, one of the dragon king’s elite spies. After a mission nearly costs him his life, Cormac is sidelined, healing and grieving his heavy losses. Then a different kind of trouble shows up on his doorstep, a human claiming to be his fiancé.

When Jason Reaves is nearly killed in a house fire, it becomes clear that someone is trying to murder him. With his already fragile health deteriorating, Jason’s only hope is to call in the debt a stranger owes his father– a favor that promises safety, protection… and marriage.

Jason’s escape leads him and his service dog, Mouse, to an impressive country estate. He’s expecting the older man who’d made the promise, not his ruggedly handsome son–who happens to be a Duke, as in rich and royal.

Will this Cinderfella find his happily ever after in the arms of a dashing–if somewhat irritable–duke? Or will Cormac’s secrets prove to be more dangerous than the shifters hunting him?

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

This is book 2. And while there is a bit of a recap here and there, you really need to read book 1. Even though this book picks up partway through book 1. You’ll see. Trust me.

Book 1 left us with a dead prince and the King’s Dahlia’s trying to find out who is responsible. In this book we find out that the mine explosion and collapse also killed another Dahlia and left a third, Cormac, severely injured.

So Cormac is home still recovering when a human, Jason, shows up at his door with a letter the claims Cormac promised to marry him. In case of emergency. The emergency being that someone wants Jason dead. Well ok then.

Oh, and Jason has a medical condition that causes him to faint, so he has a service dog as well. No big whoop.

Jason is integrated into the house quickly. Cormac has a valet and a bodyguard (?) as well as a house keeper and they all seem to enjoy having him around. And not just because he is a human with a cute dog named Mouse. Cormac also begins to enjoy having him around.

This book differs from book 1 in that the first book really took the time to build this magical world for us. And it happened during The Season, so there were a lot of parties and balls and characters. This time it is off Season and while we do get some of the previous characters, the world they live in is already established for us. So now we mostly get to see Jason and Cormac get to know each other. Fall for each other. Jason’s personality begins to really shine once he is comfortable. Jason and Cormac really thrive together.

Yes, there is that little issue with someone, or someones, trying to kill Jason. Who and why? We still don’t know who, but the why has become more clear. And with that the Dahlias go back to work.

This book was just as fun as the first, just in a different way. I adored Jason (and Mouse!) and several things he did and said really cemented that for me. The way that Jason was tied into the continuing story of the mine collapse and murder were perfect, nothing forced at all.

So while he got one answer, a new couple and an awesome car chase, there is still one big answer waiting in book 3. Which I would like right now thankyouverymuch.

Fun, fun, fun. Great story, great romance, great characters.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Aisle Be There (Runaway Grooms Book 1) by Charlie Cochet: Release Day Review

by

They say your wedding day is the beginning of your happily ever after.

But I’m pretty sure they never stood on a sweltering Florida beach getting ready to promise forever… only to change their mind at the last minute and be assaulted by a crustacean while fleeing the scene.

Once upon a time, I was a respected Navy officer. A guy who made a career out of managing chaos.

Now, I am the chaos, a groom on the run from my ex-fiance and his dad’s goons. Oh, and the guy driving the getaway car? That would be my ex-boyfriend, Jett.

Gorgeous. Brilliant. A guy I couldn’t help falling in love with twelve years ago.

The guy I realize I’ve always loved.

Did I mention he’s also a famous rock star on a sold-out summer tour?

This situation has disaster written all over it. But if I can manage the chaos, maybe I’ll get my happy ending after all.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

I’m a big fan of Charlie Cochet. I was hooked from the first page of THIRDS Hell and High Water. And I’ve really enjoyed her other series. This one is loosely connected to the Kings Security series, which is fun and you don’t need to have read them to read this.

But…

The contemporary series are just starting to look too much alike to me. Was it a fun book? Sure! Likeable characters? Yup. Laugh out loud moments? Absolutely. And it was a good second chance romance.

There was also a fear of certain animals, pratfalls, 80’s music and a lovable main character who seems to constantly be in competition with his siblings. I’ve read that. From this author. A few times.

I did really enjoy the second chance romance. Jett and Gage dated before Jett was the lead singer of a famous band. His dead father’s famous band. By complete coincidence, Gage ends up in Jett’s arms again. And he agrees to go on tour with them for a month as Jett’s (fake) boyfriend.

Jett and Gage together were fun. There’s no doubt about that. They seem to have picked up right where they left off. Except they have the bonus of some maturity and experience. Even with that maturity and experience they do dumb things. No spoilers. But it’s really time to move past that plot device. Especially men who are pushing 40 who know better.

A fun, enjoyable read. Just don’t expect anything new.

3.5 pieces of eye candy

Notorious (Shifter Scoundrels Book 1) by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake: Release Day Review

by

.                              .

Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Cas’s world, he’s forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.

Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when he’s summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.

Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger–and their attraction to each other–grows.

With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited – All Regions

This was a match made in heaven. Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake co-authored this series, this being book one. It drew on the strengths of both authors, fantasy, shifters, snark, very hot sex, intrigue and great world building. And I want more already.

They world they created, Bridgerton in contemporary times, was very unique. There was a King and Lords and Dukes and Duchesses who had a Season of parties and seeing and being seen that starts with a matchmaking for some of those that are eligible.

Thrust together in a matchmaking scheme behind the scenes, Saphir and Cassian have the same goal, to find out who murdered the Prince, next in line for the throne and Cassian’s best friend. Both determined to keep their distance, the sparks inevitably fly.

Saphir’s sister plays a fairly big role in the book as well. It is her debut season and while Saphir wants to make it memorable for her, I don’t think he is quite ready for his baby sister to be an adult. She is very funny, charming and witty and can hold her own, not only against her brother, but against Cassian or any other member of the ton.

There are a lot of characters to get to know while the mystery of the smoke beasts that were unleashed on the palace, ending with the murder of the Prince, plays out. But always Cas and Saphir can’t fight what they feel for each other. It’s pretty swoony how quickly Cas goes from stalwarth spy determined to solve his best friend’s murder without the shackles of love to mushy heart eyes guy when Saphir is there.

Even though everyone is a shifter, that doesn’t come into play all that often. We really only read about a couple of shifts, but so far that characteristic doesn’t seem to be a major plot device. Which was kind of nice. Like, yes, they are shifters. BUT it doesn’t dominate their lives. There also doesn’t seem to be much of a hierarchy depending on what animal shifter you are. Except the King who is a dragon.

Besides not mattering about your shifter animal, being gay is just as accepted as being straight and women are not treated any less than men. Pretty refreshing.

There is a HEA, but there are many unanswered questions. I eagerly await book 2.

4.5 pieces of eye candy

Charlie Cochet is the international bestselling author of the THIRDS series. Born in Cuba and raised in the US, Charlie enjoys the best of both worlds, from her daily Cuban latte to her passion for classic rock.

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found devouring a book, releasing her creativity through art, or binge watching a new TV series. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Join Charlie’s newsletter and stay up to date with Charlie’s latest releases, receive exclusive content, giveaways, and more! https://newsletter.charliecochet.com/

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com

E-mail: charlie@charliecochet.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/charliecochet/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/charliecochet/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/charliecochet

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/charliecochet

Macy Blake believes in unicorns and fairies, in moonbeams and stardust, and that happily ever after comes in all colors of the rainbow. She loves to lose herself in paranormal romance, living vicariously through her favorite sexy fictional heroes. These days you can often find her pounding away at the keyboard, trying to capture the magic of her own worlds while arguing with her feisty German Shepherds, Minerva and Pomona.

Gone But Not Forgotten (TIN Book 1) by Charlie Cochet: New Release Review with Exclusive Giveaway

by

Codename: Chaos.
Former THIRDS agent turned TIN operative Dexter J. Daley is a legend. Just ask him, he’ll tell you. Chaos isn’t so much a codename as it is Dex’s state of being. As a spy for the Therian Intelligence Network, Dex has spent the last four years bringing down the bad guys. Hell, his middle name is literally Justice. But a new mission brings him face-to-face with a different kind of monster, one with a weapon that can alter the course of history. Failure is not an option, but as the mission goes from dangerous to deadly, Dex finds himself up against a far more terrifying force, and this time, there’s no escape.

Codename: Atlas
As former team leader for Destructive Delta and now a TIN operative, Sloane Daley knows what it feels like to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. But no matter the challenge, Sloane knows that together, he and his husband, Dex, can overcome anything. When their latest mission takes a personal turn, Sloane is forced to confront the very thing that created him. Looking back to a past he thought he’d left behind is the least of Sloane’s problems, because the greatest threat he’s about to encounter… is his own husband.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

It’s been 84 years since we last saw Dex and Sloan. Ok, that is a bit of an exaggeration. But it has been a while. So like all fans of the THIRDS series, we were salivating for this book. And it didn’t disappoint.

We don’t even pick up where we left off. The last we saw of the guys was at their wedding. Where, of course, chaos ensued. But still. Now we are 4 years later. They have both gone through their TIN training and field training. They have had some ops, but nothing too major yet. Until this one.

Dex is older, wiser and more mature. And while we still get glimpses of the Dex we grew to know and love, this Dex is way more James Bond serious during an op. Which, he had to be because they are acting roles to infiltrate a “Therian auction”. So there isn’t a cheesy doodle or gummy bear in sight.

The whole op is complicated and complex. There are young Therians who are obviously not there because they want to be, there are mega rich people who basically keep them as pets. And the man leading the auction is working on humans getting Therian traits without having to shift. When he kidnaps the son of a Senator, TIN is brought in. With Sloan and Dex leading the charge.

Dex, in super expensive clothes, acting all cool and suave was SO HOT. I love his goofy self, so I think that’s why I loved this side of him as well.

The “omg I love yous” got a little much sometimes, but they are schmoopy like that AND they are bonded. So I got over it.

During the big showdown (no spoilers) I was reading with my eyes bugging out and my mouth hanging open. OH. MY. GOD. And it was left pretty open ended (but not a cliffhanger) to be explored in the next book. Because I really need to know where that is going!

There are familiar faces that make appearances, which is cool since we’ve grown to love them all as well. But again, this isn’t THIRDS. This is TIN.

4 pieces of eye candy

Charlie Cochet is the international bestselling author of the THIRDS series. Born in Cuba and raised in the US, Charlie enjoys the best of both worlds, from her daily Cuban latte to her passion for classic rock.

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found devouring a book, releasing her creativity through art, or binge watching a new TV series. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Join Charlie’s newsletter and stay up to date with Charlie’s latest releases, receive exclusive content, giveaways, and more! https://newsletter.charliecochet.com/

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com

E-mail: charlie@charliecochet.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/charliecochet/

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/charliecochet/

Twitter: @charliecochet

Instagram: http://instagram.com/charliecochet

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/charliecochet

One commenter on this post will win an ebook copy of any backlist from Charlie Cochet.

Sleight of Hand (The Kings: Wild Cards Book 3) by Charlie Cochet: New Release Review and Giveaway

by

Former Special Forces Green Beret, Sacha “Joker” Wilder, is well-versed on the subject of demolitions. As a silent partner of Four Kings Security, Joker spends his days working alongside his brothers-in-arms and his best boy, Chip—a bomb-sniffing Belgian Malinois with sass. Years of military and private security experience have prepared Joker for almost anything, except the explosive attraction between him and Giovanni Galanos.

When Gio returns from his travels abroad, everyone is charmed by the handsome billionaire philanthropist, but in Joker’s experience, anyone who’s too good to be true usually is. Gio is hiding something, but the more time Joker spends around Gio, the more his walls start crumbling, leaving him exposed and at risk of losing his heart, something he swore he would never do. Love is for suckers, and that’s not him.

For years Gio has dedicated his life to his charity work, helping people around the globe, but when things go horribly wrong during one particular trip, Gio decides it’s time to come home for good. The desire for family, and a certain ex-Green Beret with a chip on his shoulder, has Gio eager to restart his life Stateside. For all of Sacha’s blustering and griping, no one makes Gio feel safer. If only Sacha could see how right they are for each other.

Danger lurks in the shadows as someone sets their sights on Gio, and secrets are forced into the light. If Gio and Joker are to have any kind of future together, they’ll have to face difficult truths, because where love is concerned, it’ll take more than sleight of hand to make things work.

The Kings: Wild Cards series is a spin-off of the Four Kings Security series.

Amazon – Kindle Unlimited

Worth the wait!

Joker, real name Sacha, and Gio have been dancing around each other for several books now. Gio hasn’t hid his attraction to Joker, but Joker decided he hated Gio from the start. Which obviously means he was also attracted.

And now they get to find their happily ever after.

It was fun watching them dance around each other. Gio was so cool about it, never pushing or being obnoxious. Just letting Joker know, without a doubt, that Gio wanted him.

What no one knew was that Gio was hiding some things. So pretty important things. So when the truth came to light, there were some upset Kings and Gio’s brother Laz.

We got more of Joker’s background, which was interesting. One of the reasons I really liked Joker is that he was short. I know, silly, right? But these big tough security guys are always like 6’4″, 250lbs of solid muscle. But Joker was short and wiry. Hella strong, but not the quintessential muscle bound dude.

And can we talk about Chip? Joker’s dog who worked with Joker at his job, but was also a well loved pet when they were off the clock. So when Chip fell hard for Gio, Joker was done for.

There was a bit of bad guy mystery, but it didn’t take over the story at all. It just added to Gio’s persona.

Of all of the King’s Security books, I believe this one can be read as a stand alone. But really, they are all fun reads.

4.5 pieces of eye candy
One commenter on this post will win an ebook of any backlist Charlie Cochet book.