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kaity_b's review against another edition
3.0
Audio: 5 amazing stars for Gary Furlong
Book: 3 stars
hmm compared to book one, i didn't feel the romantic connection as much between Jason and Cormac compared to Caspian and Saphir. You do kinda have to read book one to follow along with what is happening in the shifter society (with the minerals, Blue Dahlia's, the deaths and the revenge)
with that said i still enjoyed this book, Mouse was adorable and i like Vega and Sillian and Mrs. Chapman!
i think that the mystery was missing in this book and that i was rarely brought up. I am interested in book three, so when that comes out on audio (and just out in general) i will pick it up! maybe by that time when i do a reread of this book i might rate it higher like for book one!
Book: 3 stars
hmm compared to book one, i didn't feel the romantic connection as much between Jason and Cormac compared to Caspian and Saphir. You do kinda have to read book one to follow along with what is happening in the shifter society (with the minerals, Blue Dahlia's, the deaths and the revenge)
with that said i still enjoyed this book, Mouse was adorable and i like Vega and Sillian and Mrs. Chapman!
i think that the mystery was missing in this book and that i was rarely brought up. I am interested in book three, so when that comes out on audio (and just out in general) i will pick it up! maybe by that time when i do a reread of this book i might rate it higher like for book one!
novel_nomad's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
4.0
While I very much enjoyed Jason and Mouse, this book left me wanting more. After the events in book one, I expected the background plot to advance more than it did. Honestly, everything outside of Jason and Cormac felt like an afterthought. That said, Vega and Sillian are wonderful and I adore the banter and snark they brought to the page. I'm not disappointed with the book, just surprised, I guess.
bronwynheeley's review against another edition
4.0
This one takes place at the same time as the first book which worked for who was the romance, I found it a little sweeter, more wholesome. I enjoyed it while reading but have to conclude this was on me and not liking the regency era though if that’s your thing I think it’s perfect for you, the romance, the intrigue it’s perfect.
kaitlin_durante's review against another edition
5.0
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Dangerous by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake is the second book in the Shifter Scoundrels series. Jason Reaves is shocked when his house is burned down and with his poor health is forced to call in a favor from his late father. Jason’s father leads him to Cormac Donegan, Duke of Everard which is a big surprise for both men. Cormac has been struggling with the death of his fiance and doesn’t expect a stranger to show up on his doorstep saying they're supposed to get married. Jason has no idea why he’s in danger but feels a sense of safety with Cormac and his staff without even knowing their secret. With violence closing in on James, Cormac, his staff and friends all join together to discover what they think James possesses and how it relates to the hidden kingdom.
Jason Reaves is amazing. He refuses to let his health issues keep him down and with the help of his service dog Mouse he tries to live his best life. His internal dialogue that pops out was perfect and balanced the seriousness of Cormac. Jason and Mouse bring brightness into Cormac and his staff’s lives. I loved seeing Jason and Cormac gradually get to know each other and see their connection develop.
Cormac returned Jason’s smile with one of his own. How had he come to care so much for this wonderful, sweet man whose smile reminded Cormac of all the good in the world?
Cormac Donegan is healing not only from his injuries but also from the loss of his fiance. He never expects to find himself promised to another man so soon after his loss. James brings this humor and lightness that Cormac’s been missing from his life. He fears James' reaction when his secret is brought to light. He learns he must trust James with not only his secret but his heart.
Cormac growled and leaned in, his lips on Jason’s, devouring him and claiming him all at once. He left no room for doubt in Jason’s mind. This incredible man wanted him, all of him.
I adore this combination world of high society shifters and modern times. The story continues from the first book so you do need to read the first book prior to jumping into this one although a different couple is the focus. I couldn’t get enough of watching James and Cormac join up with the crew from Notorious and introduce the MCs for the next book. I want Scandalous right now!
5 stars for Jason and Cormac take society by storm.
Dangerous by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake is the second book in the Shifter Scoundrels series. Jason Reaves is shocked when his house is burned down and with his poor health is forced to call in a favor from his late father. Jason’s father leads him to Cormac Donegan, Duke of Everard which is a big surprise for both men. Cormac has been struggling with the death of his fiance and doesn’t expect a stranger to show up on his doorstep saying they're supposed to get married. Jason has no idea why he’s in danger but feels a sense of safety with Cormac and his staff without even knowing their secret. With violence closing in on James, Cormac, his staff and friends all join together to discover what they think James possesses and how it relates to the hidden kingdom.
Jason Reaves is amazing. He refuses to let his health issues keep him down and with the help of his service dog Mouse he tries to live his best life. His internal dialogue that pops out was perfect and balanced the seriousness of Cormac. Jason and Mouse bring brightness into Cormac and his staff’s lives. I loved seeing Jason and Cormac gradually get to know each other and see their connection develop.
Cormac returned Jason’s smile with one of his own. How had he come to care so much for this wonderful, sweet man whose smile reminded Cormac of all the good in the world?
Cormac Donegan is healing not only from his injuries but also from the loss of his fiance. He never expects to find himself promised to another man so soon after his loss. James brings this humor and lightness that Cormac’s been missing from his life. He fears James' reaction when his secret is brought to light. He learns he must trust James with not only his secret but his heart.
Cormac growled and leaned in, his lips on Jason’s, devouring him and claiming him all at once. He left no room for doubt in Jason’s mind. This incredible man wanted him, all of him.
I adore this combination world of high society shifters and modern times. The story continues from the first book so you do need to read the first book prior to jumping into this one although a different couple is the focus. I couldn’t get enough of watching James and Cormac join up with the crew from Notorious and introduce the MCs for the next book. I want Scandalous right now!
5 stars for Jason and Cormac take society by storm.
bookishvice's review against another edition
3.0
I am so torn with this book, so I had to leave a long note to myself here in the form of this review. The first chapters (events in the past, night of royal murder) and the last chapters (the intro to society, the chase, etc) are perfect. The prose drew me in, the character emotions were felt, and the chemistry was there.
HOWEVER, the rest is a bit of a mess. It's a disorganized plot that could barely hold my attention with its lack of chemistry and no depth of emotions. Especially for
Cormac takes him in and they're kinda friendly towards each other, but nothing that made me swoon or think they were meant for each other. Yet at 40% they're already attracted and thinking of each other as more. How? Why? Where is the basis for this sudden flourishing of feels??
SO, there's bare minimum build up to this attraction, they have one rushed kiss, and at 54% they're fucking....at 55% Cormac mentions finding his mate. Excuse me, what? What about Brandr?? (read book 1 for this) What about that emotional trauma? He hasn't processed any of it! I kept waiting for him to open up, to get some emotional content that brings them together. But nope. He hasn't even discussed it with Jason.
SO, they've kissed, fucked, and become officially official. Now it's time to present Jason to society by going through a Pretty Woman montage where he will get a new wardrobe. I do love this type of moment in novels. But suddenly Jason, someone who has so far been capable, a go-getter, and a fully unapologetic person about his health condition, becomes this low self esteem drama king, crying "I'm broken"...because of his health condition...???? I'm kinda pissed at that. For once I thought I'd found a character with a health condition who kept his chin up at all times. But nope. He breaks down here. And it's not even during an impactful moment. He just spirals because Cormac is so great he shouldn't be with a broken person. GRRR
After all the unnecessary drama, there are 'I love you's from both of them at 58%. Didn't feel it. They could've said, "I love pizza" and I would've believed that more.
Also, in this shopping for clothes for season scene, Jason says he doesn't expect Cormac to pay for him. Cormac says that as fiancé it's his duty to provide. Then Jason asks what is HIS role. And that's when it struck me... HE HAS NO ROLE OTHER THAN BEING CORMAC'S PAIR. We get nothing about Jason's human life, he seems to have no previous job or even friends in the human world, nothing. How is that even possible? He grew up with his dad, his neighbors all helped him out when the house burned, you gonna tell me NO ONE cared for Jason? Or worried over him after his dad was recently murdered?? Jason's role is to have a tragic event, run to the shifter world with the letter of arranged marriage, and then be Cormac's unexpected human mate. That's it.
I am so disappointed in the story, the characters both underdeveloped, the side-characters were fun but more often than not their inclusion took over the main pair and story. Siiiigh.
Compared to book one, this is a structural mess with surface level feels, a lack of chemistry, and underdeveloped main characters. I also don't know what happened with the middle section of this story, but it's not up to the level of polish as book one or--like I said above--the beginning and the ending chapters. I hope book 3 is better crafted or I'll have to drop the series, which I really don't want to do because a) it's an amazing world and it started out so strong, and b) it's Beau and Raiden's enemies-to-lovers story!
HOWEVER, the rest is a bit of a mess. It's a disorganized plot that could barely hold my attention with its lack of chemistry and no depth of emotions. Especially for
Spoiler
Jason. Like, his house just burned and he's just...alright, I gotta run now, find this stranger, and see if he'll honor the arranged marriage. Hello? Yes, he is hesitant and awkward, but at no point did I feel his fear or worry in the prose or his reactions.Cormac takes him in and they're kinda friendly towards each other, but nothing that made me swoon or think they were meant for each other. Yet at 40% they're already attracted and thinking of each other as more. How? Why? Where is the basis for this sudden flourishing of feels??
SO, there's bare minimum build up to this attraction, they have one rushed kiss, and at 54% they're fucking....at 55% Cormac mentions finding his mate. Excuse me, what? What about Brandr?? (read book 1 for this) What about that emotional trauma? He hasn't processed any of it! I kept waiting for him to open up, to get some emotional content that brings them together. But nope. He hasn't even discussed it with Jason.
SO, they've kissed, fucked, and become officially official. Now it's time to present Jason to society by going through a Pretty Woman montage where he will get a new wardrobe. I do love this type of moment in novels. But suddenly Jason, someone who has so far been capable, a go-getter, and a fully unapologetic person about his health condition, becomes this low self esteem drama king, crying "I'm broken"...because of his health condition...???? I'm kinda pissed at that. For once I thought I'd found a character with a health condition who kept his chin up at all times. But nope. He breaks down here. And it's not even during an impactful moment. He just spirals because Cormac is so great he shouldn't be with a broken person. GRRR
After all the unnecessary drama, there are 'I love you's from both of them at 58%. Didn't feel it. They could've said, "I love pizza" and I would've believed that more.
Also, in this shopping for clothes for season scene, Jason says he doesn't expect Cormac to pay for him. Cormac says that as fiancé it's his duty to provide. Then Jason asks what is HIS role. And that's when it struck me... HE HAS NO ROLE OTHER THAN BEING CORMAC'S PAIR. We get nothing about Jason's human life, he seems to have no previous job or even friends in the human world, nothing. How is that even possible? He grew up with his dad, his neighbors all helped him out when the house burned, you gonna tell me NO ONE cared for Jason? Or worried over him after his dad was recently murdered?? Jason's role is to have a tragic event, run to the shifter world with the letter of arranged marriage, and then be Cormac's unexpected human mate. That's it.
I am so disappointed in the story, the characters both underdeveloped, the side-characters were fun but more often than not their inclusion took over the main pair and story. Siiiigh.
Compared to book one, this is a structural mess with surface level feels, a lack of chemistry, and underdeveloped main characters. I also don't know what happened with the middle section of this story, but it's not up to the level of polish as book one or--like I said above--the beginning and the ending chapters. I hope book 3 is better crafted or I'll have to drop the series, which I really don't want to do because a) it's an amazing world and it started out so strong, and b) it's Beau and Raiden's enemies-to-lovers story!
teresab78's review against another edition
4.0
Make sure to read book one first!
Action, danger, old debts, and new love. There was lots of banter - I really liked Jason and Cormac as well as the people around them.
This is unique world!
There are some overlapping scenes with book one which helped me remember it.
Action, danger, old debts, and new love. There was lots of banter - I really liked Jason and Cormac as well as the people around them.
This is unique world!
There are some overlapping scenes with book one which helped me remember it.
haletostilinski1's review against another edition
5.0
⭐︎4.5 Stars Rounded Up!⭐︎
This was so delightful. I enjoyed it from start to finish.
In this second book in the 'Shifter Scoundrels' Series by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake, we're focused this time on Cormac, who was engaged to Brandr, the son of the kind and who was Caspian's - from the first book - best friend. Cromac loved Brandr in a platonic way, he wasn't in love with him.
Hasn't stopped him from grieving for the past years, of course, holed up in his country estate - he is a Duke, after all - and avoiding shifter society. He also lost his best friend, Miles, that day, as Miles sacrificed himself to save Cormac in the mines.
And then we have Jason, a human who knows nothing of the shifter world and is just living his day to day 2 years after losing his beloved father in a seeming mugging gone wrong - although it's clear he was murdered, but what is unclear is why.
All Jason really has is his beloved service dog, Mouse, a german shepherd who loves her human very much, and is very loyal to him.
Because Jason has a medical condition where his blood pressure easily fluctuates between low and high, and if it gets bad enough he can faint or even worse.
And one night Mouse wakes him up to someone burning down his house, with him barely escaping through his bedroom window with some essentials and Mouse.
Without a house, though, Jason doesn't have a lot of options, and so he turns to his father, who turns out to have had a deal with a Duke Everard that if the time ever came, he'd marry his son, aka Jason, as he owed Jason's father a debt.
It's the only place he has to go, so Jason goes. And it's not the Duke Jason was expecting who is there, but his son. And after some confusion and some hilarity as well, Cormac decides to honor his father's promise and marry Jason.
So weeks go by, and they start to talk more and more, and get to know each other.
Jason with his adorable rambling, and blushes and bravery, and Cormac with his surprisingly kind and gentle nature underneath the scowls he portrays to the world.
But also, the threat against Jason isn't over. The shifters are still after him. And when circumstances reveal that shifters are real to Jason, things change - ultimately for the better - for good. But also, it turns out these men trying to kill Jason also have a connection to whoever it was that killed Brandr.
Because Jason's father, a geologist, had some special mineral that they want, for whatever reason that we have not found out yet.
So Cormac, Jason - Caspian and Saphir as well - and their trusted and loyal valets, have to race against the bad guys to get the mineral to the palace and the king, to try to figure why it was so valuable that they killed the prince over it.
I adored Cormac and Jason together, they were so great together from the start. Jason's slightly goofy rambling self just charmed the pants off Cormac, and Cormac's gentlemanly qualities charmed the pants off Jason.
Now, I complain about this a lot, but a part of my reason for .5 off is that there wasn't enough steam! Okay, what is with that? Have a collective of authors just decided to tone down on steam? What the hell?
Again, what we *did* get was hot! But it was only one bathroom scene and bed scene, one right after the other. Then nothing! Nothing before or after. Just mentions of hot sexy times.
I was disappointed with that. Now, the romance was of course absolutely lovely and I adored it. But they skimped out on wonderful sexy times. And I'm not asking for a ton. Just more than a couple. Maybe a handful? A few hot sex scenes good have been squeezed in here, is all I'm saying.
Also, Jason chooses to stay human at the end. My only question - don't shifters live a lot longer? Like hundreds of years longer? So him staying human...does that mean Jason would die before Cormac? This wasn't answered, so I was bummed about that. Because I don't want to think of Jason dying long before Cormac does. Don't like it.
Unless I'm wrong and shifters don't live longer than humans? Am I remembering that wrong? Please let me know if I am!
But at the end of the day, those are niggles and so I only gave .5 stars off. The romance, the characters, the plot, were all very well done.
Now I can't wait for Miles' brother, Raiden, and Beau, the flamboyant clothes designer we've seen for two books now. They definitely have a hate/love thing going on so will love to see that dynamic coming in their book! I *hope* for a few more extra steamy scenes in their book ;)
Onto the next!
This was so delightful. I enjoyed it from start to finish.
In this second book in the 'Shifter Scoundrels' Series by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake, we're focused this time on Cormac, who was engaged to Brandr, the son of the kind and who was Caspian's - from the first book - best friend. Cromac loved Brandr in a platonic way, he wasn't in love with him.
Hasn't stopped him from grieving for the past years, of course, holed up in his country estate - he is a Duke, after all - and avoiding shifter society. He also lost his best friend, Miles, that day, as Miles sacrificed himself to save Cormac in the mines.
And then we have Jason, a human who knows nothing of the shifter world and is just living his day to day 2 years after losing his beloved father in a seeming mugging gone wrong - although it's clear he was murdered, but what is unclear is why.
All Jason really has is his beloved service dog, Mouse, a german shepherd who loves her human very much, and is very loyal to him.
Because Jason has a medical condition where his blood pressure easily fluctuates between low and high, and if it gets bad enough he can faint or even worse.
And one night Mouse wakes him up to someone burning down his house, with him barely escaping through his bedroom window with some essentials and Mouse.
Without a house, though, Jason doesn't have a lot of options, and so he turns to his father, who turns out to have had a deal with a Duke Everard that if the time ever came, he'd marry his son, aka Jason, as he owed Jason's father a debt.
It's the only place he has to go, so Jason goes. And it's not the Duke Jason was expecting who is there, but his son. And after some confusion and some hilarity as well, Cormac decides to honor his father's promise and marry Jason.
So weeks go by, and they start to talk more and more, and get to know each other.
Jason with his adorable rambling, and blushes and bravery, and Cormac with his surprisingly kind and gentle nature underneath the scowls he portrays to the world.
But also, the threat against Jason isn't over. The shifters are still after him. And when circumstances reveal that shifters are real to Jason, things change - ultimately for the better - for good. But also, it turns out these men trying to kill Jason also have a connection to whoever it was that killed Brandr.
Because Jason's father, a geologist, had some special mineral that they want, for whatever reason that we have not found out yet.
So Cormac, Jason - Caspian and Saphir as well - and their trusted and loyal valets, have to race against the bad guys to get the mineral to the palace and the king, to try to figure why it was so valuable that they killed the prince over it.
I adored Cormac and Jason together, they were so great together from the start. Jason's slightly goofy rambling self just charmed the pants off Cormac, and Cormac's gentlemanly qualities charmed the pants off Jason.
Now, I complain about this a lot, but a part of my reason for .5 off is that there wasn't enough steam! Okay, what is with that? Have a collective of authors just decided to tone down on steam? What the hell?
Again, what we *did* get was hot! But it was only one bathroom scene and bed scene, one right after the other. Then nothing! Nothing before or after. Just mentions of hot sexy times.
I was disappointed with that. Now, the romance was of course absolutely lovely and I adored it. But they skimped out on wonderful sexy times. And I'm not asking for a ton. Just more than a couple. Maybe a handful? A few hot sex scenes good have been squeezed in here, is all I'm saying.
Also, Jason chooses to stay human at the end. My only question - don't shifters live a lot longer? Like hundreds of years longer? So him staying human...does that mean Jason would die before Cormac? This wasn't answered, so I was bummed about that. Because I don't want to think of Jason dying long before Cormac does. Don't like it.
Unless I'm wrong and shifters don't live longer than humans? Am I remembering that wrong? Please let me know if I am!
But at the end of the day, those are niggles and so I only gave .5 stars off. The romance, the characters, the plot, were all very well done.
Now I can't wait for Miles' brother, Raiden, and Beau, the flamboyant clothes designer we've seen for two books now. They definitely have a hate/love thing going on so will love to see that dynamic coming in their book! I *hope* for a few more extra steamy scenes in their book ;)
Onto the next!