Reviews

Diamond in the Rough by Charlie Cochet

missysreadingcorner's review

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5.0

Great Series!

This series was my introduction to Charlie Cochet and I enjoyed it. I enjoyed all the pairings, including King and Leo. The only issue I had was the actual mystery behind who was targeting the Kings’ love interest. Excluding the first book, all the crooks were so obvious. Despite that issue, I still enjoyed the books.

marlobo's review

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3.0

My rating would have been higher if it had not been for the inconsistency and lack of realism of the transfer from the black site to Leo's apartment: Inconsistency in the speed with which the events occur and lack of realism regarding the movement of the residents out of the building and the occupation of their homes by the military; such situation would only seem plausible in a case of open war.

mynameiskate2807's review

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5.0

**********Contains Spoilers***********

I thought this was an enjoyable read and it was definitely my favourite of the series. It was also another good addition to the Four Kings Security Series. This book is about Ex-Special Forces soldier King, who with his brothers in arms own/operate a top tier security firm, Four Kings Security.  King is the main boss though as he was their second-in-command before they left the Army. His love interest is Leo, a misunderstood genius with major anxiety issues. When he’s recruited by the government to work on a top-security project. It doesn’t help his anxiety issues when he starts to think about what will happen to him if he can’t complete the project. When King is approached by a four-star General and friend of King’s to protect an asset, King doesn’t want to accept until the General tells him that it’s is son. Being a protector is in King’s blood. He’s brought back into Government Black-Ops that raises painful memories from his past to protect Leo. Even though King and Leo are so different, they just seem to click.

King, is the calm that helps Leo centre his thoughts and Leo, allows King to let down his walls and also allows him to be his true self. It was awesome seeing King laugh and have fun the more time he spends with Leo. I loved seeing the guys not only accept Leo but he becomes part of their family. They also respect his intelligence. I loved seeing the bonds Leo forged with all the guys but he has a special connection with Ace because Ace can easily pin point when Leo is about to spiral and helps him take his mind off things, by being his usual self and Jack, because they speak the same language. I thought the chemistry between King and Leo was completely off the charts, as well as hot as hell. I loved seeing how Leo’s brains works and he’s completely bad a*se in his own right. I’m really looking forward to reading In the Cards, and seeing what antics they get up to attending Quinn and Spencer’s wedding next. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.

jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review against another edition

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5.0

I love love loved Kings love interest Leo. He is an absolute slice of sweetie pie. Awkward genius anyone? He just hit all of Kings protective buttons and he's not afraid to stick up for himself. King, the leader and protector of the Four Kings group we've come to love over 4 books finally meets his own match and its adorable. Watching them both fumble with each other, neither having been in this type of situation before was so fun. They were way less angsty than Lucky and Mason.

Leo has some self confidence issues stemming from his past treatment from his peers. King worked to rid Leo of his poor self image and see him through his eyes. Yes Leo may be in a league all his own with his anxiety and social interaction issues, but that doesn't make him any less than someone else. In return Leo gave King his smile and laughter back. It was this fact that ensured the guys would adore Leo as well. He gave them back their King they know and loved.

I’m not like everyone else, but if you think you’re up for it, I can guarantee no one will love you more fiercely than me

tendoheart's review

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

toshi21's review against another edition

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5.0

Definitely a diamond!

This book was definitely the perfect ending to the main series of Four Kings Security. the relationship between the strong and stoic King and his happy goofy partner Leo was fascinating to watch.
In essence, this book is a slow burn with a lot of action as King is asked to keep watch over a friend’s son. King resists for quite a long time too. But with things happening, King’s barriers fall and Leo is able to help King heal.

There is a lot of Charlie Cochet signature humour and heart warming moments. You can see all the Kings in their glory. (I’m looking at you, Ace.)

If you like action, humour, brotherly camaraderie, and lots of sex, I can’t stress highly enough about choosing this book and the rest of the Four Kings.
You will enjoy every single minute of it.

haletostilinski1's review against another edition

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5.0

I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. The story was interesting and riveting, and King and Leo had amazing chemistry from the start of this.

It very quickly moved from King doing a favor for the General by looking after/protecting his son to King choosing to protect Leo because of Leo, for Leo. Pretty much after the first meeting, I'd say, that King was hooked.

Doesn't make it insta-love, but they do fall for each other quick, over a few weeks, a few months, and the good thing is that their interactions felt real and made them fall in love fairly quickly 100 percent believable.

King melted around Leo and his hard exterior washed away with him and he was able to smile and laugh and have a good time, and Leo was pretty damn cute and sweet and wonderful, and the minute King walked into his life things got better for him - he started to see himself in a much better way, when before he was so insecure and always thinking the worst of himself because he wasn't quite "normal." It was pretty clear that throughout his life people had treated him pretty shitty because of that.

I was so happy where this ended up for them (although one thing that kept nagging at me was did the climax happen before Valentine's day or after? It had to be before because King wouldn't leave Leo alone...but also, why would Leo have been needed at the Pentagon in that short? I'm confused but whatever, I'll let it go lol) and that they were able to settle down and be happy together.

I loved how King was still kinda scowly and serious around other but around Leo he was all smiles and letting his walls down. I love romances like that were there's a seriously, scowly dude who meets a sweetheart who makes them melt with their cuteness, kindness and gentleness. Leo definitely had a wonderfully big heart, and he also was pretty funny and was able to get King to loosen up.

Oh also big tough "scary" guys protecting said cute and gentle guy, no matter what the cost, is also a big plus of mine, LOVED it in this.

The sex, when we finally got it, was pretty damn hot too if I do say so myself. Like damnnn, it was scorching ;) These two did not miss a beat together.

Two MASSIVE thumbs up from me and what a way to end the series. I'm super excited for Jack and Joker's stories now too, can't wait for the spin off! :D

papercranestitches's review against another edition

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3.0

*** 3.5 Stars ***

I mean.... The men in this series are all too perfect for real life, but I still melt when they get all affectionate with one another.

megamac's review against another edition

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adventurous

3.5

mags_louise's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5⭐

This was an extremely well paced and brilliant story. That I was truly excited to read. As I've been intrigued by Ward 'King' Kingston ever since I started reading these books. But especially after finding out what happed to him personally whilst in Syria with his team, and what he did for them when they got back to the US. Although I must admit to being dubious about him and Leo. But they actually really complemented each other and the way their relationship developed was endearing, and lovely to read.

Plus, the story had action, and a little suspense. Not to mention plenty of interaction with the other guys from Kings team. Which I loved, particularly when it came to Ace. Who had some wonderful heart to hearts with King as he contended with his feelings for Leo, and as for Leo, he was a wonderfully geeky yet strong character. Who found himself in a tough situation. Yet in the end, he didn't cower and I admired that.

As for the epilogue, I thought it was a lovely way to round off the series and I'm glad to see there will be a spin off series, featuring Joker and Jack.

As for Diamond in the Rough I would happily recommend it to others.