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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
I loved it. I loved their relationship. So wholesome.
My only problem was how often the destructive delta members were mentioned. So distracting, and a little annoying, especially since I just read 12 books(!!!) about them. Even zach with his huge family and own team and squadron spent the entire book gushing about destructive delta. We get it; they're legendary. Mext characters please! Nonetheless, it is a standalone. So yeah, anyone can read it. All you need to know is the virus and all that, and she explains everything in the glossary.
Also no epilogue. Who does that?
4 stars.
My only problem was how often the destructive delta members were mentioned. So distracting, and a little annoying, especially since I just read 12 books(!!!) about them. Even zach with his huge family and own team and squadron spent the entire book gushing about destructive delta. We get it; they're legendary. Mext characters please! Nonetheless, it is a standalone. So yeah, anyone can read it. All you need to know is the virus and all that, and she explains everything in the glossary.
Also no epilogue. Who does that?
4 stars.
4.25 stars!
I've been waiting what seems like forever for Austen and Zach's book. They have been my most anticipated romantic couple in this whole universe aside from any new books coming out with Dex and Sloane.
I was so so excited to be able to delve into their story and how they get to their own happily ever after.
Let's just say, it was a hard one, one of the hardest (except for Hudson and Seb...) journey's to get there, mainly because of Austen and his past and because of it how hard it is for him to trust anyone, or a good thing, or himself.
Osmond Zachary, or Zach (or Ozzy) is a huge, well over 7 foot tall, over 300 pounds that are mainly muscles, bear Therian...but he's one of the kindest, gentlest people there is. His whole huge NINETY-SIX people total family is. But Zach...well, Zach is a grown up, but...still seen as the baby of the family.
Because he's the youngest of 10 children. TEN. Yowza. 7 boys and 3 girls - although I think one of the brothers was missing, because I kept only counting 6 guys and the 3 girls. Finley! That name was mentioned in the beginning but never again. I don't know if he was supposed to be among the brood and just not having any role in everything going on...or if Cochet just totally forgot about him. That seems more plausible. This is why...if you're going to have a ton of people for a family (and thus a lot of a characters) a list of them should be kept nearby lol.
But anyway, when Zach and his team are guarding a politician - and anti-therian politician - and his young 5 year old or so daughter as their leaving the THIRDS headquarters, the politician is attacked, and in the scuffle Zach gets hurt, which lands him in the hospital.
Sparks calls Austen, and Austen rushes to Zach's side, despite his constant claims that he doesn't feel much for Zach, that's he's okay without him, that he's fine on his own.
While there, paid assassins come to kill Zach, and because of that, Austen - and his TIN friend Brayden - have to protect Zach.
When Zach's mother suggests hiding Zach (and their entire family) at their family lodge in the mountains, Austen has no choice but to agree.
This story was mainly about getting Austen to get to a place to let down his walls and let Zach in, to trust him and himself, to be with Zach. Zach was already there, Zach was already in love with him and was just...waiting for Austen.
But Austen doesn't have a good past at all - and even being a TIN agent, he's had to isolate himself more often than not for the job, to get it done. Austen really doesn't know any other way.
Even Zach's mother hugging him makes him tense and uncomfortable.
So Zach...has some work to do. But through it all, even when he doesn't give up, he never pushes Austen in to anything or forces himself on Austen or demands anything. If anything he is always aware of his size and trying to not make it a problem or a factor.
Zach is so gentle, so sweet, and he's always so good to Austen. But Austen determinedly believes that he's no good for Zach, not a good person, and once Zach sees that, that he'll walk away.
But when Austen is protecting Zach with his family all there, they're around each other longer than they ever were in the pervious three years, and Zach just makes Austen fall more and more in love with him. But still, there's a push and pull with Austen, a back and forth.
I do think that what got Austen to a place to accept a relationship with Zach was good, but not handled the best. I just feel like even getting Austen's thoughts from the "we can't" to "I want to" stage would have been good, because while the transition makes sense, it was also a little abrupt. Like one minute Austen is still saying no and the other he's ready to be in a relationship with Zach. Just a little more with that transition would have helped, I think.
Not that I didn't love where they ended up and how this ended, and like also didn't make me excited for more with Dex and Sloane. And glad these two got to a good, happy place - also the ending was funny and adorable and sweet.
All of this was spent away from our original THIRD crew - Dex and Sloane and the others are mentioned but we never see them - and that will probably be like what the other books are like in this THIRDS universe novel series, I bet. The TIN series will give us Dex and Sloane and the others and this will most likely keep them on the back burner, which is fine, I just miss Dex and Sloane haha.
Austen and Zach did have amazing chemistry together, and the way Austen made Zach blush sometimes ;) When Austen let his guard down, even a little, you could tell how much he felt for Zach and just how much he was holding back because of his own fears. I loved seeing him fall for Zach just more and more, the more he was around him.
Also, I wanted to see Austen and Zach talk more, because they have a fight near the end and when they're able to talk about it again...they don't. I'm happy they made up and all, but I think those issues talked out would have been good. If an issue is brought up, I liked to see it resolved, talked out.
Other than those few frustrations, I really enjoyed this overall. I recommend it, especially for those who've been waiting and waiting for Zach and Austen's love story like I have.
Can't wait for the next novel Miss Cochet has to offer in this universe. I'm hooked!
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review.***
I've been waiting what seems like forever for Austen and Zach's book. They have been my most anticipated romantic couple in this whole universe aside from any new books coming out with Dex and Sloane.
I was so so excited to be able to delve into their story and how they get to their own happily ever after.
Let's just say, it was a hard one, one of the hardest (except for Hudson and Seb...) journey's to get there, mainly because of Austen and his past and because of it how hard it is for him to trust anyone, or a good thing, or himself.
Osmond Zachary, or Zach (or Ozzy) is a huge, well over 7 foot tall, over 300 pounds that are mainly muscles, bear Therian...but he's one of the kindest, gentlest people there is. His whole huge NINETY-SIX people total family is. But Zach...well, Zach is a grown up, but...still seen as the baby of the family.
Because he's the youngest of 10 children. TEN. Yowza. 7 boys and 3 girls - although I think one of the brothers was missing, because I kept only counting 6 guys and the 3 girls. Finley! That name was mentioned in the beginning but never again. I don't know if he was supposed to be among the brood and just not having any role in everything going on...or if Cochet just totally forgot about him. That seems more plausible. This is why...if you're going to have a ton of people for a family (and thus a lot of a characters) a list of them should be kept nearby lol.
But anyway, when Zach and his team are guarding a politician - and anti-therian politician - and his young 5 year old or so daughter as their leaving the THIRDS headquarters, the politician is attacked, and in the scuffle Zach gets hurt, which lands him in the hospital.
Sparks calls Austen, and Austen rushes to Zach's side, despite his constant claims that he doesn't feel much for Zach, that's he's okay without him, that he's fine on his own.
While there, paid assassins come to kill Zach, and because of that, Austen - and his TIN friend Brayden - have to protect Zach.
When Zach's mother suggests hiding Zach (and their entire family) at their family lodge in the mountains, Austen has no choice but to agree.
This story was mainly about getting Austen to get to a place to let down his walls and let Zach in, to trust him and himself, to be with Zach. Zach was already there, Zach was already in love with him and was just...waiting for Austen.
But Austen doesn't have a good past at all - and even being a TIN agent, he's had to isolate himself more often than not for the job, to get it done. Austen really doesn't know any other way.
Even Zach's mother hugging him makes him tense and uncomfortable.
So Zach...has some work to do. But through it all, even when he doesn't give up, he never pushes Austen in to anything or forces himself on Austen or demands anything. If anything he is always aware of his size and trying to not make it a problem or a factor.
Zach is so gentle, so sweet, and he's always so good to Austen. But Austen determinedly believes that he's no good for Zach, not a good person, and once Zach sees that, that he'll walk away.
But when Austen is protecting Zach with his family all there, they're around each other longer than they ever were in the pervious three years, and Zach just makes Austen fall more and more in love with him. But still, there's a push and pull with Austen, a back and forth.
I do think that what got Austen to a place to accept a relationship with Zach was good, but not handled the best. I just feel like even getting Austen's thoughts from the "we can't" to "I want to" stage would have been good, because while the transition makes sense, it was also a little abrupt. Like one minute Austen is still saying no and the other he's ready to be in a relationship with Zach. Just a little more with that transition would have helped, I think.
Not that I didn't love where they ended up and how this ended, and like also didn't make me excited for more with Dex and Sloane. And glad these two got to a good, happy place - also the ending was funny and adorable and sweet.
All of this was spent away from our original THIRD crew - Dex and Sloane and the others are mentioned but we never see them - and that will probably be like what the other books are like in this THIRDS universe novel series, I bet. The TIN series will give us Dex and Sloane and the others and this will most likely keep them on the back burner, which is fine, I just miss Dex and Sloane haha.
Austen and Zach did have amazing chemistry together, and the way Austen made Zach blush sometimes ;) When Austen let his guard down, even a little, you could tell how much he felt for Zach and just how much he was holding back because of his own fears. I loved seeing him fall for Zach just more and more, the more he was around him.
Also, I wanted to see Austen and Zach talk more, because they have a fight near the end and when they're able to talk about it again...they don't. I'm happy they made up and all, but I think those issues talked out would have been good. If an issue is brought up, I liked to see it resolved, talked out.
Other than those few frustrations, I really enjoyed this overall. I recommend it, especially for those who've been waiting and waiting for Zach and Austen's love story like I have.
Can't wait for the next novel Miss Cochet has to offer in this universe. I'm hooked!
***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review.***
4.5/5 stars I'm surprised by how much I liked this one, especially after the let down that the last Thirds was.
The THIRDS Universe has been a pleasure to read and this book is no exception. Finally we get Austen and Zach's story! I love the fact that the bear therians are gentle but fierce protectors; they really are teddy bears. Zach needs someone to care for and protect and Austen needs someone he can trust and rely on. They are a perfect match and it was a joy to see them (finally!) come together. Plus, Zach's family is awesome! I'd love to learn more about them and hope they're in future books. I am so looking forward to reading more in this universe and hope there are more couples who get their well deserved happily ever afters!
Austin was one of my absolute favorite characters from the THIRDS Universe so I had some pretty high hopes for this. Unfortunately I just wasn’t a huge fan of Zach and didn’t really understand their chemistry.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love Austen, the whole Zachary family and the humor in the book. It's a lot more light-hearted than the 2nd half of the THIRDS series, which was a welcome change.
But see, here's the thing I can't wrap my head around. TIN is supposed to be this organization so secret that people doubt its existence, and here we are, everyone exposing Austen's identity left and right, and Sparks isn't even concerned? Also, there was no need for Austen to compromise the Daleys' (plus Sparks') positions, even if it is to Zach. Not to mention TIN's biggest secret weapon (which seems more like a public secret by now). Also, what is Bray going to do now with his job? Also, also, also.
But see, here's the thing I can't wrap my head around. TIN is supposed to be this organization so secret that people doubt its existence, and here we are, everyone exposing Austen's identity left and right, and Sparks isn't even concerned? Also, there was no need for Austen to compromise the Daleys' (plus Sparks') positions, even if it is to Zach. Not to mention TIN's biggest secret weapon (which seems more like a public secret by now). Also, what is Bray going to do now with his job? Also, also, also.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-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
This was a sweet, funny and adventurous addition to Charlie Cochet's THIRDS universe. I really loved it, devouring it in less than 24 hours.
I've always wanted to know a bit more of Austen Payne, the snarky, slippery cheetah Therian with a persistent spying habit, and "Love and Payne" does not disappoint.
I loved reading Austen's thoughts and feelings, his hang-ups about his past, his emotional scars and fears. And I also loved seeing his walls crumbling, day by day, thanks to Zach's persistence and his HUGE family's care. I love "found family" as a trope and I love it even more when a boatload of people decide to unofficially adopt the snarky and broken MC in desperate need of a hug.
Zach was literally the sweetest and I loved how different he and Austen are and how, dispite that, they manage to complete each other so well.
I'm not sure if the author is planning more books in this new, kind-of, spin-off series, but I'd love to know a more about Brayden. *pretty please*
I've always wanted to know a bit more of Austen Payne, the snarky, slippery cheetah Therian with a persistent spying habit, and "Love and Payne" does not disappoint.
I loved reading Austen's thoughts and feelings, his hang-ups about his past, his emotional scars and fears. And I also loved seeing his walls crumbling, day by day, thanks to Zach's persistence and his HUGE family's care. I love "found family" as a trope and I love it even more when a boatload of people decide to unofficially adopt the snarky and broken MC in desperate need of a hug.
Zach was literally the sweetest and I loved how different he and Austen are and how, dispite that, they manage to complete each other so well.
I'm not sure if the author is planning more books in this new, kind-of, spin-off series, but I'd love to know a more about Brayden. *pretty please*
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
Absolutely fantastic!
Absolutely loved this book! These main characters, Austin and Zach may be my favorites yet! Cochet does such a great job of character development with these two that you really feel like they are people you know and you totally become invested in them.
The storyline is more about the development of the relationship between the two characters, and about our chosen families, but the action/suspense part of the story hums along in the background. It appears to be setting the stage for whenever the TINS series begins as the villains’s high placed connections are clearly still out there seeking to cause trouble for Therians.
I hope we will be seeing more of the whole wonderful Zachary family. I hope we are going to get a book about Braydon and Edan. I hope we’re going to see Zach’s nephew Caley learn mad skills to take down his obnoxious, insulting cousin. Most of all I hope we’ll see more of Austen and Zach interacting with Sloane and Dex and the rest of Destructive Delta.
Absolutely loved this book! These main characters, Austin and Zach may be my favorites yet! Cochet does such a great job of character development with these two that you really feel like they are people you know and you totally become invested in them.
The storyline is more about the development of the relationship between the two characters, and about our chosen families, but the action/suspense part of the story hums along in the background. It appears to be setting the stage for whenever the TINS series begins as the villains’s high placed connections are clearly still out there seeking to cause trouble for Therians.
I hope we will be seeing more of the whole wonderful Zachary family. I hope we are going to get a book about Braydon and Edan. I hope we’re going to see Zach’s nephew Caley learn mad skills to take down his obnoxious, insulting cousin. Most of all I hope we’ll see more of Austen and Zach interacting with Sloane and Dex and the rest of Destructive Delta.
I really hope this wasn't the last time Charlie sets foot in the THIRDS/TIN world because the books have been epic.
This one made me extra happy though as Austen finally got a happy ending and it was with the perfect person in bear shifter Zach.
This one made me extra happy though as Austen finally got a happy ending and it was with the perfect person in bear shifter Zach.