Reviews

Diamond in the Rough by Charlie Cochet

irina_29's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

fmcfranny's review against another edition

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5.0

This is by far one of the best books I have read in a long time. The characters were so well put together the beginning of the book was like being in the heads of two people you just met but by the end, you knew them so well you felt like you had known them forever.  And the characters themselves were so wonderful.

Leo was quirky, interesting, and so very real. Even being nothing like him I could easily relate to him by the end of the second chapter. King was awesome. A real look at PTSD and previous military men and the things they go through both while in the military and after retiring.


On top of that, it was funny. From their first meeting till the very end, I was laughing at the awkward and hilarious situations and conversations they had. Leo's blubbering when nervous was endearing and King's vulnerability made him more relatable, especially while hiding it.


The plot was a wonderful mix of action, humor, and geek. You seriously couldn't ask for more from a book, especially a romance. This had so many elements that balanced so perfectly I sat down and read it all in one sitting unable to put it down until the end...which was at 2 am and I had to get up at 5am...so worth it! I borrowed this on KU but I am so going to be buying it as soon as I can.

a_reader_obsessed's review against another edition

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4.0

4 Stars

My favorite of the series!!

I’m sure that Cochet’s inspiration for King and Leo definitely influenced my love and enjoyment factor because if you don’t have a thing for DoB, then I can’t even…

What is it about a gruff reticent loner by choice, who really doesn’t need anybody except the family he already has, slowly comes apart at the hands of an unconventional genius who has no subterfuge? What is it about a seemingly misunderstood, lonely guy who’s been ostracized by the majority, finally feels safe with the one guy who can intimidate and take control with a scowl?

Well… it’s everything.

Here, Cochet excels at the push pull between King and Leo. It’s fun funny poignant and sexy. Toss in the usual action and suspense along with a good dose of smex, and this group of guys led by King, showcase just how their friendship is the best type of family there is.

A perfect conclusion to this set of four stories - I look forward to seeing more with the soon to come spinoff!


Original Series - Four Kings Security
0.5. Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts - 2.5 Stars
1. Love in Spades - 3.5 Stars
1.5. Ante Up - 4 Stars
2. Be Still My Heart - 3 Stars
3. Join the Club - 3.5 Stars
4. Diamond in the Rough - 4 Stars
4.5. In the Cards - 3.5 Stars

The Kings: Wild Cards
1. Stacking the Deck - 3.5 Stars
2. Raising the Ante - 3 Stars
3. Sleight of Hand - 3.5 Stars

The Kings: A Treemendous
1. Not So Silent Night - 3.5 Stars
2. Sleigh It Ain’t So - 3.5 Stars
3. Home for the Howlidays - 4 Stars
4. Rebel Without a Claus - 4 Stars

evethingiread's review against another edition

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4.0

The couple is adorable. But I am finding that characters like Leo and laz from the 2nd book in the series are not my kinda guy. They always come off annoying for some reason! It was too bad here, I loved seeing king finally get his peace

kirbyj_'s review against another edition

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5.0

i think leo was the only possible love interest for ward, he needed someone his opposite, someone to support and love and to support and love him in return.

wisecraic's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition

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5.0

Was this one my favorite? Can I pick a favorite? I don't think I can, honestly. Leo is amazing. The wild circling thoughts and complete zoning? I feel seen. King is a sweetheart. He's the ultimate teddy bear/attack dog. I adore this family of nutballs. I'm going to be so sad when I run out of books (lies. I'll just gleefully reread them).

re-read: leo. is. the. best.

re-re-read: I stand by my words, Leo is the best.

bronwynheeley's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars. I figured out who the ‘bad guy’ was about a quarter of the way through the book and it didn’t change tho at least Leo was a fun guy to read about. I also found it a bit glitchy, maybe because of the time period the story was set in. I did like seeing more of Jack and Jocker but hated that we got them meant Colton and Mace got sunned but like 2 lines. It is what it is big cast are hard to handle and we need to be motivated to read more in this world .... I guess i was already there by book 2 but whatever. I enjoyed it greatly, tho it is my least far of the quartet

ofbooksandromance's review against another edition

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5.0

This was perfect, exactly what I needed and wanted from these two together. They are so made for each other. I adored this story. So damn much.

kady_cordova's review against another edition

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5.0

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 4
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 5

O.M.G. King and Leo are FANTASTIC!!

I can’t praise this book enough!!! We finally get to learn all about King and get to know all that is under that gruff exterior! Now Leo…My new favorite book character ever!!! Leo is wicked smart, unknowingly sassy, adorkably sweet and just plain loveable. I love his brain, it that weird LOL. His quirks, sass, and smarts make for an incredible and hilarious read. I will admit to laughing out loud, in public!

King’s surprising connection to Leo is so heartwarming (and somewhat deeper and more unique than originally thought) and we are able to learn more about what all the Kings went through and even a little of why. This is a fantastic ‘conclusion’ to the quartet. Charlie definitely saved the best for last!

This book is the funniest of the lot and has all your favorite characters and couples I just loved the way everyone accepted Leo into the family. He is just so wonderful and I loved that he was never scared of King and really kept King on his toes. The story includes the same awesome action and thrill you come to expect of Ms. Cochet and I loved King’s fierce protectiveness out there on full display.

If you haven’t read this series YOU NEED TOO. I can’t recommend them all enough but King and Leo are definitely my new favs!!!

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