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ladydewinter's review
3.0
I'm pretty much just listening because of Greg Boudreaux and the soap opera-ness of this. Omg the plot is ridiculous and what's left is mostly sex and banter. But yeah. Onwards to book three.
suzy76's review
3.0
3.5 stars
This is turning into a solid, fun, Magnum PI-esque romp of a series. That epilogue has me jonesing for Lucky & Mason!
This is turning into a solid, fun, Magnum PI-esque romp of a series. That epilogue has me jonesing for Lucky & Mason!
mrx99's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-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
4.25
Only at book two and I’m so in love with this series. Not only because the story is good and exciting with absolutely loveable characters but also because the characters are so diverse in ethnicity, sexuality and metal health. Not a lot of authors have diverse characters. This book is so inclusive without trying too hard
haletostilinski1's review
5.0
4.5 stars!
This was really good! I was excited to delve into Red and Laz's story after their introduction in the first book.
Red is still recovering from being shot, so he still isn't back to work with King's Security quite yet. He hasn't seen Laz in months since he left Red's bedside when his best friends/brothers showed up, because Laz thought he was being a burden.
Laz, just getting out of an abusive relationship with Bryan, has some shit to go through in this book, and Red continues to - and always will - deal with his PTSD. But together Laz and Red are sweet and adorable - and also, really hot and sexy and passionate together ;)
When Ace meddles as Ace does, Red and Laz see each other again, only Laz gets shot at, and it's clear that someone is trying to kill him. This isn't like with Colton and Ace where Ace was Colton's bodyguard, because Red still isn't back at work and Mason - Ace's ex from book one - takes over the case, and in the mean time Red is staying with Laz at Colton's (and now Ace's) house while Colton is on a business trip.
There was a bump in the road for these two, but I liked that it made sense -. Ultimately I felt Laz was more in the wrong, even though I understood his insecurities and jumping to conclusions. Still didn't make it right, and I would have liked a longer conversation about it with these two, but what we did get was good. Still, a follow up conversation would have been good, I think.
At least from that, they learned from their mistakes and their relationship could become stronger. They got through their first fight, yay!
I totally started to suspect who the person was wanted Laz dead pretty soon and I was totally right! I kneww ittt. Sometimes people do the craziest things for the craziest reasons...
Overall this was fun and enjoyable - a little slow going for me at first, but not too bad - and Red and Laz are two sweethearts who are even bigger sweethearts together, although, like Red says, Laz is a minx in the bedroom ;)
Also, we got a set up for our next couple - Lucky and Mason. I wasn't expecting it but I am HERE for it, mmkay. Also, I call it now that Gio, Laz's brother, will be King's love interest. If not I will be shocked lol.
I'm really enjoying this series, so much. Can't wait for more! :D
This was really good! I was excited to delve into Red and Laz's story after their introduction in the first book.
Red is still recovering from being shot, so he still isn't back to work with King's Security quite yet. He hasn't seen Laz in months since he left Red's bedside when his best friends/brothers showed up, because Laz thought he was being a burden.
Laz, just getting out of an abusive relationship with Bryan, has some shit to go through in this book, and Red continues to - and always will - deal with his PTSD. But together Laz and Red are sweet and adorable - and also, really hot and sexy and passionate together ;)
When Ace meddles as Ace does, Red and Laz see each other again, only Laz gets shot at, and it's clear that someone is trying to kill him. This isn't like with Colton and Ace where Ace was Colton's bodyguard, because Red still isn't back at work and Mason - Ace's ex from book one - takes over the case, and in the mean time Red is staying with Laz at Colton's (and now Ace's) house while Colton is on a business trip.
There was a bump in the road for these two, but I liked that it made sense -
Spoiler
Red didn't talk to Laz yet about his fears and that he went to see his therapist because he was afraid of scaring Laz away with his PTSD problems, as it did with his ex, and Laz, having recently gone through a cheating ex, lets his insecurities get the best of him and assume the worst, and he doesn't talk to Red about itAt least from that, they learned from their mistakes and their relationship could become stronger. They got through their first fight, yay!
I totally started to suspect who the person was wanted Laz dead pretty soon and I was totally right! I kneww ittt. Sometimes people do the craziest things for the craziest reasons...
Overall this was fun and enjoyable - a little slow going for me at first, but not too bad - and Red and Laz are two sweethearts who are even bigger sweethearts together, although, like Red says, Laz is a minx in the bedroom ;)
Also, we got a set up for our next couple - Lucky and Mason. I wasn't expecting it but I am HERE for it, mmkay. Also, I call it now that Gio, Laz's brother, will be King's love interest. If not I will be shocked lol.
I'm really enjoying this series, so much. Can't wait for more! :D
_isabel_'s review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
3.75
Charlie Cochet does it again: I managed to read this in half a day and I do not regret a thing.
"Be Still My Heart" was a smoother read than the first book, the writing style a bit less mechanical, but I think I prefered the previous novel. I loved both Red and Laz, they were so damn cute, but my heart has a soft spot for Ace and seeing him and Colton together here just made me love them even more.
I did love this second book though: it had lots of drama, lots of tough conversations about trust and recovery, about needing help and feeling inadequate. Both Red and Laz have gone through their fair share of pain and trauma, and at the end of the book I just felt so damn proud of them. I also loved that we get to see a bit more of the Kings' huge found family. My personal favourites are Ace (OBVIOUSLY, he's got such a Dex personality that I cannot not love him), Bibi and Nash (I was crying from laughter at some of their scenes) and Lucky, the most intriguing of them all: I already know he's going to destroy my sanity, especially considering his explosive chemistry with Mason. I'm so looking forward to starting their story.
"Be Still My Heart" was a smoother read than the first book, the writing style a bit less mechanical, but I think I prefered the previous novel. I loved both Red and Laz, they were so damn cute, but my heart has a soft spot for Ace and seeing him and Colton together here just made me love them even more.
I did love this second book though: it had lots of drama, lots of tough conversations about trust and recovery, about needing help and feeling inadequate. Both Red and Laz have gone through their fair share of pain and trauma, and at the end of the book I just felt so damn proud of them. I also loved that we get to see a bit more of the Kings' huge found family. My personal favourites are Ace (OBVIOUSLY, he's got such a Dex personality that I cannot not love him), Bibi and Nash (I was crying from laughter at some of their scenes) and Lucky, the most intriguing of them all: I already know he's going to destroy my sanity, especially considering his explosive chemistry with Mason. I'm so looking forward to starting their story.
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Sexual assault
ktomp17's review
5.0
We saw some lovely attraction and tension between Red and Laz in [b:Love in Spades|39920487|Love in Spades (Four Kings Security, #1)|Charlie Cochet|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1524437219s/39920487.jpg|61615476], and I am so glad to see that it starts off present in this book as well. Of course, there is some meddling by Ace, but that makes it more awesome. Red is not working for Laz, so it definitely helps that there isn't the stress to make King blow his top (haha). I loved getting to know Red more and seeing him fight the nightmares/deal with PTSD with Laz by his side.
The mystery/story line in this book is carryover from something that happened in the first book when we met Laz, so it was nice to see that the story followed through. I picked out who the baddie was fairly early on, but I thought it was written well. I am continuing to love this series, and I can't wait for Lucky's book. I'm hoping for a Lucky/Mason story, because their tension has been out of control awesome since the beginning.
***edited to add review of the audio book***
The story is amazing, and overall the audio book was enjoyable, but I much preferred reading it. There were times I felt like there was not enough variation in some of the voices, and it didn't grab me as much as some other books I have listened to. That said, though, it was still really enjoyable. The story was just as amazing on a re-read/listen than it was the first time around.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
The mystery/story line in this book is carryover from something that happened in the first book when we met Laz, so it was nice to see that the story followed through. I picked out who the baddie was fairly early on, but I thought it was written well. I am continuing to love this series, and I can't wait for Lucky's book. I'm hoping for a Lucky/Mason story, because their tension has been out of control awesome since the beginning.
***edited to add review of the audio book***
The story is amazing, and overall the audio book was enjoyable, but I much preferred reading it. There were times I felt like there was not enough variation in some of the voices, and it didn't grab me as much as some other books I have listened to. That said, though, it was still really enjoyable. The story was just as amazing on a re-read/listen than it was the first time around.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
claudia_is_reading's review
3.0
Red and Lazarus meet in the first book when Red came to his rescue after his asshat ex-boyfriend push him and he fall in the pool after hitting his head in a pool's border at Colton's party. And there was a nice hurt/comfort scene at the end of the first book when Red gets shot while protecting Colton. But after that, they had no contact, until Ace interferes because that's Ace for you.
Anyway, they didn't manage to go through their first date when there is a shoot-out, and of course, Laz is the intended victim. And Red is more than ready to go into full protective mode and assure himself that Laz will no come to harm. That they could use the closeness to explore the sparks that are between them is just a bonus.
Good beginning, isn't it? But... somehow it's not as good as it could have been. Don't get me wrong, it's fun and steamy, and the mystery part is well done, but... Red and Laz didn't grab my attention. And I think their misunderstanding, although logical considering from where these guys are coming, wasn't very well done.
But I enjoyed the story, and I'm totally in love with Greg Boudreaux's narration, which is mind-blowing. So yes, I'll keep listening to these stories. I want to know how the other Kings find love :P
Anyway, they didn't manage to go through their first date when there is a shoot-out, and of course, Laz is the intended victim. And Red is more than ready to go into full protective mode and assure himself that Laz will no come to harm. That they could use the closeness to explore the sparks that are between them is just a bonus.
Good beginning, isn't it? But... somehow it's not as good as it could have been. Don't get me wrong, it's fun and steamy, and the mystery part is well done, but... Red and Laz didn't grab my attention. And I think their misunderstanding, although logical considering from where these guys are coming, wasn't very well done.
But I enjoyed the story, and I'm totally in love with Greg Boudreaux's narration, which is mind-blowing. So yes, I'll keep listening to these stories. I want to know how the other Kings find love :P
ticktock's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
isalaur's review
3.0
Big fan of this author but this one just didn’t do it for me
I’ll start by saying I love Charlie Cochet and normally find her writing and storylines well thought out and well executed. This one just didn’t live up to the high bar she’s created for herself.
I love Red and his character is very well done. His story is poignant and his character’s reactions to things heart wrenching. He’s a guy you know you would love to have as a friend. Lazy however just didn’t work for me. I found him whiny, shallow and annoying. I just couldn’t root for the, as a couple because I so frequently wanted to smack Laz.
The villain becomes obvious pretty quickly so you can see the crisis point coming. The steps to get to the crisis point are so ridiculous and actions so out of character for what has already been established in the story that it feels very contrived. Additionally the rationale for the villian’s action make no sense as the stated reason for the actions would result in exactly what they were supposedly trying to avoid by taking the actions.
One big positive in the writing here...this is the second book in the series and several things hinge on book one. But it’s been a while since book one came out so it’s likely readers won’t remember specifics. Cochet does a great job weaving reminders of key points from book one into this storyline to refresh the reader’s memory without regurgitating the previous book and without it dulling this book or looking repetitive. One of the best examples of an author working this that I’ve seen.
I’ll start by saying I love Charlie Cochet and normally find her writing and storylines well thought out and well executed. This one just didn’t live up to the high bar she’s created for herself.
I love Red and his character is very well done. His story is poignant and his character’s reactions to things heart wrenching. He’s a guy you know you would love to have as a friend. Lazy however just didn’t work for me. I found him whiny, shallow and annoying. I just couldn’t root for the, as a couple because I so frequently wanted to smack Laz.
The villain becomes obvious pretty quickly so you can see the crisis point coming. The steps to get to the crisis point are so ridiculous and actions so out of character for what has already been established in the story that it feels very contrived. Additionally the rationale for the villian’s action make no sense as the stated reason for the actions would result in exactly what they were supposedly trying to avoid by taking the actions.
One big positive in the writing here...this is the second book in the series and several things hinge on book one. But it’s been a while since book one came out so it’s likely readers won’t remember specifics. Cochet does a great job weaving reminders of key points from book one into this storyline to refresh the reader’s memory without regurgitating the previous book and without it dulling this book or looking repetitive. One of the best examples of an author working this that I’ve seen.
cadiva's review
4.0
Another quality addition to the series
This is another great romance in the Four Kings series, focusing on former medic sergeant Red and fashion photographer Laz.
It was a lot less angsty than I was expecting from the blurb and Red's PTSD didn't play as big a part as I thought it would. The majority of the story plays out as a bit of a romantic suspense when someone tries to shoot Laz at a photo shoot.
I also have to say, of all the scenarios I was envisioning, the actual villain didn't come on my radar until almost just before the big denouement, so bravo Charlie for that.
The book's sexy as sin, of course, and Laz surprises himself with just how much he wants to get filthy with Red. There's a wee bit of dramady, understandably to do with trust issues, but it didn't feel overblown.
Now, bring on Lucky and Mason!
This is another great romance in the Four Kings series, focusing on former medic sergeant Red and fashion photographer Laz.
It was a lot less angsty than I was expecting from the blurb and Red's PTSD didn't play as big a part as I thought it would. The majority of the story plays out as a bit of a romantic suspense when someone tries to shoot Laz at a photo shoot.
I also have to say, of all the scenarios I was envisioning, the actual villain didn't come on my radar until almost just before the big denouement, so bravo Charlie for that.
The book's sexy as sin, of course, and Laz surprises himself with just how much he wants to get filthy with Red. There's a wee bit of dramady, understandably to do with trust issues, but it didn't feel overblown.
Now, bring on Lucky and Mason!