What do you think?
Rate this book
THIRDS #9
Darkest Hour Before Dawn
THIRDS Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs and Chief Medical Examiner Hudson Colbourn are as much in love now as they were nearly seven years ago when a tragic event on the job destroyed their relationship. The two drift together only to be pulled apart time and time again. When Hudson draws the interest of dangerous enemies, both within and outside the organization, Seb wants nothing more than to protect the man who still means everything to him.
As life and death events, an uncertain future, and startling truths draw Hudson and Seb to each other yet again, they must make a choice: trust their love and take strength from what they share, or lose what matters most for good this time.
As life and death events, an uncertain future, and startling truths draw Hudson and Seb to each other yet again, they must make a choice: trust their love and take strength from what they share, or lose what matters most for good this time.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2017
219 people are currently reading
1167 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Cochet
122 books3,542 followersStep into a world of romance, humor, and heart-pounding action with Charlie Cochet, the international bestselling author behind the captivating THIRDS series. Embrace a fusion of Cuban flair and American charm as you dive into her stories with unforgettable characters and a dash of delightful mayhem.
Fueled by a love for classic rock and Cuban lattes, Charlie resides in Central Florida with her rascally Doxiepoo and a very opinionated German Shepherd. When she isn’t writing, she’s losing herself in a whirlwind of books and movies.
Charlie’s stories will stir your imagination and ignite your passion. So grab your favorite coffee, turn up the music, and prepare for your next adventure.
Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
Patreon: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Join Charlie's FB fan group
Fueled by a love for classic rock and Cuban lattes, Charlie resides in Central Florida with her rascally Doxiepoo and a very opinionated German Shepherd. When she isn’t writing, she’s losing herself in a whirlwind of books and movies.
Charlie’s stories will stir your imagination and ignite your passion. So grab your favorite coffee, turn up the music, and prepare for your next adventure.
Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
Patreon: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Join Charlie's FB fan group
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 554 reviews
July 26, 2023
re-listen July 2023
Hudson & Seb, my babies! 🥺❤️ Love their second-chance so so much.
Mark Westfield’s ways of narrating are still not really the yellow from the egg (fab German saying) but I grew so very fond of it that I still find it adorable, even if it’s not a very good performance. *lol
4.5***** stars
What the heck… this was awesome!! I feared a little for this story bc I was a bit disappointed with the two other "takeovers" before in the series.
But this second chance for Seb & Hudson did not. I was a little sad that their love story was told so straight forward. Usually you get some kind of flashbacks or background about how a couple fell in love the first time but here we only got one real flashback and that was from the day their relationship broke down what was ultimately followed by 7 years of suffering the loss for the both of them. So in the end we got nothing from their beginning and only little from how happy they were before.
However, I loved their story regardless. And I believe we get a bit of that in THIRDS Beyond the Books: Volume 1. I’m very excited for this collection of short stories about all the beloved THIRD characters.
Hudson is a wolf Therian and I loved all the references to his wolfish behavior. What made Seb’s and Hudson’s story even more intense from the beginning was not only that they loved each other once and still did but that they were bonded mates. Hudson was marked by Seb and that tied them and their Therians together for forever. They could feel each other and being apart was literally painful for both of them.
My heart *sob
After his family abandoned him Hudson was more or less on his own so it was so wonderful to see that the Hobbs family welcomed him right away and loved him like his own family never did. This family is so special *sniff
Besides the romance in this episode was once again totally captivating. And omg the reveal near the end?!?!?! I had my suspicion but seeing it actually confirmed? *squeal Hell yessss!!! So yeah, I’m very happy how this episode turned out. ♡
[fyi: Sebastian Hobbs (tiger Therian, Ethan’s big brother) is a THIRD agent and team leader for Theta Destructive. Hudson (wolf Therian) is the chief medical examiner for Sloane’s team Delta Destructive. They are bonded mates and both work for The THIRDS HQ in New York]
************
THIRDS Series:
Book #1 - Hell & High Water - 4.25 stars
Book #2 - Blood & Thunder - 4.5 stars
Book #3 - Rack & Ruin - 4.5 stars
Book #4 - Rise & Fall - 4.5 stars
Book #5 - Against the Grain - 4 stars
Book #6 - Catch a Tiger by the Tail - 4.25 stars
Book #7 - Smoke & Mirrors 4.75 stars
Book #8 - Thick & Thin (novella) - 4.25 stars
Book #9 - Darkest Hour Before Dawn - 4.5 stars
Book #9.5 - Gummy Bears & Grenades (novella) - 4.5 stars
Book #10 - Tried & True - 4.75 stars
Hudson & Seb, my babies! 🥺❤️ Love their second-chance so so much.
“I would very much like to come home, Sebastian.” […] “If you’ll have me.” Hudson’s face crumpled. “Please. I want to come home.”
Mark Westfield’s ways of narrating are still not really the yellow from the egg (fab German saying) but I grew so very fond of it that I still find it adorable, even if it’s not a very good performance. *lol
4.5***** stars
What the heck… this was awesome!! I feared a little for this story bc I was a bit disappointed with the two other "takeovers" before in the series.
But this second chance for Seb & Hudson did not. I was a little sad that their love story was told so straight forward. Usually you get some kind of flashbacks or background about how a couple fell in love the first time but here we only got one real flashback and that was from the day their relationship broke down what was ultimately followed by 7 years of suffering the loss for the both of them. So in the end we got nothing from their beginning and only little from how happy they were before.
However, I loved their story regardless. And I believe we get a bit of that in THIRDS Beyond the Books: Volume 1. I’m very excited for this collection of short stories about all the beloved THIRD characters.
You’re his home, Hudson. He’s been lost since you left, and I don’t want to see him in pain anymore. He deserves to be happy, and that’ll never happen without you. He needs you. […]
We are your pack, Hudson.
Hudson is a wolf Therian and I loved all the references to his wolfish behavior. What made Seb’s and Hudson’s story even more intense from the beginning was not only that they loved each other once and still did but that they were bonded mates. Hudson was marked by Seb and that tied them and their Therians together for forever. They could feel each other and being apart was literally painful for both of them.
His body shook, and the back of his shoulder burned. It wasn’t just his pain he was feeling; it was Hudson’s. It was excruciating, like his insides were trying to tear him apart. His inner Felid woke with a roar, threatening to come to the surface. […] and if it hadn’t been so late at night, he wouldn’t have heard it. The mournful howl shook him down to his soul, and there was nothing he could do about it. Inside him, his Felid half answered his mate’s call with a roar of its own, one so fierce and raw that it tore through Seb’s mouth, an unhuman cry echoing through the empty street.
My heart *sob
After his family abandoned him Hudson was more or less on his own so it was so wonderful to see that the Hobbs family welcomed him right away and loved him like his own family never did. This family is so special *sniff
Besides the romance in this episode was once again totally captivating. And omg the reveal near the end?!?!?! I had my suspicion but seeing it actually confirmed? *squeal Hell yessss!!! So yeah, I’m very happy how this episode turned out. ♡
[fyi: Sebastian Hobbs (tiger Therian, Ethan’s big brother) is a THIRD agent and team leader for Theta Destructive. Hudson (wolf Therian) is the chief medical examiner for Sloane’s team Delta Destructive. They are bonded mates and both work for The THIRDS HQ in New York]
************
THIRDS Series:
Book #1 - Hell & High Water - 4.25 stars
Book #2 - Blood & Thunder - 4.5 stars
Book #3 - Rack & Ruin - 4.5 stars
Book #4 - Rise & Fall - 4.5 stars
Book #5 - Against the Grain - 4 stars
Book #6 - Catch a Tiger by the Tail - 4.25 stars
Book #7 - Smoke & Mirrors 4.75 stars
Book #8 - Thick & Thin (novella) - 4.25 stars
Book #9 - Darkest Hour Before Dawn - 4.5 stars
Book #9.5 - Gummy Bears & Grenades (novella) - 4.5 stars
Book #10 - Tried & True - 4.75 stars
April 26, 2017
I have had a little crush on Hudson ever since he was introduced in the series. What can I say...as much as I love the big Alpha's....a hot nerd with a Brittish accent gets me all hot and bothered :P
So to say I was excited about this book is putting it mildly. Thankfully this book met all my high expectations.
This book gives us the inside scoop of Hudson and Seb's past together. After a freaky accident on the job they have been apart for 7 miserable years....both pining after one another.
Now that Hudson seems to be in danger, Seb is done with giving Hudson space and distance. He wants to protect Hudson and he wants his mate back, but convincing Hudson is not so easy, since the man can't seem to let go of the guilt he is still carrying around.
It takes some time for Hudson to pull his head out of his ass, but of course he can't deny his mate either. An who would have thought these boys had such dirty mouths/minds on them, I was very pleasantly surprised....
I absolutely loved the background story about "Wolf" and I really hope we will get a lot more of him in the books to come. And catching up with all Thirds members, especially Dex, is always a blast !!
Can't wait for the next one .... bring it on !!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
March 26, 2017
I have been looking forward to Seb and Hudson's story for AGES. And it is finally here! As with all of the THIRDS novels, a lot happens in Darkest Hour Before Dawn. These books don't really stand on their own, so if you haven't read any of them - start with Hell & High Water. Also - and this is one of my favorite things about the series - these books don't take themselves too seriously. Are they remotely realistic? No. And I don't say that just because we're talking shifters here. These big, badass guys don't really act like I would expect big, badass guys to act. But I love them. Every single one of them.
Sebastian Hobbs and Dr. Hudson Colbourn have a history. And that history came crashing down on them seven years ago. Back then, they were breaking the fraternization rules by dating, and the mate bond that formed when Seb marked Hudson made things even more volatile because that bond will make them go to great lengths to protect their mate. Well, seven years ago, that instinct resulted in the death of a civilian boy and that event tore them apart. Hudson wouldn't let himself get past the guilt and he held tight to it from that day on, while Seb pined for his mate. Seven years. And for those seven years, no matter how much Hudson rejected the idea of them getting back together, he was hurting, too. And hurting Seb in the process.
In the last couple books, as things with rogue factions have heated up, upping the danger that all of them are constantly in, Seb and Hudson have taken to spending time together, with Hudson under Seb's protection. Old feelings are still going strong and if - only if - Hudson would let go of his stubbornness, he and Seb might have a chance at some happy.
Over the last 8 books, we have gotten to know the Hobbs family pretty well. Seb and both his brothers are with THIRDS and they are pretty protective of each other. Especially Seb and Ethan. But we haven't known much about Hudson's history. He's British, he comes from money and he's a wolf Therian. A wolf without a pack, because his family rejected him when he refused to tow the line. So Hudson, while being the Chief Medical Examiner for THIRDS, was still alone. Until Seb and his family took him in as part of their family. But for seven years, Hudson has stayed away.
The more I learned about their previous relationship and the seven years that followed their break-up, the more I questioned whether Hudson actually deserved a second chance. The event that caused their separation was certainly not his fault. But the seven years that followed, with Hudson being so stubborn in denying, not only his own happiness, but Seb's as well, while giving mixed signals left and right, I'm surprised Seb didn't go insane. It was martyr behavior, for sure, and I'm never a fan of that. There were better ways the whole thing could have been handled, so, I'm not 100% forgiving here, even though I still am very happy they finally got back together (though they sure moved fast getting back to where they were!).
Aside from the martyr issue, I did have a niggle or 2.
I felt like the scene with Mrs. Palmer was completely unnecessary. It came out of the blue and the sole purpose for it was to make Hudson run from Seb - again. Seven years is a long time and Mrs. Palmer's blame is squarely on the wrong people.
And I am still really unsure about the whole TIN direction and how is is going to affect the THIRDS teams. Maybe I'll end up loving it. I certainly hope so.
The rest, though? Yeah, the rest is THIRDS brilliance and is exactly what I've come to expect from this series.
----------------------
ARC of Darkest Hour Before Dawn was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Sebastian Hobbs and Dr. Hudson Colbourn have a history. And that history came crashing down on them seven years ago. Back then, they were breaking the fraternization rules by dating, and the mate bond that formed when Seb marked Hudson made things even more volatile because that bond will make them go to great lengths to protect their mate. Well, seven years ago, that instinct resulted in the death of a civilian boy and that event tore them apart. Hudson wouldn't let himself get past the guilt and he held tight to it from that day on, while Seb pined for his mate. Seven years. And for those seven years, no matter how much Hudson rejected the idea of them getting back together, he was hurting, too. And hurting Seb in the process.
In the last couple books, as things with rogue factions have heated up, upping the danger that all of them are constantly in, Seb and Hudson have taken to spending time together, with Hudson under Seb's protection. Old feelings are still going strong and if - only if - Hudson would let go of his stubbornness, he and Seb might have a chance at some happy.
Over the last 8 books, we have gotten to know the Hobbs family pretty well. Seb and both his brothers are with THIRDS and they are pretty protective of each other. Especially Seb and Ethan. But we haven't known much about Hudson's history. He's British, he comes from money and he's a wolf Therian. A wolf without a pack, because his family rejected him when he refused to tow the line. So Hudson, while being the Chief Medical Examiner for THIRDS, was still alone. Until Seb and his family took him in as part of their family. But for seven years, Hudson has stayed away.
The more I learned about their previous relationship and the seven years that followed their break-up, the more I questioned whether Hudson actually deserved a second chance. The event that caused their separation was certainly not his fault. But the seven years that followed, with Hudson being so stubborn in denying, not only his own happiness, but Seb's as well, while giving mixed signals left and right, I'm surprised Seb didn't go insane. It was martyr behavior, for sure, and I'm never a fan of that. There were better ways the whole thing could have been handled, so, I'm not 100% forgiving here, even though I still am very happy they finally got back together (though they sure moved fast getting back to where they were!).
Aside from the martyr issue, I did have a niggle or 2.
I felt like the scene with Mrs. Palmer was completely unnecessary. It came out of the blue and the sole purpose for it was to make Hudson run from Seb - again. Seven years is a long time and Mrs. Palmer's blame is squarely on the wrong people.
And I am still really unsure about the whole TIN direction and how is is going to affect the THIRDS teams. Maybe I'll end up loving it. I certainly hope so.
The rest, though? Yeah, the rest is THIRDS brilliance and is exactly what I've come to expect from this series.
----------------------
ARC of Darkest Hour Before Dawn was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2022
Reread via Audiobook January 2022: Narration = ***1 Star*** for Hudson's voice and ***3 Stars*** for Seb
**********************
Original review May 2017:
***4 Stars***
Seb was as adorable as ever and I ❤️ him so much, but Hudson really tried my patience this time. Was he always such a dork? I wanted to whack him over the head with a 2x4 more than once, to put it mildly.
Although this was not my favorite in this series, I'm still not done with it yet. Quite the contrary, to be honest, because I cannot wait where Charlie Cochet will take us with the storyline. And Wolf is such a deliciously fucked up character, I'm dying to get to know more about him!!!
**********************
Original review May 2017:
***4 Stars***
Seb was as adorable as ever and I ❤️ him so much, but Hudson really tried my patience this time. Was he always such a dork? I wanted to whack him over the head with a 2x4 more than once, to put it mildly.
Although this was not my favorite in this series, I'm still not done with it yet. Quite the contrary, to be honest, because I cannot wait where Charlie Cochet will take us with the storyline. And Wolf is such a deliciously fucked up character, I'm dying to get to know more about him!!!
April 22, 2017
5 Stars -- From This THIRDS Nerd
Darkest Hour Before Dawn is book 9 in Charlie Cochet's award winning series, THIRDS. As a reviewer, I am late to the party when it comes to this series as I didn't read any of the books until February/March 2017. *hangs head in shame* - I am not sure Why I waited so long, but I am SO happy I finally read this series! I fell in love with these characters and this world that Ms. Cochet has created and I am officially a THIRDS nerd - Destructive Delta, Unit Alpha - Team Sexy Pants ALL THE WAY!
This is the book where we finally get the backstory of two long-standing characters, Sebastian Hobbs and Hudson Colbourn. It is a story filled with all sorts of emotion as you race to find out who the mysterious "Wolf" is, who is attacking our guys, and to see if Sebastian and Hudson will get their HEA. So get ready for an emotional ride!
In addition, we get to catch up with the rest of Destructive Delta and see what shenanigans Dex is up to as his and Sloane's life together keeps changing. I love seeing the tough Alpha Predators wrapped around the fingers of their mates and in this book we get to see plenty of that...
I refuse to give anything away about this story - all I can say is its another amazing installment to the series. Now I am so ready for the new TIN series and can't wait to see what our gang gets up to as they go International -
5 Stars and a high recommendation for this series!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
Darkest Hour Before Dawn is book 9 in Charlie Cochet's award winning series, THIRDS. As a reviewer, I am late to the party when it comes to this series as I didn't read any of the books until February/March 2017. *hangs head in shame* - I am not sure Why I waited so long, but I am SO happy I finally read this series! I fell in love with these characters and this world that Ms. Cochet has created and I am officially a THIRDS nerd - Destructive Delta, Unit Alpha - Team Sexy Pants ALL THE WAY!
This is the book where we finally get the backstory of two long-standing characters, Sebastian Hobbs and Hudson Colbourn. It is a story filled with all sorts of emotion as you race to find out who the mysterious "Wolf" is, who is attacking our guys, and to see if Sebastian and Hudson will get their HEA. So get ready for an emotional ride!
In addition, we get to catch up with the rest of Destructive Delta and see what shenanigans Dex is up to as his and Sloane's life together keeps changing. I love seeing the tough Alpha Predators wrapped around the fingers of their mates and in this book we get to see plenty of that...
I refuse to give anything away about this story - all I can say is its another amazing installment to the series. Now I am so ready for the new TIN series and can't wait to see what our gang gets up to as they go International -
5 Stars and a high recommendation for this series!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*Review Copy provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
June 11, 2019
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Wasted My Time, To Be Honest*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Book eight centers around Tiger Therian, Sebastian ‘Seb’ (Hobbs middle brother), Team Leader for Theta Destructive. He was once on Destructive Delta but was transferred after his relationship to Hudson ended in a breach of protocol and civilian loss and his marked mate Dr. Hudson ‘Lobito’ Colbourn, THIRDS chief medical examiner, and a Canis Lupus (wolf) Therian. After the devastating consequences of a dead child, Hudson broke things off with Seb. Now seven years later, Hudson is in danger and Sebastian is determined to protect the man he still loves just as much as before.
Long after Hudson drifted off to sleep, Seb lay awake. He was afraid of closing his eyes. What if he woke up to find this was all a wonderful dream?
As if sensing his fears, Hudson rolled over, cuddling up to Seb, his arm around Seb’s waist. He nuzzled Seb’s neck, lifting his face to place a kiss on Seb’s chin. Hudson’s words were quiet and laced with sleep when he spoke.
“Go to sleep, darling. I’m not going anywhere.”
Overall, the book wasn't really about the blurb; Hudson being in danger like I thought - sure he is in danger but that wasn't the center of the book. It was more about Hudson getting his head out of his ass and getting back with Seb. I have tried to understand why he put them through so much misery and pain, when it could all be fixed so easily. I get the reason of their breaking up in the first place, I do, but staying apart when you love each other so deeply still doesn't make sense. So for me, the whole book was unnecessary and predictable. I started skimming pretty early as I just wanted to get through the book to start the next one, which is back to Sloane and Dex being the center again; just like I like it. Also, I don't like how . To be honest, I felt like the book was a wasted time and so predictable, and it should honestly had been a shorter novel instead of a full length book in the series...
“I’m so happy for you both,” Hudson said as he pulled away. Dex wiped a tear from his eye before playfully punching him in the shoulder.
“Stop it. You’re going to shatter the illusion of what is otherwise an exceptionally cool and composed agent of awesomeness.”
Hudson gave him a sly grin. “This from the man who just the other day screamed like a small child over a spider.”
“Your memory seems to be failing you, Doctor. It wasn’t a spider. It was a hairy, eight-legged mutant beast out to steal my soul right before it sucked my brain out through my nose. It was undoubtedly a minion of that goat hell-beast that attacked me last week.”
Hudson looked to Cael for verification of this hell-beast.
“It was a pygmy goat, and it was adorable,” Cael said, laughing at his brother’s stricken expression.
“It tried to kill me!”
Other Characters:
→ Dexter ‘Dex’ Justice Daley (38?)
→ Isaac Pearce, a Homicide Detective. His brother, Gabe, who had been a THIRDS agent and died a year ago; had been killed by a Therian informant. Though that proved to be a lie; Isaac had killed his own brother. Gabe used to be Sloane human partner. Sloane and Gabe were sleeping together. A year before Gabe died, it had gotten pretty serious. They’d been together four years. Got killed in book two.
→ Anthony ‘Tony’ ‘Sarge’ ‘Sergeant’ ‘Sir’ Maddock, Dex's adoptive father and a sergeant at the Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron (Destructive Delta) otherwise known as the THIRDS.
→ THIRDS Destructive Delta Agent Tech Expert, Cael Maddock (27?), Dex's adoptive little brother and a cheetah Therian. Rosa Santiago, his human partner and Destructive Delta's crisis negotiator and medic. Both Recon agents.
→ Ash Keeler, a lion Therian and Destructive Delta's entry tactics and CQC expert, and his human partner, Julietta ‘Letty’ Guerrera, their weapons expert. Ash's also Sloane's best friend. Ash and Cael finally got together in book five.
Ethan Hobbs (36), a Therian Tiger and Destructive Delta's sniper and his human partner and lover, Calvin ‘Cal’ Summers, their demolitions expert. Hobbs suffers from Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety.
→ Rafe (the oldest brother), Team Leader for Alpha Ambush and Tiger Therian, Hobbs’s big brother. We learned in book six that Rafe has gotten the Therian Acheron Syndrome as their father.
→ Dr. Nina Bishop, THIRDS Destructive Delta’s medical examiner and a human. Rafe and Nina are together.
→ Lieutenant Sonya Sparks, for THIRDS Unit Alpha and a Cougar Therian. Partner to human Tony. Sparks is part of TIN—Therian Intelligence Network; as an undercover operative . Sort of the Therian version of the CIA. They exist, but technically they don’t. Austen, the SSAs works for them.
→ Louis ‘Lou’ Huerta, Dex's ex-boyfriend of four years.
→ THIRDS Agent Ellis Taylor, Team Leader of Beta Ambush, and leopard Therian.
→ THIRDS Agent Levi Stone, Team Leader of Beta Pride, and white tiger Therian. Got arrested for being a mole inside the THIRDS and part of the Ikelos Coalition in book three.
→ Osmond Zachary ‘Zach’, Agent for Alpha Sleuth in Unit Beta and brown bear Therian. Has six brothers working for the THIRDS.
→ Bradley Darcy, bartender and owner of Bar Dekatria and Jaguar Therian.
→ Austen Payne (23? 24?), Squadron Specialist Agent (SSA) for Destructive Delta and a Cheetah Therian. Is a undercover freelance operative for TIN (Therian Intelligence Network).
→ Angel Reyes, Member of the Order. Former member of the gang Westward Creed.
→ Dr. Abraham Shultzon, was the head doctor during the First Gen Recruitment Program who was personally responsible for the wellbeing of the THIRDS’ First Gen Recruits. He was also responsible for the tests that were run on the Therian children. He was recently (book five) apprehended by TIN for creating an unsanctioned Therian mind control drug, and for kidnapping THIRDS Therian agents for unsanctioned project.
→ Arlo Keeler, Ash’s twin brother killed during the riots in the 1980s.
→ Beck Hogan, a Tiger Therian and leader of The Coalition. Dead: Fell to death.
→ Drew Collins, a Cougar Therian and a part of The Coalition; Hogan's new second-in-command. Dead: Ash snapped his neck..
→ Felipe Bautista, was Drew Collins’s boyfriend of ten years and a wolf Therian.
→ John Daley, Dexter J. Daley’s biological father. Anthony Maddock’s best friend, and partner at the HPF. Killed during a shootout in a movie theater during the riots. Human.
→ Gina Daley, Dexter J. Daley’s biological mother. Worked for the CDC in NYC. First to volunteer to work with Therians. Killed along with her husband during a shootout in a movie theater during the riots. Human.
→ Darla Summers, Calvin Summer’s mother. Human.
→ Thomas Hobbs (65), Ethan, Sebastian, and Rafe Hobbs’s father. Suffers from Therian Acheron Syndrome. Tiger Therian.
→ Julia Hobbs, Thomas Hobbs’s wife, and mother to Ethan, Sebastian, and Rafe Hobbs. Human.
→ Benedict Winters, THIRDS appointed psychologist.
→ Admiral Abbott Moros, Chief of Therian Defense. Tiger Therian.
→ Mr. ‘Wolf’ aka ‘Fang’ ‘Reaper’, a wolf Therian who called himself Mr. Wolf, but that’s just one of many aliases. He’s a freelance professional. One of the best. Former TIN operative turned rogue. Wolf became a freelance agent for hire after feeling he was betrayed by TIN, the organization that caused the death of his partner. .
→ Milena Stanek, Antiques acquisitions. Rosa’s girlfriend. Leopard Therian.
→ Dominic ‘Dom’ Palladino, Defense agent. Close Quarter Combat expert for Theta Destructive and Seb's human partner.
→ Angel Herrera, Defense agent. Pilot and BearCat driver for Theta Destructive. Human.
→ Theta Destructive team: Peyton (the largest Felid Therian in Unit Alpha), Brianna (cougar Therian), Lee (lion Therian), Zoey (tiger? Therian), Cat (human?).
→ Team Leader Trent Carson, a leopard Therian, on loan from Unit Alpha over at Philadelphia HQ. He's interested in transferring to our office and is Agent Taylor's temporary replacement (as the charge of Beta Ambush) as Taylor is on leave for an unknown period of time.
→ West Delray was a king cheetah Therian who worked Recon for Theta Destructive. Not only was he a very rare classification of Therian, he was stunning.
→ Alfie, Hudson's brother who died. He had only been a year older than Hudson. Hudson's the youngest, before him came Alfie, then Millie, Evelyn, Lewis, Theo, and George. All of them born wolf Therians. Emilia (both parents were infected with the virus and became Therians), their mother and Dr. Felix Colbourn, their father. Hudson's family comes from wealth. Old money passed down through generations; his great-grandfather was an earl or some something.
“Always yours, Lobito.”
“Always,” Hudson replied, turning his face to kiss Seb again. He smiled up at Seb and placed a hand to his cheek. “Forever isn’t long enough, darling.”
Seb took Hudson’s hand and placed it to his lips for a kiss. “Guess we’ll just have to make the most of every moment.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal
Series: - Series, Book Nine.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Dexter ‘Dex’ ‘Rookie’ J. Daley.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes, Sloane and Dex is awesome.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
April 30, 2019
I'm gutted. Totally gutted that poor Seb drew the short straw and got saddled with Hudson. OMG Hudson drove me absolutely crazy with his ridiculousness, which then got me annoyed at Seb for putting up with Hudson's push and pull drama-rama for YEARS. I get Seb couldn't just walk away with the whole mates thing which I usually love, but not in this case.
I have little tolerance for stupid and Hudson was just plain stupid. I also have little tolerance for doormats, and Seb is definitely a member of Doormats Anonymous, letting Hudson drag things out as long as he did. 🙄
Sad to say this wasn't a win for me.
2.5 stars
I have little tolerance for stupid and Hudson was just plain stupid. I also have little tolerance for doormats, and Seb is definitely a member of Doormats Anonymous, letting Hudson drag things out as long as he did. 🙄
Sad to say this wasn't a win for me.
2.5 stars
February 15, 2020
I adore this series - awesome characters that really bring great joy... Dex & Sloane, Ash & Cael and now Seb & Hudson. I was thrilled that these two got their own book. Seb was really lost, he loved his mate Hudson from afar after an incident 7 years earlier that caused Hudson to walk away and was simply left longing. He patiently waited and supported Hudson while he struggled to work through his issues. Poor Seb needed a medal for his patience and devotion. Hudson annoyed me in the way he treated Seb and he really needed a good foot up the ass ! Of course the THIRDS team were there to support both Seb & Hudson as the story unfolded. Some interesting twists that I won't give away ! If you enjoy this series, this book will make you smile ❤️
January 20, 2020
I'm not a fan of second chance romance stories so I hate that these two numbskulls lost 7 years of their HEA. However, the plot was full of action and suspense and I loved every minute of it. This is one of my favorite in the series.
May 5, 2017
4 Stars
The pieces and players have definitely been set in motion…
New challenges and enemies have surfaced, complicating the tenuous relationship between humans and Therians. This of course, results in some interesting and dangerous developments, which happen to bring Seb and Hudson together, despite them trying their best to move on. Seb and Hudson have been torturing themselves for years, as their guilt from a tragic accident has kept them apart, making them both quite miserable. What they should’ve realized ages ago is that a mate bond is not to be trifled with. I’m surprised they held out this long. *shakes head*
What I enjoyed the most was Seb (2nd best gentle giant of this series behind Ethan). I’ve not been shy regarding my huge affinity for this particular character type and for me, he just did my heart in over and over. Despite Hudson’s absolute frustrating reluctance to just be happy, I also liked how the whole “mates” dynamic was set up.
Once again, Cochet further propels the story in preparation for her new series, which is really these characters branching off into new adventures, dangers, and most assuredly crazy hijinks and shenanigans. I can hardly wait!
The pieces and players have definitely been set in motion…
New challenges and enemies have surfaced, complicating the tenuous relationship between humans and Therians. This of course, results in some interesting and dangerous developments, which happen to bring Seb and Hudson together, despite them trying their best to move on. Seb and Hudson have been torturing themselves for years, as their guilt from a tragic accident has kept them apart, making them both quite miserable. What they should’ve realized ages ago is that a mate bond is not to be trifled with. I’m surprised they held out this long. *shakes head*
What I enjoyed the most was Seb (2nd best gentle giant of this series behind Ethan). I’ve not been shy regarding my huge affinity for this particular character type and for me, he just did my heart in over and over. Despite Hudson’s absolute frustrating reluctance to just be happy, I also liked how the whole “mates” dynamic was set up.
Once again, Cochet further propels the story in preparation for her new series, which is really these characters branching off into new adventures, dangers, and most assuredly crazy hijinks and shenanigans. I can hardly wait!
January 10, 2024
Finally Seb & Hudson's book! Book 9 & the series is still really good, it hasnt felt dragged out or boring or anything. And the way this book ended has me so excited to keep reading!
January 9, 2022
3.5 Stars
I knew going into this one that I already had issues with Hudson’s reasons for staying away from his mate, Seb, for seven long-ass years. His rationalization, heavily based in his guilt of unchangeable past events, just didn’t fly with me. Call me unsympathetic, but regardless of the tragedy that occurred on Hudson and Seb’s watch, I just didn’t feel like it was their fault – sure things could have gone differently and lives (possibly, maybe) could have been saved had they been more vigilant, but to throw away an epic love just because Hudson felt bad for circumstances that were most certainly beyond his control, actually became a selfish and deeply hurtful act in my opinion, and not just to Seb, but to their family and friends alike.
So, yeah, Hudson and his self-righteous sook-fest really didn’t work for me and I knew I’d probably respond that way just from reading about their situation and backstory many books ago. Luckily, I adored Seb and his saintly patience and unwavering resolve to wait for Hudson to shake the stupid off. Once they got their shit together, I was happy as could be.
I wholeheartedly love the world in which the THIRDS stories are set. The wide and diverse cast of epic characters keeps me constantly entertained and begging for more. Plus, the recent developments that are now in play, regarding TIN and many of our beloved THIRDS characters, has me equally worried and excited for what’s to come.
I knew going into this one that I already had issues with Hudson’s reasons for staying away from his mate, Seb, for seven long-ass years. His rationalization, heavily based in his guilt of unchangeable past events, just didn’t fly with me. Call me unsympathetic, but regardless of the tragedy that occurred on Hudson and Seb’s watch, I just didn’t feel like it was their fault – sure things could have gone differently and lives (possibly, maybe) could have been saved had they been more vigilant, but to throw away an epic love just because Hudson felt bad for circumstances that were most certainly beyond his control, actually became a selfish and deeply hurtful act in my opinion, and not just to Seb, but to their family and friends alike.
So, yeah, Hudson and his self-righteous sook-fest really didn’t work for me and I knew I’d probably respond that way just from reading about their situation and backstory many books ago. Luckily, I adored Seb and his saintly patience and unwavering resolve to wait for Hudson to shake the stupid off. Once they got their shit together, I was happy as could be.
I wholeheartedly love the world in which the THIRDS stories are set. The wide and diverse cast of epic characters keeps me constantly entertained and begging for more. Plus, the recent developments that are now in play, regarding TIN and many of our beloved THIRDS characters, has me equally worried and excited for what’s to come.
April 25, 2017
4 .5stars
Oh Charlie, you don't know how close I was to parting ways with your series. I got so tired of Dex & Sloane taking over everyone's stories, tired of the cliffhangers and tired of the other couple playing side characters in their stories. I was just tired. It would have been sad for me, but I would have no other choice. Along the way, the series has gotten so big that at times I forgot who is who, and what is what.
But Ms. Cochet, you've redeemed yourself to me. Big time. I'm not an easy series reader to please, and this felt like one of the beginning books in the series. I really liked this. It was an actual story with no cliffhangers, the minimalist of Dex, and Seb & Hudson finally gets to tell their story.
A really big reveal comes into play. I mean, I kinda figured it out, but I definitely like the direction it went in. Hopefully this means Seb & Hudson gets to play a bigger role in this series as well as a potential spin-off series. I did forget the reason for the breakup, but I did like seeing an established couple work through their problems. Is was very up and down at one point, but I understand both points of views.
This is not a standalone, and reading the series helps a lot. We get to see the main characters in their everyday lives, and how well they are able to work to one another. I got a feeling that the series is almost over for some of these people, but its a couple of people that I'd like to see have a story or novella before we leave. Zachary first and foremost, didn't forget about him. Austen, Dom, and Alfie ;). Have to read the story to find out about that last name folks.
All in all, I think this was a really good story. Nice plot, decent amount of heat, passion, love, and angst. Yes it was a bit angsty in my opinion, but it had me sucked in from the very beginning. Charlie has redeemed herself in my eyes. Can't wait to see what's next for this crew.
So close.....
Oh Charlie, you don't know how close I was to parting ways with your series. I got so tired of Dex & Sloane taking over everyone's stories, tired of the cliffhangers and tired of the other couple playing side characters in their stories. I was just tired. It would have been sad for me, but I would have no other choice. Along the way, the series has gotten so big that at times I forgot who is who, and what is what.
But Ms. Cochet, you've redeemed yourself to me. Big time. I'm not an easy series reader to please, and this felt like one of the beginning books in the series. I really liked this. It was an actual story with no cliffhangers, the minimalist of Dex, and Seb & Hudson finally gets to tell their story.
A really big reveal comes into play. I mean, I kinda figured it out, but I definitely like the direction it went in. Hopefully this means Seb & Hudson gets to play a bigger role in this series as well as a potential spin-off series. I did forget the reason for the breakup, but I did like seeing an established couple work through their problems. Is was very up and down at one point, but I understand both points of views.
This is not a standalone, and reading the series helps a lot. We get to see the main characters in their everyday lives, and how well they are able to work to one another. I got a feeling that the series is almost over for some of these people, but its a couple of people that I'd like to see have a story or novella before we leave. Zachary first and foremost, didn't forget about him. Austen, Dom, and Alfie ;). Have to read the story to find out about that last name folks.
All in all, I think this was a really good story. Nice plot, decent amount of heat, passion, love, and angst. Yes it was a bit angsty in my opinion, but it had me sucked in from the very beginning. Charlie has redeemed herself in my eyes. Can't wait to see what's next for this crew.
April 24, 2017
4.5 Shifting Stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
Attention: THIRDS Nerds it's time to get your Hudson & Seb fix...
I was so excited to finally get to this one. Seb and Hudson have been floating around in the background since the very beginning of THIRDS and it's not secret that they have a history...a very strong history. So finally here we are at their story and in general I loved it.
I loved seeing more of Seb and...oops, here's where I ran into a surprise...I can't really say this was a problem because that would imply that it affected how much I enjoyed the story and ironically this didn't but I was surprised to find that part way through this I was a little less than enchanted with Hudson. Up until now I'd liked him but in 'Darkest Hour Before the Dawn' I felt like Hudson was being shown to us at times in a bit of a different light...he's got flaws. I mean really? Who knew? Hudson's not perfect and I have to say I was ok with this mostly because he did begin to see that the things that other people were telling him weren't meant to be cruel or mean but they were things that he needed to see about himself because like anyone he wasn't perfect and he wasn't always right. Seb had his flaws as well but thankfully when it came to Hudson patience wasn't one of them. I liked that by the end of it all both of these men were just like so many people. Not perfect just two men trying to do their best and be the best person they could for themselves and for each other.
There were so many questions answered in this story and of course some new ones arose as well. Once again along with giving us another couples story Ms Cochet has added on to the bridge that's taking us from what was and what is to what's will be. I'm honestly not sure how things are going to play out but with the addition of TIN and the things that have been revealed in this book I'm pretty sure it's going to be one hella' good ride.
As always the world of THIRDS is laced with humor and thank goodness for that. These guys deal with some seriously scary and messed up stuff in their day to day lives and if you can't find a reason to smile and laugh from time to time...well then, really what's the point? Life's too short to always look on the gloomy side you have to take your happiness where and when you find it.
I'm definitely anticipating all the things that are coming next for this amazing group. For me one of the best parts of any book in this series along with getting a new story that often involves a new couple is simply the fact that we get to see a bit of all the THIRDS family members and occasionally a new member or two gets added. I loved seeing more of Seb's parents and Rafe, Austen...one can never have too much Austen. I was intrigued by Austen from the word go and I admit every book since I look for whatever little glimpse of him that I can get...his stories coming but we've got a ways to go before we get to it, so in the meantime I live for whatever Austen moments I can find and Wolf. Yes, we did find out stuff about Wolf this time around and I have to admit it was some pretty important stuff but there's more I'm sure of it and last but not least Dom. I definitely want more Dom. Ok, all kidding aside I just want more THIRDS.
********************
An ARC of 'Darkest Before the Dawn' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Attention: THIRDS Nerds it's time to get your Hudson & Seb fix...
I was so excited to finally get to this one. Seb and Hudson have been floating around in the background since the very beginning of THIRDS and it's not secret that they have a history...a very strong history. So finally here we are at their story and in general I loved it.
I loved seeing more of Seb and...oops, here's where I ran into a surprise...I can't really say this was a problem because that would imply that it affected how much I enjoyed the story and ironically this didn't but I was surprised to find that part way through this I was a little less than enchanted with Hudson. Up until now I'd liked him but in 'Darkest Hour Before the Dawn' I felt like Hudson was being shown to us at times in a bit of a different light...he's got flaws. I mean really? Who knew? Hudson's not perfect and I have to say I was ok with this mostly because he did begin to see that the things that other people were telling him weren't meant to be cruel or mean but they were things that he needed to see about himself because like anyone he wasn't perfect and he wasn't always right. Seb had his flaws as well but thankfully when it came to Hudson patience wasn't one of them. I liked that by the end of it all both of these men were just like so many people. Not perfect just two men trying to do their best and be the best person they could for themselves and for each other.
There were so many questions answered in this story and of course some new ones arose as well. Once again along with giving us another couples story Ms Cochet has added on to the bridge that's taking us from what was and what is to what's will be. I'm honestly not sure how things are going to play out but with the addition of TIN and the things that have been revealed in this book I'm pretty sure it's going to be one hella' good ride.
As always the world of THIRDS is laced with humor and thank goodness for that. These guys deal with some seriously scary and messed up stuff in their day to day lives and if you can't find a reason to smile and laugh from time to time...well then, really what's the point? Life's too short to always look on the gloomy side you have to take your happiness where and when you find it.
I'm definitely anticipating all the things that are coming next for this amazing group. For me one of the best parts of any book in this series along with getting a new story that often involves a new couple is simply the fact that we get to see a bit of all the THIRDS family members and occasionally a new member or two gets added. I loved seeing more of Seb's parents and Rafe, Austen...one can never have too much Austen. I was intrigued by Austen from the word go and I admit every book since I look for whatever little glimpse of him that I can get...his stories coming but we've got a ways to go before we get to it, so in the meantime I live for whatever Austen moments I can find and Wolf. Yes, we did find out stuff about Wolf this time around and I have to admit it was some pretty important stuff but there's more I'm sure of it and last but not least Dom. I definitely want more Dom. Ok, all kidding aside I just want more THIRDS.
********************
An ARC of 'Darkest Before the Dawn' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2017
THIRDS Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Hudson Colbourn are mates, but haven't been together ever since a tragic accident in their past. Though they continue to gravitate to one another, Hudson won't let himself get past the guilt of the event that tore them apart, even though living apart from one another is physically draining and painful for them both.
Seb pines for his mate, but has done whatever Hudson wants, even if that included staying away from him for seven years. With circumstances surrounding their teams, and themselves, becoming more dangerous in the past few installments of the series, with some of that danger focusing on Hudson, Seb is no longer willing to stay away. When an enemy sends a warning that Hudson is in grave danger, Seb immediately volunteers to protect him.
Darkest Hour Before Dawn focuses on their feelings for each other, which cannot be denied, and putting aside the guilt of the past so they can move towards a future together. All while dodging bullets and bombs and dealing with unknowns who want to kill them.
I liked that there's lots of action here, and that the reader gets to see the story through both Seb and Hudson's points of view. There's a lot of information to process, and some ghosts from the past that continuously pop up to potentially harm or help their fledgling make-up relationship. But the action is solid, the feels are aplenty, and, once Hudson pulls his head out of his ass, the romance pretty darn dreamy.
I did have a few niggles that drove me crazy - specifically the martyrdom nonsense that Hudson kept falling back on and the absolutely unnecessary scene with Mrs. Palmer.
In all, I enjoyed this and continue to look forward to where Cochet will take the series next (hopefully back to Dex and Sloane's POV). This whole TIN business is making me quite nervous about the direction our boys are heading in.
P.S. I feel like Mark Westfield is going to have a field day with the narration! I'm very excited to hear the audiobook!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS #9) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
For my audiobook review click here.
Seb pines for his mate, but has done whatever Hudson wants, even if that included staying away from him for seven years. With circumstances surrounding their teams, and themselves, becoming more dangerous in the past few installments of the series, with some of that danger focusing on Hudson, Seb is no longer willing to stay away. When an enemy sends a warning that Hudson is in grave danger, Seb immediately volunteers to protect him.
Darkest Hour Before Dawn focuses on their feelings for each other, which cannot be denied, and putting aside the guilt of the past so they can move towards a future together. All while dodging bullets and bombs and dealing with unknowns who want to kill them.
I liked that there's lots of action here, and that the reader gets to see the story through both Seb and Hudson's points of view. There's a lot of information to process, and some ghosts from the past that continuously pop up to potentially harm or help their fledgling make-up relationship. But the action is solid, the feels are aplenty, and, once Hudson pulls his head out of his ass, the romance pretty darn dreamy.
I did have a few niggles that drove me crazy - specifically the martyrdom nonsense that Hudson kept falling back on and the absolutely unnecessary scene with Mrs. Palmer.
In all, I enjoyed this and continue to look forward to where Cochet will take the series next (hopefully back to Dex and Sloane's POV). This whole TIN business is making me quite nervous about the direction our boys are heading in.
P.S. I feel like Mark Westfield is going to have a field day with the narration! I'm very excited to hear the audiobook!
Advanced Review Galley copy of Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS #9) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
For my audiobook review click here.
June 27, 2019
** 4.75 stars **
I finally got to Seb and Hudson's story. I loved most of it. The chance to see more of Hobbs family was absolutely wonderful. At times Hudson was a tad annoying for going back and forth and making Seb suffer. But Hudson suffered as well both physically and in his heart.
Both men needed to change because Hudson finally listened to those around him and looked at how things were between them from others perspectives. He saw that love alone wouldn't be enough, and that some things would need to be different. I loved the sweet, quiet and passionate moments Seb and Hudson had. They were such darlings together.
This time I had a glimpse into THIRDS from a different angle. Hudson and Nina's department finally got some attention. And I really liked Nina. She is a wonderful friend who helped Hudson see things that he stubbornly refused to see. And in the end what a twist that was! I never saw it coming. Ms Cochet surprised me yet again. There were ups and downs, betrayal and anger, comfort and laughter - through all of that Sebastian and Hudson finally found the balance that was missing in their relationship. And this time they will make it work for sure. Another wonderful addition to the series!
I finally got to Seb and Hudson's story. I loved most of it. The chance to see more of Hobbs family was absolutely wonderful. At times Hudson was a tad annoying for going back and forth and making Seb suffer. But Hudson suffered as well both physically and in his heart.
Both men needed to change because Hudson finally listened to those around him and looked at how things were between them from others perspectives. He saw that love alone wouldn't be enough, and that some things would need to be different. I loved the sweet, quiet and passionate moments Seb and Hudson had. They were such darlings together.
This time I had a glimpse into THIRDS from a different angle. Hudson and Nina's department finally got some attention. And I really liked Nina. She is a wonderful friend who helped Hudson see things that he stubbornly refused to see. And in the end what a twist that was! I never saw it coming. Ms Cochet surprised me yet again. There were ups and downs, betrayal and anger, comfort and laughter - through all of that Sebastian and Hudson finally found the balance that was missing in their relationship. And this time they will make it work for sure. Another wonderful addition to the series!
June 18, 2017
This. Fucking. Book.
I both loved and hated it. And I don't think I've ever quite hated a book as much as loved a book as I do this one. The first half was more 3 stars for me, but then it got REALLY good, especially near the end, and was a 5 star read for me, so I averaged it out at 4 stars.
Why was the first half so frustrating for me? Because of Hudson. I think I have a complicated relationship with Hudson. Before he was just a nice British guy who went through a tragedy and was for reasons unknown keeping him and Seb apart. Yes, a tragedy happened, but it had been seven years by the end of the 8th book, and thats enough time to heal and move on, so I was mostly perplexed, thinking the only reason they weren't back together yet is because we hadn't gotten to their book. But since this book really went into what happened, and Hudson's thought process, I became more and more pissed off with him.
Look, I like Hudson, he's a strong person and a strong character. But I think I have more of a love/hate relationship with him - and not in the hot romantic way *wiggles eyebrows* - but more of a...I enjoy his character a lot throughout this book, but just as much of the time, he pissed me the fuck off. Nina rightly pointed out that that it wasn't about what had happened with the poor boy who died that day anymore, even though it definitely started out that way - but by now, it was about Hudson being so scared to try again he was keeping Seb at a distance, but not completely cutting ties with him at the same time.
THAT is what pissed me off so much. I completely understand a character being scared, I completely understand Hudson not wanting to go through that pain again, I DO. But for SEVEN YEARS he didn't completely cut off Seb, always kept hope for them even as he said "we can never happen again" because if that were true, he wouldn't have let himself be around Seb, wouldn't have let himself laugh with him, talk to him, get close to him, but he DID. But at the same time he continued to say no over and over again to Seb. He would say "we're over" but then get close to Seb again only to say it again. He kept Seb hopeful for them to get back together just so he could have hope himself, keeping them in a stasis - not completely giving him up but not keeping him either.
And I think, honestly, that's a cruel thing to do, and Hudson realized after it was pointed out to him that he was an asshole, yes, but even as he realized it, it took him longer than it should have for him to DO something about it.
Also, him getting angry at Seb appearing to move on and being all "well, I can too!" when the only reason they have to move on is him!!! One word from him and Seb would be back in his arms - hell, that IS what happens once Hudson pulls his head out of his ass and says he wants to "come home"!!! He says (okay, a few words ;)) and Seb isn't mad, he doesn't hold a grudge, NOTHING. Seven years of pain and heartache caused by Hudson and he doesn't hesitate. So it pissed me off that Hudson acted the way he did and then was all 'ExXUUSSEE MEEE?? HOW DAREEE???" when Seb got angry at him for trying to - obviously - make him jealous.
Also, that's another thing!! I adore Seb, he's one of the gentlest, one of the most kind, and good hearted people, but I felt like he was also like a doormat when it came to Hudson, and didn't have much of a backbone when it came to him. Even kind hearted, nice people can have a backbone, and the ONLY time he gets somewhat angry with Hudson is at Dekatria when Hudson deliberately tried to make him jealous. Even then, while he unleashed a little on Hudson, he didn't unleash like I wanted him to.
Look, I would get a separation after the thing with the boy had first happened, for a few months or a year even, taking time to get past the guilt from it, but seven years of it? After that much time - and not an actual definitive "it's over" to boot - I wouldn't only still be heartbroken, but really fucking angry.
I dunno, maybe it's just me, but as much as I want character to be happy and together and in love - believe me, I do - I also want them to face consequences for their actions! To have to WORK to be forgiven, to build that trust again, to fix things. Seb letting Hudson in and them having sex once Hudson figures out the obvious and comes back to Seb didn't make me happy - as hot as the sex was, and yes these two were the most exciting couple yet aside from Dex and Sloane (who are still my #1 always ;)) - it made me angry.
Not that Seb is completely blameless - because yes, he had a tendency to be way overprotective, and didn't listen to Hudson about not wanting Seb to go after whoever hurt him, that that isn't what he wanted.
But instead of ever telling Seb this, or fuck, Seb going to Hudson and telling him what he did wrong in their relationship, it wasn't discussed until after they got back together, and even then it wasn't as long a conversation as it needed to be. In fact, we never really got Seb thinking too long and hard on Hudson's faults - his faults were pointed out to him by Nina, not Seb himself.
Seb is a really good guy, but you can't be so moony-eyed over your partner that you ignore their faults or don't address them. And I felt like that's what we were going to get once they worked it out, Seb saying Hudson wasn't perfect and he needed to work on things like he did, but he still loved him, faults and all, anyway. No, Hudson said those things, and Seb said he'd work on it - which, good, but I wanted Seb to realize these things on his own as well. Ugh, it frustrated me way too much.
This book was the most frustrating of them all. Even Dex and Sloane, when they're having their problems, were never this frustrating and hair-pulling inducing. And I know every couple is different, but I'm just saying that this particular couple both made me happy and made me angry at the same time, and at times I did think they would be better off without each other, because of how Hudson treated Seb, and how little Seb cared about himself. Selfless is good to a point, but not when it becomes detrimental to yourself and your own well being.
Plus, there is a contrived moment when the mother of the boy killed just happens to run into Seb and Hudson in the store and goes off on them and that just makes Hudson run AGAIN and causes them another week of being apart, and after Hudson is hurt, he goes to Seb and Seb doesn't even think about being angry with Hudson for leaving, AGAIN, for the millionth time. I get that Hudson was hurt and I would never say Seb should have left him hurt, but he could have still helped him and not been so freaking..."everything is forgiven" in his attitude at the same time.
I don't know, maybe I'm a person who holds grudges easier than most, but way too many times I've read couples in books forgiving each other WAY too easily and I'm tired of it. I WANT the fighting and angst just as much as I want the happy and sweet. Work through your SHIT, my dudes, TALK about it.
I kept expecting Hudson and Seb to REALLY talk about their issues, like in depth, work on making their relationship stronger than it ever was before, but they DIDN'T. Yes, they talked, they didn't just ignore everything, but took their two largest faults in each other and decided to work on that, and I read no talk about everything else, about keeping their relationship a sustainable one.
I don't know, that's how it made me feel, anyway.
But then the second half came, when these two got back together. Once I got past my anger over HOW they got back together, I could enjoy them being back together. They are good together, and exciting, and very interesting, and aside from Sloane and Dex, I haven't been invested in another couple like these two. (although I'm itching for an Austen/Zach book)
Plus what happens at the end (I totally saw coming) but was still really exciting, and what happens with these two was adorable as fuck.
Without giving too much away, I'll just say that about 2/3 of the way into this I figured out the big surprise at the end so I was like "I KNEW IT!" when it was revealed.
So honestly, after this big, long winded rant, I will say that...I enjoyed Seb and Hudson a lot, and I'm really happy they got their happy ending. But I think this was all I needed from them - although I wish it could have gone differently so I wasn't so pissed at a lot of what happened in this book - and that even as this book pissed me off, it kept me invested, kept my emotions all over the place, and make no mistake, it also made me happy as well.
But these two were exhausting, as much as I loved them together, and now that they got their HEA, I'm fine with them being relegated back to secondary characters - I'll be happy to see them, and happy to see what happens next with them, but I'll be okay without the focus on them. I'm ready to go back to Dex and Sloane (they make me so so fucking happy) or ohhh, even have an Austen/Zach focused book.
So the middle/ending: very good, very exciting, very sweet and adorable, but the first half? a big pile of: *shakes fist at screen, shakes screen, screams at screen*
So, do with this review what you will. I still am giving it 4 stars because it was still well written, it still had the heart of what this series is, and I still enjoyed it over all, so don't be put off from reading it just because of how pissed I got, and hey, probably most people won't get as annoyed as I got, maybe some people don't mind characters not holding grudges for a bit, maybeeee.
But just know going into this you are likely to get annoyed with Hudson and Seb at the very least. But also expect to be happy for them at the same time. Its a very complicated relationship I ended up having with this book, to say the least.
(P.S. I got caught up on this series though!!! I'm so happy!! :D :D :D)
I both loved and hated it. And I don't think I've ever quite hated a book as much as loved a book as I do this one. The first half was more 3 stars for me, but then it got REALLY good, especially near the end, and was a 5 star read for me, so I averaged it out at 4 stars.
Why was the first half so frustrating for me? Because of Hudson. I think I have a complicated relationship with Hudson. Before he was just a nice British guy who went through a tragedy and was for reasons unknown keeping him and Seb apart. Yes, a tragedy happened, but it had been seven years by the end of the 8th book, and thats enough time to heal and move on, so I was mostly perplexed, thinking the only reason they weren't back together yet is because we hadn't gotten to their book. But since this book really went into what happened, and Hudson's thought process, I became more and more pissed off with him.
Look, I like Hudson, he's a strong person and a strong character. But I think I have more of a love/hate relationship with him - and not in the hot romantic way *wiggles eyebrows* - but more of a...I enjoy his character a lot throughout this book, but just as much of the time, he pissed me the fuck off. Nina rightly pointed out that that it wasn't about what had happened with the poor boy who died that day anymore, even though it definitely started out that way - but by now, it was about Hudson being so scared to try again he was keeping Seb at a distance, but not completely cutting ties with him at the same time.
THAT is what pissed me off so much. I completely understand a character being scared, I completely understand Hudson not wanting to go through that pain again, I DO. But for SEVEN YEARS he didn't completely cut off Seb, always kept hope for them even as he said "we can never happen again" because if that were true, he wouldn't have let himself be around Seb, wouldn't have let himself laugh with him, talk to him, get close to him, but he DID. But at the same time he continued to say no over and over again to Seb. He would say "we're over" but then get close to Seb again only to say it again. He kept Seb hopeful for them to get back together just so he could have hope himself, keeping them in a stasis - not completely giving him up but not keeping him either.
And I think, honestly, that's a cruel thing to do, and Hudson realized after it was pointed out to him that he was an asshole, yes, but even as he realized it, it took him longer than it should have for him to DO something about it.
Also, him getting angry at Seb appearing to move on and being all "well, I can too!" when the only reason they have to move on is him!!! One word from him and Seb would be back in his arms - hell, that IS what happens once Hudson pulls his head out of his ass and says he wants to "come home"!!! He says (okay, a few words ;)) and Seb isn't mad, he doesn't hold a grudge, NOTHING. Seven years of pain and heartache caused by Hudson and he doesn't hesitate. So it pissed me off that Hudson acted the way he did and then was all 'ExXUUSSEE MEEE?? HOW DAREEE???" when Seb got angry at him for trying to - obviously - make him jealous.
Also, that's another thing!! I adore Seb, he's one of the gentlest, one of the most kind, and good hearted people, but I felt like he was also like a doormat when it came to Hudson, and didn't have much of a backbone when it came to him. Even kind hearted, nice people can have a backbone, and the ONLY time he gets somewhat angry with Hudson is at Dekatria when Hudson deliberately tried to make him jealous. Even then, while he unleashed a little on Hudson, he didn't unleash like I wanted him to.
Look, I would get a separation after the thing with the boy had first happened, for a few months or a year even, taking time to get past the guilt from it, but seven years of it? After that much time - and not an actual definitive "it's over" to boot - I wouldn't only still be heartbroken, but really fucking angry.
I dunno, maybe it's just me, but as much as I want character to be happy and together and in love - believe me, I do - I also want them to face consequences for their actions! To have to WORK to be forgiven, to build that trust again, to fix things. Seb letting Hudson in and them having sex once Hudson figures out the obvious and comes back to Seb didn't make me happy - as hot as the sex was, and yes these two were the most exciting couple yet aside from Dex and Sloane (who are still my #1 always ;)) - it made me angry.
Not that Seb is completely blameless - because yes, he had a tendency to be way overprotective, and didn't listen to Hudson about not wanting Seb to go after whoever hurt him, that that isn't what he wanted.
But instead of ever telling Seb this, or fuck, Seb going to Hudson and telling him what he did wrong in their relationship, it wasn't discussed until after they got back together, and even then it wasn't as long a conversation as it needed to be. In fact, we never really got Seb thinking too long and hard on Hudson's faults - his faults were pointed out to him by Nina, not Seb himself.
Seb is a really good guy, but you can't be so moony-eyed over your partner that you ignore their faults or don't address them. And I felt like that's what we were going to get once they worked it out, Seb saying Hudson wasn't perfect and he needed to work on things like he did, but he still loved him, faults and all, anyway. No, Hudson said those things, and Seb said he'd work on it - which, good, but I wanted Seb to realize these things on his own as well. Ugh, it frustrated me way too much.
This book was the most frustrating of them all. Even Dex and Sloane, when they're having their problems, were never this frustrating and hair-pulling inducing. And I know every couple is different, but I'm just saying that this particular couple both made me happy and made me angry at the same time, and at times I did think they would be better off without each other, because of how Hudson treated Seb, and how little Seb cared about himself. Selfless is good to a point, but not when it becomes detrimental to yourself and your own well being.
Plus, there is a contrived moment when the mother of the boy killed just happens to run into Seb and Hudson in the store and goes off on them and that just makes Hudson run AGAIN and causes them another week of being apart, and after Hudson is hurt, he goes to Seb and Seb doesn't even think about being angry with Hudson for leaving, AGAIN, for the millionth time. I get that Hudson was hurt and I would never say Seb should have left him hurt, but he could have still helped him and not been so freaking..."everything is forgiven" in his attitude at the same time.
I don't know, maybe I'm a person who holds grudges easier than most, but way too many times I've read couples in books forgiving each other WAY too easily and I'm tired of it. I WANT the fighting and angst just as much as I want the happy and sweet. Work through your SHIT, my dudes, TALK about it.
I kept expecting Hudson and Seb to REALLY talk about their issues, like in depth, work on making their relationship stronger than it ever was before, but they DIDN'T. Yes, they talked, they didn't just ignore everything, but took their two largest faults in each other and decided to work on that, and I read no talk about everything else, about keeping their relationship a sustainable one.
I don't know, that's how it made me feel, anyway.
But then the second half came, when these two got back together. Once I got past my anger over HOW they got back together, I could enjoy them being back together. They are good together, and exciting, and very interesting, and aside from Sloane and Dex, I haven't been invested in another couple like these two. (although I'm itching for an Austen/Zach book)
Plus what happens at the end (I totally saw coming) but was still really exciting, and what happens with these two was adorable as fuck.
Without giving too much away, I'll just say that about 2/3 of the way into this I figured out the big surprise at the end so I was like "I KNEW IT!" when it was revealed.
So honestly, after this big, long winded rant, I will say that...I enjoyed Seb and Hudson a lot, and I'm really happy they got their happy ending. But I think this was all I needed from them - although I wish it could have gone differently so I wasn't so pissed at a lot of what happened in this book - and that even as this book pissed me off, it kept me invested, kept my emotions all over the place, and make no mistake, it also made me happy as well.
But these two were exhausting, as much as I loved them together, and now that they got their HEA, I'm fine with them being relegated back to secondary characters - I'll be happy to see them, and happy to see what happens next with them, but I'll be okay without the focus on them. I'm ready to go back to Dex and Sloane (they make me so so fucking happy) or ohhh, even have an Austen/Zach focused book.
So the middle/ending: very good, very exciting, very sweet and adorable, but the first half? a big pile of: *shakes fist at screen, shakes screen, screams at screen*
So, do with this review what you will. I still am giving it 4 stars because it was still well written, it still had the heart of what this series is, and I still enjoyed it over all, so don't be put off from reading it just because of how pissed I got, and hey, probably most people won't get as annoyed as I got, maybe some people don't mind characters not holding grudges for a bit, maybeeee.
But just know going into this you are likely to get annoyed with Hudson and Seb at the very least. But also expect to be happy for them at the same time. Its a very complicated relationship I ended up having with this book, to say the least.
(P.S. I got caught up on this series though!!! I'm so happy!! :D :D :D)
May 17, 2017
Rating: 4* of five
The ending rocked the Casbah.
Since the next novel in this series is only tentatively scheduled, it's a good moment to pause and reflect on why this series occupied so much of my reading time in a highly political year of my own scheduled reviews.
One reason is physiological. I don't have much cogitating power available, and reading some lighter fare is about what I can handle.
Another reason is the underlying assumption of the series...that humankind has, with its rage and hubris, unintentionally created environmental chaos that leads to a massive social shift. The rise of a new human species is a huge stretch of credulity, but the point is well-taken. Our actions have caused changes in earth's systems that are breathtaking in scope. The consequences are, and will be, extreme and far-reaching. I can think of few ways to get past the anger-inducing blame game distractions than to make the changes into relatable human characters with a difference.
The author now has free rein to explore the consequences of the titanic shifts we're going to be experiencing without making anyone's red flags fly. Anyone who is reading a man-on-man romance is not going to bat an eyelash at the sex parts, and isn't likely to be after social commentary and political thought. The fact that these elements are there won't distract but could possibly inform.
The author's political assumptions are also backgrounded. Her USA is teetering on the verge of civil war between humans and Therians. The groups are at the moment locked in a PR war with skirmishes fought via deniable, distanceable extremist groups and an increasingly militarized law enforcement establishment.
Does this sound at all familiar?
Also among the author's political assumptions is that there is some form of universal health care, seemingly provided by the CDC. As a climate-change commentary, that one seems very, very likely to be a good prediction. As global climate change accelerates, diseases locked away for millennia in now-melting tundra lands are at the very least accessible for the first time in modern history. This increases the scary likelihood that, as people begin the inevitable migrations that sea-level rises will cause, they will come across these pathogens for the first time in living memory with unpredictable consequences. The US organization best equipped with information and the potential to come up with solutions seems to me (and I'm assuming the author) is the CDC. As problems with superbugs and treatment-resistant diseases multiply, which they inevitably will climate change or no, responsibility for saving human lives on an unprecedented scale will land on the broadest shoulders available. Author Cochet gives those problems adorable, sexy faces in the Therians. It makes the message more palatable.
Then there are the social assumptions the author makes. She explicitly states, via words put in the mouth of Sergeant Tony Maddock, that Therianophobia (my word) replaced homophobia in the haters' worldview. I don't get the feeling it took long or required a lot of effort. The rage and outrage at the creation of a new human species by the actions of humankind, and then the subsequent official support for the biologically superior race, would provide a Bessemer furnace for burning away all the impurities in human racism, leaving a white-hot liquid bath of fury. Who has time, in that scenario, to worry about a few faggots? Unless they have interracial relationships, of course, becoming race traitors.
And a small side note of glee for me is that, for the very first time, racism is the appropriate word. Races don't exist at present. We're not different races in today's world, we're different skin colors and ethnicities. The degree of genetic variability in human populations is on average 0.5%, or statistically negligible. This is why any two humans can mate and, far more often than not, produce viable babies.
And on the darker side, the author's world is populated by untrustworthy figures both human and Therian with agendas based on increasing their personal power and wealth. The means she uses to show this depressing eternal verity are, by being placed in the fictional context of an actual race war, palatable or even invisible to casual readers.
Much like the late, lamented (by me anyway) film/TV show/book franchise Alien Nation, there exists in this series of fun, sexy novels a chance to explore what the real root of human hatred of the other is, and its consequences for the haters and the hated. It could be a wonderful, entertaining, delicious way to eat your spinach. Long may its sales justify its continuation.
The ending rocked the Casbah.
Since the next novel in this series is only tentatively scheduled, it's a good moment to pause and reflect on why this series occupied so much of my reading time in a highly political year of my own scheduled reviews.
One reason is physiological. I don't have much cogitating power available, and reading some lighter fare is about what I can handle.
Another reason is the underlying assumption of the series...that humankind has, with its rage and hubris, unintentionally created environmental chaos that leads to a massive social shift. The rise of a new human species is a huge stretch of credulity, but the point is well-taken. Our actions have caused changes in earth's systems that are breathtaking in scope. The consequences are, and will be, extreme and far-reaching. I can think of few ways to get past the anger-inducing blame game distractions than to make the changes into relatable human characters with a difference.
The author now has free rein to explore the consequences of the titanic shifts we're going to be experiencing without making anyone's red flags fly. Anyone who is reading a man-on-man romance is not going to bat an eyelash at the sex parts, and isn't likely to be after social commentary and political thought. The fact that these elements are there won't distract but could possibly inform.
The author's political assumptions are also backgrounded. Her USA is teetering on the verge of civil war between humans and Therians. The groups are at the moment locked in a PR war with skirmishes fought via deniable, distanceable extremist groups and an increasingly militarized law enforcement establishment.
Does this sound at all familiar?
Also among the author's political assumptions is that there is some form of universal health care, seemingly provided by the CDC. As a climate-change commentary, that one seems very, very likely to be a good prediction. As global climate change accelerates, diseases locked away for millennia in now-melting tundra lands are at the very least accessible for the first time in modern history. This increases the scary likelihood that, as people begin the inevitable migrations that sea-level rises will cause, they will come across these pathogens for the first time in living memory with unpredictable consequences. The US organization best equipped with information and the potential to come up with solutions seems to me (and I'm assuming the author) is the CDC. As problems with superbugs and treatment-resistant diseases multiply, which they inevitably will climate change or no, responsibility for saving human lives on an unprecedented scale will land on the broadest shoulders available. Author Cochet gives those problems adorable, sexy faces in the Therians. It makes the message more palatable.
Then there are the social assumptions the author makes. She explicitly states, via words put in the mouth of Sergeant Tony Maddock, that Therianophobia (my word) replaced homophobia in the haters' worldview. I don't get the feeling it took long or required a lot of effort. The rage and outrage at the creation of a new human species by the actions of humankind, and then the subsequent official support for the biologically superior race, would provide a Bessemer furnace for burning away all the impurities in human racism, leaving a white-hot liquid bath of fury. Who has time, in that scenario, to worry about a few faggots? Unless they have interracial relationships, of course, becoming race traitors.
And a small side note of glee for me is that, for the very first time, racism is the appropriate word. Races don't exist at present. We're not different races in today's world, we're different skin colors and ethnicities. The degree of genetic variability in human populations is on average 0.5%, or statistically negligible. This is why any two humans can mate and, far more often than not, produce viable babies.
And on the darker side, the author's world is populated by untrustworthy figures both human and Therian with agendas based on increasing their personal power and wealth. The means she uses to show this depressing eternal verity are, by being placed in the fictional context of an actual race war, palatable or even invisible to casual readers.
Much like the late, lamented (by me anyway) film/TV show/book franchise Alien Nation, there exists in this series of fun, sexy novels a chance to explore what the real root of human hatred of the other is, and its consequences for the haters and the hated. It could be a wonderful, entertaining, delicious way to eat your spinach. Long may its sales justify its continuation.
April 16, 2025
4th re-read April 2025
____________
One book at a time it's just not enough for me. Love the series!!
____________
One book at a time it's just not enough for me. Love the series!!
October 19, 2017
Updated for audio review
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Hurray! It is Seb and Hudson’s story! I have been dying for this one for so long, and their relationship has been teased out throughout the THIRDS series, so I am so excited that we finally get to see their relationship in depth, as well as to finally get a happy ending for these two. Cochet does a nice job here showing the tension and chemistry between these two guys, without dragging things out forever. The happy ending doesn’t come easy for these guys, but after waiting for their book for so long, I was happy to see that we move forward here so nicely. We can feel that pain and they longing these guys have for one another, but we also get to see them happily together and rebuilding their connection. These guys are at once both sweet and incredibly sexy together and make such a fabulous couple.
As I said, we have been getting teased with this relationship for a while, and their backstory connects with the larger THIRDS world. We knew all along that the guys made a crucial error in judgment that got Seb transferred and put a wrench in their relationship, as well as causing some havoc throughout THIRDS. Hudson has Seb’s mating mark, and being apart is almost impossible for them, but they didn’t see any other way. So I really liked how things all come together here, tying up some things from across the series. However, I did have a few issues. First off, despite reading all the books, I didn’t have a clear memory in my mind of just what exactly happened that day seven years ago. It does get ultimately explained in detail, but I wish this had happened earlier in the book. We know these guys can’t be together, but without knowing exactly why, it lessened the impact for me a bit on the conflict. I also honestly didn’t quite get why what they did was so wrong. Hudson seemed to be facing a direct threat, they thought all the civilians had been evacuated, and so Seb tried to protect Hudson. It is a shame that an innocent bystander was hurt, but nothing that happened (at least as it is explained here) made me feel like these guys were at fault. Again, this is the foundation of all their conflict over their relationship and this series, and so I wish it had been a little more cut and dry as to what they did wrong.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Hurray! It is Seb and Hudson’s story! I have been dying for this one for so long, and their relationship has been teased out throughout the THIRDS series, so I am so excited that we finally get to see their relationship in depth, as well as to finally get a happy ending for these two. Cochet does a nice job here showing the tension and chemistry between these two guys, without dragging things out forever. The happy ending doesn’t come easy for these guys, but after waiting for their book for so long, I was happy to see that we move forward here so nicely. We can feel that pain and they longing these guys have for one another, but we also get to see them happily together and rebuilding their connection. These guys are at once both sweet and incredibly sexy together and make such a fabulous couple.
As I said, we have been getting teased with this relationship for a while, and their backstory connects with the larger THIRDS world. We knew all along that the guys made a crucial error in judgment that got Seb transferred and put a wrench in their relationship, as well as causing some havoc throughout THIRDS. Hudson has Seb’s mating mark, and being apart is almost impossible for them, but they didn’t see any other way. So I really liked how things all come together here, tying up some things from across the series. However, I did have a few issues. First off, despite reading all the books, I didn’t have a clear memory in my mind of just what exactly happened that day seven years ago. It does get ultimately explained in detail, but I wish this had happened earlier in the book. We know these guys can’t be together, but without knowing exactly why, it lessened the impact for me a bit on the conflict. I also honestly didn’t quite get why what they did was so wrong. Hudson seemed to be facing a direct threat, they thought all the civilians had been evacuated, and so Seb tried to protect Hudson. It is a shame that an innocent bystander was hurt, but nothing that happened (at least as it is explained here) made me feel like these guys were at fault. Again, this is the foundation of all their conflict over their relationship and this series, and so I wish it had been a little more cut and dry as to what they did wrong.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
August 9, 2018
I couldn't wait to read Hudson and Seb's story, but I am a little disappointed. Maybe because I had high expectations? Dunno, but even if I liked it the romance and the mystery/action were a little flat in comparison with the other books.
March 20, 2024
*** Audio review. The mistakes that littered the story have crept into the audio too...and Mark Westfield is not one of my fave narrators as it is [although his attempt at an English accent for Hudson wasn't too bad...say 6 or 7 out of 10], so I'm deducting 1/2 a star and reducing my original rating to 4 stars. I think this will probably be my last THIRDS audio too. ***
4.5 stars from me. This wasn't all plain sailing I have to admit; there are some very stupid typos and niggles...
[no pics of Seb on Charlie's website I'm afraid :(]
We discover the big secret....what actually happened to make Seb and Hudson split up 7 years ago, and I could've cheerfully throttled Hudson at various points during the read. Stubborn and pig-headed are just not strong enough adjectives to use for some of his behaviour, but eventually he sees the light and decides he can't be away from Seb any longer. Look out for agent Trent Carson [make a note of that name cos you'll want to do more than throttle him I assure you], and I was more than a little surprised [read gobsmacked] at the identity of Wolf...I felt that all fit too neatly to be totally credible, but I'm more than willing to be convinced in the upcoming stories. Yes, we catch a tiny glimpse of Dex and Sloane in the story, but believe me, Seb and Hudson are definitely front and centre in this story, and I can't wait for Mark Westfield's audio version...he's bound to be blushing at some stage during the recording methinks, there are some pretty sexy times in this one. :D
4.5 stars from me. This wasn't all plain sailing I have to admit; there are some very stupid typos and niggles...
[no pics of Seb on Charlie's website I'm afraid :(]
We discover the big secret....what actually happened to make Seb and Hudson split up 7 years ago, and I could've cheerfully throttled Hudson at various points during the read. Stubborn and pig-headed are just not strong enough adjectives to use for some of his behaviour, but eventually he sees the light and decides he can't be away from Seb any longer. Look out for agent Trent Carson [make a note of that name cos you'll want to do more than throttle him I assure you], and I was more than a little surprised [read gobsmacked] at the identity of Wolf...I felt that all fit too neatly to be totally credible, but I'm more than willing to be convinced in the upcoming stories. Yes, we catch a tiny glimpse of Dex and Sloane in the story, but believe me, Seb and Hudson are definitely front and centre in this story, and I can't wait for Mark Westfield's audio version...he's bound to be blushing at some stage during the recording methinks, there are some pretty sexy times in this one. :D
December 11, 2019
2.5 stars
As with all the other books in this series, the author build up my interest in a couple of characters with little tidbits here and there in the previous books, but when the time for the actual book arrived, I was underwhelmed by the execution.
As soon as they’re in their own story, characters who previously intrigued me always seem to deflate and become almost a caricature of the people they seemed to be in the previous books.
It happened with Ash and Cael, less with Calvin and Hobbs, and even with Sloane and Dex.
I was looking forward to Seb and Hudson’s story, I adored them and their background story throughout the series and I really hoped they would be the exception. To some extent they were, Seb in particular, but not nearly enough.
I think my problem is the author’s style, I like her ideas, not so much the way she develops them, so I end up disappointed every time. Maybe it’s time to face it and let this series go.
As with all the other books in this series, the author build up my interest in a couple of characters with little tidbits here and there in the previous books, but when the time for the actual book arrived, I was underwhelmed by the execution.
As soon as they’re in their own story, characters who previously intrigued me always seem to deflate and become almost a caricature of the people they seemed to be in the previous books.
It happened with Ash and Cael, less with Calvin and Hobbs, and even with Sloane and Dex.
I was looking forward to Seb and Hudson’s story, I adored them and their background story throughout the series and I really hoped they would be the exception. To some extent they were, Seb in particular, but not nearly enough.
I think my problem is the author’s style, I like her ideas, not so much the way she develops them, so I end up disappointed every time. Maybe it’s time to face it and let this series go.
November 25, 2017
In this ninth book in the THIRDS series, Darkest Hour Before Dawn, Charlie Cochet finally gives us the whole story of Seb and Hudson...creating a must read for fans who have followed this series from the start!
There are some great details to clarify past events, and this edition also serves to explain why some of the characters in the series are moving between law enforcement agencies. Of course Cochet still serves up all the action, sex, and humor we expect in a THIRDS novel, and narrated by Mark Westfield no one will be disappointed.
Throughout previous books we get snippets of the story of Seb and Hudson, so it is nice to get the dirty details on why they broke up, why they won’t get back together, and why their bond is so strong to start with.
They have so much history together and Cochet does a wonderful job making it feel like they’ve been the main characters in this series all along.
Much of the story centers around explaining the relationships and backgrounds of the main characters, Seb and Hudson. Seb is such a sweet, strong guy and I love getting to know him better. Hearing stories about him growing up with his brother's, Rafe and Ethan, and all the mischief they created is wonderful. It’s also important for the future of this series to learn more about the strong friendship he has with his partner, Dom. Additionally there is a host of info on Hudson’s upbringing and an explanation about his closeness with Seb’s family. All of this is particularly insightful if these guys are going to take over as the main players of the THIRDS series.
There’s never any doubt about the chemistry between Seb and Hudson, every time they cross paths in earlier stories their attraction is intense.
These two work really well together as Seb manages to be both sweetly romantic and officially takes over as the best dirty talker of the series (sorry Cael, we have a new champion).
There are several really exciting and dramatic scenes in Darkest Hour Before Dawn which help to show the dynamic of the team members of Theta Destructive. We get a good idea about the current state of New York City and what THIRDS and other law enforcement agencies are up against.
Darkest Hour Before Dawn is full of so many chuckle worthy moments made more enjoyable thanks to Mark Westfield’s flawless narration.
My favorites are Ash pondering the planning of Dex’s bachelor party and Sloane having to explain to Dex what a ‘Code Fuschia’ means.
Expect some seriously freaky events too. Like the reveal of who Wolf is, which caused chills up my spine. Obviously we all expected it, but it’s still a shock and the way Cochet builds up to it is so skillfully done.
We do get a few teasers about what might be coming with TIN and more explanation about what the organization can do and what they’re up against. I can hardly wait to see how Charlie Cochet pulls it all together, especially with Dex and Sloane branching off into their own series. As much as I thoroughly enjoyed Darkest Hour Before Dawn I’m excited for the undoubtedly explosive episodes to come!
There are some great details to clarify past events, and this edition also serves to explain why some of the characters in the series are moving between law enforcement agencies. Of course Cochet still serves up all the action, sex, and humor we expect in a THIRDS novel, and narrated by Mark Westfield no one will be disappointed.
Throughout previous books we get snippets of the story of Seb and Hudson, so it is nice to get the dirty details on why they broke up, why they won’t get back together, and why their bond is so strong to start with.
They have so much history together and Cochet does a wonderful job making it feel like they’ve been the main characters in this series all along.
Much of the story centers around explaining the relationships and backgrounds of the main characters, Seb and Hudson. Seb is such a sweet, strong guy and I love getting to know him better. Hearing stories about him growing up with his brother's, Rafe and Ethan, and all the mischief they created is wonderful. It’s also important for the future of this series to learn more about the strong friendship he has with his partner, Dom. Additionally there is a host of info on Hudson’s upbringing and an explanation about his closeness with Seb’s family. All of this is particularly insightful if these guys are going to take over as the main players of the THIRDS series.
There’s never any doubt about the chemistry between Seb and Hudson, every time they cross paths in earlier stories their attraction is intense.
These two work really well together as Seb manages to be both sweetly romantic and officially takes over as the best dirty talker of the series (sorry Cael, we have a new champion).
There are several really exciting and dramatic scenes in Darkest Hour Before Dawn which help to show the dynamic of the team members of Theta Destructive. We get a good idea about the current state of New York City and what THIRDS and other law enforcement agencies are up against.
Darkest Hour Before Dawn is full of so many chuckle worthy moments made more enjoyable thanks to Mark Westfield’s flawless narration.
My favorites are Ash pondering the planning of Dex’s bachelor party and Sloane having to explain to Dex what a ‘Code Fuschia’ means.
Expect some seriously freaky events too. Like the reveal of who Wolf is, which caused chills up my spine. Obviously we all expected it, but it’s still a shock and the way Cochet builds up to it is so skillfully done.
We do get a few teasers about what might be coming with TIN and more explanation about what the organization can do and what they’re up against. I can hardly wait to see how Charlie Cochet pulls it all together, especially with Dex and Sloane branching off into their own series. As much as I thoroughly enjoyed Darkest Hour Before Dawn I’m excited for the undoubtedly explosive episodes to come!
August 3, 2020
“Son, love is a precious gift, but love alone isn’t enough to weather the storms in life. You know as well as I do that life can be hard, messy, infuriating, terrifying, and unfair, and love will certainly help ease the pain,” Thomas said, taking Julia’s hand in his. “But unless you use that love as a foundation to build on, you’ll get swept away in the maelstrom.”
Oh man, angst-central.
Perhaps I'm a bit overly emotional right now, I teared up during most of the first half of the book.
The anguish that radiates off of Sebastian and Hudson broke my heart.
7 years of yearning for each other unable to overcome the incident that destroyed their lives.
Unable to forgive their own fallibility.
"It was a tragedy, one Hudson wished with all his heart hadn’t occurred, but he’d sacrificed his mate, his happiness, the other half of him in penance. Almost seven years. Seven years barely living, going through the motions, attempting to have a semblance of a life, pretending he wasn’t dying a little inside with every passing day."
Their way back to each other is full of turmoil, but gosh it was really like nice to finally have them back together where they belong.
Second chance at love.
Beautiful HEA.
Oh man, angst-central.
Perhaps I'm a bit overly emotional right now, I teared up during most of the first half of the book.
The anguish that radiates off of Sebastian and Hudson broke my heart.
7 years of yearning for each other unable to overcome the incident that destroyed their lives.
Unable to forgive their own fallibility.
"It was a tragedy, one Hudson wished with all his heart hadn’t occurred, but he’d sacrificed his mate, his happiness, the other half of him in penance. Almost seven years. Seven years barely living, going through the motions, attempting to have a semblance of a life, pretending he wasn’t dying a little inside with every passing day."
Their way back to each other is full of turmoil, but gosh it was really like nice to finally have them back together where they belong.
Second chance at love.
Beautiful HEA.
July 30, 2025
The best thing about this book is Wolf.
April 28, 2017
This would've BEEN a four star book if Hudson had just evacuated his head out of his butt sooner.
As it were, I spent 65% of the book constantly annoyed at Hudson's shenanigans. He kept pushing Seb away, then would get pissy and act out when Seb's behaviour hinted at possibly moving on. I think unconsciously he liked having Seb on standby for him even when he went about trying to move on with other people.
I did not understand his so-called reasons for staying away from Seb as they all did not make sense. Rather, I found his actions to be selfish, childish and completely infuriating to read about. I didn't get why Seb stuck around that long but I guess he knew Hud loved him and was just playing the fool.
Of course when Hudson realized his idiocy he went crawling back and Seb being the sweetheart that he was, accepted him without any drama. Now if it were me that was made to hang around and wait for 7 whole years, you BEST believe that you would've jumped through the biggest hoops available to get me back.
With regards to who Hudson's guardian angel/protector was, it was a bit obvious in my not so humble opinion. I figured it out quite early in the story and was just waiting for confirmation. A little was given about the person's background but there is still so many questions that popped up when that happened. Like where was the person all this time? How did the person end up that way? among countless others.
Also, the various arrangements with TIN has become a bit convoluted without any clear reason to any action.
I hope all is explained in the subsequent books.
As it were, I spent 65% of the book constantly annoyed at Hudson's shenanigans. He kept pushing Seb away, then would get pissy and act out when Seb's behaviour hinted at possibly moving on. I think unconsciously he liked having Seb on standby for him even when he went about trying to move on with other people.
I did not understand his so-called reasons for staying away from Seb as they all did not make sense. Rather, I found his actions to be selfish, childish and completely infuriating to read about. I didn't get why Seb stuck around that long but I guess he knew Hud loved him and was just playing the fool.
Of course when Hudson realized his idiocy he went crawling back and Seb being the sweetheart that he was, accepted him without any drama. Now if it were me that was made to hang around and wait for 7 whole years, you BEST believe that you would've jumped through the biggest hoops available to get me back.
With regards to who Hudson's guardian angel/protector was, it was a bit obvious in my not so humble opinion. I figured it out quite early in the story and was just waiting for confirmation. A little was given about the person's background but there is still so many questions that popped up when that happened. Like where was the person all this time? How did the person end up that way? among countless others.
Also, the various arrangements with TIN has become a bit convoluted without any clear reason to any action.
I hope all is explained in the subsequent books.
June 14, 2022
3.5 Stars
Realistic, understandable, non-cliche plot progression? Never heard of her. 🙃
Listen, I liked Hudson and Seb but their wishy-washy nonsense was annoying as shit. The TIN thing still seems half flushed out and I don't care for it. My biggest gripe with this series is the writing and the RIDICULOUS perfectly convenient things that happen to progress the plot. Wolf being did surprise me, however, so at least there's that.
I'll finish the series but idk if I'll ever pick up the spin-off. I wish the series had gone a different direction as it had so much potential 😞
ETA: I ended up not finishing the series after all.
Series:
Book 1: Hell & High Water (Dex & Sloane) → 3.5 Stars
Book 2: Blood & Thunder (Dex & Sloane) → 3 Stars
Book 3: Rack & Ruin (Dex & Sloane) → 3.75 Stars
Book 4: Rise & Fall (Dex & Sloane) → 3.75 Stars
Book 5: Against the Grain (Ash & Cael) → 3 Stars
Book 6: Catch a Tiger by the Tail (Ethan & Calvin) → 3.5 Stars
Book 7: Smoke & Mirrors (Dex & Sloane) → 3.75 Stars
Book 8: Thick & Thin (Dex & Sloane) → 3 Stars
Book 9: Darkest Hour Before Dawn (Sebastian & Hudson) → 3.5 Stars
Book 10: Tried & True → did not read
Realistic, understandable, non-cliche plot progression? Never heard of her. 🙃
Listen, I liked Hudson and Seb but their wishy-washy nonsense was annoying as shit. The TIN thing still seems half flushed out and I don't care for it. My biggest gripe with this series is the writing and the RIDICULOUS perfectly convenient things that happen to progress the plot. Wolf being did surprise me, however, so at least there's that.
I'll finish the series but idk if I'll ever pick up the spin-off. I wish the series had gone a different direction as it had so much potential 😞
ETA: I ended up not finishing the series after all.
Series:
Book 1: Hell & High Water (Dex & Sloane) → 3.5 Stars
Book 2: Blood & Thunder (Dex & Sloane) → 3 Stars
Book 3: Rack & Ruin (Dex & Sloane) → 3.75 Stars
Book 4: Rise & Fall (Dex & Sloane) → 3.75 Stars
Book 5: Against the Grain (Ash & Cael) → 3 Stars
Book 6: Catch a Tiger by the Tail (Ethan & Calvin) → 3.5 Stars
Book 7: Smoke & Mirrors (Dex & Sloane) → 3.75 Stars
Book 8: Thick & Thin (Dex & Sloane) → 3 Stars
Book 9: Darkest Hour Before Dawn (Sebastian & Hudson) → 3.5 Stars
Book 10: Tried & True → did not read
June 30, 2025
Since reading all the other THIRDS books in the series, I was really fucking excited for Seb & Hudson's book! And I did enjoy the book, but Hudson's treatment of Seb ruined this book for me!
♦ Hudson taking advantage of Seb's feelings for him!
♦ Seb possibly moving on & Hudson gets upset over it!
♦ Hudson's reason for not being with Seb was RIDICULOUS!
♦ Seb waited 7 FUCKING years for Hudson! WTF?!
I felt like the 'incident' didn't warrant them not being together, maybe for a few years, but 7 years?! Hudson acted like he's the one who killed that boy, but Seb was the one who protected Hudson. He's taking the blame and punishing himself for no reason. And the fact that Hudson no longer wants to be in a relationship with Seb, but if Seb is possibly moving on he wants to get all jealous and upset over it? Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with you? If you don't want to be with Seb, then fine, but you don't get to get upset that he's moving on.
Onto the Trent situation. That whole thing was fucked up what Trent did and I totally saw that coming since he was introduced at the beginning of the book. And my heart hurts for Hudson, but the fact that he went to Seb because he felt safe with Seb was so cruel to Seb. And mind you, this was right after he gave Seb hope that they might possibly reconcile before ripping it all away shortly after. I mean, apart of me gets it, but the treatment of Seb just pisses me off.
♦ Hudson taking advantage of Seb's feelings for him!
♦ Seb possibly moving on & Hudson gets upset over it!
♦ Hudson's reason for not being with Seb was RIDICULOUS!
♦ Seb waited 7 FUCKING years for Hudson! WTF?!
I felt like the 'incident' didn't warrant them not being together, maybe for a few years, but 7 years?! Hudson acted like he's the one who killed that boy, but Seb was the one who protected Hudson. He's taking the blame and punishing himself for no reason. And the fact that Hudson no longer wants to be in a relationship with Seb, but if Seb is possibly moving on he wants to get all jealous and upset over it? Seriously, what the fuck is wrong with you? If you don't want to be with Seb, then fine, but you don't get to get upset that he's moving on.
Onto the Trent situation. That whole thing was fucked up what Trent did and I totally saw that coming since he was introduced at the beginning of the book. And my heart hurts for Hudson, but the fact that he went to Seb because he felt safe with Seb was so cruel to Seb. And mind you, this was right after he gave Seb hope that they might possibly reconcile before ripping it all away shortly after. I mean, apart of me gets it, but the treatment of Seb just pisses me off.
October 9, 2021
3.5 stars or whatever I'M LITERALLY SHAKING I'M GOING INSANE
Displaying 1 - 30 of 554 reviews