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The Kings: Wild Cards #2
Raising the Ante
Former firefighter Frank Ramirez has never been afraid of the heat, until it came in the form of the sweet and sinful Joshua Sterling.
Frank’s days of rushing into burning buildings might be behind him, but as the owner of one of the most prestigious gay nightclubs in Florida, he’s still putting out fires. Lately it’s been one disaster after another, making Frank grumpier than usual. If that wasn’t enough, someone is out to sabotage his business.
Joshua has a plan. He’s done pining after the man of his dreams and ready to do something about the sizzling attraction between them. He sets out to help Frank, and as executive assistant to billionaire Colton Connolly—and friend to his mayhem-magnet husband—Joshua knows a thing or two about managing chaos.
When a hidden threat raises the stakes, Joshua and Frank are put to the test. Can they win the fight for their love… and their lives?
Frank’s days of rushing into burning buildings might be behind him, but as the owner of one of the most prestigious gay nightclubs in Florida, he’s still putting out fires. Lately it’s been one disaster after another, making Frank grumpier than usual. If that wasn’t enough, someone is out to sabotage his business.
Joshua has a plan. He’s done pining after the man of his dreams and ready to do something about the sizzling attraction between them. He sets out to help Frank, and as executive assistant to billionaire Colton Connolly—and friend to his mayhem-magnet husband—Joshua knows a thing or two about managing chaos.
When a hidden threat raises the stakes, Joshua and Frank are put to the test. Can they win the fight for their love… and their lives?
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2021
200 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Cochet
123 books3,561 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
January 1, 2024
3 Stars
So basically, Frank and Joshua have been circling each other for three long years ever since they first met way back when in Love in Spades. They’re perfect for each other, but Frank resists because he’s married to his job and he’s way too old for Joshua. *biggest eye roll ever*
Regardless of this contrived set up, this story has a good dose of fun glee, something that I love most about Cochet’s works. She does crazy group dynamics like nobody’s business despite this being uber rushed and over the top cheesy.
I keep coming back for more because I miss Dex, Sloan, and company something fierce, and I try to get my fix any which way I can. TIN can’t come soon enough.
Original Series - Four Kings Security
0.5. Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts - 2.5 Stars
1. Love in Spades - 3.5 Stars
1.5. Ante Up - 4 Stars
2. Be Still My Heart - 3 Stars
3. Join the Club - 3.5 Stars
4. Diamond in the Rough - 4 Stars
4.5. In the Cards - 3.5 Stars
The Kings: Wild Cards
1. Stacking the Deck - 3.5 Stars
2. Raising the Ante - 3 Stars
3. Sleight of Hand - 3.5 Stars
The Kings: A Treemendous
1. Not So Silent Night - 3.5 Stars
2. Sleigh It Ain’t So - 3.5 Stars
3. Home for the Howlidays - 4 Stars
4. Rebel Without a Claus - 4 Stars
So basically, Frank and Joshua have been circling each other for three long years ever since they first met way back when in Love in Spades. They’re perfect for each other, but Frank resists because he’s married to his job and he’s way too old for Joshua. *biggest eye roll ever*
Regardless of this contrived set up, this story has a good dose of fun glee, something that I love most about Cochet’s works. She does crazy group dynamics like nobody’s business despite this being uber rushed and over the top cheesy.
I keep coming back for more because I miss Dex, Sloan, and company something fierce, and I try to get my fix any which way I can. TIN can’t come soon enough.
Original Series - Four Kings Security
0.5. Beware of Geeks Bearing Gifts - 2.5 Stars
1. Love in Spades - 3.5 Stars
1.5. Ante Up - 4 Stars
2. Be Still My Heart - 3 Stars
3. Join the Club - 3.5 Stars
4. Diamond in the Rough - 4 Stars
4.5. In the Cards - 3.5 Stars
The Kings: Wild Cards
1. Stacking the Deck - 3.5 Stars
2. Raising the Ante - 3 Stars
3. Sleight of Hand - 3.5 Stars
The Kings: A Treemendous
1. Not So Silent Night - 3.5 Stars
2. Sleigh It Ain’t So - 3.5 Stars
3. Home for the Howlidays - 4 Stars
4. Rebel Without a Claus - 4 Stars
January 20, 2021
3.5 Stars
Although capable of being read as a standalone, this isn’t, by far, the first time the characters in Raising the Ante feature in a Charlie Cochet book. Due to the interlinked nature of the series, first with the Four Kings Security series, and now with its spin-off, The Kings: Wild Cards, I would highly suggest doing your reader research first before diving into any of these stories willy-nilly, as MOST OF the characters—from ALL OF the books, across BOTH OF the series—either feature prominently, make brief appearances, or are referenced in relevant backstory in some way, shape or form. Hence, this is one of those Cochet reading journey’s that is best tackled in sequential release order for full enjoyment—at least that’s my humble opinion if you're new to either series.
In this winter-inspired novella, long-time fans (of the above-mentioned series) finally get to witness the coming together of Sapphire Sands club owner, Frank Ramirez, and his look-but-never-until-now-touch dream-man, the younger, highly competent and always sweet-hearted, Joshua Sterling.
Frank and Joshua have been circling each other for YEARS—since way back in the early scenes of the first Four Kings book, Love in Spades. It was rewarding to finally get their story, but for as sweet and sexy as it was, I couldn’t help but feel like it belonged in the original series, not among the spin-offs—and certainly not as a main novel when it reads as a sort of “extra” instead of a fully developed story.
Those niggles aside, I still really liked Joshua and Frank as characters and I was very pleased with how their romance played out in passionate and sexy form, spurred on by some intense and potentially dangerous shenanigans, caused by events occurring in previous stories. (See: backstory is important, I swear!).
For the outrageous laugh-out-loud moments, for which there were a couple for me, I’ve decided to round up my rating instead of down. Turns out a book that can make me belly laugh gets extra special points. *winks*
Although capable of being read as a standalone, this isn’t, by far, the first time the characters in Raising the Ante feature in a Charlie Cochet book. Due to the interlinked nature of the series, first with the Four Kings Security series, and now with its spin-off, The Kings: Wild Cards, I would highly suggest doing your reader research first before diving into any of these stories willy-nilly, as MOST OF the characters—from ALL OF the books, across BOTH OF the series—either feature prominently, make brief appearances, or are referenced in relevant backstory in some way, shape or form. Hence, this is one of those Cochet reading journey’s that is best tackled in sequential release order for full enjoyment—at least that’s my humble opinion if you're new to either series.
In this winter-inspired novella, long-time fans (of the above-mentioned series) finally get to witness the coming together of Sapphire Sands club owner, Frank Ramirez, and his look-but-never-until-now-touch dream-man, the younger, highly competent and always sweet-hearted, Joshua Sterling.
Frank and Joshua have been circling each other for YEARS—since way back in the early scenes of the first Four Kings book, Love in Spades. It was rewarding to finally get their story, but for as sweet and sexy as it was, I couldn’t help but feel like it belonged in the original series, not among the spin-offs—and certainly not as a main novel when it reads as a sort of “extra” instead of a fully developed story.
Those niggles aside, I still really liked Joshua and Frank as characters and I was very pleased with how their romance played out in passionate and sexy form, spurred on by some intense and potentially dangerous shenanigans, caused by events occurring in previous stories. (See: backstory is important, I swear!).
For the outrageous laugh-out-loud moments, for which there were a couple for me, I’ve decided to round up my rating instead of down. Turns out a book that can make me belly laugh gets extra special points. *winks*
January 2, 2021
This was actually cute until the unnecessary, melodramatic bullshit at the end.
January 1, 2021
2.5 ‘’Joshua’s Guide to Getting His Man or Operation Cuban Missile Conquest‘’ stars
“Anything for you, baby.” The scary thing was that he meant it. All Joshua had to do was ask and Frank would make it happen. No one had ever had that kind of power over him, and it terrified him.
This was fine, it was really cute and I adore Charlie Cochet’s writting. I really love Frank and Joshua as characters. And I loved how Joshua made a plan on a spreasheet to get his man, it was really cute. They’re really sweet together.
But this book didn’t really do it for me. It was way too short. I have been waiting to see their story since atleast 5 books ago and I feel like they deserved way more than a short novella. I just feel like these two have been dancing around each other for years (3 to be precise) and for what? To only get a short novella? I just feel like it wasn’t enough, at all. I finished it and I felt like I learnt barely nothing new and I never saw how they click together and how they will make their relationship work. I just would have loved to see way more of them, because they’re really cute together but I needed more, I needed to be shown that they could be a good couple, because i’m not sure I believe it at this point.
Also, I was enjoying this way more before they had a big fight and broke things off because they didn’t talk to each other. It felt so over the top and I didn’t enjoy how they fixed they communication problem, it wasn’t enough for me.
P.S: God i’m so excited for Joker and Gio’s book, I can already feel that it’s going to be a fantastic one.
“Anything for you, baby.” The scary thing was that he meant it. All Joshua had to do was ask and Frank would make it happen. No one had ever had that kind of power over him, and it terrified him.
This was fine, it was really cute and I adore Charlie Cochet’s writting. I really love Frank and Joshua as characters. And I loved how Joshua made a plan on a spreasheet to get his man, it was really cute. They’re really sweet together.
But this book didn’t really do it for me. It was way too short. I have been waiting to see their story since atleast 5 books ago and I feel like they deserved way more than a short novella. I just feel like these two have been dancing around each other for years (3 to be precise) and for what? To only get a short novella? I just feel like it wasn’t enough, at all. I finished it and I felt like I learnt barely nothing new and I never saw how they click together and how they will make their relationship work. I just would have loved to see way more of them, because they’re really cute together but I needed more, I needed to be shown that they could be a good couple, because i’m not sure I believe it at this point.
Also, I was enjoying this way more before they had a big fight and broke things off because they didn’t talk to each other. It felt so over the top and I didn’t enjoy how they fixed they communication problem, it wasn’t enough for me.
P.S: God i’m so excited for Joker and Gio’s book, I can already feel that it’s going to be a fantastic one.
January 13, 2021
Sigh... I’ve wanted Frank and Joshua’s story since their first meeting. I was so excited to see this book was going to be about them (and it was free!). I don’t know if my expectations were too high? Read it at the wrong time? I don’t know, but I was left feeling like Frank and Joshua were short changed. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this novella, but I felt like they deserved more. I would have gladly paid for a book that went a bit more below surface level.
January 8, 2021
Okay, that's it...I NEED to read this series!!
Hook, line, sinker...
*claps*
Well done Charlie, well done.
Hook, line, sinker...
*claps*
Well done Charlie, well done.
February 4, 2021
Another fabulous entry in the Wild Cards series
I'm loving all these little snippets which fill in the romances of the expanded cast of characters who inhabit the Four Kings world.
Here it's ex-firefighter and now club owner Frank who has to deal with his growing feelings for Colton's Executive Assistant Joshua.
Throw in a threat from a shady outside source and Frank's own fears and this novella delivers in tension throughout.
Now Joker next please!
Throw in
I'm loving all these little snippets which fill in the romances of the expanded cast of characters who inhabit the Four Kings world.
Here it's ex-firefighter and now club owner Frank who has to deal with his growing feelings for Colton's Executive Assistant Joshua.
Throw in a threat from a shady outside source and Frank's own fears and this novella delivers in tension throughout.
Now Joker next please!
Throw in
July 22, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
Dear authors,
A main character almost dying does not negate the need for resolving relationship problems that occurred prior to the near-death experience. Fading to ‘3 weeks later’, completely skipping any form of reconciliation and important conversation where the relationship is saved is, in fact, not satisfactory.
Sincerely,
Frustrated Reader
In all seriousness, I’ve been looking forward to Frank and Joshua’s book for a long time, and while large parts of the book was cute, it felt like the author couldn’t be bothered to actually finish the story and just wrote a lazy, bullshit ending where the MCs worked through exactly none of their issues. Huge shame.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Size difference
Age gap (14 years)
Club owner
Former firefighter
Grumpy/sunshine
Pining
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Wall sex
Backroom-at-the-club sex
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past child homelessness (MC)
Mentions of being kicked out by homophobic parents (MC, past)
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of past career-ending injury
Mention of MC’s sister being raped (past, no details)
Mention of MC’s sister committing suicide (past, no details)
Gun violence
MC shot and injured on page
Bad guy shot and killed on page
Arson (MC endangered)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Sort of
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Early 30s and mid 40s
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 91
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Dear authors,
A main character almost dying does not negate the need for resolving relationship problems that occurred prior to the near-death experience. Fading to ‘3 weeks later’, completely skipping any form of reconciliation and important conversation where the relationship is saved is, in fact, not satisfactory.
Sincerely,
Frustrated Reader
In all seriousness, I’ve been looking forward to Frank and Joshua’s book for a long time, and while large parts of the book was cute, it felt like the author couldn’t be bothered to actually finish the story and just wrote a lazy, bullshit ending where the MCs worked through exactly none of their issues. Huge shame.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Size difference
Age gap (14 years)
Club owner
Former firefighter
Grumpy/sunshine
Pining
⚠️ Spice menu ⚠️
Wall sex
Backroom-at-the-club sex
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past child homelessness (MC)
Mentions of being kicked out by homophobic parents (MC, past)
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of past career-ending injury
Mention of MC’s sister being raped (past, no details)
Mention of MC’s sister committing suicide (past, no details)
Gun violence
MC shot and injured on page
Bad guy shot and killed on page
Arson (MC endangered)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Sort of
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Early 30s and mid 40s
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 91
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2022
3.5**** stars 🃟🂼
Sweet little novella and great addition to the Kings world. Been waiting for their story since "Love in Spades" where they met first.
************
The Kings: Wild Cards Series:
Book 1 - Stacking The Deck - 3.25 stars
Book 2 - Raising The Ante - 3.5 stars (novella)
Book 3 - Sleight Of Hand - 4 stars
Four Kings Security Series:
Book 1 - Love in Spades - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Be Still My Heart - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Join the Club - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Diamond in the Rough - 4.25 stars
All Joshua had to do was ask and Frank would make it happen. No one had ever had that kind of power over him, […].
Sweet little novella and great addition to the Kings world. Been waiting for their story since "Love in Spades" where they met first.
************
The Kings: Wild Cards Series:
Book 1 - Stacking The Deck - 3.25 stars
Book 2 - Raising The Ante - 3.5 stars (novella)
Book 3 - Sleight Of Hand - 4 stars
Four Kings Security Series:
Book 1 - Love in Spades - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Be Still My Heart - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Join the Club - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Diamond in the Rough - 4.25 stars
January 3, 2021
4.5 stars!
I feel like this should be like book 1.5 in the series or something, seeing as it's fairly short and doesn't exactly tie into the main action of the kings (and the wild cards like Joker and Jack and all that).
But anyway, I've been wanting Frank and Joshua's story since we first saw them meet in Ace and Colton's book, and in the end a short novella of their love story ultimately works, I think, because they are among the King's family but still kinda outside of it at the same time.
These two were cute and sweet and sexy together. I felt their connection even though we didn't get a ton of time with them. There is a bit of drama, relationship wise, near the end, but I found it understandable - even if Frank was in the wrong mhmm - and they are able to move past that snag and become happy together and in love.
The main plot of this short story is that someone is out to get Frank and his club, as they fabricate a tale of seeing drugs being exchanged at the club in order to get it shutdown - it doesn't work - but then the person goes to extremes to get try to take Frank down, because they blame him for their own fuck ups in life.
It gets resolved, though, and Frank and Joshua get to have their HEA with each other. And we get even more set up for Joker and Gio, which I'm so excited for. The connection is already there and I can't wait for their book.
Two thumbs up from me for this one!
I feel like this should be like book 1.5 in the series or something, seeing as it's fairly short and doesn't exactly tie into the main action of the kings (and the wild cards like Joker and Jack and all that).
But anyway, I've been wanting Frank and Joshua's story since we first saw them meet in Ace and Colton's book, and in the end a short novella of their love story ultimately works, I think, because they are among the King's family but still kinda outside of it at the same time.
These two were cute and sweet and sexy together. I felt their connection even though we didn't get a ton of time with them. There is a bit of drama, relationship wise, near the end, but I found it understandable - even if Frank was in the wrong mhmm - and they are able to move past that snag and become happy together and in love.
The main plot of this short story is that someone is out to get Frank and his club, as they fabricate a tale of seeing drugs being exchanged at the club in order to get it shutdown - it doesn't work - but then the person goes to extremes to get try to take Frank down, because they blame him for their own fuck ups in life.
It gets resolved, though, and Frank and Joshua get to have their HEA with each other. And we get even more set up for Joker and Gio, which I'm so excited for. The connection is already there and I can't wait for their book.
Two thumbs up from me for this one!
January 15, 2021
I'm whit those who think this should have been a 1.5 book, more a spin-off rather than the 2nd book in the series. That said, I liked the book just enough. The writing style and the plot are engaging as always (if u already know this author obv), there is some unecessary drama at the end, but overall I'd recommended this book to all the series' fans.
Can't wait for Joker's story!!
Can't wait for Joker's story!!
March 18, 2022
ETA: Grabbed this in audio and it's just the cutest short story featuring some of the Kings and Joshua and Frank. The beginning was hilarious, I had forgotten what happens right at the start. I love the Kings and their extended family so so much. I can't wait for the new spin off!
YESSSSSS! Frank and Joshua's story! Charlie has been hinting at them for such a long time now, and we finally get their story!
I loved Joshua! Frank took a bit longer for me to warm up to, and then he was stupid and made stupid decisions haha, but these two had great banter and chemistry together! Loved it. As always love Ace and the guys showing up in the story.
While this could be read as a standalone, you'll get so much more enjoyment of the story if you've read the Four Kings, the short stories, and the Wild Card book. These guys are truly family, and their antics and banter all together is just wonderful group writing. One of my favorite series, I always recommend it to people.
YESSSSSS! Frank and Joshua's story! Charlie has been hinting at them for such a long time now, and we finally get their story!
I loved Joshua! Frank took a bit longer for me to warm up to, and then he was stupid and made stupid decisions haha, but these two had great banter and chemistry together! Loved it. As always love Ace and the guys showing up in the story.
While this could be read as a standalone, you'll get so much more enjoyment of the story if you've read the Four Kings, the short stories, and the Wild Card book. These guys are truly family, and their antics and banter all together is just wonderful group writing. One of my favorite series, I always recommend it to people.
April 15, 2025
Former firefighter Frank Ramirez has never been afraid of the heat, until it came in the form of the sweet and sinful Joshua Sterling.
Can you guess that I do love these guys? I was wondering when Frank was going to "get his forever man"? This was perfect to have this little novella to let us see Frank finally get forever happiness too. He's been such a nice tangential character to the "Four Kings" stories. It was great to see him finally accepting that Joshua was always going to be "his"... be his well-deserved, forever happiness.
They're a perfectly matched pair and this story has just enough of the "Four Kings" action to throw these two into a situation where they're going to have to talk to each other and "figure it all out".
Frank just needed a little time to get over his worries about the nearly 20-year age difference and realize that Joshua was always going to choose him over anything or anyone else. Charlie Cochet has been hinting at them, teasing us, for such a long, long time, and now she has finally given us their story...and she's given them, each other.
I so very much don't want this series to end, or for these any of these guys to just fade into the ink on the pages. Good thing I own all this series, and I never mind rereading about my guys. Some of the characters appear and reappear in all the "Four Kings" series, so it really doesn't matter if you overlap a bit in the reading.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
Can you guess that I do love these guys? I was wondering when Frank was going to "get his forever man"? This was perfect to have this little novella to let us see Frank finally get forever happiness too. He's been such a nice tangential character to the "Four Kings" stories. It was great to see him finally accepting that Joshua was always going to be "his"... be his well-deserved, forever happiness.
They're a perfectly matched pair and this story has just enough of the "Four Kings" action to throw these two into a situation where they're going to have to talk to each other and "figure it all out".
Frank just needed a little time to get over his worries about the nearly 20-year age difference and realize that Joshua was always going to choose him over anything or anyone else. Charlie Cochet has been hinting at them, teasing us, for such a long, long time, and now she has finally given us their story...and she's given them, each other.
I so very much don't want this series to end, or for these any of these guys to just fade into the ink on the pages. Good thing I own all this series, and I never mind rereading about my guys. Some of the characters appear and reappear in all the "Four Kings" series, so it really doesn't matter if you overlap a bit in the reading.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
October 17, 2022
Fajne, tylko czemu takie krótkie? :> Frank, właściciel elitarnego klubu dla gejów i Joshua, pracownik Four Kings Security. Ich historia zaczęła się już kilka książek dalej. Wszyscy wiedzieliśmy, że w końcu będą razem, ale liczyłam na bardziej rozbudowaną historie tej pary ;)
December 30, 2025
I've been looking forward to this book FOREVER and I was super disappointed. Bums me out. Frank and Joshua deserve so much better than this. The big fight...ugh! TALK! COMMUNICATE! I'm so over grown adults that don't put their feelings/thoughts into words. Don't assume. Don't put words in other peoples mouths. Makes me mad.
June 21, 2021
A fun short read
I love the Kings and the Wild Cards series and this quick read fits nicely. It's sexy, sweet, with a dash of drama that needed a bit more build up to be truly suspenseful. Frank and Joshua suit each other well.
I am eager for Joker and Gio's book!
I love the Kings and the Wild Cards series and this quick read fits nicely. It's sexy, sweet, with a dash of drama that needed a bit more build up to be truly suspenseful. Frank and Joshua suit each other well.
I am eager for Joker and Gio's book!
Read
November 24, 2021Feels too short to rate, I wished it was longer this did feel rushed but it makes sense since it was less than 100 pages.
Greg Boudreaux was perfection though!
Greg Boudreaux was perfection though!
August 19, 2021
This one was shorter than the others, and it felt less developed too. While we do see why Frank hesitated on a relationship, the "getting over it" was quick. Too quick. I also wish we'd gotten more background on him and Joshua both. The climax felt pretty out of the blue, there was pretty much no buildup. And the stress over the event felt left behind, like we were juggling too many balls and the event was one of the dropped ones. I felt a bit disappointed by this one, having all previous books as my points of reference.
I am looking forward to Joker's story next.
I am looking forward to Joker's story next.
July 6, 2021
This one bugged me because I was pretty sure I’d read this one and just forgotten to review. Given that it’s a short one that’s probably exactly what happened. Best part of the story was the snowman. Nice to see everyone getting along and happy in their relationships. Well except for Joker. Looking forward to reading his story shortly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2022
Come il precedente, carino, ma nulla di più. Confido molto nel terzo volume che, dalle premesse scorte in questi due volumi precedenti, dovrebbe essere esplosivo.
August 21, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!
February 9, 2025
short and ideal to fall in sleep with.
June 7, 2025
Short, high heat, steamy and full of banter and action - just delightful to read. Now onto Joker and Gio's book!
December 31, 2021
Should’ve made more use of that legendary spreadsheet but still as super fun as only a Charlie Cochet book could be!
January 13, 2021
I'll be honest... if this wasn't a Charlie Cochet book, I would 2-star it.
I get that Frank and Joshua are side characters and they didn't get a full book. But this felt extremely rushed and it could have benefited from another 50 pages, in my opinion.
And don't get me started on that 70% miscommunication/conflict. Unnecessary AF, especially in a novella this short.
TBH, it felt like Charlie was just rushing to get it over with and the characters were underdeveloped. I would have liked more details about their relationship and how they got on.
I did enjoy it, so I'm giving it 3 stars, but these points bothered me.
Really excited about Joker & Gio's story, though!!! ❤
I get that Frank and Joshua are side characters and they didn't get a full book. But this felt extremely rushed and it could have benefited from another 50 pages, in my opinion.
And don't get me started on that 70% miscommunication/conflict. Unnecessary AF, especially in a novella this short.
TBH, it felt like Charlie was just rushing to get it over with and the characters were underdeveloped. I would have liked more details about their relationship and how they got on.
I did enjoy it, so I'm giving it 3 stars, but these points bothered me.
Really excited about Joker & Gio's story, though!!! ❤
January 9, 2021
Felt rushed. 3.25 stars
January 1, 2021
Frank and Joshua happy ending novella really brought me some warm feelings in my heart. They were so cute and I knew things would be fast this being a novella but I was satisfied with the outcome. Joshua was so determined to make Frank let go of whatever is holding him back...and Colton/Ace being the mother hens and protecting Joshua at all costs and putting some sense in Frank's head was so precious.
(I need Gio and Joker's book soon please)
(I need Gio and Joker's book soon please)
December 17, 2023
Re-read December 2023
January 14, 2021
4.5 Stars
I would have given this book a 5 stars rating but I'm still a bit salty we only got a novella of Frank and Joshua. I've been waiting for their story for SO LONG I feel deprived seeing them get their HEA so fast. Well, in a way these two were circling each other for a few years now so it's no wonder they didn't need more than a little spark to ignited a beautiful (and sexy) relationship.
As this one is rather short I won't say much about it.. Frank Ramirez is having issues in his exclusive club "Sapphire Sand" and it more than the accidental glitter bomb exploding (I laughed SO HARD on that one!) there is also someone trying to hurt him personally so he needs two things - First is sort out the Christmas party and second have the "Four Kings Security" find the threat and deal with it. So with Ace - and Colton - being involved it's no wonder they feel like playing match makerד.
Joshua Sterling have been working for Colton ever since he almost got molested on Frank's club. Working for someone as prestigious as Colton made him more confident in himself and his abilities and that's besides getting a WAY better paycheck at the end of the month. When Colton asks Joshua to help Frank there isn't really a question he'd help - It's going to be a piece of cake and he is hoping to get a piece of Frank. He doesn't buy into the whole age difference between them (Frank doesn't either but it's his "go to" excuse).
This was a really easy and sexy read though we naturally get a bit of action at the very end. It was just what I needed as I have very little time to read these days so getting immersed in a quick pace novella of two characters I've waited this long to read was truly a treat. As I said, I DID wish it was a bit longer but I had no problem accepting the timeline / relationship buildup considering how well they have already knew each other.
This novella was a free read for Christmas during the holidays so if you got it back then - good for you! If not, it's now available on Amazon.
More Reviews HERE
I would have given this book a 5 stars rating but I'm still a bit salty we only got a novella of Frank and Joshua. I've been waiting for their story for SO LONG I feel deprived seeing them get their HEA so fast. Well, in a way these two were circling each other for a few years now so it's no wonder they didn't need more than a little spark to ignited a beautiful (and sexy) relationship.
As this one is rather short I won't say much about it.. Frank Ramirez is having issues in his exclusive club "Sapphire Sand" and it more than the accidental glitter bomb exploding (I laughed SO HARD on that one!) there is also someone trying to hurt him personally so he needs two things - First is sort out the Christmas party and second have the "Four Kings Security" find the threat and deal with it. So with Ace - and Colton - being involved it's no wonder they feel like playing match makerד.
Joshua Sterling have been working for Colton ever since he almost got molested on Frank's club. Working for someone as prestigious as Colton made him more confident in himself and his abilities and that's besides getting a WAY better paycheck at the end of the month. When Colton asks Joshua to help Frank there isn't really a question he'd help - It's going to be a piece of cake and he is hoping to get a piece of Frank. He doesn't buy into the whole age difference between them (Frank doesn't either but it's his "go to" excuse).
This was a really easy and sexy read though we naturally get a bit of action at the very end. It was just what I needed as I have very little time to read these days so getting immersed in a quick pace novella of two characters I've waited this long to read was truly a treat. As I said, I DID wish it was a bit longer but I had no problem accepting the timeline / relationship buildup considering how well they have already knew each other.
This novella was a free read for Christmas during the holidays so if you got it back then - good for you! If not, it's now available on Amazon.
More Reviews HERE
June 13, 2023
3,5★
Il est vrai que j’aurai voulu une bonne centaines de pages supplémentaires et il est également vrai que les choses évoluent assez vite entre nos deux héros. Et pourtant il m’est impossible de dire que je ressors de ma lecture déçue. Soyons honnête s’agissant d’un format court, il est inutile de tourner autour du pot et de faire éterniser les choses. Il vaut mieux droit au but. Et je dois reconnaître que là-dessus Charlie Cochet a su tirer son épingle du jeu ! Entre situations délirantes, tension, danger, actions, rebondissements, humour, sensualité et émotions bien présentes, je me suis littéralement régalée ! Si vous cherchez un petit et palpitant romantic suspens qui vous fasse délicieusement vibrer. Alors Relancer le jeu est exactement ce qu’il vous faut ! Fous rires garanties avec ces énergumènes de cette saga ! Et pour terminer avec cette petite mise en bouche laissée à la fin, dire que je trépigne d’impatience de lire l’histoire de Joker est un pur euphémisme. Mon petit doigt me dit que cela avec être explosif !
>> Mon avis complet sur le blog: https://wp.me/p5AuT9-cML <<
Il est vrai que j’aurai voulu une bonne centaines de pages supplémentaires et il est également vrai que les choses évoluent assez vite entre nos deux héros. Et pourtant il m’est impossible de dire que je ressors de ma lecture déçue. Soyons honnête s’agissant d’un format court, il est inutile de tourner autour du pot et de faire éterniser les choses. Il vaut mieux droit au but. Et je dois reconnaître que là-dessus Charlie Cochet a su tirer son épingle du jeu ! Entre situations délirantes, tension, danger, actions, rebondissements, humour, sensualité et émotions bien présentes, je me suis littéralement régalée ! Si vous cherchez un petit et palpitant romantic suspens qui vous fasse délicieusement vibrer. Alors Relancer le jeu est exactement ce qu’il vous faut ! Fous rires garanties avec ces énergumènes de cette saga ! Et pour terminer avec cette petite mise en bouche laissée à la fin, dire que je trépigne d’impatience de lire l’histoire de Joker est un pur euphémisme. Mon petit doigt me dit que cela avec être explosif !
>> Mon avis complet sur le blog: https://wp.me/p5AuT9-cML <<
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