Saturday, November 5, 2016

Blood & Thunder (THIRDS #2) [Sloane & Dex] by Charlie Cochet

Great novel! Really enjoyed it! One of those books you are reluctant to put down. I really enjoyed the previous one, and this one was just as good. I loved getting to know the MC as well as the rest of the Destructive Delta team even better and now it's even more than just wanting Dex and Sloane to find their HEA, there are more I want to see getting there. This had more action in my mind but the real resolve only comes in the last few chapters in which we understand the global threat to THIRDS as well as a MAJOR reveal of Sloane's secrets. 


The previous book ended with Isaac Pearce, Gabe's brother (Sloane's lover and partner) killing off a THIRDS agent in live TV, making them realize he not only escaped their last face-off but he is plotting a lot more evil through the organizing he has formed the last year called "Order of Adrasteia". Yet they are feeling they are on a wild goose chase most of the book, not understanding Isaac's selection of targets. They only know he is after THIRDS secrets mostly ones concerning the "First Gen" Therians (like Sloane and Ash) and how they came to be a part of the THIRDS agency. Thats one hell of a guarded secret, not only government-wise, but also from Sloane's perspective. He and Dex are getting closer but first, he STILL isn't ready for a relationship and second, he is unwilling to share is past secrets with Dex, believing they would distant Dex from him. 

Dex is frustrated. He and Sloane might feel more for one another but it's obvious Sloane is scared shitless from getting into any sort of commitment, but besides that, he realizes Sloane doesn't trust him, or rather trust IN him. It shown not only in Sloane turning his back whenever he should be confinding in Dex, but also when he doubts his judgement on a mission and later on even goes as far as taking disciplinary measures against him (well, sort of..). He might saved Hobb's life (a Therian team member) but disobeying Sloane's direct order to get the hell out puts them on odds for more reasons than simply the action both of them took on that specific occasion. 

In the previous book we (and Dex) were left with a lot of questions concerning Sloane's past and we totally get them in the very end of this one. I loved the whole scene between Sloane and Dex.  It was sad and tender. I see it as one of the most meaningful interaction they had up until now. It gives Dex a necessary glimpse into who Sloane really is. Dex is mostly an open book, and if he isn't asking him gets you the answers. Sloane is the exact opposite which made this scene so powerful and emotional. 

This book brings a possibility of TWO new relationships. I'm not saying who but I think it's quite obvious. I was waiting for more of them both from the previous installment. Can't remember where I had similar "misgivings" about too many operatives turning out to be gay.. Guess it's more common in series which are based only on MM.. I don't really mind that truly because I enjoyed the characters so much. Besides, it's Paranormal :) Not everything should feel "realistic", though I do think the connection and relationship buildup EVERYONE in this series feels totally genuine. I guess this is as good a place as any to also add that I really enjoyed learning a bit more about Hobbs (and Calvin) and the reason for his silence. 

Like the previous one, this one has a lot of Laugh Out Loud moments, mostly because that's who Dex is and also there's quite a lot of sexy between Sloane and Dex. They might have their problems saying what they mean to one another but they have NO problems showing their mutual attraction as well as sweet connection. 

Off to read the next one :) yep, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as the previous one. 


Additional Details: Kindle Ebook, 234 pages, 4-5 November 2016 / On GoodReads

ABOUT THIS SERIES 

THIRDS is my absolute favorite Paranormal MM Romance / Urban Fantasy series. It's the first I've read by Charlie Cochet (and wasn't the last!). I absolutely ADORE the series, each book was simply superb! There's a lot of action in the books, but there is also A LOT of laugh out loud moments as well as heartfelt ones between the MCs. I couldn't have asked for more. This series has it all!

The world building is AWESOME, it's explained right in the beginning of the series - A biological weapon used in the Vietnam war caused a mutations that made the Therians, a new species of half man - half animal. What we usually call "shape shifters". The world is struggling to deal with this new species, a lot of prejudice, a need to register and somehow contain the new members of society. The THIRDS - Therian-Human Intelligence, Recon, Defense Squadron is formed to help the "human police" deal with Therian threats.

The series focuses on the "Destructive Delta" team, mostly the leader - Sloane a Jaguar Therian and his new human partner Dex (with 3 novels focus on other couples). 

The Destructive Delta Team:
Sloane Brodie (Therian Jaguar) - Dexter "Dex" J. (Justice) Daley
Ash Keeler (Therian Lion) - Julietta "Letty" Guerrera 
Cael Maddock (Therian Cheetah) - Rosa Santiago 
Ethan Hobbs (Therian Tiger) - Calvin Summers

The series contains 10 novel but Dex and Sloane's journey continues on the spin-off - TIN (Therian Intelligence Network)

HIGHLY HIGHLY Recommended! 

Each book contains a cast members list and a glossary, but if you want MORE - about the books, characters and the world of THIRDS - look into Charlie's dedicated site THIRDS HQ.

Books
1. Hell & High Water [Sloane & Dex] (Published 5 July 2014) ★★★★★
2. Blood & Thunder [Sloane & Dex] (Published 3 August 2014) ★★★★★
3. Rack & Ruin [Sloane & Dex] (Published 7 November 2014) ★★★★★
4. Rise & Fall 
[Sloane & Dex] (Published 2 February 2015)
 ★★★★★

5. Against the Grain [Cael & Ash] (Published 3 August 2015) ★★★★★
6. Catch a Tiger by the Tail [Calvin & Ethan] (Published 5 November 2015) ★★★★★
7. Smoke & Mirrors 
[Sloane & Dex] (Published 8 July 2016)
 ★★★★★

8. Thick & Thin [Sloane & Dex] (Published 1 February 2017) ★★★★★
9. Darkest Hour Before Dawn [Seb & Hudson] (published 25 April 2017) ★★★★★
9.5 Gummy Bears & Grenades [Sloane & Dex] (published 4 October 2017) ★★★★★
10. Tried & True [Dex & Sloane] (published 24 November 2017) ★★★★★

THIRDS Universe 
These are side stories of characters mentioned throughout the series and will center around THEM (not the Destructive Delta arc) so they could be read as stand alone. Yet be advised they MIGHT contain spoilers to the main series. 
Currently there is only one book published with quite a lot of promised couples - Dom & West ; Wolf & ??? ; Taylor & Angel ; Lou & Bradley ; Felipe & Bram Zachary ; Brayden Kavanah & Eden Zachary 

Books
Love and Payne [Austen Payne & Osmond "Zach" Zachary] (Published 4 September 2018) ★★★★★

 

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