REVIEWED by Jen B.

TITLE: Diamond in the Rough

SERIES: Four Kings Security

AUTHOR: Charlie Cochet

PUBLISHER: Charlie Cochet

LENGTH: 1729 KB

RELEASE DATE: February 12, 2019

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For Ward “King” Kingston the role of protector, forged by fire and tragedy, is one he takes seriously. When King is asked to safeguard the son of a four-star general and friend, he is pulled back into the world of government black ops on a mission that raises painful memories from his past. The moment King meets Leo, amid the chaos of a lockdown at a secret black site, it’s clear he’s never faced a challenge like this—one that will test his unwavering sense of control.

Leopold de Loughrey is a misunderstood genius whose anxiety and insecurities are sent into overdrive when he is forcefully recruited to work on a top-secret project. Terrified of what his role as invaluable asset means, Leo’s stress leads to disappearances, arguments, and blowups that threaten the project and Leo’s future. King’s arrival is a calm in the storm for Leo and his frenetic thoughts.

King and Leo couldn’t be more different, yet as they navigate the dangers of a secret multi-agency operation and face unknown threats, their differences could be what saves them. Neither man believes happy ever after is in the cards, but their hearts might just prove them wrong… if they can survive a deadly betrayal.

REVIEW:

I have been looking forward to King’s book from the very start of this series. He’s the leader, the grumpy one the guys will follow anywhere, and just an overall badass. I knew it would take someone pretty special and unique to make a good match for him, and luckily, Ms. Cochet found him just the guy! When King is asked to do a favor for his long-time friend and mentor, General de Loughrey, he doesn’t hesitate. Didn’t seem too difficult a task to keep an eye on the General’s son, who has been “commandeered” by the Government for his techy skills to create a surveillance program. It doesn’t take long to see King will have to step in, and in true King fashion, he takes control and lays down the law.

Leo was awesome! A total geek whose mind just doesn’t work the same way as other people, but that is exactly what enables him to do what he does so well. He gets in the zone and loses awareness of things around him or that he should feed or water himself. When his anxiety reaches a certain level, he subconsciously makes things happen that allow him to disappear from under everyone’s noses, usually to do something as simple as getting a snack. He has trouble doing what is asked of him due to the environment not being ideal, and when he meets King, knowing his father sent someone he obviously trusts, Leo finds someone to trust as well. It becomes King’s job to help “manage” Leo and his issues so that he can get the job done but keeping Leo’s best interests at heart.  There are some other things going on that help bring King and Leo closer together and which make this story a bit more than just an easy romance.  But, rest assured, there is a happy ending.

Exactly what the doctor ordered – King is thrown for a loop with Leo, as the two hit it off. They are perfect for each other and exactly what each other needs. It was great seeing King find someone who could effortlessly make him smile, just as it was amazing to see Leo blossom from the isolated shy guy he had been. You know how the rest of the guys are, so it isn’t a stretch to see how they all play a role in helping Leo open up and trust and actually find happiness with people who actually wanted to be around him. Speaking of the gang, it’s always great seeing them all again. Ace, Lucky, Jack, Joker and even Chip, as well as all of the significant others, were a fabulous garnish on this delicious meal of a story. It is super sweet but unique and interesting, and let’s not forget, plenty sexy too! I’m already looking forward to the spinoff about the Wild Cards and can’t wait to see how their stories play out.

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