Sequel to Hell & High WaterTHIRDS: Book Two When a series of bombs go off in a Therian youth center, injuring members of THIRDS Team Destructive Delta and causing a rift between agents Dexter J. Daley and Sloane Brodie, peace seems unattainable. Especially when a new and frightening group, the Order of Adrasteia, appears to always be a step ahead. With panic and intolerance spreading and … spreading and streets becoming littered with the Order’s propaganda, hostility between Humans and Therians grows daily. Dex and Sloane, along with the rest of the team, are determined to take down the Order and restore peace, not to mention settle a personal score. But the deeper the team investigates the bombings, the more they believe there’s a more sinister motive than a desire to shed blood and spread chaos.
Discovering the frightful truth behind the Order’s intent forces Sloane to confront secrets from a past he thought he’d left behind for good, a past that could not only destroy him and his career, but also the reputation of the organization that made him all he is today. Now more than ever, Dex and Sloane need each other, and, along with trust, the strength of their bond will mean the difference between justice and all-out war.
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The plot becomes deeper, the action more intense, and the explosiveness bigger. In all the ways. Sometimes bigger isn’t always better. With how crazy things get in this story I’m wondering how the series can truly be sustained because, I mean, where would you go from here? How much bigger can you get? How many more secrets can be exposed, bombs set off, life-threatening situations for the MC’s, near saves and near misses…just where do you expect to end up when you’ve already blown the roof off in only book 2?
While things are ramping up from the fallout of Hell & High Water, there’s more we get from Sloane. I think a lot of it is necessary because of what we lacked so much from before. He’s still as tight-lipped as ever and dismissive and cold and a bit of a jerk…okay, a lot of a jerk. But we’re also seeing something softer, much more vulnerable, and something that might be worth redeeming. He’s not there by the end of this one, unfortunately, but there’s a lot more here to root for than before.
Oh Dex. I’m still in love with him, that’s for sure. I do wish he didn’t become a little more of a doormat though. Sloane’s hot and cold routine is wearing thin, especially because they’re so incredibly hot between the sheets. What we were lacking in sexual scenes in book one, we’re making up for in book two in spectacular fashion. What I liked about that was that even though I’m annoyed with Dex continually taking it (figuratively and literally) from Sloane without receiving any kind of deeper intimacy over and over again, he’s not oblivious to what’s going on. He knows how deep he’s getting and acknowledges that it’s not the best situation and sees the likelihood of a miserable outcome for him. Doesn’t excuse it at all, but the awareness is something I’d expect in the very least from someone as intelligent, insightful, and strong-willed as him.
I’m still absolutely invested in this world, especially because I have a feeling that the direction of book three is going to take us somewhere a little more emotional, a little more insidious, and a little more quiet. Not that we shouldn’t expect plenty of shifty goodness, bedroom shaking, and explosion detonating moments along with ridiculous Dex-antics to love, but definitely quieter than all the crazy we’ve gotten thus far. I’m definitely in for more of all of it. Plus, I still have a little hope that Sloane will get his act together and be worthy of Dex.
5 stars
Heat Level: 4
Narration: 5
Another great one! Dex is just awesome!
This one was great! So much more intrigue into Sloane (& Ash’s) past and what it was like to be one of the First Gen.
With major unrest between Humans and Therians and Issac Pierce’s Order of Adrasteia coming out of the woodwork and continuing its threats from book 1. This story is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. I thought Issac’s obsession with Dex was weird and it was so clear Issac was delusional and had seriously lost his connection to reality for all that he thought was possible with Dex. The conclusion of this book had me on the edge of my seat and I’m it was so twisted and thrilling I just loved it even more. I felt this book wrapped up most of the carryover from book 1 and didn’t end on a cliffhanger but had possible “lead-ins” the same as book one.
I really liked this book and loved getting to now much more about Destructive Delta and the interconnecting lives of the team members. I’m hoping we get to see more connections blossom in the coming books!!
P.S. I felt this book also dealt with some serious issues of self-harm and suicide and perhaps needed a warning for such but these issues endeared me so much more towards Sloane and the truth of his past.
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One thing that sets this series off from most books I read before is the amazing balance between the main action packed plot and the relationship between the MCs. They coexist perfectly without either dominating the books.
Book 2 is a great continuation, with the same witty dialogues, interesting story and a great group of characters. It was a true page turner.
Absolutely love Dex and Sloane, plus the rest of the characters! This story is an emotional roller coaster with the bombing of a shelter. Dex and Sloane need each other more that ever. I can not say enough positive things about this series. If I could rate it higher than a 5 I would! You will love it!
It is difficult to write a review spoiler-free when almost everything I can tell about it, could be considered a spoiler. However, I can tell you the book is amazing and continues with the plot after the last scene in book 1. Again, a lot of adventures and danger situations for THIRDS, but especially for Sloane and Dex while trying to keep their relationship alive in the middle of all the intrigue and evil machinations, Isaac Pearce put them through. The book kept me at edge all the time, and I couldn’t put it down until I finished the last page. A really captivating action-packed story. Loved it!!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Blood & Thunder is the second book in the THIRDS series by Charlie Cochet. DeX, Sloan and the west of their department are back and the action is hot, the comedy is gut busting and the steam is rising. The universe created is amazing, intriguing, well described and addictive to read about. I am loving this series and these characters. One book ends and I’m anxious to start the next.
Licensed to thrill
We pick up where we left off in Hell & High Water with the team trying to stop the Order but nothing is going as planned. Oh man, Dex and Ash together are a riot. Never a dull moment with those two. I adore Sloane and Dex. They are such an amazing couple and wow, are they hot together. I love how they can’t stay away from one another. That being said, Sloane is holding himself back as he’s caught between the past and present and it’s tearing him up. It will be interesting watching them navigate this path; howeve, there are things Sloane does that to me scream his feelings for Dex. Somehow, I think Dex only knows how to do things the hard way but it’s so entertaining to watch, like the bonding session.
I do like seeing Dex take care of Sloane, very sweet. An aspect I found very interesting in this book is that we experience the perspective of Isaac. He is one obsessed and delusional guy but also very smart. I think Dex is adorable and I appreciate how he makes people laugh. Threat Level Fuchsia, the entire scene was hilarious and I love it when Sloane gets possessive. Some parts of this book ripped out my heart, and I really, really want to hurt someone. Gotta say Dex is very brave and I applaud his actions, but both he and Sloane can be very bullheaded. To complicate matters, the case hits Sloane on a personal level. His pain hurts me but Dex never falters. These two are meant for each other.
I am super curious about Ash, Cael, Calvin and Hobbs. Cael, especially is very observant and shouldn’t be underestimated. I love the rapport he and Dex have as brothers. Haha vacuums, classic. So much action, danger and suspense in this book, and I really hate Isaac. The ending will keep you on edge but leave you oh so very happy. This series is amazing and once you start you won’t want to stop.
This series is shaping up to be pretty awesome. It’s told from dual POV, it’s suspenseful, fast-paced, emotionally charged and super s*exy. As tensions mount it THIRDS headquarters, Dex and Sloane get involved way deeper than they wanted or could possibly acknowledge even to themselves. While Dex can’t help but fall for the honorable, steadfast and oh so good-looking Sloane, Sloane has so many fears about being with Dex that it results in rush judgements and unnecessary fight between them.
We get a better glimpse into team’s dynamics and how they work out in the field and off the clock. I like every team member, they are like family – they fight, bicker, support and comfort each other when times get tough. It seems that unknowingly Dex becomes the heart of the team, and Gabe’s passing no longer hurts so much. I loved every moment the team work as one while trying to find Isaac Pierce – the jokes and insults. I loved all the ways Dex annoyed everyone with his humor (I am sure secretly even Ash loves it). But with the danger coming from the Order and the feelings that Sloane can no longer suppress, he shows his vulnerability to Dex and they finally are able to come to an understanding. I loved those scenes – both Sloane’s and Dex’s actions were brimming with emotions. *sigh* Another wonderful book that I highly recommend!
I really love this series. It is one with grit and humor. It has the perfect balance. I think this is also a great way to describe the MCs. Dex is still hilarious, but he has a ton of depth. Then Sloane is so hard to crack that you are not really sure how to feel, but he had big feelings in this one and by the end they were in a really great place. I look forward to seeing what they get up to in the later books. In this one, they are still going after Isaac and his following. Dex and a few of his teammates get beat up and you get to know everyone a bit more. I love all the characters in this series and look forward to their stories as well.
I think this was a record for me: I managed to finish “Blood & Thunder” in half a day, reading non-stop. I literally could NOT stop.
This was as amazing as the first one, though I enjoyed slightly less because Sloane acted like a big idiot for half of the book. He’s still lovable and his story makes my heart hurt: I hope we find him in a better place in the next book, because he deserves some happiness and light. Dex, as usual, was fabulous and hilarious but I loved seeing his insecure and not-so-carefree side too. He’s a bit oblivious too, and that was endearing to see. I hope we get more of jealous Sloane next, because some of his scenes were hilarious to read.
I also loved seeing a bit more of all the characters, mainly Hobbs and Calvin, Ash and Cael. I already know I’m going to LOVE the next books: this book has laid down so much potential. And action-wise, the stakes keep getting higher and higher.
Having only read the first two books, I already know this series is going to be one I reread and recommend to other readers. I loved this book even more than the first! The characters continue to be engaging and interesting, and we learn more about some of them. The author is fantastic at developing so many characters at once and she is especially talented at witty and fun banter. Oh. And if you thought Dex was wild I the first book? Just you wait! I think the overall plot was stronger in this book and the action was a ton of fun. I am hoping for more shifting in the next book or at least learning more about the Therians.
It was hard to put this book down and now I just want to jump into the next book. This is a must read!
So human Dexter Daley and Therian Sloane Brodie are several months into sleeping together. They still haven’t started dating but this is a start for the gun shy Sloane. They are still after Issac (the nemesis from book 1). After a bombing at a Therian youth center, Sloane starts to pull away from Dex. When Dex finally confronts Sloane about his treatment, Sloane breaks down and tells Dex why he’s been pulling away. Dex is understanding and tells Sloane he’s still there for him. When the THIRDS gets intel on where they may find Issac and a missing Dr for the THIRDS, things go awry and Dex is put in jeopardy.
This is a really good continuation from book 1. Dex is his usual jokester self and had me laughing through quite a bit in the beginning of the book. The scene where the team goes to a bar to have a few drinks and unwind had me in stitches. Dex’s Therian brother Cael comes to Dex’s defense and tells off Sloane, in perfect fashion, for the way Sloane is treating Dex. Ash even shows a better side of himself, proving he’s not all jerk. I really liked this book and couldn’t put it down. I read it from start to end.
Dex is a hilarious dude. Gosh, he is amazing. So in this installment, Brodie gets over himself and finally stops treating Dex like a ho. Granted, Dex is loyal and willing to wait for Brodie to work out his crap. The irony is awesome. Dex acts silly and can be mistaken for immature, but it’s the serious guy- Brodie- who is the whiny baby.
I’m not sure if I like Brodie yet. He has a lot of emotional learning to do. Now that I know the source of his shame and pain, I can cut him some slack. He’s trying to “find “ himself while explosions, abductions, betrayal and some kick-ass action is going down. And Lordy is Dex a whole other level of sassy. He steals the show, the book and my heart.
What makes the THIRDS series so addicting is the humor and banter that are prevalent throughout the book. The THIRD agents of Destructive Delta are working to find and contain the members of the domestic terrorist hate group, the Order of Adrasteia. The law enforcement work was decent and provided a nice back drop for all the drama, romance, and suspense.
Mark Westerfield did a phenomenal job with voicing the characters and creating a wonderful performance in the audiobook.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars. The writing style was well done and the pacing of the book was perfect. Dex and Sloane are some of my favorite characters, and their relationship and partnership is intense and with incredible chemistry.
This whole series was hard to put down.
This book was slow going and I almost gave up reading it. However it picks up about half way and turns out to be really good.
Though it had a bit of a different feel, this was a nice follow up to Hell & High Water. A good combination of relationship and action, with humor and hot sex, this one focused more on Sloane’s background and his growing romance with Dex. The other teammates are well represented especially Calvin and Hobbs and Ash and Cael. The action wasn’t as intense as the first one and there was only one shift scene, but it did lay ground for the continuation of the story. I’m really enjoying the series and am ready to start the next one.
Enjoyed the banter and dialogue of one of the main characters, Dex. Laugh out loud funny at parts, yet serious and sentimental at times.
Blood and Thunder takes place approximately eight months after Hell & High Water. Dex is now firmly entrenched within Destructive Delta and is continuing his relationship with Sloane, although he does want more than what Sloane is prepared to give. He is patient though, and doesn’t push things, especially when he knows that Sloane has no more to give right now. On top of this, they are still hunting for Isaac and putting out the numerous fires that he is starting.
What can I say about this? It’s been over a month since I read Hell & High Water but I was immediately immersed back into their world. So much going on, and I loved every thrilling, fast-paced moment of it. Not only do we see more of Sloane and Dex, but we get a couple more hints into Calvin and Hobbs, plus Ash and Cael. It’s not all plain sailing for Sloane and Dash though, and my heart broke for both of them, although I did still want to wump Sloane upside the head with his ‘official reprimand’. There way many, MANY laugh out loud moments, surprisingly enough involving Dex. I honestly don’t think I could cope with him in real life, but as a character, he is brilliant!
This was an exceptionally well written addition to the series, deepening and developing all the characters and their relationships with each other. There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, and the story itself was compelling reading. Absolutely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!