THIRDS: Book One When homicide detective Dexter J. Daley’s testimony helps send his partner away for murder, the consequences–and the media frenzy–aren’t far behind. He soon finds himself sans boyfriend, sans friends, and, after an unpleasant encounter in a parking garage after the trial, he’s lucky he doesn’t find himself sans teeth. Dex fears he’ll get transferred from the Human Police … the Human Police Force’s Sixth Precinct, or worse, get dismissed. Instead, his adoptive father–a sergeant at the Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron otherwise known as the THIRDS–pulls a few strings, and Dex gets recruited as a Defense Agent.
Dex is determined to get his life back on track and eager to get started in his new job. But his first meeting with Team Leader Sloane Brodie, who also happens to be his new jaguar Therian partner, turns disastrous. When the team is called to investigate the murders of three HumaniTherian activists, it soon becomes clear to Dex that getting his partner and the rest of the tightknit team to accept him will be a lot harder than catching the killer–and every bit as dangerous.
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This is a re read for me that I enjoyed much more this time. This story is set in the USA in a paranormal world including LGBTQ’s relationships . Main characters are Dex and Sloane. A police thriller that ends with a HFN and sets up the next book in the series well.
This book checked all my boxes!
Lots of action, murder, suspense, and explosions just to keep things lively. Bad cops, good cops, and a crazy cop or two. Add in shifter vs. non-shifter politics, lots of prejudice and you’ve got an explosion waiting to happen.
Then add in team dynamics, a new team mate, attractions that shouldn’t be acted upon, loyalty, betrayal and a whole lot of humor and you have a story that keeps you enthralled from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
4.5 fun-filled snark, action, and world-building Dex stars.
Okay, so I know there are issues:
-Sloane is SUCH a jerk and I’m NOT a fan of how he treats Dex. Yes, a dual POV really gives us better insight, but nothing he says or does redeems his awful behavior. Especially because there’s only a wink toward an HFN and it’s a pretty weak wink at that.
-The action supplants the romance. It’s a series so there’s a bunch of world-building, tech/gear description, character establishment, and set-up to be had so with a big picture in mind, I find this a little more excusable.
-An easily predictable villain complete with a stereotypical monologue. Yeah, there are a bunch of clues and questionable things, but I feel like because Dex catches on to those clues and thinks of them as a suspect, it’s not an extremely annoying situation of everyone brushing them off until the end when it’s a big “surprise”. Still doesn’t make the over-the-top monologue and crazy okay, but it’s a little easier to swallow.
-Barely an HFN and a helluva cliffhanger. I’m torn on this one. I can get behind the cliffhanger because I like that not every series will have each and every villain/consequence neatly tied up with a big ol’ ribbon in each and every story within the series sometimes. Plus, more Dex…seriously, how can anyone NOT want more Dex?! The HFN always bothers me, but more so here because Sloane is such a d-bag before the end. The glimmer of a promise isn’t enough for me.
So why the super high rating despite acknowledging the inherent issues? One word. Dex. He’s everything I love…well, aside from a bit of the doormat thing with Sloane. His snark, extreme ridiculousness, intelligence, observational skills, insight, determination, honesty, sense of justice, love of certain snacks, cheerfulness, relationship with his brother and father…need I continue? I mean, I had to stop reading sometimes so I could totally laugh out loud because of his antics. And I don’t really emote in real life while reading books very often, so for me it’s a huge deal.
I also completely didn’t mind the info-dumps. For me they were captivating and interesting because I was so invested in the world and the premise. Gear descriptions were organic in their placement and appropriate level of descriptions too. And because a female is giving the info because she’s a bad-A all on her own and as part of the team gives it something admirably extra.
With a cast of characters I can’t wait to get to know and a world I’m absorbed in, it’s hard to give in to anything but a high star rating despite knowing its weaknesses. I have incredibly high hopes for the series and can’t wait to see where we go from here. I’m already chanting “more Dex, more Dex, more Dex!” and putting together a Dex-inspired playlist.
5 stars
Heat Level: 3.75
Narration: 4.5
So good! Why did I wait so long!!!
This story has the perfect amount of sass, humor, comic relief, thrills, intrigue, and angst; I just couldn’t put it down! While I did guess “the how” for the murders straight away, “the who” took longer and I enjoyed the ride. I liked the whole world created and the unique take on “shifters”.
I loved Dex! He is fantastic! If there was ever a book character I’d want to meet he’d be it. While he’s always good for a laugh, there is so much more to him than I expected. I loved getting to know Destructive Delta and all the characters.
These angst between Sloane and Dex is undeniable and so, so not once they give in! I really liked the case progression and how we slowly unwrapped Sloane as the book went on but Charlie never reveals all. She likes to keep us guessing and on edge. While the main “case” of this book is “solved” there is a twist that leads into book 2, but it’s not a cliffhanger just a lead in thankfully. I’m loving these characters and am now hooked on Dex and Sloane and what’s up next for these two and their team!
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I can’t say enough about this series! Dex and Sloane are perfect for each other. I love the chaos that Dex brings to his new team. The other characters are equally as great. I’ve read this series several times and never tire of it. You will love it! I also recommend the audiobook.
Action filled story with great MCs, banter to challenge the wittiest and an amazing world built with attention to details. A great book and an opening to what is sure to be a brilliant series. Diving into book 2 right away is the only way to go. Loved it!
As a physician is sometimes difficult to align my love for paranormal stories about shifters with my knowledge about physiology and anatomy of a human body so when an author includes an amazingly plausible explanation for the birth of Therians as species, I cannot stop reading. So Ms Cochet just made of me a loyal follower of this series forever and ever. But after the great start in the book explaining Therians, the plot became more and more interesting, full of action, intrigue, danger situations and twists and turns in the conflict that I read it in one seating. Also Dexter as a character is one of the best I encountered, and I liked it since the beginning because his inner strength, loyalty, honesty and enjoyment of life, finding the funny aspects and brighter side of any situation. Of course Sloane was doomed to fall for him. And after that last scene in the book… WOW!! I cannot wait to read book 2!!!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Sarcasm and Sass
This book makes me think Men in Black meets shifters. “Grown men eat nuts.” Dex sure knows how to make an entrance and remind me to stock lots of Cheesy Doodles. Haha, Calvin & Hobbs, a classic. This team, love their sarcasm and humor, especially Dex and his father. I imagine that house was an experience growing up in. Gotta admit Dex is pretty charming but really insightful and Sloane is sexy but wounded.
Dex and his food. He kinda is like a big puppy. It was sweet and heartwarming watching Dex help the team heal. I absolutely love Sloane and Dex’s banter as well as watching Ash and Dex spar. The book kept me in stitches. Oh my gosh, the audio file, couldn’t stop laughing. So many funny scenes but the hospital and the puppet; I couldn’t breathe.
The passion and chemistry between Dex and Sloane is off the charts. You may need to take a cold shower while reading this. They are both very stubborn and have quick tempers but they are also extremely loyal and protective of each other. I adored seeing them open up to each other as they learned to trust one another. Although I figured out the villain, the action and suspense kept me turning pages very late into the night and the ending is simply chilling.
An amazing beginning to a series and to a fantastic set of characters by Charlie Cochet.
Hell & High Water is the first book in the THIRDS series by Charlie Cochet. This book has action, suspense, humor, steam and love….it captures your attention and takes you on a wonderful and exciting ride.
Dex and Sloane are fantastic characters that I absolutely love. Dex is fun, caring and loyal, Sloane is protective, sexy and perfect for his partner. Their chemistry is heated and I enjoyed every moment of interaction between them. The supporting characters are interesting and I can not wait to know more about them.
The story is well written and entertaining. Its told by the two characters’ point of views and alliws us to really get into their heads and appreciate the amazing characters created. As the first book in the series, it does a fantastic job of getting me excited about the rest of the series.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I loved this book! All the characters were well-written, unique and very likable, even Ash. The humor was in wonderful balance with the intense emotions and situations that Dex and Sloane found themselves in. I enjoyed the world author built, the tension between humans and Therians and the background that was outstanding. This is the first in the series, so Ms Cochet did a wonderful job on building anticipation and providing enough tidbits to make me want to know more. Very well done! I highly recommend it!
I loved this series!
I highly recommend #THIRD series!
This book was fantastic! The world building was excellent, the characters are people you would want as friends & colleagues, and you will find yourself laughing out loud at one of the main characters antics! A thoroughly enjoyable read. Charlie Cochet is one of my favorite authors, and I’m a huge fan of this entire series!
Lacked chemistry between the MCs, so it was a bust for me.
But an okay story otherwise.
From start to finish I was grinning so much my face hurt. Seriously, I can’t count the times I had to stop and take a breath and compose myself. It was just the thing I needed after some serious angst-ridden books, and I’m so glad this series is complete so I can read them without pacing myself.
The best thing in “Hell & High Water” is its protagonist. Dexter J. Delay is a sight to behold: he’s childish and superficial, he’s always cracking jokes and he’s always flirting, and he’s, I think, the most hilarious MC I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. After the first few chapters, just enough time to get used to his particular brand of humur (and crazy), I fell for him. He’s so sunny and open and with Sloane, they embody the “literal sunshine goofball falls for the grumpy one” character trope in all it’s glory. I’ve always loved opposites-attract and together they’re explosive, sparks flying everywhere.
The whole team is made up of equally glorious characters (I want Rosa and Letty to adopt me) and since I’ve already read some of the blurbs of the next books, the interactions and relationships among them all made me cackle evilly: I CANNOT wait to continue and see what happens.
The story is a rollercoaster of action and discoveries, evil masterminds and plotting, and if the humur and romance has already made me fall for this series after just one book, I know the action will have me on my seat for the whole ride. I’ll jump into book two right away.
First off this book ends in a sorta cliffhanger (luckily the second book is out)
Dex is a human agent starting out at the THIRDS which is like the police but for shifter crimes. His partner is the standoffish Sloane. Sparks are flying all over between these two. Sloane has a pretty tragic past and fights his attraction towards Dex. I loved the action of this story and the characters are fantastic.
This is one of those series that I see constantly recommended and praised and gushed about. But then I’ve seen the other side of those who didn’t love it quite so much. So not really having a solid reason, I held off on reading it, but kept it on my endless to be read list.
Now I totally get the hype. This series is right up my alley and I loved it!
Men (and women) in uniform?
Banter between teammates?
Lines that will make you laugh until you cry?
Hot chemistry and sexy scenes?
Check. Check. Check. Check!
You can’t help but love Dex. He’s one of those guys you really want to hate, especially when he’s being childish and immature, but then you realize it all comes from a place of love and sincerity. After so much silliness, his serious and intelligent side will catch you off guard at times. He’s just a really interesting and quirky character.
And then Sloane. He really does sound like a total hottie. I like how he has different, complex sides that make him more relatable – confident team leader, good friend, passionate lover … and vulnerable like all of us.
I really love the side characters! Especially Dex’s dad. His and Dex’s interactions are downright hilarious. I’ll refrain from writing a novel; just know they’re all interesting in their own way and they help show different sides of the main characters and make them more real.
Now, the plot of this first book is not overly complicated. You should catch onto what’s going on before the reveal. But it’s still a good story and I was more focused on the characters and their interactions anyways.
I do think this story has a specific audience and it has to be your thing. Otherwise I can see someone not liking it. And fair enough. We all like what we like.
But if there is even just one thing that interests you about this story, check it out! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Great introduction to the craziness that is Dex, a fearless human among shapeshifting Therians. Fascinating elements of law enforcement, various types of shifters, and an unabashed junk food and 80s aficionado make this both an exciting and hilarious story. The unwilling attraction and tragic pasts of some of the characters only add to the allure.
I have heard so much about this series so I snapped up all of the books and saved them for a binge reading session. Well, this first story is a bit Jeckyl and Hyde. The first part is a serious crime story and then we are introduced to THIRDS and let the games begin.
Dex is a fantastic character and sort of the Elle Woods of law enforcement. I thoroughly love him. He’s just yummy. The supporting characters are good, too. So why am I a little disappointed?
I was expecting a high quality, tightly written story because the author is A-mazing! This one is just okay. Dex is a shining star and I adore his antics and boy oh boy he is addictive. I do recommend this book and I am halfway through the second story as I write this review. The writing gets better and the funnies are funnier and the danger is crazier.
I’m glad I kept going. This stuff got good!
I first read this book in 2016 and remember enjoying it, but I never reviewed it and I didn’t read the rest of the series at that time. In 2019, I re-read the book and instantly fell in love with Dex, Sloane, and the rest of the THIRDS team members. As soon as I finished this book I immediately consumed the rest of the series with great enjoyment.
Hell & High Water introduces us to a world where genetic mutations from a biological weapon has created Therians, humans who can shift into animals like wolves, tigers, jaguars, etc. Therians are powerful and require a different type of police force that is equipped to deal with their strength and deadly attributes. Dex is, a homicide cop who quits the Human Police Force and gets hired at the Therian-Human Intelligence Recon Defense Squadron (THIRDS). Due to the fear and bigotry surrounding Therians, Dex makes himself persona non grata with the human police force when he turns in his partner after his partner kills an unarmed Therian. The plot of this book revolves around the fallout from Dex’s decision to do what was right, as well as his adaption into the THIRDS team, all the while trying to figure out the mysterious murders of HumaniTherian activists.
The worldbuilding was phenomenal and intricate. If Charlie Cochet hadn’t put all the little touches that she did in her world building, it would have been hard for me to have the necessary plausible disbelief needed to enjoy this story. I particularly enjoyed the technology that the THIRDS agents used. The characters were wonderfully complex, and I was impressed how each character felt so unique and well developed.
Mark Westfield was a perfect choice as narrator for the audiobooks. He embodied Dex perfectly and knew how to deliver the lines so that the humor of the moment came through. His performance was spectacular and I enjoyed it immensely.
Overall Rating: 5 Stars. Charlie Cochet is a talented writer. She’s crafted a story that has an action-packed plot, tempered with humor and sexual tension. Her characters are well thought and felt like real people. This is a wonderful start to a fantastic sci-fi romance thriller.