When the cards are stacked against you, the Kings will even the odds.Ex-Special Forces soldier Anston “Ace” Sharpe is fighting a different battle these days—one involving the world of private security across the state of Florida. As part owner of Four Kings Security, Ace and his fellow Kings tackle everything from armed transport and investigations to cyber intelligence and executive protection. … executive protection. Cocky, fearless, and brash, Ace isn’t afraid to take risks.
After years of working alongside his father, Colton Connolly is ready to take the helm at Connolly Maritime, but his father’s retirement is put on hold when Colton begins receiving death threats. If that isn’t bad enough, his father signs a contract with Four Kings Security to provide Colton with round-the-clock protection, despite his adamant refusal. Colton’s life has been turned upside down, the last thing he needs is a shadow, especially in the form of infuriating, sexy-as-sin Ace Sharpe, who seems to be on a mission to drive Colton mad.
Sparks fly the moment Colton and Ace meet on a sultry night club dance floor. But getting involved with a client, even one as fiery and beautiful as Colton Connolly, is a line Ace is unwilling to cross. Colton might be attracted to Ace, but he’d been burned before. He might be willing to put his life in Ace’s hands, but not his heart.
As the Florida nights heat up, so does their passion, and Ace and Colton are faced with a difficult choice—take the plunge and risk it all, or play it safe and walk away?
If Ace can keep a deadly threat from robbing Colton of a future….
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I can’t say enough about how much I love this book and the series. Packed with Charlie’s trade-marked action and humor, this contemporary romance follows a found family, and I’m always here for that trope. Charlie does team-building and world-building like no one else. Don’t miss it!
Whoa, but this book was fantastic!
Anston Sharpe, Ace, is former military now working with his family and brothers, both by blood and in arms. Ace is damn good at his job and though he’s known for breaking the rules a time or ten, he’s made a promise to himself and the Kings, never get involved with a client. Enter one sexy, stubborn, corporate CEO and Ace is having a very hard time keeping his hands to himself.
Colton Connolly is set to take over the family business as his father retires when some very disturbing threats arrive at the office. Daddy Connolly hires the Kings to protect his son but Colton is having none of it. He doesn’t want security, doesn’t want anyone stepping on his toes, changing his life or his routine. And he definitely doesn’t want the big, brooding, stunning, pain in the ass, Ace, in his space.
Resentment and curiosity slowly become something more, friendship and admiration. Ace pushes Colton away knowing how dangerous it would be to get involved, but Colton does not make it easy. So much more than just safety and jobs are on the line though, a very real threat is lurking in the shadows.
This story hit the ground running at full speed, pun intended, and I was hooked. The characters are complex, stubborn but fiercely loyal as well. In just two chapters, Cochet gave me enough information that I had a pretty good feel for Ace and the Kings. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the relationship between Ace and Colton developed and how that affected the story. Action packed, utterly entertaining and oh so very sexy, that’s what this book was.
Narrated by Greg Boudreaux and as always he was brilliant. I don’t think there is an end to the number of tones and nuances he can do with his voice. And it’s not just tones, inflections and nuances, he pours emotion into the words and it gives the characters and the story another dimension you don’t get with just the written word.
Definitely, highly recommend this book. Can someone as Charlie and Greg when book two will be ready for my listening pleasure?
4 stars. I really liked this, and am so looking forward to the rest of the series.
There were parts of this that were five stars for me. Excellent enemies to lovers tension, so much chemistry to melt your screen. The action is great, unpredictable and page turning suspense. Most of the cast of characters sound interesting, I loved the connection between the Kings, and am eagerly looking forward to more.
Colton got on my nerves a bit with his spoiled entitlement, while it gives a reason for his behavior it didn’t justify being a brat. He also felt and read way younger (and shorter although why I got that I have no idea). But when he finally started acting like an adult, then him and Ace were explosively hot together.
I love Cochet’s quirky tone, it’s a bit offbeat but works well with romantic suspense with a touch of humor, it’s maybe not for everyone, but I really enjoy the style. It’s definitely different from the Thirds, but with the action and humor feel that we love.
I voluntarily reviewed and advanced reader’s copy.
I am a big fan of Charlie Cochet’s THIRDS series but was not sure I would like this series. I am glad I finally picked this book up. It is definitely not as funny or action packed as THIRDS, but fun none the less. Colton and Ace have a lot of chemistry right from the beginning. I did not see it as insta-love, more like insta-lust that turned into love fairly quickly. The story focuses more on character development and the love story than it does the action/mystery elements. I loved the connection Ace had to his “brothers” and business partners. I think I was just as worried about the consequences of Ace and Colton’s relationship as Ace was. Most of the action surrounding Colton’s stalker takes place near the end of the book. The identity of the stalker was a complete shock. This book did a great job setting up the relationship for the next book (and maybe a few others). I look forward to continuing the series.
Outstanding Story, Characters & Narration
Love in Spades
Four Kings Security Series, Book One
By: Charlie Cochet
Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
Wow, I loved this book, it is my first written by Charlie Cochet and I am asking myself why it took me so long. I have to thank Melissa G and the rest of the mighty fine Brigadears who give this series high praise and now I know why. The story is well written with interesting and original storylines. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are easy to fall in love with too. This is an awesome start to the series, each book features a member of the Four Kings Security and this is Anston “Ace” Sharpe’s story. We also meet the other Kings and are given a brief glimpse into who they are and what each does. I loved the rapport and camaraderie amongst them, all are ex special ops, served together and lived through hell together. They are all full of personality and I am looking forward to each of their stories. Ace seems to be a wild card, emphasis on wild, somewhat of a loose cannon, which is revealed in the exciting opening scene chasing down some bad guys. He is a daredevil with no filter and what comes out of his mouth is absolutely hilarious. Kudos to Charlie Cochet for all the witty dialogue is it absolutely brilliant. Four Kings Security take on a new client, a concerned father whose son has been receiving threats but his son, Colton Connolly, who is resistant to having his own personal security. Colton is set to take over to run the family business, Connolly Martime, when his father retires but his father wants this threat gone hence hiring the security team sixth the best reputation. King assigns the security detail putting Ace on him personally and the rest of the team as support. The first encounter with Colton does not go as planned, Colton is defiant and gives then a hard time, it is easy to see Ace has met his match, they both are hardheaded and can give as good as they get. I loved how everything played out, the story is cleverly plotted with drama, a touch of angst, some great humor, action, twists and turns, thrilling and suspenseful moments and a smoking hot romance. Charlie Cochet, thank you for the fabulously entertaining and enjoyable story!
And for the fabulous narration, Greg Boudreaux is an awesome narrator and a versatile voice artist. He performs the voices of all the characters, giving each their own unique sound and personality making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. He is amazing with the with the different accents too. His portrayal of each character is spot on, I loved how he took each role and made it his own sounding believable and just as I picture them to sound. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the characters emotions as well as their passion and projects them into his performance. He handles the witty dialogue with ease and lands the humor flawlessly. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen
Thanks to the Romanceopoly Challenge for giving me the chance to read one of Charlie’s books. Love in Spades is the first book I’ve read by Charlie Cochet, and I can’t believe I haven’t read anything from the author until now. I enjoyed the first book to the Four Kings Security series and can’t wait to make time to read the rest of the books in the series.
Ex-Special Forces soldier Anston “Ace” Sharpe is assigned to protect Colton Connolly who is due to take over the Connolly Maritime company from his father. Unfortunately, there are death threats to Colton, which makes his father hire the Four Kings Security. Colton has an idea, though until he comes face-to-face with Ace at a bar/club. Colton first thinks that Ace wants to dance with him until Ace lets him know what he’s there for and that is Colton’s bodyguard with the rest of his team, Lucky (Ace’s cousin), Red, and King and several other Four Kings Security details. Colton’s life is turned upside down because of this and will make Ace and the Four Kings Security team more difficult since he doesn’t want to cooperate with them. Ace, though is determined to let Colton know he’s not going to win the situation. Colton and Ace end up having an instant attraction with each other that they both need to fight off, especially since Ace needs to protect Colton and not be involved with his client. Colton though is hard to resist, and Colton has a hard time resisting his sexy bodyguard. There is a lot of back and forth tension between these two characters, which make this story addicting.
I love the constant banter between these two characters, and even though it was an instant attraction, they didn’t eventually do anything until after halfway through the book. I consider it a Slow Burn because I was rooting for these two to get together finally. It took a bit, but it was worth it in the end. Charlie Cochet’s writing and characters are one I know I won’t be able to get enough of after reading Love in Spades. I loved getting to know the Four Kings Security guys and want to know who each of them fall for in their books. I’m anxious for Red’s book because he seems to be the sweet guy of the bunch, and Lucky appears to be very protective and follow the rules. Then there’s King who owns and runs the Four Kings Security. He’s by the book too, but he looks out for his guys, even if they do something wrong.
The very ending of the book and finding out who was behind the death threats of Colton is what left me in shock. I didn’t expect who it was and thought it was someone else. Charlie had me surprised by the villain, and I love when authors can leave me in shock.
If you’re a fan of M/M Romance, then I would recommend this book, I’ll have to make time for the next books in the series and also check out Charlie’s other books since I’ve heard some fantastic things.
Story Rating: 4 stars
Steaminess Rating: 4 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of Four Kings Security Series.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Enemies-to-Lovers (Due to Ace having to be Colton’s Bodyguard); Instant Attraction, but both characters fight it, which makes it a Slow Burn for me.
Favorite Quotes
“I don’t want a quick f**k with you Colton, because there would be no getting you out of my system.” Colton sucked in a sharp breath, and Ace landed in to kiss Colton’s cheek. “You deserve more.” (pg. 95)
“Colton narrowed his eyes. “Big help you are. Aren’t you supposed to protect me?” “Do you want me to shoot it?” “Yes, Ace. I want you to shoot the seaweed.” “If I could, but then someone would hear it and call the cops, and then I’d have to explain to them and to King how I drew my gun on a bunch of algae, and I don’t know, that seems like an awful lot of paperwork. I don’t like paperwork. I can call it in if you want. Get Lucky out here to take care of it. Or ask it out on a date.” (pg. 174)
Love in Spades is the first book in Four Kings Security by Charlie Cochet and the gateway into the my addiction of this series. We get introduced to the ex-spevial forces soldiers who now own Four Kings Security and from the start I was hooked and knew I needed more.
Ace is strong, sexy, protective and dedicated… the traits of a man I love to read about. Colton, at first, comes off as a spoiled party brat, but we soon see that he is much more than that and so does Ace. I love the chemistry between them, they know sweet moments and fun.. but can also heat up my kindle. The supporting characterswete also fun to meet. The story has suspended, drama, .humor, and love. Definitely satisfying and recommended.
Charlie Cochet is no wimp! She isn’t afraid of heat! In fact, the woman thrives on it and flourishes in it! And that is showcased in her Four Kings Security series! My ceiling fan got a work out with book one of the series as we see Anson ‘Ace’ Sharpe provide personal protection to one wickedly handsome and very wealthy Colton Connolly. I enjoyed the audiobook incarnation of Love in Spades so when the men finally ‘connected’, I was surprised that my speakers weren’t smoking! Talk about hot! Enjoy, dearest readers, enjoy!
I have been waiting for King’s story and I loved it.
King was the one I thought who would have a more sordid story of his past but really it’s not. His story is a huge spoiler as to why he is the way he is. This book shows us a completely different side to King and one I hope we get to continue seeing in future books in the spin off series.
I think Leo is the perfect man for him. Leo keeps King on his toes but is also someone who needs “protecting” which is what King needs. I love the history spin between these 2…………ummmm getting into spoiler territory so I’ll just leave it at that.
5 stars
Heat Level: 4
This book has everything! Love, action, adventure, humour and of course some hot men. A great book and entertaining read.
I love this book and is often a go-to re-read for me. I love the humour in this book and am often caught laugh out loud in public places!
This book is the first instalment from Charlie’s Four Kings Security and follows Colton Connelly and Anston “Ace” Sharpe as they fight their obvious attraction and passion for each other while trying to keep Colton safe from the current threats against him. This book is thrilling and suspenseful and on the first read, I didn’t guess who was behind the threats to Colton and on re-reads, I still find the banter between Colton and Ace hilarious. I love all the Kings and look forward to the other books in the series.
Greg’s narration of this story is excellent and I love when a narrator is so good that they can make you think there are multiple people narrating instead of just one person. I also love his voice for Lucky and look forward to Lucky’s story and narration.
All in all a truly great book and look forward to the rest in the series!
For the other stories in this series check out my other reviews on my blog:
Red’s Story (Audio Review) and Lucky’s book have both been review.
I can’t wait to see where Charlie takes us with King’s story up next!!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com !
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/2018/07/14/love-in-spades-charlie-cochet/
This is my first book by Charlie Cochet and it was about time. As you may have learned by now, I love reading M/M books, and Charlie is one of the biggest names out there writing that kind of books. So, a new saga was the perfect time to jump into the author’s bibliography. I don’t regret it!! I will make sure to put some other books by her into my pending list.
This book tells the story of Colton, the heir of a successful business that is being targeted with some nasty threats. His father takes action and hires the best security company he can find: Four Kings Security. One of those Kings, Ace, is assigned to shadow every move of Colton to make sure nothing happens to him. They are both very stubborn men and the mix is a bit toxic at first. Buuuuut, little by little they realize they are attracted to each other and something more serious starts brewing… Obviously, they need to keep it a secret while Four Kings Security investigates the threats.
Even though I consider this book Romantic Suspense, the suspense part doesn’t have a real highlight until the end. Usually, that would have made the book much worse; but Charlie manages to create an unexpected twist that makes the mystery salvageable. But I also must say the twist per se doesn’t make much sense. Was that all planned or there was a lot of improvisation? Because if it was a plan, they left a lot in the hands of chance… I guess everything was needed to make Ace more heroic in Colton’s eyes. Even though he was already awestruck.
My favourite character of the book is by far Ace. He is so much fun to read!! I LOVE his sense of humor. The way he banters with everyone and his goofy ways that make him so approachable and, I must confess, so much attractive. I always support a good clean sense of humor in Romance and, in this one, Charlie excels at it. I hope that is part of her trademark and it’s present in more of her books. Good job, really!!
I didn’t like Colton that much. That character is a bit confusing and, sometimes, he behaves like a rotten child throwing a tantrum. And other times, he behaves like an incubus throwing… well, other things. I know the true Colton is somewhere in between, but as a reader I couldn’t help yelling at him to get his act straight. I don’t know who I’m tryng to convince… He is really a good guy. I’m just jealous!!
Another fun fact about this book: it’s packed with gay men everywhere!! Don’t get me wrong. It’s not a bad thing at all, but it’s a bit weird that almost every man in the book prefers dating other men. Where do you say the story takes place? I’m looking for a room… It makes me wonder why the Kings are all single when there are so many and willing candidates…
There is also something I don’t like at all about this book. It presents us too much of upcoming books: Laz and Red? Frank and Joshua? Those pairings are very similar and it looks like they are not going to be as much fun as Ace and Colton. But I could be wrong. I hope I’m wrong!! It’s just that I feel I’ve been robbed of the best part in Romance Books: the slow burn of the first encounter.
Next book it’s going to be published this month, so I will put it on my list to read it as soon as possible (this year, if I have time). It’s going to be Red’s and Laz’s story… I’m not feeling very optimistic about those two, but I will keep an open mind.
First off i just want to to say that there wasn’t anything in particular that i really likes about this story nor was there anything that stood out for me. However, that doesn’t mean its not a good story. I really enjoyed it and encourage others to give it a try. To me personally it felt like one big build up to an ok plot twist. Dont get me wrong the twist was interesting and i liked it, i just wished it happens sooner and had more of a focus in the story vs all this unneeded buildup.
Another great book by this author! The world building was fabulous, I really felt like I was in Florida with her descriptions. I felt the characters were believable and funny. I loved the family dynamic. And her characters have such deep feelings for each other. I really like it when the mc’s are in love with each other, and kind of fight their attraction at first, only to finally helplessly give in. Just love Charlie’s work!
Absolutely love that Charlie Cochet is self-publishing a new M/M series without any paranormal elements even though I adore her Thirds series for Dreamspinner Press! Love the premise of this series about a former Special Ops team who now runs a bodyguard/security agency and the verbal repartee was stellar between the two main characters! After a great first book she’s already set the series up brilliantly introducing readers to the other Kings team and Book #2! Fortunately it even looks like there’s the potential for more than four books despite the series name of Four Kings Security.
I *ADORED* this book. Ace is a loose cannon and Colton is a drama queen and I love them to death. This is a snappy read with quick pacing and freaking AMAZING characterization. I wanted to reach into the book and smoosh them together so hard, and I fell in love with the entire King Security family. (Yay! I just found these books/author and there’s many for me to read!) Every character is distinct and an important part of the story. The author weaves everything in together so well. Once Ace and Colton get together the pages nearly catch on fire. I did nearly toss the book across the room when I got to the black moment because it was so cliche, but when I went back and kept reading (damn it, I need to know what happens!) the author had my back and the entire thing was worked out quickly. The climax of the action had me on the edge of my seat. I also appreciate just how much setting up was done for the next few books in the series. You want this book in your eyeballs!!
I knew that I could count on Charlie Cochet: she’s a fantastic writer and a masterful creator of comedic and adventurous stories. I loved her THIRDS books with my whole heart and I’m so happy I’ve decided to start this series too.
I adored “Love in Spades”: it’s got the bodyguard/client-secret-affair trope that I absolutely, and shamelessly, love. It’s got a snarky characters and found family. It’s got romance and comedy and action and I managed to devour it in less than 24 hours.
I loved both of the MCs, but Ace is truly something special: he reminds me of Dex, with his chaotic, snarky and headache-inducing ways. He’s also tough and sensitive and I loved how cute he and Colton were together. I’m also a complete sucker for found family and, as usual, Cochet does not disappoint: this series has found family written all over it from the first line.
This first book also hints at quite a few interesting developments with the other Kings (yeah, I’d die for Lucky), so I’m starting the second book right away. I’m so very curious to see what will happen
Love in Spades is the first book in the Four Kings Security series and it sets quite the stage. Immediately we are introduced to Ace, the highspeed, irreverent private security expert who seems to have close ties with law enforcement. Ace, and the rest of the men who work at Four Kings Security, are all ex-Special Forces soldiers, and thus, they are experts at everything. They can handle armed transport, body protection, investigations, etc. and the police fawn over them awed by their incredible skills. This element of the book, which was introduced pretty early on and presented as fact, took me aback for a second. I don’t expect extreme realism within my books, but I do like to have enough solid and accurate details to make a fictional world feel plausible. Instead, the world the Four Kings Security is set in is an exaggerated version of the contemporary real world. There is a lot of hyperbolic character abilities and extravagant plot points that would fall flat in a less hyper-exaggerated world. It took me a second to adjust my mindset and accept Charlie Cochet’s fictional rules for this world, but once I did, I was able to enjoy the book.
Basically, this book isn’t realistic, and it’s not meant to be. It’s supposed to be fun and romantic with James Bond elements and a lot of action and steamy, romantic moments. Sometimes the romance felt a bit cheesy and forced, but considering the setting of the book, it made sense. My favorite part of this book was the character dialogue –it was humorous and witty. This is the kind of book I consider a comfort snack—there are no hidden depths, it follows well-loved tropes and plot devices, and the characters could have been snatched from any high-explosive Hollywood blockbuster.
The audiobook narration was smooth and enjoyable. Greg Boudreaux has a lovely voice and he performed all the characters well. The audiobook production was well done and a pleasure to listen to.
Oh My Gosh. Charlie Cochet has written another series that is so amazing! I highly suggest having all 4 books on hand because you will want to read them right after each other.. I do think they will standalone but don’t hold me to that as I have not read book two yet. (getting ready to though)
Ace is ex-military and he and four of his close friends and brothers from the force own one of the most prestigious, best security companies. They are tasked with keeping the son of a huge corporation…Maritime Marine… safe. He wants no part of being cooped up with strangers in his home, has trust issues and is cocky, self-assured and pig-headed. Ace is perfect for the job and has met his match.
All the Kings are great characters, but Ace is just pure hot. Colton is just as hot and very much like Ace so their head butting and antics to put each other in place are funny, and hot.
The plot is intriguing, and the actual perpetrator was a big surprise. It keeps you on your toes.
If you like ex-military, special forces, security men, hot man-sex and a shocking twist this is for you.