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The Auspicious Troubles of Love #1
The Auspicious Troubles of Chance
Chance Irving is a young man with a gift for getting into trouble-not surprising, as trouble is all he's ever known. After losing everything he held dear one fateful night, he decides to leave New York and his past behind, and joins the French Foreign Legion. But even in Algiers, Chance can't seem to shake his old ways, and he ends up being transferred to a unit made up of misfits and rabble-rousers like him-a unit he finds just in time to be captured and thrown into a cell with his new commandant, Jacky Valentine.
A highly respected commandant with a soft spot for hard luck cases, Jacky is the kind of guy who would go to war for you, and the three equally troubled youths from his unit he's more or less adopted feel the same way about him. Suddenly Chance starts to think that his life doesn't have to be as desolate and barren as the wastelands around him.
But even after their escape, with the promise of a future with Jacky to buoy his spirits, or maybe because of it, Chance can't stop making mistakes. He disobeys orders, lashes out at the boys in Jacky's care, and blazes a trail of self-destruction across the desert-until someone makes him realize he's hurting more than just himself.
A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.
A highly respected commandant with a soft spot for hard luck cases, Jacky is the kind of guy who would go to war for you, and the three equally troubled youths from his unit he's more or less adopted feel the same way about him. Suddenly Chance starts to think that his life doesn't have to be as desolate and barren as the wastelands around him.
But even after their escape, with the promise of a future with Jacky to buoy his spirits, or maybe because of it, Chance can't stop making mistakes. He disobeys orders, lashes out at the boys in Jacky's care, and blazes a trail of self-destruction across the desert-until someone makes him realize he's hurting more than just himself.
A Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2012
14 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Cochet
122 books3,543 followersStep into a world of romance, humor, and heart-pounding action with Charlie Cochet, the international bestselling author behind the captivating THIRDS series. Embrace a fusion of Cuban flair and American charm as you dive into her stories with unforgettable characters and a dash of delightful mayhem.
Fueled by a love for classic rock and Cuban lattes, Charlie resides in Central Florida with her rascally Doxiepoo and a very opinionated German Shepherd. When she isn’t writing, she’s losing herself in a whirlwind of books and movies.
Charlie’s stories will stir your imagination and ignite your passion. So grab your favorite coffee, turn up the music, and prepare for your next adventure.
Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
Patreon: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Join Charlie's FB fan group
Fueled by a love for classic rock and Cuban lattes, Charlie resides in Central Florida with her rascally Doxiepoo and a very opinionated German Shepherd. When she isn’t writing, she’s losing herself in a whirlwind of books and movies.
Charlie’s stories will stir your imagination and ignite your passion. So grab your favorite coffee, turn up the music, and prepare for your next adventure.
Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
Patreon: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Join Charlie's FB fan group
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
May 18, 2018
4.5 Stars
This is one of the most enjoyable M/M historicals I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Shockingly, I didn’t even know of the existence of this series until about 48 hours ago (thanks, Jen!!), but from the turn of the first page, I was hooked!
Chance is a great narrator. He is feisty and brash, but so very resilient, having been through a lifetime of woes before he’d even come of age. Because of his earlier life experiences – which we get a rundown of in the first few chapters of the book – Chance is also a bit unruly and reckless with his life, but once he joins the French Foreign Legion and is put under the command of the highly respected Commandant Jacky Valentine, Chance’s life takes a change for the better, in more ways than one.
Guided by Jacky’s strong leadership, Chance, along with three younger (also gay) boys under Jacky’s direct care – Johnnie, Alexander and Bobby – learn to work together in the dangerous deserts of Algiers, developing new valuable life skills and tentatively building bonds that eventually lead to the formation of their own little family unit. These friendships and familial bonds are slow growing though, with the boys initially showing great resistance to Chance’s presence in their lives and the life of their revered commander (who is like a guardian/older brother type to the three teens), but eventually, with a lot of work on Chance’s behalf, he begins to win the boys over and builds a special comradery with them.
These new relationships are so very important to all of these young men, each of whom have been discarded and/or abused in some tragically unjust way or another in their earlier lives by people who should have loved them unconditionally. But here, with the support of each other, they learn to find a sense of safety and self-worth, even in the war-torn environment they at first find themselves in.
All the while, Chance and Jacky quickly fall into a tender and steamy relationship, one they work to keep hidden from the majority of the men in Jacky’s larger unit – but not the three boys, who they treat as younger brothers and dear friends, trusting implicitly. It is through Jacky’s professional guidance and through the unquestionable examples of love he increasingly blesses Chance with, that Chance begins to make these big positive changes in his life, in the hopes he can be worthy of such a man as Jacky.
The story is at times very sweet and romantic, and at other times angst-filled and worrisome, particularly where the pasts of each of the boys, including Chance, are revealed. It's also a bit touch-and-go towards the end, when a certain beloved character finds themselves gravely injured, sending all the other characters into a flurry of distress and sadness (for a time). Thankfully, the drama was fleeting and all involved obtained a satisfying HFN, all of which I cannot wait to explore further in the available sequel, set 10 years down the road and featuring young Johnnie as the MC.
Overall, considering the time period and the setting, this was a light and easy read, featuring a cast of truly lovable men, all of whom endeared me to them, each in their own special way. One thing that now truly stands out in Cochet's books is what a great writer of ensembles she is. She creates some truly spectacular group dynamics, making me never want to leave her characters.
Straight into the sequel I go…
This is one of the most enjoyable M/M historicals I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Shockingly, I didn’t even know of the existence of this series until about 48 hours ago (thanks, Jen!!), but from the turn of the first page, I was hooked!
Chance is a great narrator. He is feisty and brash, but so very resilient, having been through a lifetime of woes before he’d even come of age. Because of his earlier life experiences – which we get a rundown of in the first few chapters of the book – Chance is also a bit unruly and reckless with his life, but once he joins the French Foreign Legion and is put under the command of the highly respected Commandant Jacky Valentine, Chance’s life takes a change for the better, in more ways than one.
Guided by Jacky’s strong leadership, Chance, along with three younger (also gay) boys under Jacky’s direct care – Johnnie, Alexander and Bobby – learn to work together in the dangerous deserts of Algiers, developing new valuable life skills and tentatively building bonds that eventually lead to the formation of their own little family unit. These friendships and familial bonds are slow growing though, with the boys initially showing great resistance to Chance’s presence in their lives and the life of their revered commander (who is like a guardian/older brother type to the three teens), but eventually, with a lot of work on Chance’s behalf, he begins to win the boys over and builds a special comradery with them.
These new relationships are so very important to all of these young men, each of whom have been discarded and/or abused in some tragically unjust way or another in their earlier lives by people who should have loved them unconditionally. But here, with the support of each other, they learn to find a sense of safety and self-worth, even in the war-torn environment they at first find themselves in.
All the while, Chance and Jacky quickly fall into a tender and steamy relationship, one they work to keep hidden from the majority of the men in Jacky’s larger unit – but not the three boys, who they treat as younger brothers and dear friends, trusting implicitly. It is through Jacky’s professional guidance and through the unquestionable examples of love he increasingly blesses Chance with, that Chance begins to make these big positive changes in his life, in the hopes he can be worthy of such a man as Jacky.
The story is at times very sweet and romantic, and at other times angst-filled and worrisome, particularly where the pasts of each of the boys, including Chance, are revealed. It's also a bit touch-and-go towards the end, when a certain beloved character finds themselves gravely injured, sending all the other characters into a flurry of distress and sadness (for a time). Thankfully, the drama was fleeting and all involved obtained a satisfying HFN, all of which I cannot wait to explore further in the available sequel, set 10 years down the road and featuring young Johnnie as the MC.
Overall, considering the time period and the setting, this was a light and easy read, featuring a cast of truly lovable men, all of whom endeared me to them, each in their own special way. One thing that now truly stands out in Cochet's books is what a great writer of ensembles she is. She creates some truly spectacular group dynamics, making me never want to leave her characters.
Straight into the sequel I go…
June 24, 2012
If you are thinking this will be a fully fledged war story don't worry its not, so you can relax and enjoy the complicated, fascinating and vibrant life of Chance. I couldn't help but laugh at his intro and the amusing recollections of his escapades what a wonderful and sad journey he had. A non-conformist he pushes the envelope, in every which way he can even if it's to his own detriment. Once he meets Jacky, who soon works him out and knows exactly how to handle Chance which he does beautifully. Chance is stumped I don't think he realises what's hit him in the form of Jacky. I really liked it because I had no idea where it was heading and enjoyed every little bit of this adventure especially Johnnie, Bobby and Alexander (the brats) three damaged young men who get a second chance under the command of Jacky and eventually a family with Chance. I would really have loved more time at the Manor with the strays and outcasts plus the brats haven't finished, I want their stories too, possibly a sequel to come?
One of my favourite quotes with Jacky starting off first!
“I’ll let you in on a secret. I don’t drink coffee.”
I genuinely gasped in horror. “The devil you say. Java is the nectar of the gods. I don’t know if I can be with a man who doesn’t drink coffee.” I knew there was something sinister about him. I had no idea it would be that bad.
One of my favourite quotes with Jacky starting off first!
“I’ll let you in on a secret. I don’t drink coffee.”
I genuinely gasped in horror. “The devil you say. Java is the nectar of the gods. I don’t know if I can be with a man who doesn’t drink coffee.” I knew there was something sinister about him. I had no idea it would be that bad.
July 1, 2018
3.5 Stars
I definitely found this an unique historical in its telling and its setting!
Chance is basically a loner due to some very tragic circumstances that have hit him many times over throughout his life. He’s a lot self destructive and understandably has trust issues which have prevented him from forming any lasting and meaningful relationships.
As he enlists into French Foreign Legion to escape his demons, he’s assigned to a commander known for his bravery and instilling loyalty in the most resistant of men. Irrevocably, Jacky changes Chance’s life and makes him want to be a better man, one who’s deserving of love and can give it back 100 percent.
Plenty sexy with a good bit of sassiness, this was a promising start. What I liked the most about this was the set up, letting us know that there are endless possibilities for new love stories and further adventures. I only hope Cochet gives us more than just the 2 books we have.
I definitely found this an unique historical in its telling and its setting!
Chance is basically a loner due to some very tragic circumstances that have hit him many times over throughout his life. He’s a lot self destructive and understandably has trust issues which have prevented him from forming any lasting and meaningful relationships.
As he enlists into French Foreign Legion to escape his demons, he’s assigned to a commander known for his bravery and instilling loyalty in the most resistant of men. Irrevocably, Jacky changes Chance’s life and makes him want to be a better man, one who’s deserving of love and can give it back 100 percent.
Plenty sexy with a good bit of sassiness, this was a promising start. What I liked the most about this was the set up, letting us know that there are endless possibilities for new love stories and further adventures. I only hope Cochet gives us more than just the 2 books we have.
November 2, 2013
~ ~ ~
4 Historically Charming Stars!
Thank you Charlie Cochet for writing a historical romance that was delightfully enjoyable to read. I often find historical romance too heavy. Not here. Character driven and quite entertaining. From sexy rendezvous to tender confessions, I couldn’t put this down.
Romantic
Fun
Sweet
Sexy
THE CHARACTERS
Chance (Chauncey) Irving - Fresh, flippant, cheeky and captivating. He’s troubled and troublesome. His internal and external banter had me zinging. Even his derogatory remarks are fun to read.
Jacky Valentine - A hero’s hero. Gorgeous, firm and passionate, he find’s Chance to be the ultimate challenge and boy does Chance challenge Jacky.
Side Characters
The Brats:
Johnnie Wolfe – He’ll break your heart. Let’s find him an HEA okay Charlie?
Bobby Haven – Quiet, sweet and adorable.
Alexander Reed – Intelligent and stupid. Can’t he see he’s in love?
THE STORY
From the footlights of Broadway to the sandy desert of Algiers this “lightly” historical romance travels through Chance Irving’s life. He finds himself angry, alone and boxed in as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion. Fortunately, he meets Jacky Valentine, in said box, who renames him, reawakens him and gives him much more from life then he ever thought he could have. They are lovely together and will have your heart soaring.
THE WRITING
First person, past tense is not my favorite perspective, but I just loved it here. Chance's narrative flowed smoothly. Charlie Cochet has a wonderful cast of characters and she shows you their qualities, through Chance’s eyes, with upbeat humor even in the midst of some fairly difficult issues. Never for a moment did I feel pulled down while reading this story, although there are some instances of sadness.
If you’re a die hard history buff, this may not be your cup of tea. The author bends the rules intentionally to make a very readable historical. I really loved this and expect to enjoy then next book in the series.
From the publisher:
Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank author Charlie Cochet for providing me a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
4 Historically Charming Stars!
Thank you Charlie Cochet for writing a historical romance that was delightfully enjoyable to read. I often find historical romance too heavy. Not here. Character driven and quite entertaining. From sexy rendezvous to tender confessions, I couldn’t put this down.
Romantic
Fun
Sweet
Sexy
THE CHARACTERS
Chance (Chauncey) Irving - Fresh, flippant, cheeky and captivating. He’s troubled and troublesome. His internal and external banter had me zinging. Even his derogatory remarks are fun to read.
Jacky Valentine - A hero’s hero. Gorgeous, firm and passionate, he find’s Chance to be the ultimate challenge and boy does Chance challenge Jacky.
Side Characters
The Brats:
Johnnie Wolfe – He’ll break your heart. Let’s find him an HEA okay Charlie?
Bobby Haven – Quiet, sweet and adorable.
Alexander Reed – Intelligent and stupid. Can’t he see he’s in love?
THE STORY
I couldn’t believe what I had done. Not having sex with him. I could easily believe that. I couldn’t believe I had allowed him to put me in such a susceptible state, that I had actually agreed to something as ridiculous as putting my trust into some mug I had just met, and an officer, no less.
From the footlights of Broadway to the sandy desert of Algiers this “lightly” historical romance travels through Chance Irving’s life. He finds himself angry, alone and boxed in as a soldier in the French Foreign Legion. Fortunately, he meets Jacky Valentine, in said box, who renames him, reawakens him and gives him much more from life then he ever thought he could have. They are lovely together and will have your heart soaring.
THE WRITING
First person, past tense is not my favorite perspective, but I just loved it here. Chance's narrative flowed smoothly. Charlie Cochet has a wonderful cast of characters and she shows you their qualities, through Chance’s eyes, with upbeat humor even in the midst of some fairly difficult issues. Never for a moment did I feel pulled down while reading this story, although there are some instances of sadness.
If you’re a die hard history buff, this may not be your cup of tea. The author bends the rules intentionally to make a very readable historical. I really loved this and expect to enjoy then next book in the series.
From the publisher:
Timeless Dreams title: While reaction to same-sex relationships throughout time and across cultures has not always been positive, these stories celebrate M/M love in a manner that may address, minimize, or ignore historical stigma.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank author Charlie Cochet for providing me a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
June 24, 2012
The book starts a bit slowly for me -- I think the narration / writing in the beginning contributes to that. In the beginning, Chance seems to "talk" to us readers in journal-writing style, which makes it more about "telling" than "doing". So I struggle a bit -- at least until the point where Chance joins the French Foreign Legion, meets Jacky and the brats (Alexander, Bobby, Johnnie).
When Chance gets to meet them, I finally feel involved with his story. It has more interaction, and I enjoy the journey of Chance, as he finally sees himself from other people's eyes, learning to care for the brats, and fall in love with Jacky.
Chance might start as arrogant -- he certainly has issues, after being abandoned by his parents and then lost the people he first thought as family. So he has self-destruct tendency and challenges people and gets into trouble. However, I don't find him as off-putting at all. I guess it helps because Chance's voice is quite appealing. I like his banter with Jacky and the brats.
Last but not least, I LOVE Jacky's pet names to Chance!!! Thank GOD for no "Baby" as terms of endearment here, and instead we get "hummingbird", "buttercup", and my favorite of all, "SNUGGLE-PUP" (wins!).
If I have a slightly other 'complain' in addition to the slow beginning is the near ending. It is a liiiiiiitle bit mushy for my mood at the moment. I'm glad that it's not over the top mushy though :)
I'm so happy to know that there are two more stories, which will involve the brats. Yay!!
When Chance gets to meet them, I finally feel involved with his story. It has more interaction, and I enjoy the journey of Chance, as he finally sees himself from other people's eyes, learning to care for the brats, and fall in love with Jacky.
Chance might start as arrogant -- he certainly has issues, after being abandoned by his parents and then lost the people he first thought as family. So he has self-destruct tendency and challenges people and gets into trouble. However, I don't find him as off-putting at all. I guess it helps because Chance's voice is quite appealing. I like his banter with Jacky and the brats.
Last but not least, I LOVE Jacky's pet names to Chance!!! Thank GOD for no "Baby" as terms of endearment here, and instead we get "hummingbird", "buttercup", and my favorite of all, "SNUGGLE-PUP" (wins!).
If I have a slightly other 'complain' in addition to the slow beginning is the near ending. It is a liiiiiiitle bit mushy for my mood at the moment. I'm glad that it's not over the top mushy though :)
I'm so happy to know that there are two more stories, which will involve the brats. Yay!!
April 20, 2015
Historical. 4 stars.
Who me?
Huh?
I liked it....I really did.
Chance was a pain in the ass. But Jacky loved him and his ass anyways.
I wasn't necessarily fond of the 'lemme tell you a story' beginning. It didn't take too long and I warmed right up to the writing and the lovable stubborn characters. What a fabulous cast!
I'm stoked for more of this crew of 'misfits'. A little bit of suspend-reality was necessary, yet I didn't mind.
*sigh*
And that ending....blissful.
*4 I'll-take-another-please stars*
Who me?
Huh?
I liked it....I really did.
Chance was a pain in the ass. But Jacky loved him and his ass anyways.
I wasn't necessarily fond of the 'lemme tell you a story' beginning. It didn't take too long and I warmed right up to the writing and the lovable stubborn characters. What a fabulous cast!
I'm stoked for more of this crew of 'misfits'. A little bit of suspend-reality was necessary, yet I didn't mind.
*sigh*
And that ending....blissful.
*4 I'll-take-another-please stars*
July 27, 2016
The "fairy infantry" is here! (Author's words)
6 men around 20 years old fall in love with each other in the middle of Morocco in the 20s. Statistics works.
So, please, don’t dwell on maths and think about a love story in the army.
This book is funny and charming and if you are looking for just that, it’s fabulous. This is a fairy tale (in more than one sense of the word) and as such you just have to believe in it, because otherwise it doesn’t work. There are some absurd scenes and some ridiculous reactions but it’s not a big deal. So, if you are in the mood, don’t be afraid and go ahead.
The story beings with Chance just being shot and then it goes back to his boyhood and youth. He was a lousy lad, and he is not sorry. Till the day he enlists the Army and, as he does not behave as a proper soldier, is sent to an official that is going to bring him to heel. And that's when he meets his match, Jacky. The falling is so fast it's almost insta-lust and insta-love. It made me smile sometimes, but I couldn't get myself into it completely. It's me, I don't do sappy.
Another detail I want to comment. Chance is shot several times, and none of those times Jacky was benevolent enough to give him a dosis of morphine because he could get addicted due to his past vices. I find that more sadistic than helpful. It can be excused because at that time the thought was the less, the better. Nowadays they don't care if you get addicted, it's more important to avoid suffering. It's just a tiny issue I had and probably it has no reason to be said here, but it's something I needed to tell.
The ending is weak. The author wanted to write something original and it didn’t work. It was almost like the Doraemon’s ending, a dream from the past after waking up in the present time, only everything here is real. Also, the super perfect plan Jacky has for the rest of their lives is just not believable, in that period of time, less so. It’s a very idealistic world and if you are into sugar and "flufflyness", you won’t complain at all.
But I’m not. So for me it’s just an entertaining read. I had had a good time and there is no need to split hairs.
May 24, 2014
3.5 stars
So I’m not sure how to review this book.
Here’s my conflict: while I was reading it, there were a lot of things that would typically distract me, that I’d definitely want to point out in a review, that I feel would be pet peeves of many other readers. But, when I finished reading the story, I was charmed and in a blissful state of “gawwww”.
The Auspicious Troubles of Chance is a historical set in the 20’s?/30’s? about a young family-less kid who is raised in the theater, by the theater. He finds happiness and care, grows up and learns the ropes, but due to circumstances, his life takes a turn and things aren’t so rosy anymore.
This first bit of the book fell under the categories of “telling” and “infodump” to be honest. And I was having a hard time figuring out if I wanted to go on. The reason I did? Chance. Chance is a likable character, conflicted, rough, but his voice reads really sympathetic and I wanted to stay on the journey with him.
He eventually finds himself serving in the French Foreign Legion overseas at war. We meet Jacky, his commanding officer, and a bunch of young teens who serve as his posse. Again, the story lags and the setting didn’t feel historical nor warlike and I still battled with how I was feeling about the book as a whole. But I still liked Chance, and I liked Jacky even more, and The Brats: Alexander, Bobby, and Johnnie all stole my heart.
So here’s the thing…Charlie Cochet writes the sweetest fairy tales ever. It’s her thing. She’s the master at it. And because she does it so well, you don’t care that everything is perfect even when it’s not supposed to be on page. You don’t care that it all works out in a way that not one thing is out of place. You don’t care that everyone is gorgeous and they all love each other and are gay and hot. It works.
Obviously, this review is all over the place, but my feelings about the book are kinda all over the place. I enjoyed it more than I probably should have. And I loved the characters. And it made me happy. I miss them now even when I'm done with the book. I guess the rest can just take a back seat.
August 26, 2012
4.5
To talk about this book, I have to divide it into three parts. Beginning, middle, and end.
Beginning: (5 hearts)
It came as a shock, at first, to be spoken to directly from the narrator. It took a little adjusting, but Chance’s wit carried me through the slight awkwardness, and soon I fell in love with the style. Chance’s voice is funny, rude, blunt and sobering. The way he thought and narrated just made his character all the more endearing.
In the first part, we know “Jackie” is an important person to Chance, and we get glimpses of him in the narrative “a man continuously accompanied by chaos and some form of deep-seated lunacy”, which left me curious to know more about the man. Especially since the story opens with Chance shot in the stomach, and Chance knowing he has to get to Jackie. The stakes high, right from the start, and I wanted to know more—would he make it back to this Jackie? And why is this person so important to him? What is their story?
Also, this first part of the story shows us Chance (Chauncey at the beginning) growing up and the momentous events in his life that lead him eventually to a desert in Africa. I don’t want to give too much away, but reading it was emotional and engaging. I certainly sympathized with him.
Middle: (5+ hearts)
Gah. I was totally swept away in this story. Let me just say, once we got to Chance’s life in the desert I was a goner. Nothing could pry me away from reading. Nothing. I stayed up very late, consequently.
Here’s why:
• It’s full of tension.
• It made me swoon, swoon, and swoon some more.
• The settings the author used made her scenes unique. For example, and this was the shining star of all scenes in the book (and many of them were good) but she had our two main characters, Chance and Jackie, meet in a box. Yes, a box. I refuse to say more, except that I recommend everyone read it! ☺
• The sex was hot and it fit the characters perfectly.
• Also, and this was what worried me a little when I first started reading—and was relieved to find it not the case—this is not a full on war story. The war is a background and we don’t “see” much of it. The story really does focus mostly on Chance’s growing and his and Jackie’s relationship.
End: (31/2 hearts)
Don’t get me wrong, here, I still LOVED the book, but the ending didn’t quite click with me. It seemed too neat somehow. I think I got irritated that we find out Jackie was suddenly wealthy. It seemed too fairytale, and while I love fairytales, it didn’t seem to quite match the rest of the book.
On the other hand, the lead up to the resolution was very emotional, and I got teary. All pluses for this wonderful book.
Overall:
Great characters. Chance and Jackie are particularly well drawn, but also Johnnie, Alexander and Bobby, who I suspect we’ll see more of in future books.
I’ll leave you with my reaction after reading the last page:
Oh hell yeah. More from this author, please.
To talk about this book, I have to divide it into three parts. Beginning, middle, and end.
Beginning: (5 hearts)
It came as a shock, at first, to be spoken to directly from the narrator. It took a little adjusting, but Chance’s wit carried me through the slight awkwardness, and soon I fell in love with the style. Chance’s voice is funny, rude, blunt and sobering. The way he thought and narrated just made his character all the more endearing.
In the first part, we know “Jackie” is an important person to Chance, and we get glimpses of him in the narrative “a man continuously accompanied by chaos and some form of deep-seated lunacy”, which left me curious to know more about the man. Especially since the story opens with Chance shot in the stomach, and Chance knowing he has to get to Jackie. The stakes high, right from the start, and I wanted to know more—would he make it back to this Jackie? And why is this person so important to him? What is their story?
Also, this first part of the story shows us Chance (Chauncey at the beginning) growing up and the momentous events in his life that lead him eventually to a desert in Africa. I don’t want to give too much away, but reading it was emotional and engaging. I certainly sympathized with him.
Middle: (5+ hearts)
Gah. I was totally swept away in this story. Let me just say, once we got to Chance’s life in the desert I was a goner. Nothing could pry me away from reading. Nothing. I stayed up very late, consequently.
Here’s why:
• It’s full of tension.
• It made me swoon, swoon, and swoon some more.
• The settings the author used made her scenes unique. For example, and this was the shining star of all scenes in the book (and many of them were good) but she had our two main characters, Chance and Jackie, meet in a box. Yes, a box. I refuse to say more, except that I recommend everyone read it! ☺
• The sex was hot and it fit the characters perfectly.
• Also, and this was what worried me a little when I first started reading—and was relieved to find it not the case—this is not a full on war story. The war is a background and we don’t “see” much of it. The story really does focus mostly on Chance’s growing and his and Jackie’s relationship.
End: (31/2 hearts)
Don’t get me wrong, here, I still LOVED the book, but the ending didn’t quite click with me. It seemed too neat somehow. I think I got irritated that we find out Jackie was suddenly wealthy. It seemed too fairytale, and while I love fairytales, it didn’t seem to quite match the rest of the book.
On the other hand, the lead up to the resolution was very emotional, and I got teary. All pluses for this wonderful book.
Overall:
Great characters. Chance and Jackie are particularly well drawn, but also Johnnie, Alexander and Bobby, who I suspect we’ll see more of in future books.
I’ll leave you with my reaction after reading the last page:
Oh hell yeah. More from this author, please.
September 17, 2018
4 stars! Thank you Meags for recommending this lovely gem of a book. It had everything that I like in the historical genre.. it was based on a realistic time frame with a real war as the back-drop, it had great MCs, enough humor and emotion in the story and finally a sizzling passionate romance to perfect it. 😍
Chance is an interesting young man who has lived a very troubled and traumatic life in New York City (before the war) which impacts his escapades and relationships. Due to his constant penchant for getting into trouble no one in his current unit can control him and therefore he gets transferred into a unit led by Jacky, a decorated war hero/commandant who is both respected and feared by his subordinates. After a humorous and rough first meeting; Chance, despite feeling attracted to Jacky tries to sabotage the budding romance with his insubordination and disorderly conduct. Slowly and steadily, Jacky earns his trust and is able to build a tentative loving relationship. The relationship is tested in many ways, but the couple manages to survive with some scrapes and wounds.
The story is told from Chance's POV, but the unique story-telling is what makes it so endearing. Despite this being Jacky and Chance's love-story, the other characters from Jacky's rag-tag team are very interesting as well. I'm looking forward to their stories too. 😁
Chance is an interesting young man who has lived a very troubled and traumatic life in New York City (before the war) which impacts his escapades and relationships. Due to his constant penchant for getting into trouble no one in his current unit can control him and therefore he gets transferred into a unit led by Jacky, a decorated war hero/commandant who is both respected and feared by his subordinates. After a humorous and rough first meeting; Chance, despite feeling attracted to Jacky tries to sabotage the budding romance with his insubordination and disorderly conduct. Slowly and steadily, Jacky earns his trust and is able to build a tentative loving relationship. The relationship is tested in many ways, but the couple manages to survive with some scrapes and wounds.
The story is told from Chance's POV, but the unique story-telling is what makes it so endearing. Despite this being Jacky and Chance's love-story, the other characters from Jacky's rag-tag team are very interesting as well. I'm looking forward to their stories too. 😁
July 22, 2012
Very good historical m/m romance about a guy who lost everything that mattered to him and has been living on the edge ever since. He knows he can't keep going on as he has been, so... he joins the French Foreign Legion.
September 23, 2012
Okay, so this book starts out a little rough and very slow. I'm not very fond of flashbacks which is why the beginning was rough for me. With this story, the beginning/prologue is in the present, the ending/last chapter is in the present but the rest of the story is in the past. It's interesting the way it's handled but throughout the whole story, I just wanted it back in the present!
I liked Chance. He's pretty stubborn and aggressive and doesn't listen to anyone really. He tends to be insulting but he's a good guy and knows when he's needed. Also, he tends to internally ramble sometimes but I still enjoyed him. I loved Jacky. He's pretty intimidating but he's sweet and kind. Everyone loves him and he has an amazing way of handling misfits. He's also very hot and I loved the chemistry between Jacky and Chance and also how much Jacky got under Chance's skin. I loved the secondary characters Johnnie, Bobby and Alexander. I really hope we get their stories soon because I really want to see what messes they get into!
Only thing I didn't like about the story was the ending. I loved how Chance and Jacky end up where they end up but when it reverted back to the present, I was wanting to see their lives and how its developed over time! Instead, it just ends after a sweet moment. I was saddened by that :(
Overall, I very good book! I can't wait for the sequel, maybe then we'll be able to see what Chance and Jacky's lives are like in their new home.
I liked Chance. He's pretty stubborn and aggressive and doesn't listen to anyone really. He tends to be insulting but he's a good guy and knows when he's needed. Also, he tends to internally ramble sometimes but I still enjoyed him. I loved Jacky. He's pretty intimidating but he's sweet and kind. Everyone loves him and he has an amazing way of handling misfits. He's also very hot and I loved the chemistry between Jacky and Chance and also how much Jacky got under Chance's skin. I loved the secondary characters Johnnie, Bobby and Alexander. I really hope we get their stories soon because I really want to see what messes they get into!
Only thing I didn't like about the story was the ending. I loved how Chance and Jacky end up where they end up but when it reverted back to the present, I was wanting to see their lives and how its developed over time! Instead, it just ends after a sweet moment. I was saddened by that :(
Overall, I very good book! I can't wait for the sequel, maybe then we'll be able to see what Chance and Jacky's lives are like in their new home.
August 7, 2012
This book begins with a very engaging narrative voice in the character of Chauncey Irving. After a brief and nebulous taste of the present day, the story immediately dives into a flashback that sets up Chauncey's character and all the events to follow, and comprises almost all of the remaining story. It took a little while for me to find the meat of the story under the charm, but once I did, this turned out to be an amusing, entertaining and occasionally poignant story. Chauncey loses his first love young, and decides the world can go hang. His wildness gets to the point where the only path left for him is service abroad. He doesn't really expect much from this change in his fortunes. But in his commanding officer in the Foreign Legion, he finds a man who can match his stubbornness, and whose ability to see the good in Chauncey will change his life. This is a fun historical, with the background of the era, and even of the war they are fighting in, primarily lending flavor to a character-driven story.
April 29, 2021
This book was an unexpected pleasure. I didn't pay the blurb much attention, I just thought the title was cute and so I read with little idea of what I was getting into. It's a period piece, set in the 1920s and it's also written in the first person; these two things combine to make the writing a bit clunky at first, but once you get into it, all is forgiven and some of it is actually quite funny. The beginning was a bit rushed (as was the ending - so minus a star for that), but the middle bit was golden and I really wish there was more of it. It's about Chance, a beautiful and troubled young man who hares off to join the French Foreign Legion (is there a book involving the Legion that I haven't liked? I'm yet to meet it) and meets the immensely likable Jacky, his commandant and eventual lover. There isn't really a plot, it's more of a sort of self-discovery story. The secondary characters are interesting and the North African setting is quite cool (though under-realised). I just really enjoyed the the two main characters together. Am I being overly hopeful in wanting a sequel?
February 5, 2014
3.5 stars – This is a fun historical, set during the 1920’s. The story follows young Chauncey (later nicknamed Chance) during his troubled youth in New York City, which eventually spits him out into working for the Foreign Legion in Africa. There, he meets Jacky, his superior officer, who he not only finds infuriatingly attractive, but also a strikingly kind and solid soul, one who can even help tame Chance’s demons.
What I liked: Probably my favorite thing about Cochet’s historicals is that it is really apparent that she loves writing historicals, and she dives in headfirst. There is real joy in her old-timey language, and the characters seem to fall right out of an old black & white movie. I love the back-and-forth in the dialogue and all the scenes. She brings a lot of fun energy to the story, which I really enjoyed.
I also dug that the romance wasn’t dragged out. For some reason, I thought it wouldn’t kick in for a while, but things broke open before the half-way point, so that was a nice surprise.
What was harder: I was less a fan of Chance’s narrative style in this outing. Him telling about his life felt like a lot of…telling, basically. So, I did feel a loss of immediacy there, and that I was being told things, like how everyone respected Jacky (Chance’s love interest) rather than seeing it. (We do also see it, but then I’m told it as well.)
I also found the ending section too tidy and perfect. In that way, it reminded me also like an old movie that ended very happy and everything tied up in a bow. I’m not against very happy or perfect endings, but this one felt more orchestrated rather than organic.
Probably The Amethyst Cat Caper is still my favorite of Cochet’s historicals. I like her bouncy, upbeat style though, and I dig that she’s focusing a lot on historicals, an area that doesn’t often get love because it tends to sell less than contemporaries.
If you’re a fan of Cochet’s style or of historicals in general, this one may be up your alley.
What I liked: Probably my favorite thing about Cochet’s historicals is that it is really apparent that she loves writing historicals, and she dives in headfirst. There is real joy in her old-timey language, and the characters seem to fall right out of an old black & white movie. I love the back-and-forth in the dialogue and all the scenes. She brings a lot of fun energy to the story, which I really enjoyed.
I also dug that the romance wasn’t dragged out. For some reason, I thought it wouldn’t kick in for a while, but things broke open before the half-way point, so that was a nice surprise.
What was harder: I was less a fan of Chance’s narrative style in this outing. Him telling about his life felt like a lot of…telling, basically. So, I did feel a loss of immediacy there, and that I was being told things, like how everyone respected Jacky (Chance’s love interest) rather than seeing it. (We do also see it, but then I’m told it as well.)
I also found the ending section too tidy and perfect. In that way, it reminded me also like an old movie that ended very happy and everything tied up in a bow. I’m not against very happy or perfect endings, but this one felt more orchestrated rather than organic.
Probably The Amethyst Cat Caper is still my favorite of Cochet’s historicals. I like her bouncy, upbeat style though, and I dig that she’s focusing a lot on historicals, an area that doesn’t often get love because it tends to sell less than contemporaries.
If you’re a fan of Cochet’s style or of historicals in general, this one may be up your alley.
November 10, 2013
4.5 this was “historic” stars
LOVED IT! WHEW WHAT A RIDE!!!!
LET ME JUST START BY SAYING I USUALLY LOVE 1 OF THE MC’S MORE THAN THE OTHER AND I CAN’T DECIDE WHO I LOVED MORE IN THIS BOOK!
THE MC’S WERE PERFECT! PERFECT
JACKY VALENTINE
CHAUNCEY “CHANCE” IRVING
I loved the story, I loved how they met. I love that Chance was so broken and sarcastic. I loved that he knew how to love but just didn’t think that he deserved someone’s love
I loved how Jacky was so honest, how much his heart hurt when Chance would fuck up on purpose. I loved how he took care of him out there in that desert. I loved HOW HE LOVED HIM.
And seriously their love making scene had my heart BEATING. It was so sweet and loving and made me FEEL so GOOD.
I loved that it was a historic novel but really you could follow the flow, you got everything they were saying and it wasn’t the 1800′s but early 1900′s.
Recommend everyone read this cause it’s such a good book. Humour, some angst, hot sex, sarcasm and Love oh Love.
Mare~Slitsread
LOVED IT! WHEW WHAT A RIDE!!!!
LET ME JUST START BY SAYING I USUALLY LOVE 1 OF THE MC’S MORE THAN THE OTHER AND I CAN’T DECIDE WHO I LOVED MORE IN THIS BOOK!
THE MC’S WERE PERFECT! PERFECT
JACKY VALENTINE
CHAUNCEY “CHANCE” IRVING
I loved the story, I loved how they met. I love that Chance was so broken and sarcastic. I loved that he knew how to love but just didn’t think that he deserved someone’s love
I loved how Jacky was so honest, how much his heart hurt when Chance would fuck up on purpose. I loved how he took care of him out there in that desert. I loved HOW HE LOVED HIM.
And seriously their love making scene had my heart BEATING. It was so sweet and loving and made me FEEL so GOOD.
I loved that it was a historic novel but really you could follow the flow, you got everything they were saying and it wasn’t the 1800′s but early 1900′s.
Recommend everyone read this cause it’s such a good book. Humour, some angst, hot sex, sarcasm and Love oh Love.
Mare~Slitsread
August 22, 2012
This is the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely be actively seeking out anything else she writes. The first part of the story deals with the events in Chance's life that lead up to his joining the French Foreign Legion and meeting Jacky. Although this is Chance's story, I totally fell for Jacky. He is strong, patient and infinitely caring. This is clear in the relationships he has built with Bobby, Alexander and Johnnie and the new relationship he slowly begins with Chance. Chance has been seriously damaged by a variety of events in his past and this is reflected in the way he reacts to Jacky and to the boys. I became engrossed in the world of this story and quickly became emotionally involved with all the characters. I am looking forward to more stories in this series.
August 8, 2014
Different Historical that takes place in Africa during the WW. This is drama about the characters more so than a plot driven book, so I don't know how absolutely realistic it was. But it was a very fine story. I like strong Character stories. So, this was a delight and I thoroghly enjoyed it.
It is a High quality story, with a unique voice. I highly recommend it for something different to read. =D
It is a High quality story, with a unique voice. I highly recommend it for something different to read. =D
Want to read
June 8, 2012LOVE this author and it's a birthday treat for me! The release is on my b-day, yay!
May 1, 2015
Ok so I hated the first chapter…I mean hated it. I abhor being talked to by the characters. I dislike the breaking of the fourth wall and the commentary to the reader. I hate the characters making suppositions about how I’m going to feel about their story and the information they want to tell me. Makes me all grumbly and attempting to smother my internal GRRRRRRRRRRRR! That being said once we got past Chance talking at me and just started telling me his story I was on board.
Chauncey Irving has had a rough life and his reaction is always to fight back. He’s always had any easy time getting into trouble, yet somehow he’s managed to slide through life without too much damage being done. Nothing that he won’t be able to get past at least. The things that have happened to him though have been devastating to his abilities to allow himself to hope. He’s bitter, grouchy, and spoiling for a fight. Signing up for the French Foreign Legion and heading to Algiers seems like the last ditch spot to be.
Jacky Valentine has developed a name for himself as the place for the hard luck cases to end up. He’s worked his way up the ranks and is now a commandant in the Legion. He’s made a home for the three youngest boys under his command and given them back a shot at hope and family. When Chauncey rumbles his way into Jacky’s command its spins Jacky for a loop. There’s something about the man that pushes all of Jacky’s buttons and Jacky’s determined to find the good man he knows is underneath Chance’s attitude.
So once I got past my own personal pet peeve I very much enjoyed Chance’s voice. He’s funny and troubled in all the best ways. I liked his rambling in his own head and how Jacky got under his skin. I appreciated that his past had sent him into a downward spiral he didn’t know how to get himself out of. Finding hope again spurred him into wanting to be a better man. Not to say that trouble still wasn’t going to find him. He’s stubborn and doesn’t like listening to anyone even when he knows they’re right.
Jacky, oh Jacky you just love collecting your strays don’t you. He’s just such an easy guy to fall for. There’s the strength of character and willingness to see the best in people. He’s the sort of guy that it would just crush you to disappoint. The heart of those around him is as plain to Jacky’s eyes as a tattoo on their arm would be to the rest of us. I loved seeing his steadfast patience while waiting for Chance to figure it all out.
So Jacky’s ragamuffin band of young misfits were great! I loved Johnny, Alexander and Bobby. I really felt for them, you could just tell the strength of the character in the little glimpses we get into them. I can’t wait to see them develop in the later stories. Each of them is smarter than expected and really have the pulse of what’s going on in their heads and hearts. They’re feisty in all the best ways. You can just see the pain that’s in their hearts and the trust they put in Jacky.
If I had one complaint about this story it would have to be the fact that I wished I had more time of Jacky and Chance getting settled into who they are together and the life they built back in England. I didn’t mind the flashback elements of this story that led us up through Chance’s life, but I wished the present wasn’t just a piece at the beginning and the end. I wanted to see these tow living together and finding their balance.
I enjoyed this story a lot and will definitely look for more in the series. Ms. Cochet has a lovely turn of phrase and the writing flows smoothly. The characters were fascinating and really sold the story for me.
Chauncey Irving has had a rough life and his reaction is always to fight back. He’s always had any easy time getting into trouble, yet somehow he’s managed to slide through life without too much damage being done. Nothing that he won’t be able to get past at least. The things that have happened to him though have been devastating to his abilities to allow himself to hope. He’s bitter, grouchy, and spoiling for a fight. Signing up for the French Foreign Legion and heading to Algiers seems like the last ditch spot to be.
Jacky Valentine has developed a name for himself as the place for the hard luck cases to end up. He’s worked his way up the ranks and is now a commandant in the Legion. He’s made a home for the three youngest boys under his command and given them back a shot at hope and family. When Chauncey rumbles his way into Jacky’s command its spins Jacky for a loop. There’s something about the man that pushes all of Jacky’s buttons and Jacky’s determined to find the good man he knows is underneath Chance’s attitude.
So once I got past my own personal pet peeve I very much enjoyed Chance’s voice. He’s funny and troubled in all the best ways. I liked his rambling in his own head and how Jacky got under his skin. I appreciated that his past had sent him into a downward spiral he didn’t know how to get himself out of. Finding hope again spurred him into wanting to be a better man. Not to say that trouble still wasn’t going to find him. He’s stubborn and doesn’t like listening to anyone even when he knows they’re right.
Jacky, oh Jacky you just love collecting your strays don’t you. He’s just such an easy guy to fall for. There’s the strength of character and willingness to see the best in people. He’s the sort of guy that it would just crush you to disappoint. The heart of those around him is as plain to Jacky’s eyes as a tattoo on their arm would be to the rest of us. I loved seeing his steadfast patience while waiting for Chance to figure it all out.
So Jacky’s ragamuffin band of young misfits were great! I loved Johnny, Alexander and Bobby. I really felt for them, you could just tell the strength of the character in the little glimpses we get into them. I can’t wait to see them develop in the later stories. Each of them is smarter than expected and really have the pulse of what’s going on in their heads and hearts. They’re feisty in all the best ways. You can just see the pain that’s in their hearts and the trust they put in Jacky.
If I had one complaint about this story it would have to be the fact that I wished I had more time of Jacky and Chance getting settled into who they are together and the life they built back in England. I didn’t mind the flashback elements of this story that led us up through Chance’s life, but I wished the present wasn’t just a piece at the beginning and the end. I wanted to see these tow living together and finding their balance.
I enjoyed this story a lot and will definitely look for more in the series. Ms. Cochet has a lovely turn of phrase and the writing flows smoothly. The characters were fascinating and really sold the story for me.
September 1, 2016
*A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review.*
This is not the first book I have read by this author and, as I have greatly enjoyed her other books, I had high expectations when beginning her latest offering. The Auspicious Troubles of Chance lived up to my expectations and then some!
The cast of characters that are written in this title reached out and captured my heart. The honest emotion expressed by each person, their imperfections, insecurities, hopes, frustrations and dreams, are written in such a way that the words can't help but engage the reader's interest and imagination. It is these pure emotions that fully envelope the reader in Chance's world.
This book is written as a narrative from the main character, Chance's, point of view. As I am an educated reader, reading the first few chapters gave me the feeling that I may be in for a bit of a struggle. Because Chance begins his story with a tone of arrogance, displays a tendency towards showmanship, and has an over all devil-may-care attitude forward his audience, I initially felt that this wasn't going to be a story I was going to enjoy. As I continued reading, began to know and understand Chance, and learned the reasons behind his attitude, my initial impression changed. So just keep this in mind when you start reading and don't give up on the story!
Although this is technically a period book that is set in the early 1900's, the characters themselves could be plucked out of the story and placed in any time period. I liked that the historical setting didn't overtake the storyline or make it feel dated.
The M/M romance is tastefully written, emotionally raw, steamy enough to satisfy, yet not over the top. It flows as a natural complement to the story line and doesn't contain any of the forced emotions that I've sometimes felt when reading in this genera.
Well written and with a professionally edited feel, the quality of this title surpasses earlier offerings by Cochet and makes reading this book a delight.
This book offers a complete complement of supporting characters as well. The way they build off of each other, the humor that made me laugh out loud, and the poignant moments that nearly brought me to tears, are the deciding factors in my 5 star rating. This story just couldn't get any better... and the ending is one you'll just have to read twice!
This is not the first book I have read by this author and, as I have greatly enjoyed her other books, I had high expectations when beginning her latest offering. The Auspicious Troubles of Chance lived up to my expectations and then some!
The cast of characters that are written in this title reached out and captured my heart. The honest emotion expressed by each person, their imperfections, insecurities, hopes, frustrations and dreams, are written in such a way that the words can't help but engage the reader's interest and imagination. It is these pure emotions that fully envelope the reader in Chance's world.
This book is written as a narrative from the main character, Chance's, point of view. As I am an educated reader, reading the first few chapters gave me the feeling that I may be in for a bit of a struggle. Because Chance begins his story with a tone of arrogance, displays a tendency towards showmanship, and has an over all devil-may-care attitude forward his audience, I initially felt that this wasn't going to be a story I was going to enjoy. As I continued reading, began to know and understand Chance, and learned the reasons behind his attitude, my initial impression changed. So just keep this in mind when you start reading and don't give up on the story!
Although this is technically a period book that is set in the early 1900's, the characters themselves could be plucked out of the story and placed in any time period. I liked that the historical setting didn't overtake the storyline or make it feel dated.
The M/M romance is tastefully written, emotionally raw, steamy enough to satisfy, yet not over the top. It flows as a natural complement to the story line and doesn't contain any of the forced emotions that I've sometimes felt when reading in this genera.
Well written and with a professionally edited feel, the quality of this title surpasses earlier offerings by Cochet and makes reading this book a delight.
This book offers a complete complement of supporting characters as well. The way they build off of each other, the humor that made me laugh out loud, and the poignant moments that nearly brought me to tears, are the deciding factors in my 5 star rating. This story just couldn't get any better... and the ending is one you'll just have to read twice!
May 28, 2017
Probably not the most historically accurate in some areas, but it was a lighthearted, fast read, and I quite enjoyed it. The narrative style, though, really isn't my favorite--because it was both a tad annoying and it kind of killed all the suspense as to what happens in the end. You know from the beginning that they both survive so there really isn't all that much tension. Still, Chance was interesting and when he wasn't being an ass he was quite charming. My favorite part was perhaps the three other guys in the group. They were rather interesting side characters and I wish we had got to know them better.
April 30, 2017
3.4 Stars
I struggled for more than the first half because of the "tell" not "show" aspect of Chance's exposition - and the sheer bloody amount of it. Also, I'm finding that while I don't mind an occasional breaking of the 4th wall I really don't like being continually addressed as if I were reading a letter from or having a conversation with the MC.
Those other two couples seem like they would be interesting to read about...but OMG it's been years and no one has 'fessed up to any feelings or moved forward in their relationships besides Chance and Jacky? Well, they are quite young so I'm hoping that's maybe the reasoning behind the extended UST.
I struggled for more than the first half because of the "tell" not "show" aspect of Chance's exposition - and the sheer bloody amount of it. Also, I'm finding that while I don't mind an occasional breaking of the 4th wall I really don't like being continually addressed as if I were reading a letter from or having a conversation with the MC.
Those other two couples seem like they would be interesting to read about...but OMG it's been years and no one has 'fessed up to any feelings or moved forward in their relationships besides Chance and Jacky? Well, they are quite young so I'm hoping that's maybe the reasoning behind the extended UST.
July 30, 2012
Wonderful story, highly entertaining with enough humor to keep a smile on my face through much of the story. The begrudging road to romance from Chance's perspective was delightful. I first found this author through the LIAW event and am so glad I did. I can't wait to read any sequels to this story. Johnnie deserves his own book.
September 17, 2012
The beginning was rough. Then it got a little more interesting. Then it ended. And I liked the ending. I would read a sequel.
July 2, 2012
This was my first Charlie Cochet's book and, after reading The Auspicious Troubles of Chance, I'm planning to quickly change that fact.
When Chauncey Irving – Chance – was seven years old, his parents left him at the orphanage. The boy soon escaped and started living on the streets of New York. The fortune smiled at him when Marie, a young actress in the Cleopatra theater, found him and took him with her. Among the chorus girls and stagehands, Chance found both home and family. He learned how to be a man, how to treat a lady, to work, to sing, to care about others. He found his first lover and first love in young dancer Arthur. But, when he was sixteen, the theater was burned down by mobsters and Marie and Arthur were killed in the fire. This event send Chance on the path of self-destruction. He finds a place in another theater, but uses his looks and voice to coast through life, spending years in a haze of alcohol, drugs and sex. Finally, he joins the French Foreign Legion, but it's not until he meets Commander Jacky Valentine and his "brats" that he starts changing and believing that, perhaps, there is happiness somewhere in his future.
Let's start with the things that didn't work quite so well: the narration at the beginning and, to some extent, at the end of the story and some story elements the author glossed over. At the beginning, Chance is telling the reader his story up to the point when he met Jacky, often addressing the reader directly. The "tell, not show" narration made it a bit difficult to get into the story, because it created distance from the events of Chance's life, events that shaped him into a man. We have somewhat similar situation at the end, when Chance summarizes the events after the characters returned from Africa. The difference is that, by the end, I was invested in the characters, so this didn't bother me as much.
Once Chance meets Jacky Valentine and his men, the true strength of this story emerges – the characters. Even when he is at his most obnoxious, Chance's voice is very appealing and the slang of twenties and thirties works fabulously with it. Chance is aware of his failings and has a real issue with self-worth, which is why he has trouble accepting good things when they come his way. The first meeting between him and Jacky as well as their banter were hilarious. I particularly liked that Jacky was immediately shown as flawed instead of some super capable commander. He is capable though, quick to laugh, slow to anger, strict, but fair to his men and loving father/older brother figure to the "brats" – Johnnie, Bobby and Alexander. He is a genuinely good guy, not afraid of showing his feelings, and the attraction between him and Chance is immediate and scorching. This scares Chance so much that he continues pushing the boundaries of their relationship.
This was a part of the book where author quickly skipped over some steps in the relationship between the two men – mainly in describing all the ways Chance resisted Jacky's authority – right to the part when Jacky finally manages to reach the other man with a little help from his young protégés. Faced with the fact that his actions are hurting Jacky and with the young men's circumstances far worse than his own, Chance has to find the strength in himself to change. I really liked this part of the story, particularly the development of his relationship with the "brats", especially Johnnie. The initial animosity born more from similarities than anything else turns into a lovely, playful friendship. Both Chance and his world grow and he finds true happiness in sharing it with others.
Ms. Cochet has a clean, fluid writing style, excellent grasp on the language of the time (as much as I as foreign English speaker can say), her characters are distinct and quite likable. For example, throughout the novel we are told that Chance is beautiful (Jacky calls him "pretty boy"), but his personality was so vivid that I kept forgetting that. The sense of humor doesn't hurt either. I can't think of another book where endearment snuggle-pup was used. When I finished reading the book, I immediately wished to revisit the gang and I am happy to report that the "brats" will get their own books. Hopefully, Jacky and Chance will show up as supporting characters. I am also curious about mysterious Shotgun Jake and his lieutenant Hollywood who were mentioned in the story.
If you want to spend a few hours with a well-written story, without too much angst and with a definite happy ending, then The Auspicious Troubles of Chance is a story for you. And, if you like something extra with your reading, I advise you to visit the author's site and see how she sees Chance, Jacky and her other characters. You won't be disappointed.
Highly recommended.
Written for Reviews by Jessewave.
When Chauncey Irving – Chance – was seven years old, his parents left him at the orphanage. The boy soon escaped and started living on the streets of New York. The fortune smiled at him when Marie, a young actress in the Cleopatra theater, found him and took him with her. Among the chorus girls and stagehands, Chance found both home and family. He learned how to be a man, how to treat a lady, to work, to sing, to care about others. He found his first lover and first love in young dancer Arthur. But, when he was sixteen, the theater was burned down by mobsters and Marie and Arthur were killed in the fire. This event send Chance on the path of self-destruction. He finds a place in another theater, but uses his looks and voice to coast through life, spending years in a haze of alcohol, drugs and sex. Finally, he joins the French Foreign Legion, but it's not until he meets Commander Jacky Valentine and his "brats" that he starts changing and believing that, perhaps, there is happiness somewhere in his future.
Let's start with the things that didn't work quite so well: the narration at the beginning and, to some extent, at the end of the story and some story elements the author glossed over. At the beginning, Chance is telling the reader his story up to the point when he met Jacky, often addressing the reader directly. The "tell, not show" narration made it a bit difficult to get into the story, because it created distance from the events of Chance's life, events that shaped him into a man. We have somewhat similar situation at the end, when Chance summarizes the events after the characters returned from Africa. The difference is that, by the end, I was invested in the characters, so this didn't bother me as much.
Once Chance meets Jacky Valentine and his men, the true strength of this story emerges – the characters. Even when he is at his most obnoxious, Chance's voice is very appealing and the slang of twenties and thirties works fabulously with it. Chance is aware of his failings and has a real issue with self-worth, which is why he has trouble accepting good things when they come his way. The first meeting between him and Jacky as well as their banter were hilarious. I particularly liked that Jacky was immediately shown as flawed instead of some super capable commander. He is capable though, quick to laugh, slow to anger, strict, but fair to his men and loving father/older brother figure to the "brats" – Johnnie, Bobby and Alexander. He is a genuinely good guy, not afraid of showing his feelings, and the attraction between him and Chance is immediate and scorching. This scares Chance so much that he continues pushing the boundaries of their relationship.
There had to be something wrong with this guy. He had to be pulling one over on me. Guys this damned decent didn't really exist, and if they did, they surely weren't interested in a mug like me. Everyone here was escaping from something, and that included Jacky. There had to be something sinister lurking underneath that nice guy routine. Did I really want to hang around long enough to find out?
This was a part of the book where author quickly skipped over some steps in the relationship between the two men – mainly in describing all the ways Chance resisted Jacky's authority – right to the part when Jacky finally manages to reach the other man with a little help from his young protégés. Faced with the fact that his actions are hurting Jacky and with the young men's circumstances far worse than his own, Chance has to find the strength in himself to change. I really liked this part of the story, particularly the development of his relationship with the "brats", especially Johnnie. The initial animosity born more from similarities than anything else turns into a lovely, playful friendship. Both Chance and his world grow and he finds true happiness in sharing it with others.
Ms. Cochet has a clean, fluid writing style, excellent grasp on the language of the time (as much as I as foreign English speaker can say), her characters are distinct and quite likable. For example, throughout the novel we are told that Chance is beautiful (Jacky calls him "pretty boy"), but his personality was so vivid that I kept forgetting that. The sense of humor doesn't hurt either. I can't think of another book where endearment snuggle-pup was used. When I finished reading the book, I immediately wished to revisit the gang and I am happy to report that the "brats" will get their own books. Hopefully, Jacky and Chance will show up as supporting characters. I am also curious about mysterious Shotgun Jake and his lieutenant Hollywood who were mentioned in the story.
If you want to spend a few hours with a well-written story, without too much angst and with a definite happy ending, then The Auspicious Troubles of Chance is a story for you. And, if you like something extra with your reading, I advise you to visit the author's site and see how she sees Chance, Jacky and her other characters. You won't be disappointed.
Highly recommended.
Written for Reviews by Jessewave.
January 29, 2013
I was initially drawn to this because of the title. It has to rank in at least my top 5 favorite titles of all time.
I love that the book itself lived up to the title! This story is the most comforting of comfort reads. Much of it is set in the desert (Chance joins the French Foreign Legion in the 1920's) and the setting there is fantastically well described. Chance complains of getting too much sun, but the heat never felt oppressive, just warm and bright and open and sunny.
Adding to that were Chance's descriptions of Jacky: bright, shining, haloed, glowing. So the setting plus Jacky combined to make the whole book seem like this delightful warm hug. Or the perfect warm drink when coming in from the cold. It just couldn't have been a better counterpoint to the rainiest weekend in Phoenix in like 50 years or something.
There wasn't really any angst, there weren't really any villains to fight, and only one semi-catastrophe (which we knew already would all work out okay anyway), even the relationship between Jacky and Chance was never really in question because Jacky pursued him so thoroughly. Just a beautiful, delightfully-narrated, wonderfully-written comfort read about a young man learning to trust again, and learning to believe he's worthy of being loved.
Beautiful, beautiful book. Without question, one of my new go-to comfort reads. Certainly my new #1 comfort read for cold, rainy days.
Some favorite quotes:
They lived for the moment, making the most of every day with the belief that all good things must come to an end. When that end came, they could look back and be content that they had lived, truly lived.
Was I confused when I started finding the fellas more attractive than the dames? Sure I was. Did I feel bad or guilty about it? Hell no. Why? Because I had never been taught to feel that way about it.
I figured the world was a dreadful, wicked place, and I never wanted to know another human being ever again.
"But it's my job to help you put the pieces back together, not crush them further under the heel of my boot."
It was nice not to be alone, even if it meant sharing a small box with a claustrophobic lunatic.
"I know how extraordinary you are. You just need a bit of guidance, that's all."
He had this unbelievable way of making me feel frightfully hopeful, like everything that had happened to me had never actually happened, like I was clean and pure and worthy of him.
My body responded to his touch as if it had always belonged to him.
I almost felt like a better man when he held me.
"I won't give up on you. Maybe one day, when you feel yourself worthy of being loved, you might love me in return, but right now?" He kissed my lips gently. "Right now, I'll settle for just having you in my arms."
So what if the whole damn legion thought I was nuts? A good part of me thought I was nuts too. I could deal with that.
The world had turned its back on them, treated them damned appallingly, and left them all balled up inside. But despite all that, they hadn't lost their faith that things could be better.
I love that the book itself lived up to the title! This story is the most comforting of comfort reads. Much of it is set in the desert (Chance joins the French Foreign Legion in the 1920's) and the setting there is fantastically well described. Chance complains of getting too much sun, but the heat never felt oppressive, just warm and bright and open and sunny.
Adding to that were Chance's descriptions of Jacky: bright, shining, haloed, glowing. So the setting plus Jacky combined to make the whole book seem like this delightful warm hug. Or the perfect warm drink when coming in from the cold. It just couldn't have been a better counterpoint to the rainiest weekend in Phoenix in like 50 years or something.
There wasn't really any angst, there weren't really any villains to fight, and only one semi-catastrophe (which we knew already would all work out okay anyway), even the relationship between Jacky and Chance was never really in question because Jacky pursued him so thoroughly. Just a beautiful, delightfully-narrated, wonderfully-written comfort read about a young man learning to trust again, and learning to believe he's worthy of being loved.
Beautiful, beautiful book. Without question, one of my new go-to comfort reads. Certainly my new #1 comfort read for cold, rainy days.
Some favorite quotes:
They lived for the moment, making the most of every day with the belief that all good things must come to an end. When that end came, they could look back and be content that they had lived, truly lived.
Was I confused when I started finding the fellas more attractive than the dames? Sure I was. Did I feel bad or guilty about it? Hell no. Why? Because I had never been taught to feel that way about it.
I figured the world was a dreadful, wicked place, and I never wanted to know another human being ever again.
"But it's my job to help you put the pieces back together, not crush them further under the heel of my boot."
It was nice not to be alone, even if it meant sharing a small box with a claustrophobic lunatic.
"Are you telling me you've never had the pleasure of giving someone a charley horse?" he asked.
Fountain of useless knowledge, he was. I shook my head and massaged my leg. "Why on earth would I? It's horrible."
"It's funny."
"No. It's not."
"You're just saying that because you're on the receiving end. I assure you," he said with that cocky grin, "it's quite funny."
"I know how extraordinary you are. You just need a bit of guidance, that's all."
He had this unbelievable way of making me feel frightfully hopeful, like everything that had happened to me had never actually happened, like I was clean and pure and worthy of him.
My body responded to his touch as if it had always belonged to him.
I almost felt like a better man when he held me.
"I won't give up on you. Maybe one day, when you feel yourself worthy of being loved, you might love me in return, but right now?" He kissed my lips gently. "Right now, I'll settle for just having you in my arms."
So what if the whole damn legion thought I was nuts? A good part of me thought I was nuts too. I could deal with that.
The world had turned its back on them, treated them damned appallingly, and left them all balled up inside. But despite all that, they hadn't lost their faith that things could be better.
December 29, 2013
**I received a copy of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
It took me a bit to get into this book. The writing starts very conversationally in the first person, with the storyteller, Chauncey aka Chance, speaking to the reader. In the world of the story, it is then 1934 and Chance is at his home in England. And he has just been shot. This book is not your typical historical novel. It doesn't read like a historical novel. There were little things that threw me off at first. Phrases that seemingly belonged later in the 20th century, aka "packing heat," had me jumping on google to investigate the origins. (FYI, from my bit of research the term "packing a heater" was used when referring to a gun back in the early 1930's, the earliest I found use of packing heat wasn't until the 40's, but like I said, my research wasn't that in depth).
After the first chapter, the story is a flashback telling of Chance's life from the theater in New York City (which I really enjoyed) to his time in the French Foreign Legion (where most of the story takes place).
Overall though, I didn't think the setting, either time or place, had much influence on the story. The book is very much character driven. There are no big war time battles. Most of the book takes place different camps in the African desert. The main conflict is between Chance and himself. We watch and listen to him as he struggles through, looking at the world and those around him through the skewed lens of an orphan from NYC. He's a likeable enough character, even though he himself thinks himself unworthy. There is a cockiness to him that is endearing, yet it is easy enough to see why those around him want to smack him. When he meets Jacky, he has met his match, and like some around him, there was part of me that was wondering what Jacky saw in him.
Jacky was a good man. Big, attractive, a leader. A man we are told is admired by all of the French Foreign Legion. Though he could be this kind of man in any other time or place. There was chemistry between him and Chance. And I was excited to see Chance get with the program and figure out what was going on, but again, there wasn't a whole lot to weed through and once he figures out one thing, the rest is getting over his own issues.
It was probably the last 20% of the book I liked the most. When feelings came to a head, when the reader was given a bit more of a glimpse at the supporting characters.
It was the supporting characters that I found most compelling. I found myself wanting to hear more about Bobby or Johnnie. And from the looks of things, there are other books that will tell their stories.
This book was a decent read, the first I've read by this author. The writing style made me feel like I was watching a satirical movie of the 1930's. Words like "dame" seemed to be used just to let you know when this was taking place. At times it was definitely a bit distracting. I think this could have probably used an additional edit - there were times, mainly in the 193 parts - that I didn't really know where Chance was. One minute he's in the woods, the next he's throwing his vest on the floor, and then he's making himself "comfortable in some woodland creature's home." And when we return to 1934 I still couldn't figure out if Chance was in the woods or in his house.
Summing up, despite its issues, I enjoyed the little trip through Chance's mind and thoughts and I plan on checking out the next book in the series.
It took me a bit to get into this book. The writing starts very conversationally in the first person, with the storyteller, Chauncey aka Chance, speaking to the reader. In the world of the story, it is then 1934 and Chance is at his home in England. And he has just been shot. This book is not your typical historical novel. It doesn't read like a historical novel. There were little things that threw me off at first. Phrases that seemingly belonged later in the 20th century, aka "packing heat," had me jumping on google to investigate the origins. (FYI, from my bit of research the term "packing a heater" was used when referring to a gun back in the early 1930's, the earliest I found use of packing heat wasn't until the 40's, but like I said, my research wasn't that in depth).
After the first chapter, the story is a flashback telling of Chance's life from the theater in New York City (which I really enjoyed) to his time in the French Foreign Legion (where most of the story takes place).
Overall though, I didn't think the setting, either time or place, had much influence on the story. The book is very much character driven. There are no big war time battles. Most of the book takes place different camps in the African desert. The main conflict is between Chance and himself. We watch and listen to him as he struggles through, looking at the world and those around him through the skewed lens of an orphan from NYC. He's a likeable enough character, even though he himself thinks himself unworthy. There is a cockiness to him that is endearing, yet it is easy enough to see why those around him want to smack him. When he meets Jacky, he has met his match, and like some around him, there was part of me that was wondering what Jacky saw in him.
Jacky was a good man. Big, attractive, a leader. A man we are told is admired by all of the French Foreign Legion. Though he could be this kind of man in any other time or place. There was chemistry between him and Chance. And I was excited to see Chance get with the program and figure out what was going on, but again, there wasn't a whole lot to weed through and once he figures out one thing, the rest is getting over his own issues.
It was probably the last 20% of the book I liked the most. When feelings came to a head, when the reader was given a bit more of a glimpse at the supporting characters.
It was the supporting characters that I found most compelling. I found myself wanting to hear more about Bobby or Johnnie. And from the looks of things, there are other books that will tell their stories.
This book was a decent read, the first I've read by this author. The writing style made me feel like I was watching a satirical movie of the 1930's. Words like "dame" seemed to be used just to let you know when this was taking place. At times it was definitely a bit distracting. I think this could have probably used an additional edit - there were times, mainly in the 193 parts - that I didn't really know where Chance was. One minute he's in the woods, the next he's throwing his vest on the floor, and then he's making himself "comfortable in some woodland creature's home." And when we return to 1934 I still couldn't figure out if Chance was in the woods or in his house.
Summing up, despite its issues, I enjoyed the little trip through Chance's mind and thoughts and I plan on checking out the next book in the series.
Want to read
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December 12, 2013
2.75 out of 5 stars
(This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.) Book takes place in the 1920s and 1930s. Main character Chance is walking through the woods when he gets shot in the chest. He falls to the ground. This starts a huge flashback about his life. Flashback takes up most of the book. He narrates everything from getting abandoned as a kid at the orphanage to joining the French Foreign Legion. Much of it is narrative summary.
During the Legion parts, the book opens up into more actual scenes. No battles. Mostly troop movements and hanging around camp. The very young commander is Jacky Valentine. He has a heart of gold and a soft spot for hard-luck cases. This means he protects the soldiers who are emotionally damaged gay teenagers. He already has three under his wing. Chance becomes his fourth and favorite.
Jacky and Chance become lovers. Here the story arc follows Chance’s emotional evolution. He starts out a jerk with no self-esteem. He lashes out at everybody with sarcasm and manipulation. This goes on a long time. Then he has an insight and changes his behavior. From there, he and Jacky discover a purpose in life. They struggle to fulfill their dream (well, Jacky’s dream) despite some brushes with death.
I liked the book for the smooth writing and energetic pace. But the more I read, the more things started to wear on me. For example, the lack of realism. Chance gets shot in the leg, has the bullet dug out without morphine, and still feels like having sex that night? Wouldn’t he be in terrible pain? Or Jacky arranges immediate honorable discharges for his four protégés. The boys couldn’t have terminated their military contracts just because they felt like doing something else.
Chance summarizes a lot. For example, Jacky finally has to resort to physical discipline to make Chance stop acting like the commander’s spoiled lapdog in front of the rest of the unit. Having to do this wrecks Jacky emotionally. And I’m still not sure what he had to do? Beat up Chance? Flog him? Such a dramatic change and source of tension in their relationship should have been shown in a scene.
But my biggest problem is I couldn’t see Chance as a man. Not even with his tough-guy talk. He is completely female in his obsession with analyzing his feelings and discussing his relationship with Jacky. They even start serious conversations during foreplay, which stops one sex scene cold. Would an actual man ever choose talking over sex? I couldn’t get into the romance because I wanted two actual men. That is why I drop the rating from 3 stars to 2.75.
But this book has many high ratings and I can see why. It has a polished writing style. It offers a fun, light-and-fluffy, Indiana Jones type adventure. The French Foreign Legion idea is interesting (though underdeveloped). The boys are adorable lost souls. Jacky is an appealing protective type. Chance has a humorous swagger to his viewpoint. All these things are good, and can weave a spell for the right reader. Especially readers who are tired of angst and heavy stuff. Other readers may want more grit and realism.
(This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.) Book takes place in the 1920s and 1930s. Main character Chance is walking through the woods when he gets shot in the chest. He falls to the ground. This starts a huge flashback about his life. Flashback takes up most of the book. He narrates everything from getting abandoned as a kid at the orphanage to joining the French Foreign Legion. Much of it is narrative summary.
During the Legion parts, the book opens up into more actual scenes. No battles. Mostly troop movements and hanging around camp. The very young commander is Jacky Valentine. He has a heart of gold and a soft spot for hard-luck cases. This means he protects the soldiers who are emotionally damaged gay teenagers. He already has three under his wing. Chance becomes his fourth and favorite.
Jacky and Chance become lovers. Here the story arc follows Chance’s emotional evolution. He starts out a jerk with no self-esteem. He lashes out at everybody with sarcasm and manipulation. This goes on a long time. Then he has an insight and changes his behavior. From there, he and Jacky discover a purpose in life. They struggle to fulfill their dream (well, Jacky’s dream) despite some brushes with death.
I liked the book for the smooth writing and energetic pace. But the more I read, the more things started to wear on me. For example, the lack of realism. Chance gets shot in the leg, has the bullet dug out without morphine, and still feels like having sex that night? Wouldn’t he be in terrible pain? Or Jacky arranges immediate honorable discharges for his four protégés. The boys couldn’t have terminated their military contracts just because they felt like doing something else.
Chance summarizes a lot. For example, Jacky finally has to resort to physical discipline to make Chance stop acting like the commander’s spoiled lapdog in front of the rest of the unit. Having to do this wrecks Jacky emotionally. And I’m still not sure what he had to do? Beat up Chance? Flog him? Such a dramatic change and source of tension in their relationship should have been shown in a scene.
But my biggest problem is I couldn’t see Chance as a man. Not even with his tough-guy talk. He is completely female in his obsession with analyzing his feelings and discussing his relationship with Jacky. They even start serious conversations during foreplay, which stops one sex scene cold. Would an actual man ever choose talking over sex? I couldn’t get into the romance because I wanted two actual men. That is why I drop the rating from 3 stars to 2.75.
But this book has many high ratings and I can see why. It has a polished writing style. It offers a fun, light-and-fluffy, Indiana Jones type adventure. The French Foreign Legion idea is interesting (though underdeveloped). The boys are adorable lost souls. Jacky is an appealing protective type. Chance has a humorous swagger to his viewpoint. All these things are good, and can weave a spell for the right reader. Especially readers who are tired of angst and heavy stuff. Other readers may want more grit and realism.
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