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Shifter Scoundrels #1
Notorious
New Paranormal Romance from Bestselling MM Authors Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake. Modern-day Bridgerton with shifter royalty, a snarky fox, and the tiger who refuses to fall for his charms.
Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Cas’s world, he’s forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.
Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when he’s summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.
Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger–and their attraction to each other–grows.
With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.
Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Cas’s world, he’s forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.
Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when he’s summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.
Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger–and their attraction to each other–grows.
With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 25, 2022
388 people are currently reading
879 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 214 reviews
October 11, 2023
Highly entraining start of a new shifter world series, along with a smatter of mystery and romance.
Because that’s what I loved most about this book: it’s set in our “human” world, but there’s a shifter society right there before our eyes, hidden in plain sight, ruled by a dragon king. And that shifter society is a mix between a classical regency setting (including a “season” with balls. And matchmaking matrons.). But instead of carriages, we have regular cars, mobile phones and every modern amenity we know from “our” human world.
It begins with a ball, and an attack in which the dragon king’s only son is killed. Cas, a fox shifter and said son’s best friend, vows to find the killer - and joins the Blue Dahlias, a legendary secret society of spies who are directly under the king’s command.
Cas is a charmer and a playboy, a facade he carefully maintains as a cover for his investigations, but his cover is threatened to be blown when he’s “matched” to Saphir, the king’s former captain of the guards.
I can’t quite make myself to rate this book with 5 stars because - while I enjoyed the mystery and the banter between Cas and Saphir (and the secondary characters), I couldn’t quite feel the romance between them. I adored both Cas and Saphir, but somehow they felt me like best friends with benefits.
Nevertheless, listening to this book was a lot of fun, partly because of Gary Furlong’s excellent narration.
And while the next installment doesn’t quite live up to book 1 according to the reviews, I’m diving right into Jason’s story - I always love it when mere humans are thrown in the mix 😊
Because that’s what I loved most about this book: it’s set in our “human” world, but there’s a shifter society right there before our eyes, hidden in plain sight, ruled by a dragon king. And that shifter society is a mix between a classical regency setting (including a “season” with balls. And matchmaking matrons.). But instead of carriages, we have regular cars, mobile phones and every modern amenity we know from “our” human world.
It begins with a ball, and an attack in which the dragon king’s only son is killed. Cas, a fox shifter and said son’s best friend, vows to find the killer - and joins the Blue Dahlias, a legendary secret society of spies who are directly under the king’s command.
Cas is a charmer and a playboy, a facade he carefully maintains as a cover for his investigations, but his cover is threatened to be blown when he’s “matched” to Saphir, the king’s former captain of the guards.
I can’t quite make myself to rate this book with 5 stars because - while I enjoyed the mystery and the banter between Cas and Saphir (and the secondary characters), I couldn’t quite feel the romance between them. I adored both Cas and Saphir, but somehow they felt me like best friends with benefits.
Nevertheless, listening to this book was a lot of fun, partly because of Gary Furlong’s excellent narration.
And while the next installment doesn’t quite live up to book 1 according to the reviews, I’m diving right into Jason’s story - I always love it when mere humans are thrown in the mix 😊
October 4, 2023
re-listen September 2023
mhm… wasn’t as exciting as the first time but good prep for finally getting onto the second book.
4.25**** stars
This was delightful! Everything in this paranormal shifter-world/society reads like a historical but with all the snark and banter and a few items of a contemporary.
The modern human world has to be somewhere, tho, as these guys have phones and cars and showers instead of letters, coaches and wash basins, but we don’t see anything of it. It sounds confusing but it all works pretty well, if you ask me.
I loved the romance between white fox-shifter Caspian and tiger-shifter Saphir as well as the quest they’re on and the mysteries they try to solve.
Oh and how I loved, later in the book, when Saphir referred to Cas as his little fox. ♡
My only niggle is, that their respective I love you came too soon, imo. It honestly hadn’t felt like they were already there when they said it (shouted it) and I wouldn’t have mind it to wait for it a little while longer. Until then it felt like a love story that would evolve over time and the events of the following book(s).
haha *lolll Anywaaaay… I discovered that the next one will be about another couple, so I guess it couldn’t be helped to wrap up this relationship in a HEA as quickly as possible.
It was very sweet nonetheless. THEY were totally sweet and adorable together. From the very beginning actually. Loved Cas’s sass and Saphir’s grumpiness so much, too.
I was captivated and I had a lot of fun. Not everything made sense here but I can’t wait for the next instalment! I'm curious to see how the plot will (hopefully) interconnect with this one here to (again, hopefully) tie up the loose ends.
Gary Furlong did an excellent job narrating and I hope the audio for the second one is not long in coming after the release of the book.
side note: (for the short story, link in the ebook) - it’s nothing major or important, just the sweet little tale about how Ansel and Ren ended curled up in bed together where Cas and Saphir found them later after the big rescue.
**************
Shifter Scoundrels Series:
Book 1 - Notorious - 4.25 stars
Book 1.1 - Tenacious (short story) - no rating
Book 2 - Dangerous - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Scandalous - release 02/24
mhm… wasn’t as exciting as the first time but good prep for finally getting onto the second book.
4.25**** stars
This was delightful! Everything in this paranormal shifter-world/society reads like a historical but with all the snark and banter and a few items of a contemporary.
The modern human world has to be somewhere, tho, as these guys have phones and cars and showers instead of letters, coaches and wash basins, but we don’t see anything of it. It sounds confusing but it all works pretty well, if you ask me.
I loved the romance between white fox-shifter Caspian and tiger-shifter Saphir as well as the quest they’re on and the mysteries they try to solve.
Oh and how I loved, later in the book, when Saphir referred to Cas as his little fox. ♡
My only niggle is, that their respective I love you came too soon, imo. It honestly hadn’t felt like they were already there when they said it (shouted it) and I wouldn’t have mind it to wait for it a little while longer. Until then it felt like a love story that would evolve over time and the events of the following book(s).
“Goddess above,” Cas shouted, […] “I’m trying to tell you I love you, damn it!”
“Well, I love you too!” Saphir’s equally loud vow echoed through the chambers, […]
“Good! Why are we shouting?”
“I don’t know!” Saphir’s bellow echoed once more and Cas grinned.
haha *lolll Anywaaaay… I discovered that the next one will be about another couple, so I guess it couldn’t be helped to wrap up this relationship in a HEA as quickly as possible.
It was very sweet nonetheless. THEY were totally sweet and adorable together. From the very beginning actually. Loved Cas’s sass and Saphir’s grumpiness so much, too.
I was captivated and I had a lot of fun. Not everything made sense here but I can’t wait for the next instalment! I'm curious to see how the plot will (hopefully) interconnect with this one here to (again, hopefully) tie up the loose ends.
Gary Furlong did an excellent job narrating and I hope the audio for the second one is not long in coming after the release of the book.
side note: (for the short story, link in the ebook) - it’s nothing major or important, just the sweet little tale about how Ansel and Ren ended curled up in bed together where Cas and Saphir found them later after the big rescue.
**************
Shifter Scoundrels Series:
Book 1 - Notorious - 4.25 stars
Book 1.1 - Tenacious (short story) - no rating
Book 2 - Dangerous - 3.5 stars
Book 3 - Scandalous - release 02/24
August 27, 2022
An absolute triumph for this duo of authors.
I've read many Charlie Cochet pieces before, and loved so many of them. I've never read a Macy Blake before. But reading this, I wonder if this author balanced out Cochet's signature humor (which I absolutely love, no question) with a more serious tone. I don't know Blake's style, but knowing Cochet's, that's the feeling I got. That Cochet, in her amazing way, was able to keep this more light than it probably would be otherwise, while Blake might have brought more levity and seriousness to the piece.
If that's how Blake writes, then this is a wonderful combination for both authors. They balanced each other very well, and this is an amazing start to what I'm hoping is a fun, interesting series.
In a world where there are humans, but also shifters, the regular humans have had magic used on them to not remember or know of the shifters' existence.
The most powerful of the shifters are the Dragon shifters, and the Dragon shifter is King, with there being Dukes and Earls and Barons and so on down the line, in a modern day world. The shifter world is like a mix of both old customs and the new, modern world. They have cell phones and TVs but also old fashioned titles and they dress a little more regency era.
Caspian is known as a scoundrel, a rake, but also the best friend to the prince of shifters, the son of the King.
But soon into the beginning of this story, tragedy strikes, and a mystery that is going to definitely span several or all the books in this series is started.
9 months after the tragedy, Saphir, former Captain of the Royal Guard, and fiercely loyal to his king, who is now retired 6 years after the tragedy of losing his parents, and is now a Baron, a title given to him by the King himself, is called to a meeting with the King.
He is asked to let his younger sister, who he has been taking care of the past 6 years, to debut for the first time at the stat of the Season. But also he is tasked with protecting and looking after Caspian, the best friend of the Prince who is almost like a son to the King.
Additionally, on his own, Saphir has been investigating the tragedy that happened at the beginning of the book.
Caspian, meanwhile, is still grieving the tragedy, but is also part of a secret order of spies who protect the King, the Dahlias, and has to keep that secret. He's been training hard the last 9 months.
When the Season begins, they are also matched - the rules in this book are that couples are matched, and then they do a mating run, basically, where one partner tries to catch the other. If they manage to catch the other, they are "mates" for the next 8 months, and can choose to remain together or not after those 8 months of the "Season".
If the other doesn't catch the other during the run, then the other being chased can turn the other down right then and there.
Of course, Caspian and Saphir are chosen as mates, and of course, Saphir catches Caspian 😉
The chemistry was so good between these two. When Saphir catches Caspian and they...well, ya know😏, it's so so hot.
Of course, Saphir has some not so great views of Caspian at first, as his reputation as a rake proceeds him, so there's a slight animosity between them, and Caspian tries to resist Saphir's charms, as well as the fact that he has a mission to do as a Dahlia, and he can't get distracted by falling for the larger, sexy and charming man.
The two have secrets, even though they're both investigating the same thing - the tragedy at the beginning of this book - and they both get up to shenanigans together and apart, all the while trying not fall desperately in love with each other and failing 100%.
I love how this book took the time for these two to fall in love, to show the little ways in which their connection manifested and how love bloomed between them. It was the little things as much as the big things that made these two fall for each other.
The plot was so well done. It pulls you in from the start, and then you're wondering whodunnit, and we get some answers by the end, but not all. The plot is an ongoing one, even as the romantic plot between our main leads was able to resolve very well by the end of this.
These two definitely get their HEA by the end of this, even if the plot isn't finished. Relationship wise, thees two are solid by the end of this and well onto their way to a much deserved HEA.
We are definitely set up for the next couple in the series at the end of this, so this will definitely be a different couple each book type of series - I believe - but with the same underlying plot, unless they finish that plot at some point and start a new one.
But for now, the plot is still ongoing into the second one, which I believe will be a different couple.
Just...this story has shifters, hot sexy men falling in love with each other, steaming sex scenes, an intriguing plot, it has everything. And with these two authors at the helm, it's executed wonderfully. And Macy Blake might have got herself a reader. I'll have to check out her stuff and see if her style is what I think it by having read this book.
But anyway, I highly recommend this book. A Charlie Cochet book is always a must read for me, and this one definitely didn't disappoint. Two MASSIVE thumbs up from me.
Can't wait for the next one! 🥰
I've read many Charlie Cochet pieces before, and loved so many of them. I've never read a Macy Blake before. But reading this, I wonder if this author balanced out Cochet's signature humor (which I absolutely love, no question) with a more serious tone. I don't know Blake's style, but knowing Cochet's, that's the feeling I got. That Cochet, in her amazing way, was able to keep this more light than it probably would be otherwise, while Blake might have brought more levity and seriousness to the piece.
If that's how Blake writes, then this is a wonderful combination for both authors. They balanced each other very well, and this is an amazing start to what I'm hoping is a fun, interesting series.
In a world where there are humans, but also shifters, the regular humans have had magic used on them to not remember or know of the shifters' existence.
The most powerful of the shifters are the Dragon shifters, and the Dragon shifter is King, with there being Dukes and Earls and Barons and so on down the line, in a modern day world. The shifter world is like a mix of both old customs and the new, modern world. They have cell phones and TVs but also old fashioned titles and they dress a little more regency era.
Caspian is known as a scoundrel, a rake, but also the best friend to the prince of shifters, the son of the King.
But soon into the beginning of this story, tragedy strikes, and a mystery that is going to definitely span several or all the books in this series is started.
9 months after the tragedy, Saphir, former Captain of the Royal Guard, and fiercely loyal to his king, who is now retired 6 years after the tragedy of losing his parents, and is now a Baron, a title given to him by the King himself, is called to a meeting with the King.
He is asked to let his younger sister, who he has been taking care of the past 6 years, to debut for the first time at the stat of the Season. But also he is tasked with protecting and looking after Caspian, the best friend of the Prince who is almost like a son to the King.
Additionally, on his own, Saphir has been investigating the tragedy that happened at the beginning of the book.
Caspian, meanwhile, is still grieving the tragedy, but is also part of a secret order of spies who protect the King, the Dahlias, and has to keep that secret. He's been training hard the last 9 months.
When the Season begins, they are also matched - the rules in this book are that couples are matched, and then they do a mating run, basically, where one partner tries to catch the other. If they manage to catch the other, they are "mates" for the next 8 months, and can choose to remain together or not after those 8 months of the "Season".
If the other doesn't catch the other during the run, then the other being chased can turn the other down right then and there.
Of course, Caspian and Saphir are chosen as mates, and of course, Saphir catches Caspian 😉
The chemistry was so good between these two. When Saphir catches Caspian and they...well, ya know😏, it's so so hot.
Of course, Saphir has some not so great views of Caspian at first, as his reputation as a rake proceeds him, so there's a slight animosity between them, and Caspian tries to resist Saphir's charms, as well as the fact that he has a mission to do as a Dahlia, and he can't get distracted by falling for the larger, sexy and charming man.
The two have secrets, even though they're both investigating the same thing - the tragedy at the beginning of this book - and they both get up to shenanigans together and apart, all the while trying not fall desperately in love with each other and failing 100%.
I love how this book took the time for these two to fall in love, to show the little ways in which their connection manifested and how love bloomed between them. It was the little things as much as the big things that made these two fall for each other.
The plot was so well done. It pulls you in from the start, and then you're wondering whodunnit, and we get some answers by the end, but not all. The plot is an ongoing one, even as the romantic plot between our main leads was able to resolve very well by the end of this.
These two definitely get their HEA by the end of this, even if the plot isn't finished. Relationship wise, thees two are solid by the end of this and well onto their way to a much deserved HEA.
We are definitely set up for the next couple in the series at the end of this, so this will definitely be a different couple each book type of series - I believe - but with the same underlying plot, unless they finish that plot at some point and start a new one.
But for now, the plot is still ongoing into the second one, which I believe will be a different couple.
Just...this story has shifters, hot sexy men falling in love with each other, steaming sex scenes, an intriguing plot, it has everything. And with these two authors at the helm, it's executed wonderfully. And Macy Blake might have got herself a reader. I'll have to check out her stuff and see if her style is what I think it by having read this book.
But anyway, I highly recommend this book. A Charlie Cochet book is always a must read for me, and this one definitely didn't disappoint. Two MASSIVE thumbs up from me.
Can't wait for the next one! 🥰
August 21, 2023
Reread/Relisten: August 2023
Okay okay, this second read i enjoyed this story way more, so i am upping my rating haha!!
I am excited to read about Jason and Everard (and the fact that the audiobook came out by the magnificent Gary Furlong made this book go to the top of my TBR... my imaginary mood reader TBR haha)
5 stars for the audiobook, Gary Furlong is amazing!!: December 2022
3 stars for the book.
Ehh… didn’t feel too much of a romantic connection between the main characters… but the world was interesting enough that I kept reading, and also the narration was amazing! I did like the characters separately but I wished there was more chemistry between them or at least I felt more between them.
I am glad the next book is a different couple, but might have the overarching plot soo maybe not a standalone….? but I guess we will find out when the synopsis comes out! Haha
Okay okay, this second read i enjoyed this story way more, so i am upping my rating haha!!
I am excited to read about Jason and Everard (and the fact that the audiobook came out by the magnificent Gary Furlong made this book go to the top of my TBR... my imaginary mood reader TBR haha)
5 stars for the audiobook, Gary Furlong is amazing!!: December 2022
3 stars for the book.
Ehh… didn’t feel too much of a romantic connection between the main characters… but the world was interesting enough that I kept reading, and also the narration was amazing! I did like the characters separately but I wished there was more chemistry between them or at least I felt more between them.
I am glad the next book is a different couple, but might have the overarching plot soo maybe not a standalone….? but I guess we will find out when the synopsis comes out! Haha
September 7, 2022
unpopular opinion probably but i disliked lady Aaliyah. i did not appreciate the way she and the others seemed to treat saphir like a fool behind his back😤.
Caspian and Saphir were cute as hell. they do need to keep the mid-battle confessions to a minimum though? cause monsters sure as shit don't wait for you to kiss and make up outside this book, I'm pretty sure🌚.
Caspian and Saphir were cute as hell. they do need to keep the mid-battle confessions to a minimum though? cause monsters sure as shit don't wait for you to kiss and make up outside this book, I'm pretty sure🌚.
September 17, 2022
The good
+ Saphir only showing his nice side to those he cares about
+ Saphir's complete honesty
+ Saphir's skills
+ Cas learning to trust Saphir
+ Saphir's sister
+ Shouted love confessions
The neutral
o I don't know anything about fashion or fabrics or patterns, but everything I read about in this book sounded horrible. I don't believe there's a 'secret shifter society' hidden amongst humans when they dress like this lol
The bad
- I had absolutely no idea who was who. People's first names, last names and titles were thrown around and used interchangeably, but how am I supposed to remember all of these? Especially when the names related to their titles have no connection to their own last names. I just couldn't keep up and didn't even try anymore
- The plot made no sense whatsoever.
- What also didn't make sense was their manufactured match. Both the lioness woman and the king wanted this match, but when they started actually acting matched everyone was like "hell no remember your real job you can't get distracted" and then in the end they acted like the love match was the plan all along??? Also I don't believe for a second that the king, as a good friend of Saphir's, would deliberately torture him by making him work with someone who had to keep everything from him. Especially with how smart Saphir was. He was bound to notice something was up, and I just can't believe the king would treat a friend like this
- They were shifters for no reason. It had zero impact on the plot. They hardly spent time as shifters, which is a real pity, and all important stuff happened in human form. This book would have been 100% the same if everyone was a vampire or a troll or even just a cult member of a secret society. Why write about shifters if nothing cool and shifty is going to happen? Everytime the reader was hyped up again (Saphir can shift really fast! That's very impressive and helps in fights!) nothing happened with the information
- Saphir was manipulated by everyone left and right and he was just supposed to take it again and again. I really felt for the poor guy
- Everyone just forgave everyone else for their mistakes and asshole behavior. Cas broke Saphir's heart, and then Saphir just forgave him with no repercussions. The same happened when Saphir found out he was basically a puppet in the entire play because nobody wanted to tell him anything (even though he had the king's absolute trust, so again this makes no sense). Saphir deserved so many apologies but they never came
- Saphir was just thrust into situations he never asked for, and definitely didn't want (but accepted for the sake of his sister, which everyone made sure to remind him of frequently to make their manipulation extra obvious), while he just wanted to be at his farm and enjoy his retirement. Poor guy
- Solving Brandr's murder was basically everything Cas ever wanted, and it doesn't even happen in this book. And the next book isn't about Cas anymore
I don't understand what happened in this book, and the few parts I did understand were so nonsensical I wish I just didn't get it either. I don't think any of the characters (other than Saphir and his sister, they can do no wrong to me) ever made a good or logical choice. Ever. Especially the members of the super secret super elite super special spy group who make such rookie mistakes that a retired tiger shifter does a better job on his own than this whole group did together. Ugh. Would not recommend this book, it just made me mad.
+ Saphir only showing his nice side to those he cares about
+ Saphir's complete honesty
+ Saphir's skills
+ Cas learning to trust Saphir
+ Saphir's sister
+ Shouted love confessions
The neutral
o I don't know anything about fashion or fabrics or patterns, but everything I read about in this book sounded horrible. I don't believe there's a 'secret shifter society' hidden amongst humans when they dress like this lol
The bad
- I had absolutely no idea who was who. People's first names, last names and titles were thrown around and used interchangeably, but how am I supposed to remember all of these? Especially when the names related to their titles have no connection to their own last names. I just couldn't keep up and didn't even try anymore
- The plot made no sense whatsoever.
- What also didn't make sense was their manufactured match. Both the lioness woman and the king wanted this match, but when they started actually acting matched everyone was like "hell no remember your real job you can't get distracted" and then in the end they acted like the love match was the plan all along??? Also I don't believe for a second that the king, as a good friend of Saphir's, would deliberately torture him by making him work with someone who had to keep everything from him. Especially with how smart Saphir was. He was bound to notice something was up, and I just can't believe the king would treat a friend like this
- They were shifters for no reason. It had zero impact on the plot. They hardly spent time as shifters, which is a real pity, and all important stuff happened in human form. This book would have been 100% the same if everyone was a vampire or a troll or even just a cult member of a secret society. Why write about shifters if nothing cool and shifty is going to happen? Everytime the reader was hyped up again (Saphir can shift really fast! That's very impressive and helps in fights!) nothing happened with the information
- Saphir was manipulated by everyone left and right and he was just supposed to take it again and again. I really felt for the poor guy
- Everyone just forgave everyone else for their mistakes and asshole behavior. Cas broke Saphir's heart, and then Saphir just forgave him with no repercussions. The same happened when Saphir found out he was basically a puppet in the entire play because nobody wanted to tell him anything (even though he had the king's absolute trust, so again this makes no sense). Saphir deserved so many apologies but they never came
- Saphir was just thrust into situations he never asked for, and definitely didn't want (but accepted for the sake of his sister, which everyone made sure to remind him of frequently to make their manipulation extra obvious), while he just wanted to be at his farm and enjoy his retirement. Poor guy
- Solving Brandr's murder was basically everything Cas ever wanted, and it doesn't even happen in this book. And the next book isn't about Cas anymore
I don't understand what happened in this book, and the few parts I did understand were so nonsensical I wish I just didn't get it either. I don't think any of the characters (other than Saphir and his sister, they can do no wrong to me) ever made a good or logical choice. Ever. Especially the members of the super secret super elite super special spy group who make such rookie mistakes that a retired tiger shifter does a better job on his own than this whole group did together. Ugh. Would not recommend this book, it just made me mad.
September 1, 2022
Dnf @ 87%. Confusing world building, boring and unsophisticated writing, a romance that came out of nowhere with zero build up or angst. The shifter part makes literally no sense and is never explained properly, along with the whole ‘Bridgerton but with modern technology’ thing? Huh?
Honestly I was so bored and uninvested in the outcome, I gave up once I realised it truely wasn’t going to get any better.
Honestly I was so bored and uninvested in the outcome, I gave up once I realised it truely wasn’t going to get any better.
September 6, 2022
4.5 Stars
I quite enjoyed this!
I quite enjoyed this!
Read
September 14, 2022Putting this aside at 34%. Should have gone with my gut. The whole regency-style thing - clothes, parties, titles - isn't for me and there hasn't been enough mystery, shifting or other development to balance it out for me.
September 5, 2022
Great start to a new series.
Loved both MCs and a unique shifter world created by the authors. I was immersed into the story from start to finish, the overarching mystery plot is intriguing and I'm looking forward to more books from this universe.
There are many likable and fleshed out secondary characters that I would love to read about.
I do have lots of questions about the world building. It's unclear how shifters earn money and how they interact with humans.
Loved both MCs and a unique shifter world created by the authors. I was immersed into the story from start to finish, the overarching mystery plot is intriguing and I'm looking forward to more books from this universe.
There are many likable and fleshed out secondary characters that I would love to read about.
I do have lots of questions about the world building. It's unclear how shifters earn money and how they interact with humans.
January 31, 2023
I have questions, lots of questions!
Firstly, how come it was a shocker that someone's heart had been removed?! That's not adequately explained yet in this first instalment of what's shaping up to be an intriguing paranormal twisted pseudo Regency urban fantasy series from two of my favourite writers.
Secondly, I wasn't expecting the shocker in the opening part of the book!
It very much set the tone for the rest of the story as Caspian Drake, fox shifter extraordinaire, sets off to discover the reason for said heart removal - and who was responsible for it while navigating a Bridgerton style season in which he's matched with the former Captain of the Guard Saphir.
And here, I just want to interject that I found it rather weird reading about a Saphir when the name is so associated in my mind with a character that a friend played for years in an online text MUD called Avalon-rpg and who very much wasn't a tiger shifter 😄
But, onto the book itself. I found the narrative worked in the main with the sole exception of who gets fingered as the bad guy about two thirds of the way through the story. I found it a bit unbelievable that Cas would draw the conclusion he did simply from some pretty circumstantial evidence when everything else indicated that his original gut feeling was correct.
That aside though, this is a very enjoyable romp with dangerous deeds and daring do, a secret society of spies (which crosses between the Scarlet Pimpernel and The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig) and a romance which is full of snark and bite until the two men realise that actually they might just be perfect for each other.
Along the way we have a lovely younger sister being brought out into Society, a King who's grieving, Lords and Ladies acting in mysterious ways and a deadly plot that we still have no real answers about.
Don't miss the free bonus short story featuring Cas and Saphir's two valets/back-up bodyguards Ren and Ansel, it's fun!
Firstly, how come it was a shocker that someone's heart had been removed?! That's not adequately explained yet in this first instalment of what's shaping up to be an intriguing paranormal twisted pseudo Regency urban fantasy series from two of my favourite writers.
Secondly, I wasn't expecting the shocker in the opening part of the book!
It very much set the tone for the rest of the story as Caspian Drake, fox shifter extraordinaire, sets off to discover the reason for said heart removal - and who was responsible for it while navigating a Bridgerton style season in which he's matched with the former Captain of the Guard Saphir.
And here, I just want to interject that I found it rather weird reading about a Saphir when the name is so associated in my mind with a character that a friend played for years in an online text MUD called Avalon-rpg and who very much wasn't a tiger shifter 😄
But, onto the book itself. I found the narrative worked in the main with the sole exception of who gets fingered as the bad guy about two thirds of the way through the story. I found it a bit unbelievable that Cas would draw the conclusion he did simply from some pretty circumstantial evidence when everything else indicated that his original gut feeling was correct.
That aside though, this is a very enjoyable romp with dangerous deeds and daring do, a secret society of spies (which crosses between the Scarlet Pimpernel and The Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig) and a romance which is full of snark and bite until the two men realise that actually they might just be perfect for each other.
Along the way we have a lovely younger sister being brought out into Society, a King who's grieving, Lords and Ladies acting in mysterious ways and a deadly plot that we still have no real answers about.
Don't miss the free bonus short story featuring Cas and Saphir's two valets/back-up bodyguards Ren and Ansel, it's fun!
March 5, 2024
This book is a hard one, while I was invested in the mystery the book felt a bit to smutty.
I'm used to Macy's books have a little more story so color me surprised by the extremely number of pages with sex scenes.
If you like a lot of smut with mystery this is a great book for you.
Even so the book was interesting enough to make me pick the second one so I guess it was a job well done.
Ps:
Spoiler :
Don't read if you don't want to be spoiled :
I didn't like how the mystery was "solved" it felt very incomplete, the second book doesn't do a good job in completing too, so I'm kinda lost
I'm used to Macy's books have a little more story so color me surprised by the extremely number of pages with sex scenes.
If you like a lot of smut with mystery this is a great book for you.
Even so the book was interesting enough to make me pick the second one so I guess it was a job well done.
Ps:
Spoiler :
Don't read if you don't want to be spoiled :
I didn't like how the mystery was "solved" it felt very incomplete, the second book doesn't do a good job in completing too, so I'm kinda lost
September 19, 2022
The name Caspian probably reminds me of a prince in narnia i am particularly fond of, but at the same time I really enjoyed the story
October 5, 2022
I started this one after I DNFd a couple of books and I can't believe I LOVED it!!!
I've tried Charlie Cochet before and always DNF but I think this collaboration will get me over the line.
Saphir, a sometimes surly (but not really) former Captain of the Guards, now a Baron, matched with Caspian, one of the biggest rakes around.
The blurb tells you what you need to know about the story and I really enjoyed the PN worldbuilding. I did not think the mix of historical traditions in a modern context the least bit confusing. I enjoyed the blend of historical frippery and absurdity woven into modern times.
A Dragon King, smoke monsters, shifters and a solid mystery to solve with smoking hot and funny MCs? What's not to love?
These two individually were both such great characters and together they were wonderful. I adored the full cast of characters.
Can't wait for the next one
I've tried Charlie Cochet before and always DNF but I think this collaboration will get me over the line.
Saphir, a sometimes surly (but not really) former Captain of the Guards, now a Baron, matched with Caspian, one of the biggest rakes around.
The blurb tells you what you need to know about the story and I really enjoyed the PN worldbuilding. I did not think the mix of historical traditions in a modern context the least bit confusing. I enjoyed the blend of historical frippery and absurdity woven into modern times.
A Dragon King, smoke monsters, shifters and a solid mystery to solve with smoking hot and funny MCs? What's not to love?
These two individually were both such great characters and together they were wonderful. I adored the full cast of characters.
Can't wait for the next one
September 6, 2023
Fun and Daring!
Something new was always happening right around the corner in this fun, contemporary, regency shifter novel.
Dragon shifters
Lions
Tigers
Foxes and
Rabbits!
Spies
Dastardly deeds
And chases in the moonlight!
Gruff and sass
Secrets and lies.
I enjoyed it all!
HFN 😍
Can’t wait for the next one!
Wonderful narration by Gary Furlong.
Something new was always happening right around the corner in this fun, contemporary, regency shifter novel.
Dragon shifters
Lions
Tigers
Foxes and
Rabbits!
Spies
Dastardly deeds
And chases in the moonlight!
Gruff and sass
Secrets and lies.
I enjoyed it all!
HFN 😍
Can’t wait for the next one!
Wonderful narration by Gary Furlong.
August 19, 2023
I listened to this in audiobook format and I just LOVED it! Gary did such an amazing job with all the voices, and really gave life and humor to so many moments.
This book is just a delight - modern day shifters mixed with Bridgerton, is the best way I can think to describe it. With plenty of humor and heart from two great authors writing together.
Saphir and Cas are so so different, but they are so great together. When the two are matched at the first party of the season, they decide to keep up the charade and make it through the year, and also to work together to try and figure out who killed the king's son. But at the end of the season they would go their separate ways, since neither of them had any desire to be matched.
These two really are grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and I loved it. They have great chemistry together, and there were so many sweet moments. I also loved Saphir's younger sister, and their two valets together.
Hopefully the second book will whispersync the audio soon - what the heck is going on with whispersync this year??!
This book is just a delight - modern day shifters mixed with Bridgerton, is the best way I can think to describe it. With plenty of humor and heart from two great authors writing together.
Saphir and Cas are so so different, but they are so great together. When the two are matched at the first party of the season, they decide to keep up the charade and make it through the year, and also to work together to try and figure out who killed the king's son. But at the end of the season they would go their separate ways, since neither of them had any desire to be matched.
These two really are grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and I loved it. They have great chemistry together, and there were so many sweet moments. I also loved Saphir's younger sister, and their two valets together.
Hopefully the second book will whispersync the audio soon - what the heck is going on with whispersync this year??!
August 31, 2022
Interesting start of a new series and a fun little read. Lots of worldbuilding and setting the stage. Unfortunately that took away from the plot, which lagged along. The mystery is as of yet too much of a mystery to be relevant. I hope the story and the characters pick up better in the next book.
It’s a much more serious story from the authors that we are used to. I miss the humor and the heart that you can see in their own stories.
It’s a much more serious story from the authors that we are used to. I miss the humor and the heart that you can see in their own stories.
February 27, 2024
2 stars for the story, 5 for the narration.
Had I read this, I doubt I'd have made it to the end; it's completely down to Gary Furlong's engaging narration that I got there. I mean it was entertaining enough, but the plot is leakier than a seive, the worldbuilding is flimsy and the romance is poorly (if at all) developed.
Also - why are these people shifters? It has absolutely no bearing on the storyline.
The shouted love declarations made me smile - although I suspect that had more to do with the delivery than anything else!
Had I read this, I doubt I'd have made it to the end; it's completely down to Gary Furlong's engaging narration that I got there. I mean it was entertaining enough, but the plot is leakier than a seive, the worldbuilding is flimsy and the romance is poorly (if at all) developed.
Also - why are these people shifters? It has absolutely no bearing on the storyline.
The shouted love declarations made me smile - although I suspect that had more to do with the delivery than anything else!
April 30, 2023
I'd only heard good things about this book and it didn't disappoint.
I love the world building of this. I love how the modern world mixed with historic elements. And I can't wait for more.
I love the world building of this. I love how the modern world mixed with historic elements. And I can't wait for more.
September 6, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Notorious is the first book in the new Shifter Scoundrels series by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake. The story is sort of a mashup of genres, set in a hidden shifter area of our contemporary world, but also with a very historical flavor. The premise is the world used to be filled with magic and magical creatures, but when humans arrived and started causing trouble, the Dragon King hid the magical world away. But he chose some select humans to become shifters and modeled their society on the old aristocracy, so essentially, while it is modern day, they live mostly like the lords and ladies of the regency era.
The story kicks off with a dramatic attack at court that shocks everyone. The Dragon King is determined to find out what really happened, so he orchestrates things so he can bring in his elite spies, the Dahlias, to do some investigating.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Notorious is the first book in the new Shifter Scoundrels series by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake. The story is sort of a mashup of genres, set in a hidden shifter area of our contemporary world, but also with a very historical flavor. The premise is the world used to be filled with magic and magical creatures, but when humans arrived and started causing trouble, the Dragon King hid the magical world away. But he chose some select humans to become shifters and modeled their society on the old aristocracy, so essentially, while it is modern day, they live mostly like the lords and ladies of the regency era.
The story kicks off with a dramatic attack at court that shocks everyone. The Dragon King is determined to find out what really happened, so he orchestrates things so he can bring in his elite spies, the Dahlias, to do some investigating.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 13, 2024
Both authors are new to me and I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I love a good shifter book without A/B/O or mpreg. This one was exciting and sweet with flashes of emotion - the perfect mix imo. Def continuing the series.
August 29, 2022
Notorious is co-written by Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake, and is the first book in the ‘Shifter Scoundrels’ series. This stars Caspian ‘Cas’ Drake, a fox shifter, and Saphir Vepkhia, a tiger shifter. This is told in third person from both Cas and Saphir’s povs.
I received an ARC from the authors. I’m giving my honest and unbiased review.
I received an ARC from the authors. I’m giving my honest and unbiased review.
September 3, 2022
I wanted to like it more than I did. I can't put my finger on why I didn't connect with this book. Two things I were irking me quite a bit. First, the Bridgerton comparison is a stretch, it could have easily said modern day Sherlock or modern day Marple. Just because two books hint at the same era or genre doesn't make them the same... And the other, why shifters? No seriously, why? They hardly shift, they hardly seem to use their shifter senses.
The more's the pity as I like both authors and enjoyed series by both of them quite a bit or are even favorites of mine.
Both MC's were interesting characters, though Saphir was more constant in his personality than Cas. When we got to know Cas he seemed to like to be the more "dominant" one in any interactions (dallying with bunnies and other prey) but with Saphir there is no fight for dominance or equal exchange of power. So who is he really? The one who likes to be the protector, the one taking care, the one hunting or is he the prey, the one needing the big tiger to take care of him, needing him to bail him out, to tell him what to do? The solution would be a middle-ground of sometimes needing to "let your hair down" as it were.
I enjoyed the mystery element of this story. It was slow going in the beginning but picked up right at the end. It was a little too slow at times and not in the sneaky sense of find ray in pockets or some such, but talking with one or another person, talking some more, breaking in - finding nothing really, leading to ... not much, except ensuring that people know each other.
I'm not wholly convinced yet of this series, but will read the next one in the series. Maybe the two authors are more in tune then.
The more's the pity as I like both authors and enjoyed series by both of them quite a bit or are even favorites of mine.
Both MC's were interesting characters, though Saphir was more constant in his personality than Cas. When we got to know Cas he seemed to like to be the more "dominant" one in any interactions (dallying with bunnies and other prey) but with Saphir there is no fight for dominance or equal exchange of power. So who is he really? The one who likes to be the protector, the one taking care, the one hunting or is he the prey, the one needing the big tiger to take care of him, needing him to bail him out, to tell him what to do? The solution would be a middle-ground of sometimes needing to "let your hair down" as it were.
I enjoyed the mystery element of this story. It was slow going in the beginning but picked up right at the end. It was a little too slow at times and not in the sneaky sense of find ray in pockets or some such, but talking with one or another person, talking some more, breaking in - finding nothing really, leading to ... not much, except ensuring that people know each other.
I'm not wholly convinced yet of this series, but will read the next one in the series. Maybe the two authors are more in tune then.
April 28, 2024
I usually don't pay much attention to world-building at all but the world-building in Notorious was so shoddy that it took me out of the story.
This reads very much like a queernormative historical Regency - yet at the same time, it's supposedly a modern world, so whenever it's convenient (and only then), the character will pull out a phone. Oh, and also, this elite society is also made up of various animal shifters only, and while there are "traditions" associated with that, it felt more like an excuse for setting up a smut scene. Other than, the shifter thing didn't seem to serve any purpose at all. Occasionally, a character will be able to track someone using smell, but also, only when it's convenient for the plot. I'm sensing a pattern here.
I wasn't looking for high quality literature when I picked this up, but I wish the authors had put in the effort to make it less obviously a shoddy mismatch of various tropes.
Whenever I managed to ignore that (though it was far less often than I'd like), it was an entertaining enough read, I suppose.
This reads very much like a queernormative historical Regency - yet at the same time, it's supposedly a modern world, so whenever it's convenient (and only then), the character will pull out a phone. Oh, and also, this elite society is also made up of various animal shifters only, and while there are "traditions" associated with that, it felt more like an excuse for setting up a smut scene. Other than, the shifter thing didn't seem to serve any purpose at all. Occasionally, a character will be able to track someone using smell, but also, only when it's convenient for the plot. I'm sensing a pattern here.
I wasn't looking for high quality literature when I picked this up, but I wish the authors had put in the effort to make it less obviously a shoddy mismatch of various tropes.
Whenever I managed to ignore that (though it was far less often than I'd like), it was an entertaining enough read, I suppose.
May 9, 2023
Just what I needed... another series to add to my growing pile that I can only hope to finish... someday! 😭
Not sure where to start with this one, so I think I will just say... Not all things are as they seem and not everyone is what they appear to be! This one started out by grabbing my heart and just ripping it from my chest and then it went and got even better!
The twists and turns will keep you on your toes and the ending has me ready to jump right into Dangerous... who the hell knows where that is going to take us! 🤷♀️
Sidenote: Just wanted to say that this cover style has really been working for me... keep up the good work! 🥰
Not sure where to start with this one, so I think I will just say... Not all things are as they seem and not everyone is what they appear to be! This one started out by grabbing my heart and just ripping it from my chest and then it went and got even better!
The twists and turns will keep you on your toes and the ending has me ready to jump right into Dangerous... who the hell knows where that is going to take us! 🤷♀️
Sidenote: Just wanted to say that this cover style has really been working for me... keep up the good work! 🥰
August 30, 2022
Although shifter genre is my fav i didn’t like this book much as i expected. It was irritating that saphir kinda always had the upper hand/ one step ahead even though he retired 6 yrs ago. And cas never really became the intense spy assassin i wanted him to grow into. Instead of story being abt them vs enemy it was abt how cas evaded saphir and got found out. I just didn’t like their dynamic.
September 13, 2022
✮4.5 Stars✮
💗
March 28, 2023
Well this certainly started off with a bang and rips your heart out from the first. I have to give credit for how quickly the friendship and history between Cas and Brandr was established. It really set you up for being invested in things incredibly quickly.
I loved the world building here. It was such an interesting blend of historical cultural norms and values with a modern world. The one thing I hope is we get a little bit more of how things operate within the bounds of the real modern world in the next novel. There is no interactions with regular humans within this book so it felt a little in a bubble. But I loved the court and the characters within it.
Oh Cas. So determined to be everything you need to be. I loved seeing him fall for Saphir despite himself. And really Saphir for Cas as well. Neither of them expected their relationship to become as real as it did. Saphir knows he needs to look out for Cas and protect him at all costs, he's determined to give his all for his kings request. But, the attraction he feels for the younger man is unexpected. He's barely gotten used to his own new nobility and doesn't expect much from most nobles. Cas continues to surprise him with unexpected depths to his personality.
There's a lot of intrigue in this one as things are hidden and no one knows really who to trust. They have suspicions but no proof and things that even if they wanted to they're not allowed to talk about. By the time everything came unglued I was so ready for Cas and Saphir to both know everything about what was going on with the other. They are each others perfect compliment. I can't wait to read the next book in the series as this ending had a bombshell in it. :)
I loved the world building here. It was such an interesting blend of historical cultural norms and values with a modern world. The one thing I hope is we get a little bit more of how things operate within the bounds of the real modern world in the next novel. There is no interactions with regular humans within this book so it felt a little in a bubble. But I loved the court and the characters within it.
Oh Cas. So determined to be everything you need to be. I loved seeing him fall for Saphir despite himself. And really Saphir for Cas as well. Neither of them expected their relationship to become as real as it did. Saphir knows he needs to look out for Cas and protect him at all costs, he's determined to give his all for his kings request. But, the attraction he feels for the younger man is unexpected. He's barely gotten used to his own new nobility and doesn't expect much from most nobles. Cas continues to surprise him with unexpected depths to his personality.
There's a lot of intrigue in this one as things are hidden and no one knows really who to trust. They have suspicions but no proof and things that even if they wanted to they're not allowed to talk about. By the time everything came unglued I was so ready for Cas and Saphir to both know everything about what was going on with the other. They are each others perfect compliment. I can't wait to read the next book in the series as this ending had a bombshell in it. :)
September 5, 2023
The Thirds series is one of my absolute favorites. And even though I've never read anything by Macy Blake, I knew that I needed to try out this new series. I really enjoyed it. There was a lot of info at the beginning and it was a little hard to follow, but I was able to pick it up relatively quickly.
I couldn't believe I had tears in the first chapter. My heart was in my throat for Cas and King Datura. Bravo to the authors for pulling me into the characters so very quickly.
Saphir and Cas are definitely opposites. Saphir is so serious and doesn't come across as though he cares, but he truly does. Cas is carefree and is mischievous. I loved how Saphir was with Cas. These two made me laugh and their chemistry.
Suri was so hilarious. I loved how she was with Cas. There was no doubt that Saphir loved his sister.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I hope we still get to see these two!
I couldn't believe I had tears in the first chapter. My heart was in my throat for Cas and King Datura. Bravo to the authors for pulling me into the characters so very quickly.
Saphir and Cas are definitely opposites. Saphir is so serious and doesn't come across as though he cares, but he truly does. Cas is carefree and is mischievous. I loved how Saphir was with Cas. These two made me laugh and their chemistry.
Suri was so hilarious. I loved how she was with Cas. There was no doubt that Saphir loved his sister.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. I hope we still get to see these two!
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