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Shadow Elite #1
Charlie's Doctor
A second chance to say ‘don’t let me go’.
When paintings for an artist who disappeared roughly fifty years ago suddenly surface, Charlie and his friends decide it might be worth looking into what really happened. Besides, who isn’t up for adventure and fun in Buenos Aires?
But things go horribly sideways when Charlie stumbles across Dr. William freaking Monroe—the only man to claim and then destroy Charlie’s heart.
Now they’re on the run, dodging bullets and digging for the truth. Charlie wants nothing to do with Will. It’s his heart that’s screaming for a second chance.
Is it too late to get past years of anger and misunderstandings to grab the love that still burns between them?
Charlie’s Doctor is the first full-length novel in the Shadow Elite mercenary series and features stubborn men with poor communication skills, second chances, meddling brothers, explosions, and love on the run in Argentina.
When paintings for an artist who disappeared roughly fifty years ago suddenly surface, Charlie and his friends decide it might be worth looking into what really happened. Besides, who isn’t up for adventure and fun in Buenos Aires?
But things go horribly sideways when Charlie stumbles across Dr. William freaking Monroe—the only man to claim and then destroy Charlie’s heart.
Now they’re on the run, dodging bullets and digging for the truth. Charlie wants nothing to do with Will. It’s his heart that’s screaming for a second chance.
Is it too late to get past years of anger and misunderstandings to grab the love that still burns between them?
Charlie’s Doctor is the first full-length novel in the Shadow Elite mercenary series and features stubborn men with poor communication skills, second chances, meddling brothers, explosions, and love on the run in Argentina.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2022
446 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
141 books2,899 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
January 31, 2024
Charlie esta junto a su equipo en Buenos Aires - Argentina, intentando localizar a un famoso pintor que desapareció en los años 70. Cuando se encuentra con Will, el único hombre por el que se ha visto tentado a dejarlo todo. Al parecer Will también esta en la búsqueda de descubrir un secreto que involucra al mismo "mafioso" al cual Charlie y su equipo le están siguiendo la pista. Así que Charlie se ofrece a ayudarlo en su tarea, y de esa forma volver a reconectar con él y ver si es posible tener una segunda oportunidad a su lado. Cuando la verdad de sus carreras se destapa, será Will capaz de aceptar a Charlie de vuelta? Podrá Charlie hacerle ver a Will sus verdaderos sentimientos?
Esta es una historia llena de acción, emoción y risas, con un misterio que se descubre fácilmente. En fin, es una lectura sencilla, pero entretenida, con todo lo que esperas de este genero. Uno de los prota fuerte, dominante, capaz de cualquier cosa por mantener a su "familia" unida y a salvo, el otro, joven testarudo, pero dulce y sencillo, capaz de hacer cualquier cosa que sienta que es lo mejor para el otro.
En fin, me gusto mucho este libro así que voy a continuar con la serie, esperando que el resto de las historias de los otros del grupo sean igual de entretenidas.
Esta es una historia llena de acción, emoción y risas, con un misterio que se descubre fácilmente. En fin, es una lectura sencilla, pero entretenida, con todo lo que esperas de este genero. Uno de los prota fuerte, dominante, capaz de cualquier cosa por mantener a su "familia" unida y a salvo, el otro, joven testarudo, pero dulce y sencillo, capaz de hacer cualquier cosa que sienta que es lo mejor para el otro.
En fin, me gusto mucho este libro así que voy a continuar con la serie, esperando que el resto de las historias de los otros del grupo sean igual de entretenidas.
August 19, 2022
I wrote a really long and detailed review which my Kindle app has lost so that's incredibly annoying.
This full length novel is a cracking opener for Jocelynn Drake's spin-off from her Exit Strategy series.
There is a freebie novella which links between the two available via a Prolific Works giveaway which it would be helpful to read first but it's not vital.
This stands alone well enough to give you the background for what the guys are up to when Charlie bumps into his ex love Will.
What I loved best about these two men is that there's no messing about. They both were left hurt and wounded by their split.
They have some seriously hot angry sex after Charlie's gang rescues Will from a dangerous situation, but then they also have honest conversations in which they talk about their hurt and Charlie explains why things went down the way they did.
Secrets are revealed about Charlie's CIA career and Will gets to know that it wasn't because Charlie didn't love him that they split up.
The suspense element of the plot is something different and I liked how it interlinked with the trouble Will had landed himself in, even it might have been a bit of a large coincidence 😁
It works well enough that you can run with it and I loved the storytelling anyway that I liked how it tied up a few loose ends.
Be aware though that this book sets up the next, which focuses on cyber security expert Kairo Jones, and so ends on a bit of a dramatic moment!
#ARC kindly received from GRR in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This full length novel is a cracking opener for Jocelynn Drake's spin-off from her Exit Strategy series.
There is a freebie novella which links between the two available via a Prolific Works giveaway which it would be helpful to read first but it's not vital.
This stands alone well enough to give you the background for what the guys are up to when Charlie bumps into his ex love Will.
What I loved best about these two men is that there's no messing about. They both were left hurt and wounded by their split.
They have some seriously hot angry sex after Charlie's gang rescues Will from a dangerous situation, but then they also have honest conversations in which they talk about their hurt and Charlie explains why things went down the way they did.
Secrets are revealed about Charlie's CIA career and Will gets to know that it wasn't because Charlie didn't love him that they split up.
The suspense element of the plot is something different and I liked how it interlinked with the trouble Will had landed himself in, even it might have been a bit of a large coincidence 😁
It works well enough that you can run with it and I loved the storytelling anyway that I liked how it tied up a few loose ends.
Be aware though that this book sets up the next, which focuses on cyber security expert Kairo Jones, and so ends on a bit of a dramatic moment!
#ARC kindly received from GRR in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 23, 2022
Note: I have "cliffhanger" tagged but that's for Kairo's story to come in the next one. The epilogue mainly focuses on him instead of our main couple and ends on a cliffhanger for his story. Their is no cliffhanger for Charlie and Will's story.
Overall, an enjoyable start to the Shadow Elite series. We got a taste of it with Charlie's brother Stephen in a short novella before this, but this is the first full length novel in this series.
In it we follow Charlie, a 52-year-old former CIA officer who is the leader of his team, who were with him in the CIA, but they're all now their own bosses, now mercenaries who do jobs for hire - or, such as this case, something that gains their attention and they're just too curious to let go of it.
7 years prior to the start of this, when Charlie was still a part of the CIA, while with his team stationed in Paris, he met Will, who was 30-years-old and doing his residency at the time.
They were supposed to be a one-night-stand, but of course it became more than that quickly. Only Charlie was still lying to Will about what he did, being in the CIA and all. There was a distance there in their relationship, and a year into their relationship, there came a time when Will was going to finish his residency and had the option of going back to the US and settling down as a doctor there, or going elsewhere.
Charlie thought he was doing the right thing in leaving, to let Will had a "normal" life, and that choosing work over him was for the best, as he lived a dangerous lifestyle. He thought he was doing what was right, letting Will go.
6 years later, a few weeks after the events of Stephen's book, Charlie is in Buenos Aires, Argentina with his team, trying to locate the artist who went missing in the '70's under an oppressive regime.
While there, Charlie gets the shock of his life, thinking he saw Will across the street.
But he wasn't just seeing things, it is Will, and Will's gotten himself into his own mess, and it is tied into Charlie's mess, and they eventually cross paths.
There's understandable hurt and anger there on Will's side, and regrets on Charlie's side for ever letting him go.
I enjoyed this. I do think it would have benefited from giving us more flashbacks to when they met and were together. We get like...one flashback, really, and another time recalling the end of their relationship and that's it. I wanted more build up of their relationship back then, to really get the sense of that love between them and how painful it would be to see each other again.
Instead we had to get the build up from their second chance, which was good and they had a good amount of chemistry, I just think there could have been more to make them truly amazing and to make this story more than just really enjoyable.
For what it is, it's fun and up to part with this author's usual work. I enjoyed it a lot and I enjoyed Charlie and Will. I just think there could have been more done to make this story amazing.
The plot was fine. I didn't dislike it but I wasn't amazing by it either. It's mainly about them trying to get the DNA of this bad guy's mother to try to prove that she's the relative of the wife of a dying patient of Will's.
I mean, it all comes together and the patient is more important than he seems. The plot was tied together nicely and all, I just felt it could have been more interesting.
Like the son of the woman is a bad guy and he sends people after Will to try to silence him for political purposes and it's all fairly realistic, to be honest, but still, that didn't make it terribly exciting. It was entertaining, but not amazing.
Charlie and Will are what really carried this story, and getting to know the other Shadow Elite guys as well - because I know we'll be getting their books too - and getting nice cameos from Soren and Alexei as well as Stephen.
So a very solid, enjoyable story. Nothing amazing, but it's still good and kept my interest throughout the book, so it gets a solid 4 stars from me.
The cliffhanger about Kairo definitely intrigues me as well. And given the title of his book, with that cliffhanger, I'm hoping we get some sexy stuff happening with him and his billionaire ;). I look forward to reading it!😍
Definitely recommend this story, a solid start of this spin-off series to Exit Strategy. Onto the next!
My Ratings for the Shadow Elite Series:
✨Stephen's Translator: 4 stars (my review)
✨ Charlie's Doctor: 4 stars
✨ Kairo's Billionaire: TBR
Overall, an enjoyable start to the Shadow Elite series. We got a taste of it with Charlie's brother Stephen in a short novella before this, but this is the first full length novel in this series.
In it we follow Charlie, a 52-year-old former CIA officer who is the leader of his team, who were with him in the CIA, but they're all now their own bosses, now mercenaries who do jobs for hire - or, such as this case, something that gains their attention and they're just too curious to let go of it.
7 years prior to the start of this, when Charlie was still a part of the CIA, while with his team stationed in Paris, he met Will, who was 30-years-old and doing his residency at the time.
They were supposed to be a one-night-stand, but of course it became more than that quickly. Only Charlie was still lying to Will about what he did, being in the CIA and all. There was a distance there in their relationship, and a year into their relationship, there came a time when Will was going to finish his residency and had the option of going back to the US and settling down as a doctor there, or going elsewhere.
Charlie thought he was doing the right thing in leaving, to let Will had a "normal" life, and that choosing work over him was for the best, as he lived a dangerous lifestyle. He thought he was doing what was right, letting Will go.
6 years later, a few weeks after the events of Stephen's book, Charlie is in Buenos Aires, Argentina with his team, trying to locate the artist who went missing in the '70's under an oppressive regime.
While there, Charlie gets the shock of his life, thinking he saw Will across the street.
But he wasn't just seeing things, it is Will, and Will's gotten himself into his own mess, and it is tied into Charlie's mess, and they eventually cross paths.
There's understandable hurt and anger there on Will's side, and regrets on Charlie's side for ever letting him go.
I enjoyed this. I do think it would have benefited from giving us more flashbacks to when they met and were together. We get like...one flashback, really, and another time recalling the end of their relationship and that's it. I wanted more build up of their relationship back then, to really get the sense of that love between them and how painful it would be to see each other again.
Instead we had to get the build up from their second chance, which was good and they had a good amount of chemistry, I just think there could have been more to make them truly amazing and to make this story more than just really enjoyable.
For what it is, it's fun and up to part with this author's usual work. I enjoyed it a lot and I enjoyed Charlie and Will. I just think there could have been more done to make this story amazing.
The plot was fine. I didn't dislike it but I wasn't amazing by it either. It's mainly about them trying to get the DNA of this bad guy's mother to try to prove that she's the relative of the wife of a dying patient of Will's.
I mean, it all comes together and the patient is more important than he seems. The plot was tied together nicely and all, I just felt it could have been more interesting.
Like the son of the woman is a bad guy and he sends people after Will to try to silence him for political purposes and it's all fairly realistic, to be honest, but still, that didn't make it terribly exciting. It was entertaining, but not amazing.
Charlie and Will are what really carried this story, and getting to know the other Shadow Elite guys as well - because I know we'll be getting their books too - and getting nice cameos from Soren and Alexei as well as Stephen.
So a very solid, enjoyable story. Nothing amazing, but it's still good and kept my interest throughout the book, so it gets a solid 4 stars from me.
The cliffhanger about Kairo definitely intrigues me as well. And given the title of his book, with that cliffhanger, I'm hoping we get some sexy stuff happening with him and his billionaire ;). I look forward to reading it!😍
Definitely recommend this story, a solid start of this spin-off series to Exit Strategy. Onto the next!
My Ratings for the Shadow Elite Series:
✨Stephen's Translator: 4 stars (my review)
✨ Charlie's Doctor: 4 stars
✨ Kairo's Billionaire: TBR
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August 23, 2022DNF-28% no rating
I didn’t realize this was a spin-off from the Elite series and I just couldn’t get into it. Totally on me
I didn’t realize this was a spin-off from the Elite series and I just couldn’t get into it. Totally on me
October 12, 2022
Don’t get me wrong , I actually enjoyed the book
It’s just that it felt as though there was something missing, it started off so strong and then somehow the bar dropped a bit. I feel as though the MC’s dialogue was just a tad bit juvenile and a bit off it’s like they were playing or something like that.
Normally Jocelyn’s writing is so engaging and meaningful especially when it comes to dialogues but in this book the MCs chemistry was a little off especially when they where not in bed 🤭. The sex scenes where just hot 🥵 but outside they were just mild
Action wise , it was amazing it felt like I was watching a movie 🎥 🍿, it’s definitely a 10/10
The supporting crew was amazing and their banter was just incredible, I just wish the MCs had something similar because it seems like a lot was left unsaid between them, it’s like they were communicating on the surface level instead of going deeper hence the 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ll have to reread this , who knows I might just change my mind about the 3star rating 😊🤭
It’s just that it felt as though there was something missing, it started off so strong and then somehow the bar dropped a bit. I feel as though the MC’s dialogue was just a tad bit juvenile and a bit off it’s like they were playing or something like that.
Normally Jocelyn’s writing is so engaging and meaningful especially when it comes to dialogues but in this book the MCs chemistry was a little off especially when they where not in bed 🤭. The sex scenes where just hot 🥵 but outside they were just mild
Action wise , it was amazing it felt like I was watching a movie 🎥 🍿, it’s definitely a 10/10
The supporting crew was amazing and their banter was just incredible, I just wish the MCs had something similar because it seems like a lot was left unsaid between them, it’s like they were communicating on the surface level instead of going deeper hence the 3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ll have to reread this , who knows I might just change my mind about the 3star rating 😊🤭
August 25, 2022
I liked both Stephen's Translator Accidental Lover where this motely crew first shows up. In the first one, Charlie comes off as the overbearing older brother, so it was fun to see him a bit differently in this one. Large and in charge, yet also smitten and vulnerable too, Will the one that he let get away, but who has always held his heart. Most of the fun in this book was Will finally be clued in on what Charlie and his friends do and then witnessing it in action. Will was like a kid with his eyes wide open, having a hard time taking it all in. Yet, he was canny, because he was holding a secret all his own that dovetailed into why Charlie and the guys were in Buenos Aires, which let Will do some shocking of his own to the guys.
With how this one ended, I look forward to reading more in this series.
With how this one ended, I look forward to reading more in this series.
August 23, 2022
Charlie's Doctor is the first book in the Shadow Elite series. I had read the prequel to this series that was through the YBBB, Stephen’s Translator was anxiously waiting for Charlie’s story. I also feel like this is kind of an off shoot to the Exit Strategy series. Alexei and Soren from Accidental Lover make an appearance. Charlie and Will were once lovers in another lifetime. Six years ago, Charlie walked out on Will and never looked back, at least that what’s Will thinks. Neither man ever stopped thinking about the other. When they meet again Will is in trouble and Charlie will do anything to protect Will and he’s never leaving Will again. This was freakin fantastic! Sooo much, heat and steam, snark and banter, so many emotions! Overall, a fantastic read!! Well written with addicting pacing!
January 18, 2024
Lucky strike. Yes! I hit gold with this one. I picked it up in a giveaway or promo without peeking at the blurb. This is a new-to-me author (unusual for me these days) and I knew nothing about the Shadow Elite, but the cover sucked me straight in. It was like he (whoever he is) was daring me. Exactly what he was challenging me about, I had no clue. But I had to find out!
The cover star is Charlie Sands. Charlie is the leader of a small group of mercenaries known as the Shadow Elite. We start off in an art gallery in Argentina. Charlie and his “team” are on the hunt for answers to an intriguing art mystery. I loved the team and how they respect and care for each other. There’s a definite brotherhood and deep trust between them. Without question, they follow orders and wouldn’t hesitate to step in front of a bullet to save a brother. Each man is unique and brings something different to the table. Charlie is a natural leader and always cool, calm, and collected. Ahh, actually, there is one exception. The man who stole his heart and haunts his dreams, Will Monroe. Charlie was the master at picking up one-night stands and sneaking out before the sheets cooled. Until Will.
Will snuck under his defenses and became an addiction Charlie couldn’t break. One night turned into one week, a month, and then a year. The best year of Charlie’s life. But it couldn’t last. Relationships built on secrets never do. When Charlie had to leave Paris, he knew he was leaving his heart behind, but thought he had no choice. Fast forward six years and Charlie believes his dreams have gone to his head because he swears he sees Will on the streets of Argentina. There’s no way or reason why Will should or could be here. And when he discovers Will is tangled in the mess of his current ‘puzzle’ he thinks the universe is taunting him. Or…could this be his second chance? *sigh* I love a properly done second-chance romance and I gotta say, Drake nailed this one.
Will was devastated when Charlie left him. He never dared to ask where ‘they’ were going with their relationship, but he assumed Charlie felt the same. He would have changed his path if it meant staying with Charlie. Doctors were needed everywhere and he would have gone ANYwhere to stay with the sexy silver fox that made his knees weak and heart skip a beat. What they had was too important, jobs were just…a job. Or so he thought. Charlie Sands was a liar and thief, stealing his heart and abandoning him. He’s finally over him. He can’t trust him ever again. He doesn’t love him anymore. Well, maybe he’s a liar too.
Prepare for fantastic chemistry, simmering heat, and an explosive reconnection. I enjoyed the fight but loved it when they both caved and admitted they not only loved but needed each other. I loved getting to know all the guys. I loved the mystery of the Elites’ perplexing art conundrum. I loved getting to know Will’s special patient. I loved the balance of fierce and feisty and soft and tender. Drake creates a fast-paced romantic thriller full of heat and humor. I was not only hooked on these two but knew the rest of the gang would deliver in full and bought the rest of the series in one single click.
Beware of: Two decades separate the good doctor and the steely warrior…but love knows no age here. A tangled spider web weaves paths together…again. And a fulfilling ending will leave you content and craving at the same time. Kairo here I come!!
This book is for: Do you like romance with a side of mystery? How about naughty men? Sometimes naughty men are actually really nice. These contract killers have huge hearts and I had a blast witnessing them melt into swoony puddles. I bet you will too! Now, I’ve got to run, I’m off to meet a billionaire.
The cover star is Charlie Sands. Charlie is the leader of a small group of mercenaries known as the Shadow Elite. We start off in an art gallery in Argentina. Charlie and his “team” are on the hunt for answers to an intriguing art mystery. I loved the team and how they respect and care for each other. There’s a definite brotherhood and deep trust between them. Without question, they follow orders and wouldn’t hesitate to step in front of a bullet to save a brother. Each man is unique and brings something different to the table. Charlie is a natural leader and always cool, calm, and collected. Ahh, actually, there is one exception. The man who stole his heart and haunts his dreams, Will Monroe. Charlie was the master at picking up one-night stands and sneaking out before the sheets cooled. Until Will.
Will snuck under his defenses and became an addiction Charlie couldn’t break. One night turned into one week, a month, and then a year. The best year of Charlie’s life. But it couldn’t last. Relationships built on secrets never do. When Charlie had to leave Paris, he knew he was leaving his heart behind, but thought he had no choice. Fast forward six years and Charlie believes his dreams have gone to his head because he swears he sees Will on the streets of Argentina. There’s no way or reason why Will should or could be here. And when he discovers Will is tangled in the mess of his current ‘puzzle’ he thinks the universe is taunting him. Or…could this be his second chance? *sigh* I love a properly done second-chance romance and I gotta say, Drake nailed this one.
Will was devastated when Charlie left him. He never dared to ask where ‘they’ were going with their relationship, but he assumed Charlie felt the same. He would have changed his path if it meant staying with Charlie. Doctors were needed everywhere and he would have gone ANYwhere to stay with the sexy silver fox that made his knees weak and heart skip a beat. What they had was too important, jobs were just…a job. Or so he thought. Charlie Sands was a liar and thief, stealing his heart and abandoning him. He’s finally over him. He can’t trust him ever again. He doesn’t love him anymore. Well, maybe he’s a liar too.
Prepare for fantastic chemistry, simmering heat, and an explosive reconnection. I enjoyed the fight but loved it when they both caved and admitted they not only loved but needed each other. I loved getting to know all the guys. I loved the mystery of the Elites’ perplexing art conundrum. I loved getting to know Will’s special patient. I loved the balance of fierce and feisty and soft and tender. Drake creates a fast-paced romantic thriller full of heat and humor. I was not only hooked on these two but knew the rest of the gang would deliver in full and bought the rest of the series in one single click.
Beware of: Two decades separate the good doctor and the steely warrior…but love knows no age here. A tangled spider web weaves paths together…again. And a fulfilling ending will leave you content and craving at the same time. Kairo here I come!!
This book is for: Do you like romance with a side of mystery? How about naughty men? Sometimes naughty men are actually really nice. These contract killers have huge hearts and I had a blast witnessing them melt into swoony puddles. I bet you will too! Now, I’ve got to run, I’m off to meet a billionaire.
November 29, 2022
great start to the series
Lots of action, some humour, and a second chance at love! I really liked this team of characters. The sexy times were hot and there was just the right amount of it. I really liked Will and Charlie!
Lots of action, some humour, and a second chance at love! I really liked this team of characters. The sexy times were hot and there was just the right amount of it. I really liked Will and Charlie!
August 16, 2022
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
This book was a little bit of a miss for me, compared to some of Drake's other novels and series. I felt like I didn't connect with the story at all and it didn't keep my attention. This series is also written in third person POV and coming from a bunch of books where the POV has been first person, it took me a while to really get into it.
That being said, there were a few things I loved about this book that will have me checking out other books in the series:
- The cast of characters - Jocelynn Drake always has the best found families and side characters, and this book was no exception. I'm particularly in love with Kairo (and his book is next YES!)
- The sex scenes - Drake is a master at crafting a hot and steamy love scene. There were several in this book between Charlie and Will and each time I found myself slowing down to savour the scene. *chefs kiss* So good.
- The banter - Some of it was really well executed and ya girl loves some banter between characters that makes her smile and giggle.
There is a prequel to this series, which is a part of YBBB through Prolific Works. I recommend grabbing it and giving it a read first. It deals with Charlie's brother and I feel like it gives a good introduction to the world Drake is building here. I think I'll keep an eye on this series and see what the other ones are about once more are released.
This book was a little bit of a miss for me, compared to some of Drake's other novels and series. I felt like I didn't connect with the story at all and it didn't keep my attention. This series is also written in third person POV and coming from a bunch of books where the POV has been first person, it took me a while to really get into it.
That being said, there were a few things I loved about this book that will have me checking out other books in the series:
- The cast of characters - Jocelynn Drake always has the best found families and side characters, and this book was no exception. I'm particularly in love with Kairo (and his book is next YES!)
- The sex scenes - Drake is a master at crafting a hot and steamy love scene. There were several in this book between Charlie and Will and each time I found myself slowing down to savour the scene. *chefs kiss* So good.
- The banter - Some of it was really well executed and ya girl loves some banter between characters that makes her smile and giggle.
There is a prequel to this series, which is a part of YBBB through Prolific Works. I recommend grabbing it and giving it a read first. It deals with Charlie's brother and I feel like it gives a good introduction to the world Drake is building here. I think I'll keep an eye on this series and see what the other ones are about once more are released.
August 26, 2022
Jocelyn Drake has a gift for creating ensemble casts for action-adventure novels (fantasy or contemporary) and she's done that well with Charlie's Doctor, the first in the Shadow Elite series.
There's a novella from the Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway, Stephen's Translator, that comes before it, and while you don't have to read that, it does help set the stage a bit. This series also spins off from the Exit Strategy series. I'm behind on it, haven't read the final two, but I don't feel like I missed anything significant by not reading them first. I'll go back and pick them up soon.
But about Charlie's Doctor - I love that Charlie is 50+, with a 20-year age gap to the eponymous doctor, with whom he gets a second chance to find love. Will's in the Doctors Without Borders program, or whatever Jocelynn's version of that is, and he's seen some things since he and Charlie last met, so he's better prepared for the life the former CIA agent and his band of merry men are living. There are explosions along the way, some forced proximity and only one bed sprinkled in, along with plenty of steam. A fun start to a new adventure.
Be warned, though - if you don't like cliffhangers, don't read the epilogue. Will and Charlie's story wraps up in the main book. The epilogue's a teaser. I loved it, but if cliffhangers make you stabby, just skip the epilogue.
There's a novella from the Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway, Stephen's Translator, that comes before it, and while you don't have to read that, it does help set the stage a bit. This series also spins off from the Exit Strategy series. I'm behind on it, haven't read the final two, but I don't feel like I missed anything significant by not reading them first. I'll go back and pick them up soon.
But about Charlie's Doctor - I love that Charlie is 50+, with a 20-year age gap to the eponymous doctor, with whom he gets a second chance to find love. Will's in the Doctors Without Borders program, or whatever Jocelynn's version of that is, and he's seen some things since he and Charlie last met, so he's better prepared for the life the former CIA agent and his band of merry men are living. There are explosions along the way, some forced proximity and only one bed sprinkled in, along with plenty of steam. A fun start to a new adventure.
Be warned, though - if you don't like cliffhangers, don't read the epilogue. Will and Charlie's story wraps up in the main book. The epilogue's a teaser. I loved it, but if cliffhangers make you stabby, just skip the epilogue.
August 16, 2022
Charlie (52) and Will (37) had a relationship in Paris that ended six years ago. Circumstances now have these two very stubborn men back in each other’s orbit in Argentina. Charlie is a mercenary whilst Will is a surgeon that works in the poorest countries providing healthcare for those in need.
Neither are unaccustomed to a bit a danger but they soon find themselves in the thick of the action involving numerous armed bad guys, explosions due to “danger putty” and more all whilst endeavouring to solve a decades old mystery.
The sizzling chemistry between these two very likeable characters hasn’t dissipated at all since Paris. Before long the heat levels rise and once they actually start communicating their relationship deepens and they get their HEA on the second time around.
This is a really enjoyable and engaging story that I read in one sitting. It’s action packed, flows along nicely with an intriguing story line and has a wonderful cast of secondary characters to keep things interesting. We even get an quick introductory peek into the next book and I can’t wait for more.
Neither are unaccustomed to a bit a danger but they soon find themselves in the thick of the action involving numerous armed bad guys, explosions due to “danger putty” and more all whilst endeavouring to solve a decades old mystery.
The sizzling chemistry between these two very likeable characters hasn’t dissipated at all since Paris. Before long the heat levels rise and once they actually start communicating their relationship deepens and they get their HEA on the second time around.
This is a really enjoyable and engaging story that I read in one sitting. It’s action packed, flows along nicely with an intriguing story line and has a wonderful cast of secondary characters to keep things interesting. We even get an quick introductory peek into the next book and I can’t wait for more.
August 19, 2022
This book has it all. There’s action and adventure, ill advised missions, steamy love scenes and two alpha men with a past. Charlie and Will are straight fire from beginning to end. These two have history and have made mistakes in their shared past. A chance meeting sets them on a path of danger, action, mystery, adventure and reconciliation. The supporting characters are top notch and will leave you wanting their stories. And if couples from other books make a cameo appearance more is better. This series is going to be spectacular.
December 11, 2022
** 2.5 stars **
The book had its moments where I enjoyed it. I liked all the characters and some of the humor brought out a couple of chuckles here and there. There was plenty of steam and action. That said the misunderstanding and miscommunication that brought the entire relationship woe between the MCs grated and was entirely avoidable. The ending resolution was rushed and felt undone. The historical issues that the author wrote about were barely touched upon and it felt like the entire book was skin deep because of that. So so.
The book had its moments where I enjoyed it. I liked all the characters and some of the humor brought out a couple of chuckles here and there. There was plenty of steam and action. That said the misunderstanding and miscommunication that brought the entire relationship woe between the MCs grated and was entirely avoidable. The ending resolution was rushed and felt undone. The historical issues that the author wrote about were barely touched upon and it felt like the entire book was skin deep because of that. So so.
May 20, 2023
4.5 von 5 *
Nachdem Charlie und seine Crew Charlies Bruder und Lover bei einem Abenteuer in Istanbul geholfen haben, führte sie nun ihr Weg nach Argentinien. Dort wollen sie einen angeblich verstorbenen oder durch die Militärjunta entführten Künstler aufstöbern. Es beginnt die Suche nach der berühmten Nadel im Heuhaufen. Und der Künstler bleibt verschwunden. Jedoch tritt ein anderer Mann in Charlies Leben. Ein Mann, den er nie vergessen konnte und der die Liebe seines Lebens war.
Dr. William Monroe hat nur wenig Interesse seine Bekanntschaft mit Charlie zu erneuern. Doch der Arzt befindet sich in Schwierigkeiten und könnte die Hilfe seines Ex und dessen Freunde wirklich gut gebrauchen. Tatsächlich befindet sich sein Leben in Gefahr und William hat noch nicht vor so schnell zu sterben. Zudem er einem seiner Patienten ein Versprechen gegeben hat, das er vor dessen Tod noch einlösen will.
Charlie kann es nicht fassen, dass ihm das Leben eine zweite Chance gegeben hat. Doch William macht es ihm nicht leicht und agiert sehr kratzbürstig und widerwillig. Doch selbst die Jahre der Trennung können ihn nicht rational denken lassen und Charlie will William unbedingt für sich zurückgewinnen.
Als Paar funktionieren sie für mich ziemlich gut. Und die Umstände ihrer Trennung sind nachvollziehbar. Durch Charlies Tätigkeiten für die CIA war ihre Beziehung damals auch zum Scheitern verurteilt. Doch die Gefühle zwischen den Männern sind sehr stark und glaubhaft. Aber auch Williams Zweifel und Charlies Umgang mit der Vergangenheit ergeben für den Leser Sinn. Ich mochte die Dynamik sehr gern und auch den Crime-Plot. Insgesamt war die Geschichte stimmig und die ganzen Nebenprotagonisten haben die Geschichte abgerundet.
Nachdem Charlie und seine Crew Charlies Bruder und Lover bei einem Abenteuer in Istanbul geholfen haben, führte sie nun ihr Weg nach Argentinien. Dort wollen sie einen angeblich verstorbenen oder durch die Militärjunta entführten Künstler aufstöbern. Es beginnt die Suche nach der berühmten Nadel im Heuhaufen. Und der Künstler bleibt verschwunden. Jedoch tritt ein anderer Mann in Charlies Leben. Ein Mann, den er nie vergessen konnte und der die Liebe seines Lebens war.
Dr. William Monroe hat nur wenig Interesse seine Bekanntschaft mit Charlie zu erneuern. Doch der Arzt befindet sich in Schwierigkeiten und könnte die Hilfe seines Ex und dessen Freunde wirklich gut gebrauchen. Tatsächlich befindet sich sein Leben in Gefahr und William hat noch nicht vor so schnell zu sterben. Zudem er einem seiner Patienten ein Versprechen gegeben hat, das er vor dessen Tod noch einlösen will.
Charlie kann es nicht fassen, dass ihm das Leben eine zweite Chance gegeben hat. Doch William macht es ihm nicht leicht und agiert sehr kratzbürstig und widerwillig. Doch selbst die Jahre der Trennung können ihn nicht rational denken lassen und Charlie will William unbedingt für sich zurückgewinnen.
Als Paar funktionieren sie für mich ziemlich gut. Und die Umstände ihrer Trennung sind nachvollziehbar. Durch Charlies Tätigkeiten für die CIA war ihre Beziehung damals auch zum Scheitern verurteilt. Doch die Gefühle zwischen den Männern sind sehr stark und glaubhaft. Aber auch Williams Zweifel und Charlies Umgang mit der Vergangenheit ergeben für den Leser Sinn. Ich mochte die Dynamik sehr gern und auch den Crime-Plot. Insgesamt war die Geschichte stimmig und die ganzen Nebenprotagonisten haben die Geschichte abgerundet.
September 13, 2022
This was maybe a suspense romance book lite? It didn’t have to have great depth for me to enjoy it, as it had what I like, which is two people finding each other again and being committed to trying again and not leaving. That was the best part of the story for me, that Charlie saw Will after walking out on him six years prior, and knows he has to make Will his again and show Will that he won’t leave. This couple had to work through the hurt and anger that Will felt and the remorse from Charlie. These scenes didn’t slow down the ‘we are doing this’ between Will and Charlie. I liked that and it kept me reading. A lot of the healing of the relationship was from the discovery that the two still had incendiary chemistry and a deep affection for each other. The use of the endearment ‘dearest’ was sweet and gave me that ‘ahh’ feeling. This renewal of love was set among each man having a reason to be in Buenos Aires and finding their reasons for being there were entwined.
I liked all the side characters. I might even look for the book that features Soren and Alexei. Their short scene was good.
I liked this book and am looking forward to reading the next in this series.
* Just saw that the next book is being released in January, 2023. 😠
I liked all the side characters. I might even look for the book that features Soren and Alexei. Their short scene was good.
I liked this book and am looking forward to reading the next in this series.
* Just saw that the next book is being released in January, 2023. 😠
August 19, 2022
4.5 stars.
If you’re looking for a second chance at love and age gap this one is for you.
Charlie and Will fell in love six years prior to when this story took place. Both are doing dangerous jobs. Charlie is a mercenary and Will is a doctor helping those in need that so not have the funds or needs the treatment kept quiet.
They are both in the middle of something dangerous with the same family and put aside their differences to get to the truth. We’ve got some good twists and turns in the book that I didn’t see coming. Kudos.
These two really do love each other and it’s always been the other from the get go. They are super spicy together and love their happy ending.
Now let’s add the amazing supporting cast of characters. Nothing like a great group of friends that are your family that enjoy working together too. I loved them all and even before this book ended I couldn’t wait for the next. Bring on the next and the next etx.
If you’re looking for a second chance at love and age gap this one is for you.
Charlie and Will fell in love six years prior to when this story took place. Both are doing dangerous jobs. Charlie is a mercenary and Will is a doctor helping those in need that so not have the funds or needs the treatment kept quiet.
They are both in the middle of something dangerous with the same family and put aside their differences to get to the truth. We’ve got some good twists and turns in the book that I didn’t see coming. Kudos.
These two really do love each other and it’s always been the other from the get go. They are super spicy together and love their happy ending.
Now let’s add the amazing supporting cast of characters. Nothing like a great group of friends that are your family that enjoy working together too. I loved them all and even before this book ended I couldn’t wait for the next. Bring on the next and the next etx.
August 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this!!!! I enjoy a good action story packed with romance and laughter, danger and sexy sparks. Jocelyn Drake knows how to write those in spades! I loved her Exit Strategy and Ward Security series. This one is like both of those mashed together and I could not stop reading it. By the way, the prequel to this where you first meet the entire gang is a freebie right now and it is worth a read too: Stephen’s Translator. Charlie and Will may have gone their separate ways, both too stubborn to talk about their feelings and discuss a real relationship, but neither one of them has ever actually managed to put it all behind them. Their first meeting in Argentina is proof of that. The action just doesn’t quit and these guys have to face the fact that they are better together than apart. Time to tell the truth and work it all out. Again I absolutely could not put this down once I started it! I can’t say enough good about it.
November 28, 2022
This book has excitement, action, feeling, passion, and love. We start out the book by meeting the Shadow Elite team. Charlie is the team leader and the group is currently located in Buenos Aires. They are between jobs and have decided to follow up on a curiosity of newer paintings being located in a collection that were created by an artist who has been missing and presumed dead for decades.
They don't expect any particular danger, but life takes a turn and they must rush a patient to doctor. Charlie is shocked to find the doctor is Will, the only man he has ever loved and who he left in Paris six years prior. As the mission progresses, there are twists and turns with new dangers. Will and Charlie feel their attraction grow again, but can they make the most of this second chance to find a forever love? This book is a great start to a new series. I look forward to reading the next book.
They don't expect any particular danger, but life takes a turn and they must rush a patient to doctor. Charlie is shocked to find the doctor is Will, the only man he has ever loved and who he left in Paris six years prior. As the mission progresses, there are twists and turns with new dangers. Will and Charlie feel their attraction grow again, but can they make the most of this second chance to find a forever love? This book is a great start to a new series. I look forward to reading the next book.
August 21, 2022
Wow. Just wow. Charlie is in Argentina to help solve a mystery after the end of Stephen’s Translator. As he was coming out of an art gallery he spots who he thinks is Dr. Will Monroe. Charlie and Will were together for a year about 6 years ago. They both had feelings for each other back then, but they went their separate ways due to Charlie’s job. They meet again and since Will’s life is in danger, Charlie took it upon himself to protect him. This is a second chance, lots of action and steamy book that you don’t want to miss. I recommend reading the first book in the series. Cannot wait to read Kairo’s book.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
August 25, 2022
Jocelynn Drake does it again. What more could you ask for than a steamy action packed series that takes the reader jet setting across the globe with each book while each couple falls deeply in love?! Charlie's Doctor was an excellent full length novel immediately piggybacking off the prequel novella Stephen's Translator which is part of the Prolific Works Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway. It is not necessary to have read to enjoy this one, but it does provide the backstory of why Charlie's team is in Buenos Aires. It also perfectly sets up book 2, Kairo's Billionaire, at the end and now I wish it was January already! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 17, 2022
Charlie and Will story was about second chances with lots of funny moments interspersed with danger, adrenaline and a couple of well guarded secrets.
I liked how Charlie and Will reconnect, how overprotective Charlie was when his life was at danger, as well as the way they try to get over all their heartache, miscommunication, and misunderstandings.
I also liked seeing old friends and the way they helped in resolving the problems they encountered.
I loved the story and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
I liked how Charlie and Will reconnect, how overprotective Charlie was when his life was at danger, as well as the way they try to get over all their heartache, miscommunication, and misunderstandings.
I also liked seeing old friends and the way they helped in resolving the problems they encountered.
I loved the story and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
August 25, 2022
This is a non-stop action second chance romance. Will is in danger and Charlie is back to protect him! I am a total sucker for the age gap protector theme so this one ticked all my boxes! Charlie and Will are both tough and stubborn which just added to all the hot sparks flying around! The steamy scenes were to die for with these two! Fantastic world building and I loved all the banter and the integration of all the secondary characters who will need some love and excitement over this series!
September 12, 2022
3.5⭐️ this rating really reflects that I like more relationship angst and a longer resolve! I liked both Charlie and Will… it’s a second chance romance and we started off with the feels.. the hurt that Will felt. All good stuff! But around 60% it was all love and kisses and forgiveness. I struggled then to finish. But I did.
August 19, 2022
This was a really great start to what seems to be a wonderful series. The chemistry between the two MC's is there from the beginning and keeps you wanting to read. I can't wait to see what comes next.
December 12, 2022
This one did not work for me, I'm a huge fan of Jocelyn, Lucas and Andrei are on my top 5 couples of all time, sadly, for some reason, I didn't like either of the MCs, Charlie and Will, the beginning was super promising but once they got together nothing really stuck with me, I didn't find the mystery interesting or their relationship heartfelt and developed
December 12, 2022
3 stars
This review pains me because Jocelynn Drake is a 4+ star author for me. But this book just missed the mark for me. Not only did it take me an incredible amount of time to finish because I was just not excited about it, but I never actually liked Charlie and Will. I’m giving it 3 stars because I loved the side characters, but that’s it.
This review pains me because Jocelynn Drake is a 4+ star author for me. But this book just missed the mark for me. Not only did it take me an incredible amount of time to finish because I was just not excited about it, but I never actually liked Charlie and Will. I’m giving it 3 stars because I loved the side characters, but that’s it.
August 22, 2022
high action. great group of characters
you need to read Stephen's Translator because this book leads off with that, however it is also explained enough that you could probably get away without it [in 2022 it's a free read] and if you don't like it when authors push the next book in the series at the end of the one before don't read the epilogue
one of my favourite troupes is second chance romance, however I have things inside it that I don't like and unfortunately this hit all those nails. I found it hard to really get through because of those reason I was never truly invested enough. I also know this is very much a me thing and full of preference that I don't think will bother other people as much as it did me.
I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.
you need to read Stephen's Translator because this book leads off with that, however it is also explained enough that you could probably get away without it [in 2022 it's a free read] and if you don't like it when authors push the next book in the series at the end of the one before don't read the epilogue
one of my favourite troupes is second chance romance, however I have things inside it that I don't like and unfortunately this hit all those nails. I found it hard to really get through because of those reason I was never truly invested enough. I also know this is very much a me thing and full of preference that I don't think will bother other people as much as it did me.
I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 10, 2025
Love this! The twists and excitement had me turning pages as fast as I could! Six years ago, Charlie was forced to leave Will because of his job with the CIA. They had been dating for a year and, to make matters worse, Charlie gave no explanation for leaving. Now, he works independently with his team and they're chasing down an old artist that was presumed dead in Argentina. They have one thin lead and try to go after it. What he doesn't expect is to find Will caught up in a mess with that lead.
Will is a doctor and it ends up being pretty beneficial to have him around. However, their reunion is anything but happy. Instead, it's filled with lots of bullets, blood and yelling. But, Charlie will do anything he can not to lose Will this time.
🔥: So much passion between these two! It takes a while before there's forgiveness, but that doesn't keep them from turning up the heat. Scenes are medium-paced with plenty of details and sooo much pining.
😆: We get some laughs along the way thanks to the banter between Charlie's team. Such a fun group!
😭: I didn't cry with this one, but there are some tense and scary moments to get through.
What a rush! This team is a blast and I'm excited to read about the rest of them!
CW: violence on the page
Will is a doctor and it ends up being pretty beneficial to have him around. However, their reunion is anything but happy. Instead, it's filled with lots of bullets, blood and yelling. But, Charlie will do anything he can not to lose Will this time.
🔥: So much passion between these two! It takes a while before there's forgiveness, but that doesn't keep them from turning up the heat. Scenes are medium-paced with plenty of details and sooo much pining.
😆: We get some laughs along the way thanks to the banter between Charlie's team. Such a fun group!
😭: I didn't cry with this one, but there are some tense and scary moments to get through.
What a rush! This team is a blast and I'm excited to read about the rest of them!
CW: violence on the page
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