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Runaway Grooms #1
Aisle Be There
They say your wedding day is the beginning of your happily ever after.
But I’m pretty sure they never stood on a sweltering Florida beach getting ready to promise forever… only to change their mind at the last minute and be assaulted by a crustacean while fleeing the scene.
Once upon a time, I was a respected Navy officer. A guy who made a career out of managing chaos.
Now, I am the chaos, a groom on the run from my ex-fiance and his dad’s goons. Oh, and the guy driving the getaway car? That would be my ex-boyfriend, Jett.
Gorgeous. Brilliant. A guy I couldn’t help falling in love with twelve years ago.
The guy I realize I’ve always loved.
Did I mention he’s also a famous rock star on a sold-out summer tour?
This situation has disaster written all over it. But if I can manage the chaos, maybe I’ll get my happy ending after all.
But I’m pretty sure they never stood on a sweltering Florida beach getting ready to promise forever… only to change their mind at the last minute and be assaulted by a crustacean while fleeing the scene.
Once upon a time, I was a respected Navy officer. A guy who made a career out of managing chaos.
Now, I am the chaos, a groom on the run from my ex-fiance and his dad’s goons. Oh, and the guy driving the getaway car? That would be my ex-boyfriend, Jett.
Gorgeous. Brilliant. A guy I couldn’t help falling in love with twelve years ago.
The guy I realize I’ve always loved.
Did I mention he’s also a famous rock star on a sold-out summer tour?
This situation has disaster written all over it. But if I can manage the chaos, maybe I’ll get my happy ending after all.
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2023
245 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Cochet
123 books3,561 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 244 reviews
July 23, 2023
4.25**** stars
Bahahaha, I needed a translator for the very first three words in this book. Great start, I guess. But honestly, who tf knows words like Arthropoda. Decapods. Crustaceans. in a foreign language off their heads?
From the blurb: Once upon a time, I was a respected Navy officer. A guy who made a career out of managing chaos. Now, I am the chaos, a groom on the run from my ex-fiance and his dad’s goons. Oh, and the guy driving the getaway car? That would be my ex-boyfriend, Jett.
I enjoyed this audio/book a lot —so much more than I thought I would. Gage's and Jett's story was such a swoony second-chance, rockstar romance; light and with a lot of humor.
You could def feel from the way CC was writing this book (and not only because of known characters showing up) that this is kind of a spin-off to the Four Kings series. I’m so glad Charlie chose Greg B. again to narrate the audio. Ofc he made this story even better.
And omg the ending!!! I was laughing so hard. As I already knew who would be the main characters in the next book I was wondering how their story would fit in a series named Runaway Grooms. And now I know. This is going to be so good *lmaoooo Pity that I have to wait so long until it releases, tho.
***************
Runaway Grooms Series:
Book 1 - Aisle Be There - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - To Have and Withhold - release 01/2024
Bahahaha, I needed a translator for the very first three words in this book. Great start, I guess. But honestly, who tf knows words like Arthropoda. Decapods. Crustaceans. in a foreign language off their heads?
I also silently thanked the crab that helped bring him back to me.
From the blurb: Once upon a time, I was a respected Navy officer. A guy who made a career out of managing chaos. Now, I am the chaos, a groom on the run from my ex-fiance and his dad’s goons. Oh, and the guy driving the getaway car? That would be my ex-boyfriend, Jett.
I enjoyed this audio/book a lot —so much more than I thought I would. Gage's and Jett's story was such a swoony second-chance, rockstar romance; light and with a lot of humor.
“Then I ran into you and realized I wasn’t in love with him.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I already knew what real love felt like, and it wasn’t what I had with Skip.”
“How did you know?”
“I didn’t think about him every minute of the day, and he didn’t take my heart with him when he left.”
You could def feel from the way CC was writing this book (and not only because of known characters showing up) that this is kind of a spin-off to the Four Kings series. I’m so glad Charlie chose Greg B. again to narrate the audio. Ofc he made this story even better.
And omg the ending!!! I was laughing so hard. As I already knew who would be the main characters in the next book I was wondering how their story would fit in a series named Runaway Grooms. And now I know. This is going to be so good *lmaoooo Pity that I have to wait so long until it releases, tho.
***************
Runaway Grooms Series:
Book 1 - Aisle Be There - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - To Have and Withhold - release 01/2024
April 3, 2023
Fun second chance romance between a rockstar and an ex marine.
Before we dive in: I really love the series’ name, Runaway Grooms. We’ve all heard and read a lot about runaway brides, but it’s the first time I’ve seen this plot with grooms.
And as the title suggests, the book starts with a groom who’s running away. Gage, an ex marine, has an irrational fear of all things crustacean, so having to wear a tuxedo covered in sea shells isn’t helping his shaky determination to wed his fiancé, especially when a tiny crab makes an appearance. So he runs, only in his boxers, right into the arms of his ex (literally). Said ex is Jeff Hart, singer of Queen’s Hart, a famous rock band.
Sounds OTT, and it is, but not necessarily in a bad way. It’s like watching one of those slightly slapsticky romcoms from the 80s, so if you’re looking into a lighthearted read with an ending so sweet that is almost too much, you can’t go wrong here (you know what I mean - one of those endings where there’s a huge crowd, and there’s a speech/a song, and everyone is clapping, and the couple runs to each other on a sunny meadow… ok that might be a bit much, but you get the sentiment).
And yes, the villain is VERY villainous, the plot a bit predictable, but thankfully the 80% drama is kept short.
As for the music part: just imagine if Freddie Mercury would have been straight, and had a son who continued singing when he died - then you have Jeff, and the long haired septuagenarians in the band. Or maybe The Rolling Stones. Or a mix between the two bands, because I kept seeing Brian May (and Keith Richards. And Ron Wood) in my mind.
Is it as good as it could have been? No, because some of the plotlines aren’t very well developed, but maybe it’s because they’re set up for the upcoming books. But who cares? It’s fun, not a Shakespearean drama.
4 stars, and an ending that made me curious about the next runaway groom 😬
Before we dive in: I really love the series’ name, Runaway Grooms. We’ve all heard and read a lot about runaway brides, but it’s the first time I’ve seen this plot with grooms.
And as the title suggests, the book starts with a groom who’s running away. Gage, an ex marine, has an irrational fear of all things crustacean, so having to wear a tuxedo covered in sea shells isn’t helping his shaky determination to wed his fiancé, especially when a tiny crab makes an appearance. So he runs, only in his boxers, right into the arms of his ex (literally). Said ex is Jeff Hart, singer of Queen’s Hart, a famous rock band.
Sounds OTT, and it is, but not necessarily in a bad way. It’s like watching one of those slightly slapsticky romcoms from the 80s, so if you’re looking into a lighthearted read with an ending so sweet that is almost too much, you can’t go wrong here (you know what I mean - one of those endings where there’s a huge crowd, and there’s a speech/a song, and everyone is clapping, and the couple runs to each other on a sunny meadow… ok that might be a bit much, but you get the sentiment).
And yes, the villain is VERY villainous, the plot a bit predictable, but thankfully the 80% drama is kept short.
As for the music part: just imagine if Freddie Mercury would have been straight, and had a son who continued singing when he died - then you have Jeff, and the long haired septuagenarians in the band. Or maybe The Rolling Stones. Or a mix between the two bands, because I kept seeing Brian May (and Keith Richards. And Ron Wood) in my mind.
Is it as good as it could have been? No, because some of the plotlines aren’t very well developed, but maybe it’s because they’re set up for the upcoming books. But who cares? It’s fun, not a Shakespearean drama.
4 stars, and an ending that made me curious about the next runaway groom 😬
January 28, 2023
4 stars
“Gage, I never thought I’d find the kind of love that sings to my soul, and when I met you, it’s like all the pieces fell into place. I just knew. You’re the music of my heart.”
I have read many books by Charlie Cochet and I really enjoyed each and every one of them. And I really like the rom-com vibe that they have and I knew that this one would just be a pure rom-com. And I’m having a not so great week this week so I decided to read this book as a distraction to my every day life and it ended up just perfect for the mood I was in. This book was just so much fun to read and reading it put me in a really good mood and put the biggest smile on my face, which was everything I wanted it to be.
Brief Summary
Gage is getting ready to marry his fiance, but as he’s about to walk down the aisle, he is bombarded with doubts and changes his mind. He ends up going on the run with his ex-boyfriend Jett and they find their way back to each other.
This book was just so lovely to read. This was full of good banter but it was also just very hilarious and I found myself just really vibing with the book because of that.
I loved the romance in this book. I always love the runaway groom set up and I really liked how it was done in this book. And I adored the relationship between Gage and Jett. They were so perfect for each other and this book did a wonderful job at showcasing this part. I loved how adorable they were. I loved how they always put each other first. I loved how they were ready to do everything for the other to be happy, everything about them was just so perfect to me.
This book was an absolute joy to read and i’m so glad that I read it. This was perfect for the mood i’m in currently and it just really worked for me.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
“Gage, I never thought I’d find the kind of love that sings to my soul, and when I met you, it’s like all the pieces fell into place. I just knew. You’re the music of my heart.”
I have read many books by Charlie Cochet and I really enjoyed each and every one of them. And I really like the rom-com vibe that they have and I knew that this one would just be a pure rom-com. And I’m having a not so great week this week so I decided to read this book as a distraction to my every day life and it ended up just perfect for the mood I was in. This book was just so much fun to read and reading it put me in a really good mood and put the biggest smile on my face, which was everything I wanted it to be.
Brief Summary
Gage is getting ready to marry his fiance, but as he’s about to walk down the aisle, he is bombarded with doubts and changes his mind. He ends up going on the run with his ex-boyfriend Jett and they find their way back to each other.
This book was just so lovely to read. This was full of good banter but it was also just very hilarious and I found myself just really vibing with the book because of that.
I loved the romance in this book. I always love the runaway groom set up and I really liked how it was done in this book. And I adored the relationship between Gage and Jett. They were so perfect for each other and this book did a wonderful job at showcasing this part. I loved how adorable they were. I loved how they always put each other first. I loved how they were ready to do everything for the other to be happy, everything about them was just so perfect to me.
This book was an absolute joy to read and i’m so glad that I read it. This was perfect for the mood i’m in currently and it just really worked for me.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion
February 3, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Just like what I was expecting. I’ve read a few samples by this author and always had mixed feelings to continue. The writing never worked for me, but I’m here because of the blurb ahah
This book was so chaotic and fun. A lot of stupid jokes and funny MC.
This is second chance, everybody knows this trope just hits all the right spot for me 😩 In this story, they had history, one of them left and found each other back under the chaotic accident. And oh, they just fit right away, I love it. Their chemistry is great ❤️
The storyline was okay, I couldn’t stop reading but nothing was too exciting, mostly predictable, especially the climax. This book left me with a feeling of wanting more because some feelings were not expressed well enough in this writing. I only love that these two guys found their love again.
Just like what I was expecting. I’ve read a few samples by this author and always had mixed feelings to continue. The writing never worked for me, but I’m here because of the blurb ahah
This book was so chaotic and fun. A lot of stupid jokes and funny MC.
This is second chance, everybody knows this trope just hits all the right spot for me 😩 In this story, they had history, one of them left and found each other back under the chaotic accident. And oh, they just fit right away, I love it. Their chemistry is great ❤️
The storyline was okay, I couldn’t stop reading but nothing was too exciting, mostly predictable, especially the climax. This book left me with a feeling of wanting more because some feelings were not expressed well enough in this writing. I only love that these two guys found their love again.
May 20, 2023
3 just okay stars! Everything felt very predictable about this story.. MCs were good, villain was very bad, separation at the nth minute and then a sweet HEA.. not a single thing, whether in the plot or the characters stood out. I am sure I won't even remember reading this book in a few months.. the cover will look familiar and I'll have to check GR to validate that I actually read it and found it completely unremarkable.. 🤷♀️ I skipped a lot too.. 🙄 it felt too long.. it should have been a novella actually. In food terms it was like boiled potatoes, perfectly edible.. but bland and dull.
Recommended to fans of CC who are into the same-old-same old... 👍
Recommended to fans of CC who are into the same-old-same old... 👍
January 26, 2023
4.5 stars
I loved this book. It was fun, sexy, and sweet and had a good balance of shenanigans, drama and real emotion. Jett and Gage's second chance romance had me from the start and it was clear that they never stopped loving each other even though they hadn't been together in years (the timeline on that was vague - unless I missed something - but it seemed like at least a decade).
The secondary characters were fabulous and I'm really looking forward to more books in the series. The part about being chased down by his ex's father fell by the wayside, but other than that, I really enjoyed this one!
I loved this book. It was fun, sexy, and sweet and had a good balance of shenanigans, drama and real emotion. Jett and Gage's second chance romance had me from the start and it was clear that they never stopped loving each other even though they hadn't been together in years (the timeline on that was vague - unless I missed something - but it seemed like at least a decade).
The secondary characters were fabulous and I'm really looking forward to more books in the series. The part about being chased down by his ex's father fell by the wayside, but other than that, I really enjoyed this one!
April 23, 2023
5 million stars for Greg B’s narration
3.5-4 stars for the book
I enjoyed almost all of this book.
Bas was annoying as fuck and should have been out of the picture way before he was.
But Jett and Gage were cute together and seeing them reconnect was great.
Now I can’t wait for book two with Kayden and Reid.. and again why does it come out in 2024 😭 haha
3.5-4 stars for the book
I enjoyed almost all of this book.
Bas was annoying as fuck and should have been out of the picture way before he was.
But Jett and Gage were cute together and seeing them reconnect was great.
Now I can’t wait for book two with Kayden and Reid.. and again why does it come out in 2024 😭 haha
May 9, 2023
3.5 stars
Going into Aisle Be There I expected there to be a bigger emphasis on the runaway groom aspect. When it mentioned his exes "dad’s goons" in the blurb, I was thinking thriller with our character's falling in love on the run. Boy was I wrong. (My misconception was totally on me and didn't affect my rating btw!) Instead the runway groom was a really well done and zany opening scene. The rest of the book being a second-chance Rockstar romance.
Gage and Jett are so good together. I loved the flashback scenes as well, they were spread out and really added to their history without info-dumping their previous relationship on the reader.
The musician plotline was also interesting. With Jett playing in his late father's band, wanting to honour his memory but afraid to break out on his own.
This is my first Charlie Cochet read and this is set in a universe I'm unfamiliar with. These characters have some history, but I never felt lost or left out. Instead I just want to check out the other series'.
Going into Aisle Be There I expected there to be a bigger emphasis on the runaway groom aspect. When it mentioned his exes "dad’s goons" in the blurb, I was thinking thriller with our character's falling in love on the run. Boy was I wrong. (My misconception was totally on me and didn't affect my rating btw!) Instead the runway groom was a really well done and zany opening scene. The rest of the book being a second-chance Rockstar romance.
Gage and Jett are so good together. I loved the flashback scenes as well, they were spread out and really added to their history without info-dumping their previous relationship on the reader.
The musician plotline was also interesting. With Jett playing in his late father's band, wanting to honour his memory but afraid to break out on his own.
This is my first Charlie Cochet read and this is set in a universe I'm unfamiliar with. These characters have some history, but I never felt lost or left out. Instead I just want to check out the other series'.
July 19, 2025
They say your wedding day is the beginning of your happily ever after. But I’m pretty sure they never stood on a sweltering Florida beach getting ready to promise forever… only to change their mind at the last minute and be assaulted by a crustacean while fleeing the scene.
This was a reread for me and it's the book that my senior citizen library book discussion group picked for their introduction to M/M Romances. So far, they seem okay with the topic...well the ladies are more than okay... but the guys? I believe that the jury may still out on that one. They came to the discussion and said they read it, and participated intelligently in the discussion, so...baby steps:)
Gage Kingston is a former naval procurement officer whose specialty has been "creating order out of chaos", but seeing how his life is right now, you’d never know that was one of his skill sets. We first meet him in a tent on the beach dressed in a suit entirely made of shells, while Gage’s Instagram Influencer fiancé waits impatiently at the altar. Gage is asking for advice from his best friend Kayden and it’s safe to say he’s definitely getting wedding day cold feet and having second, and third thoughts. This doesn't even begin to cover how panicked he really is. Not to mention Gage hates, and I mean REALLY hates...arthropods, especially the sea-going kind like...lobsters and crabs....and especially, RIGHT NOW as the little hermit crab has decided to take a little peek at the on-going activities from out of one of the many shells that happens to be currently decorating Gage's pants. In no time at all, this has Gage stripping out of his shell-covered suit and dashing away down the beach dressed only in his underwear. During his run-away, not only from his fiancé but his fiancé’s father’s goons, he literally stumbles into his former lover who is now a rock n' roll super-star...Jett Stevens. Jett is also looking for an escape from an interview that has taken a really bad turn, and with no thought what-so-ever he whisks Gage away with him in the limo.
This sets up the plot that has Gage agreeing to pretend to be Jett’s boyfriend for the next four weeks of the tour. The double benefit is Jett is getting to spend time with someone he’s never forgotten, while also avoiding his band manager and his uncle, Bas. Jett is the lead singer in a band called "Queen’s Hart", that was originally formed by his father, Hart Stevens. He took over as lead singer after his father’s sudden death years ago. Since then, he’s been pushed to tour almost nonstop by his uncle Bas and has had no life outside that of “continuing his father’s legacy” which he is daily reminded of. Jett does love the "septuagenarian" bandmembers, his dad's band, who he feels are his "real family", but he’s tired and his performances have grown stale and no longer any fun for him.
Jett and Gage’s relationship is sweet, and they had great chemistry, but their romance follows a fairly predictable pattern: they make assumptions and fail to simply sit down and talk about what they want. Still, I liked them as a couple, and they were easy to root for.
The book is a "mixed bag": partly a silly romcom, partly a second-chance love story, and occasionally a serious look into the lives of Gage and Jett. The reader also gets the idea that something isn’t quite right about Uncle Bas, and that eventually does come to a head later in the book. I found through it all, that I had completely forgotten that Gage was once a naval officer. He acted so young and really scattered at times. There are more than a few scenes where you have to laugh. If you are the "right age" you will know that the band members were obviously based on well-known aging rockers like Brian May, (Queen’s Hart guitarist had a double PhD) and Keith Richards, but along with Bas they are fairly one-dimensional...but hey...they added color and background to the story. I am also happy to report that no crabs or my senior citizens were harmed in the telling or reading of this story.
Sidenote:The ladies in the discussion group loved the story as well as Jett and Gage. I tried to choose something that didn't have a lot of actual and descriptive "activity" in it. The guys were more dubious but surprisingly not because it was two guys together but simply because it was a romance in general. I'll have to look for some football or baseball stories or maybe some mud wrestling, or perhaps dart throwing for them.
This was a reread for me and it's the book that my senior citizen library book discussion group picked for their introduction to M/M Romances. So far, they seem okay with the topic...well the ladies are more than okay... but the guys? I believe that the jury may still out on that one. They came to the discussion and said they read it, and participated intelligently in the discussion, so...baby steps:)
Gage Kingston is a former naval procurement officer whose specialty has been "creating order out of chaos", but seeing how his life is right now, you’d never know that was one of his skill sets. We first meet him in a tent on the beach dressed in a suit entirely made of shells, while Gage’s Instagram Influencer fiancé waits impatiently at the altar. Gage is asking for advice from his best friend Kayden and it’s safe to say he’s definitely getting wedding day cold feet and having second, and third thoughts. This doesn't even begin to cover how panicked he really is. Not to mention Gage hates, and I mean REALLY hates...arthropods, especially the sea-going kind like...lobsters and crabs....and especially, RIGHT NOW as the little hermit crab has decided to take a little peek at the on-going activities from out of one of the many shells that happens to be currently decorating Gage's pants. In no time at all, this has Gage stripping out of his shell-covered suit and dashing away down the beach dressed only in his underwear. During his run-away, not only from his fiancé but his fiancé’s father’s goons, he literally stumbles into his former lover who is now a rock n' roll super-star...Jett Stevens. Jett is also looking for an escape from an interview that has taken a really bad turn, and with no thought what-so-ever he whisks Gage away with him in the limo.
This sets up the plot that has Gage agreeing to pretend to be Jett’s boyfriend for the next four weeks of the tour. The double benefit is Jett is getting to spend time with someone he’s never forgotten, while also avoiding his band manager and his uncle, Bas. Jett is the lead singer in a band called "Queen’s Hart", that was originally formed by his father, Hart Stevens. He took over as lead singer after his father’s sudden death years ago. Since then, he’s been pushed to tour almost nonstop by his uncle Bas and has had no life outside that of “continuing his father’s legacy” which he is daily reminded of. Jett does love the "septuagenarian" bandmembers, his dad's band, who he feels are his "real family", but he’s tired and his performances have grown stale and no longer any fun for him.
Jett and Gage’s relationship is sweet, and they had great chemistry, but their romance follows a fairly predictable pattern: they make assumptions and fail to simply sit down and talk about what they want. Still, I liked them as a couple, and they were easy to root for.
The book is a "mixed bag": partly a silly romcom, partly a second-chance love story, and occasionally a serious look into the lives of Gage and Jett. The reader also gets the idea that something isn’t quite right about Uncle Bas, and that eventually does come to a head later in the book. I found through it all, that I had completely forgotten that Gage was once a naval officer. He acted so young and really scattered at times. There are more than a few scenes where you have to laugh. If you are the "right age" you will know that the band members were obviously based on well-known aging rockers like Brian May, (Queen’s Hart guitarist had a double PhD) and Keith Richards, but along with Bas they are fairly one-dimensional...but hey...they added color and background to the story. I am also happy to report that no crabs or my senior citizens were harmed in the telling or reading of this story.
Sidenote:The ladies in the discussion group loved the story as well as Jett and Gage. I tried to choose something that didn't have a lot of actual and descriptive "activity" in it. The guys were more dubious but surprisingly not because it was two guys together but simply because it was a romance in general. I'll have to look for some football or baseball stories or maybe some mud wrestling, or perhaps dart throwing for them.
January 29, 2023
Loved everything about this book!
OMG, that was everything I wanted it to be and then some!
I adore Charlie's Four Kings series and this spin-off is another fabulous addition to the roster, especially as it concerns Ward's cousin Gage.
Fake boyfriends, dastardly deed-performing management and reunions of former lovers who've regretted their parting ever since are meshed together into one brilliant ride of a book.
I had the hugest smile on my face from start to finish as Gage ran away from his totally unsuitable influencer fiancé and bumped into the real love of his life, rock star Jett.
The band's past antics are the best mashup of the Rolling Stones and Queen, with hints of other 80s hair metal bands thrown in and I loved every one of these septuagenarian rockers!
Now I'm desperately hoping the pre-release date for Gage's best friend Kayden's romance with the youngest Kingston brother Reid isn't really going to be next January 😁
OMG, that was everything I wanted it to be and then some!
I adore Charlie's Four Kings series and this spin-off is another fabulous addition to the roster, especially as it concerns Ward's cousin Gage.
Fake boyfriends, dastardly deed-performing management and reunions of former lovers who've regretted their parting ever since are meshed together into one brilliant ride of a book.
I had the hugest smile on my face from start to finish as Gage ran away from his totally unsuitable influencer fiancé and bumped into the real love of his life, rock star Jett.
The band's past antics are the best mashup of the Rolling Stones and Queen, with hints of other 80s hair metal bands thrown in and I loved every one of these septuagenarian rockers!
Now I'm desperately hoping the pre-release date for Gage's best friend Kayden's romance with the youngest Kingston brother Reid isn't really going to be next January 😁
January 27, 2023
Technically a DNF at 80% and a skim to the end.
I was on a solid 3.5 stars despite the sex being really really bad.
Then the author threw in the Yoko Ono Factor trope and boy have I read that in like, 90% of the rockstar books I’ve read. Lots of tired tropes here, more than the villainous band manager and the predictable grand gesture at the end. The story had potential and a lot of it was sweet and funny, but it went down mediocre tropey hill by 60%. Bummed.
I was on a solid 3.5 stars despite the sex being really really bad.
Then the author threw in the Yoko Ono Factor trope and boy have I read that in like, 90% of the rockstar books I’ve read. Lots of tired tropes here, more than the villainous band manager and the predictable grand gesture at the end. The story had potential and a lot of it was sweet and funny, but it went down mediocre tropey hill by 60%. Bummed.
May 13, 2023
So much cringe 😬
January 24, 2023
5+ Stars!!!
So, it's been a while since a book captured me so thoroughly that I spent the whole night reading it, until Aisle Be There landed on my Kindle that is. The plan was to read a few chapters and then continue with the other books on my schedule, next thing I know, it's 5:30am and I just had the epilogue left. Thankfully, it was my day off or I would've been a mess at work. LOL
I loved Gabe and Jett! They were so much fun! This second-chance, fake-boyfriend romance totally worked for me. From the out-of-this-world chemistry between Gabe and Jett, to how well Gabe and Jett fit together despite the time that had passed since they'd been together, to everything in between.
The guys from Jett's band were amazing and of course, it's always a delight catching up with the Kings. I hated Bas, Jett's uncle, with the fire of a thousand suns, he was horrible.
Overall, this was an exceptional start to the series! Entertaining, heartwarming, swoon-worthy and captivating, you definitely can't go wrong with this book! Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided for my reading pleasure a review wasn't a requirement, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
So, it's been a while since a book captured me so thoroughly that I spent the whole night reading it, until Aisle Be There landed on my Kindle that is. The plan was to read a few chapters and then continue with the other books on my schedule, next thing I know, it's 5:30am and I just had the epilogue left. Thankfully, it was my day off or I would've been a mess at work. LOL
I loved Gabe and Jett! They were so much fun! This second-chance, fake-boyfriend romance totally worked for me. From the out-of-this-world chemistry between Gabe and Jett, to how well Gabe and Jett fit together despite the time that had passed since they'd been together, to everything in between.
The guys from Jett's band were amazing and of course, it's always a delight catching up with the Kings. I hated Bas, Jett's uncle, with the fire of a thousand suns, he was horrible.
Overall, this was an exceptional start to the series! Entertaining, heartwarming, swoon-worthy and captivating, you definitely can't go wrong with this book! Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided for my reading pleasure a review wasn't a requirement, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 24, 2023
Słodka historia o super grzecznej gwieździe rocka, która nie pije i nie ćpa.
Czytając, zastanawiałam się, czy to nie był pierwotnie jakiś fanfik Queen, w którym bohaterem był Adam Lambert (wzmianka o sporym tyłku była tu znaczącą wskazówką 😉).
Gdyby nie sceny seksu, to spokojnie można by przeczytać tę książkę przedszkolakowi, taki mniej więcej jest w niej realizm i dramatyzm. Dałabym jej najwyżej 3 gwiazdki, ale podwyższam ocenę za poczucie humoru, które jest bardzo moje.
Czytając, zastanawiałam się, czy to nie był pierwotnie jakiś fanfik Queen, w którym bohaterem był Adam Lambert (wzmianka o sporym tyłku była tu znaczącą wskazówką 😉).
Gdyby nie sceny seksu, to spokojnie można by przeczytać tę książkę przedszkolakowi, taki mniej więcej jest w niej realizm i dramatyzm. Dałabym jej najwyżej 3 gwiazdki, ale podwyższam ocenę za poczucie humoru, które jest bardzo moje.
January 28, 2023
⭐︎
3.5 Runaway Stars Rounded Up!
⭐︎
Aisle Be There, the first in the new Runaway Grooms series, was delightful and fun overall.
Gage Kingston is King's cousin, and as we were teased with at the end of King's book, Gage is getting married...to the wrong man.
And thus, Gage runs away on his wedding day. After a comedy of errors in his run away, Gage ends up crashing an event where his former flame, Jett Stevens, is at.
Because Gage is running away, especially from his now former fiance's father's men (the father isn't in the mob or anything, he just likes to think he is), he trips over cords and the like and causes a spectacle, and ends up falling right into Jett's arms.
See, Jett is Hart Stevens' son. Hart Stevens was the lead singer of the band Queen's Hart, which became a massively famous band in the 80's.
But years ago, Hart Stevens died, and in his grief Jett hasn't been writing his own music, he's taken over as lead singer for his dad in the band.
The event is an interview with a (radio?) host, and it doesn't go well. Until Gage breezes back into Jett's life.
See, years ago - who knows how many. I assume around 10, at least. The book doesn't say how long it's been, just that it's been "years", which did kind of bother me. I would have liked to have known just long it's been since they were last together - these two were together and in love.
But after the loss of his father, the grief and what Jett was going through being in the public eye, Jett left Gage and broke his heart.
This happened a little too quick for me at first. Just because these two had already fallen in love in the past, so they were already at the in love stage. Just because they spent years apart, doesn't mean they lost the love.
They settled back into being together really quick. Yeah, there was a very very thin "fake boyfriend" thing going on because they ended up kissing in front of everyone (I forget why and how. I think someone in the crowd told them to kiss? I can't remember for sure, though. But it ended in them being announced as boyfriends to the world), but it was very real for them from the very beginning, and they were kissing and more pretty quick.
Which, if they were together and in love and never got over each other, I get, it's just that we as the reader didn't get to see them falling in love the first time. We got to see their first meeting in a flashback, and their first date, but that's it, nothing after that.
I didn't get too much off for the rushed feeling of their relationship in the beginning, simply because we had over 200 pages of seeing them fall for each other all over again, and to see sweet and sexy moments between them.
Their chemistry was good - although I wish some of the sex scenes hadn't been so rushed. I adored the ones that weren't, but there weren't many non-rushed sex scenes, in my opinion.
I do think some of these things could have been expanded upon. At least a few more flashbacks to really show how in love they were the first time, knowing their ages (all we get is that Gage was a junior in college when they first met, and how in present day Jett is close to 40), how much time they spent apart, a little more depth to why Bas, Jett's uncle and band manager, is such a bastard. We get a fairly rushed explanation near the end when he's exposed for exactly the evil shit he is.
If those had been expanded on and more was written out on them, I think this could have gotten pretty close to 5 stars for me, if not 5 full starts.
Also, there were some typos here and there we don't usually get from this author. They were very few and far between, but just seeing them was startling when I came across them.
As it is, there was a little bit missing from this story. I know this author can do even better than this, for sure.
Which, it was still good and enjoyable and had amazing, quintessential Charlie Cochet humor that I adore, and this was refreshingly fluffy and sweet and light, so it gets points for that.
It has so many things I love about this author, but was missing a few things I also love about this author.
So, 3.5 stars for me, rounded up for still being enjoyable overall. I just wish the author had given for page time for the build up of their relationship and a few other things that I listed.
Still worth a read, I say, as it's Cochet and I adore this author, and this still had a lot of trademark Cochet things in it.
Just, maybe, don't expect it to be THIRDS level worthy, unfortunately.
Oh well, onto the next! I'm excited for Kayden and Reid's story next - which, that's the reason for my cliffhanger tag as well. Gage and Jett's story isn't the cliffhanger, but Kayden and Reid's is, as in the epilogue on the very last two pages, the start of Kayden and Reid's story begins.
Can't wait! Those two definitely had an enemies-to-lovers-, hate/love thing going on and I am HERE for it! 😘
Aisle Be There, the first in the new Runaway Grooms series, was delightful and fun overall.
Gage Kingston is King's cousin, and as we were teased with at the end of King's book, Gage is getting married...to the wrong man.
And thus, Gage runs away on his wedding day. After a comedy of errors in his run away, Gage ends up crashing an event where his former flame, Jett Stevens, is at.
Because Gage is running away, especially from his now former fiance's father's men (the father isn't in the mob or anything, he just likes to think he is), he trips over cords and the like and causes a spectacle, and ends up falling right into Jett's arms.
See, Jett is Hart Stevens' son. Hart Stevens was the lead singer of the band Queen's Hart, which became a massively famous band in the 80's.
But years ago, Hart Stevens died, and in his grief Jett hasn't been writing his own music, he's taken over as lead singer for his dad in the band.
The event is an interview with a (radio?) host, and it doesn't go well. Until Gage breezes back into Jett's life.
See, years ago - who knows how many. I assume around 10, at least. The book doesn't say how long it's been, just that it's been "years", which did kind of bother me. I would have liked to have known just long it's been since they were last together - these two were together and in love.
But after the loss of his father, the grief and what Jett was going through being in the public eye, Jett left Gage and broke his heart.
This happened a little too quick for me at first. Just because these two had already fallen in love in the past, so they were already at the in love stage. Just because they spent years apart, doesn't mean they lost the love.
They settled back into being together really quick. Yeah, there was a very very thin "fake boyfriend" thing going on because they ended up kissing in front of everyone (I forget why and how. I think someone in the crowd told them to kiss? I can't remember for sure, though. But it ended in them being announced as boyfriends to the world), but it was very real for them from the very beginning, and they were kissing and more pretty quick.
Which, if they were together and in love and never got over each other, I get, it's just that we as the reader didn't get to see them falling in love the first time. We got to see their first meeting in a flashback, and their first date, but that's it, nothing after that.
I didn't get too much off for the rushed feeling of their relationship in the beginning, simply because we had over 200 pages of seeing them fall for each other all over again, and to see sweet and sexy moments between them.
Their chemistry was good - although I wish some of the sex scenes hadn't been so rushed. I adored the ones that weren't, but there weren't many non-rushed sex scenes, in my opinion.
I do think some of these things could have been expanded upon. At least a few more flashbacks to really show how in love they were the first time, knowing their ages (all we get is that Gage was a junior in college when they first met, and how in present day Jett is close to 40), how much time they spent apart, a little more depth to why Bas, Jett's uncle and band manager, is such a bastard. We get a fairly rushed explanation near the end when he's exposed for exactly the evil shit he is.
If those had been expanded on and more was written out on them, I think this could have gotten pretty close to 5 stars for me, if not 5 full starts.
Also, there were some typos here and there we don't usually get from this author. They were very few and far between, but just seeing them was startling when I came across them.
As it is, there was a little bit missing from this story. I know this author can do even better than this, for sure.
Which, it was still good and enjoyable and had amazing, quintessential Charlie Cochet humor that I adore, and this was refreshingly fluffy and sweet and light, so it gets points for that.
It has so many things I love about this author, but was missing a few things I also love about this author.
So, 3.5 stars for me, rounded up for still being enjoyable overall. I just wish the author had given for page time for the build up of their relationship and a few other things that I listed.
Still worth a read, I say, as it's Cochet and I adore this author, and this still had a lot of trademark Cochet things in it.
Just, maybe, don't expect it to be THIRDS level worthy, unfortunately.
Oh well, onto the next! I'm excited for Kayden and Reid's story next - which, that's the reason for my cliffhanger tag as well. Gage and Jett's story isn't the cliffhanger, but Kayden and Reid's is, as in the epilogue on the very last two pages, the start of Kayden and Reid's story begins.
Can't wait! Those two definitely had an enemies-to-lovers-, hate/love thing going on and I am HERE for it! 😘
Read
April 30, 2023The story was so sweet *my teeth ache* , with a little bit of drama and angst ...
Greg B. narration was really good, as always.
Maybe, i'll be reading the next book, after a visit to the dentist 😅
Greg B. narration was really good, as always.
Maybe, i'll be reading the next book, after a visit to the dentist 😅
June 17, 2023
I suddenly remembered I've read this, but never reviewed it.
I think I thought this book was fun and all kinds of hilarious!
Uhm, that's about all I remember..
I think I thought this book was fun and all kinds of hilarious!
Uhm, that's about all I remember..
Read
February 13, 2023Dnf’ed this book very early on. This is the first book I’ve attempted by this author and the writing was too OTT for me.
February 18, 2024
2.5 stars
If it weren't for the 15% of this that's unnecessary miscommunication, and third act self-sacrificing breakup I'd probably rate higher, but those are some of my biggest pet peeves for an author to use to move the story forward and it was IMO absolutely unnecessary and just ruined my enjoyment of the story. Added to it that this is technically a second chance romance and those are a hard sell for me even without the pet peeves, and I just don't feel like Jett did enough groveling to apologize to Gage. Now obviously YMMV, especially if you don't have the same pet peeves.
Contemporary, second chance romance with some humor, heat, and a happy ending.
If it weren't for the 15% of this that's unnecessary miscommunication, and third act self-sacrificing breakup I'd probably rate higher, but those are some of my biggest pet peeves for an author to use to move the story forward and it was IMO absolutely unnecessary and just ruined my enjoyment of the story. Added to it that this is technically a second chance romance and those are a hard sell for me even without the pet peeves, and I just don't feel like Jett did enough groveling to apologize to Gage. Now obviously YMMV, especially if you don't have the same pet peeves.
Contemporary, second chance romance with some humor, heat, and a happy ending.
February 22, 2025
Ridiculous.
July 28, 2023
Got as far as the first wedding that did not happen and called it a day. The description of the shell-covered suit and the complete farce of a groom made me question the MC's sanity (and the author's as well).
dnf
January 24, 2023DNF @15% Not my vibe
May 4, 2023
DNF at 19% — I have to say that this one did absolutely nothing for me. I found it to be juvenile and unrealistic. What happened to the Cochet whose work I once loved?
January 21, 2023
Charlie Cochet is BACK with a new series, and a spin off from my absolute favorite series of hers! While you don't have to have read the Kings and the Wild Cards spin off, I definitely recommend you check that series out. King is mentioned a bit in this book, since Gage is his cousin. And at the end of Joker and Gio's book (which is my 2nd favorite of the entire Kings 'verse), you get to read about the Kings all attending Gage's wedding.
Gage has just pulled a runaway groom stunt and is trying to hide out - which honestly, that entire sequence is just hilarious. Poor guy, he is unable to find a proper hide-away outfit LOL. He stumbles upon a beach concert, only to run into - literally - the band that his ex-boyfriend is now the lead singer of.
I looooved Jett and Gage together - they fell back into a "fake" relationship so seamlessly. There were a couple flashbacks of them when they were together and it was so sweet. And I LOVED the older band members, who were part of the band when Jett's father was lead singer. They were meddlesome, hilarious, and I loved them all.
The real conflict comes in the form of the band's manager, and Jett's asshole uncle. I can't believe the stuff he pulled! I won't say much to spoil it, but you won't like him.
This is a true contemporary romcom. Hilarious, sweet, swoony, heartwarming, and you will fall in love with these guys. Now I can't wait for Gage's friend's and brother's story LOL - hello enemies to lovers! One thing Charlie excels at I've always said, is how well she can write big groups of people and such great side characters who you then want stories for. I can tell she's got plenty up her sleeve for this series (And I do hope we'll get back to the Kings b/c I still need Ryden and Jay's story And Val and Saint! LOL sorry, I just really love the Kings)
Get this one, get caught up with the overall world of the Kings if you haven't already, and prepare to fall in love with Gage and Jett!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Gage has just pulled a runaway groom stunt and is trying to hide out - which honestly, that entire sequence is just hilarious. Poor guy, he is unable to find a proper hide-away outfit LOL. He stumbles upon a beach concert, only to run into - literally - the band that his ex-boyfriend is now the lead singer of.
I looooved Jett and Gage together - they fell back into a "fake" relationship so seamlessly. There were a couple flashbacks of them when they were together and it was so sweet. And I LOVED the older band members, who were part of the band when Jett's father was lead singer. They were meddlesome, hilarious, and I loved them all.
The real conflict comes in the form of the band's manager, and Jett's asshole uncle. I can't believe the stuff he pulled! I won't say much to spoil it, but you won't like him.
This is a true contemporary romcom. Hilarious, sweet, swoony, heartwarming, and you will fall in love with these guys. Now I can't wait for Gage's friend's and brother's story LOL - hello enemies to lovers! One thing Charlie excels at I've always said, is how well she can write big groups of people and such great side characters who you then want stories for. I can tell she's got plenty up her sleeve for this series (And I do hope we'll get back to the Kings b/c I still need Ryden and Jay's story And Val and Saint! LOL sorry, I just really love the Kings)
Get this one, get caught up with the overall world of the Kings if you haven't already, and prepare to fall in love with Gage and Jett!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2023
Groomzilla and the sea cockroaches
Funny, sweet, and turning its head on the expected angst, this story was a delight!
There is a wild bit of circumstance at the beginning where Gage runs away from his wedding but to run into his ex-boyfriend Jett......a rock star at a major interview. It isn't entirely clear how Gage pretty much fell past security and into the whirlwind he creates, but once together Jett immediately swoops in to save him and take him on a cross country concert tour trip. Feelings are brought up, questions are asked, and love is on the table! It is pretty clear which way to go there but the journey with these two is undeniably a delight.
It seemed from the opener of this book that there was going to be long and drawn out angst. Concerns about past relationships, leaving the wedding, a total lack of communication that would forever stymie any chance of a relationship. But that wasn't at all what happened. There were problems, but it was more about certain fears and life decisions than anything. They were also totally willing to talk, but equally willing to give each other time to do so. It was really refreshing and actually made for both the best connections in this book and the best humour.
While some of this wild ride does require a suspension of disbelief, it was shockingly easy to do so. The characters are fun and engaging, both the main pair and those around them. There are intriguing asides from that hint to possible future story lines without overshadowing the main story and there is some good addressing of issues, even when it isn't romance issues. It was a fun read with a great journey and a promise of more to come!
Funny, sweet, and turning its head on the expected angst, this story was a delight!
There is a wild bit of circumstance at the beginning where Gage runs away from his wedding but to run into his ex-boyfriend Jett......a rock star at a major interview. It isn't entirely clear how Gage pretty much fell past security and into the whirlwind he creates, but once together Jett immediately swoops in to save him and take him on a cross country concert tour trip. Feelings are brought up, questions are asked, and love is on the table! It is pretty clear which way to go there but the journey with these two is undeniably a delight.
It seemed from the opener of this book that there was going to be long and drawn out angst. Concerns about past relationships, leaving the wedding, a total lack of communication that would forever stymie any chance of a relationship. But that wasn't at all what happened. There were problems, but it was more about certain fears and life decisions than anything. They were also totally willing to talk, but equally willing to give each other time to do so. It was really refreshing and actually made for both the best connections in this book and the best humour.
While some of this wild ride does require a suspension of disbelief, it was shockingly easy to do so. The characters are fun and engaging, both the main pair and those around them. There are intriguing asides from that hint to possible future story lines without overshadowing the main story and there is some good addressing of issues, even when it isn't romance issues. It was a fun read with a great journey and a promise of more to come!
Read
May 22, 2023DNF 15%. Okay, feeling salty so beware. I wish books like this would come with some kind of content advisory explaining to the reader that the book uses nonsensical OTT “humor” and situations that do not remotely resemble any type of thing that could ever happen in the real world. Sometimes…okay, rarely…I’m in the mood for that kind of thing, usually I am not. And I get that lots and lots of readers dig it. But either way, with such an advisory, I would know before going in that the book used juvenile humor and shenanigans and I could decide if I wanted to invest the time.
I feel like these kinds of books with this kind of silly and, it must be said, stupid humor are everywhere in the MM romance world lately and to me it indicates a degree of laziness on the author’s part. Like it’s too hard to write meaningful, realistic, mindful prose with honest humor so they have to rely on the written equivalent of a prat fall. Silly, empty, dumb, staged.
I liked Cochet’s THIRDS series but this was just bad. Although with that 4.33 rating, not many folks would agree with me. Anyway. Sorry for the rant.
I feel like these kinds of books with this kind of silly and, it must be said, stupid humor are everywhere in the MM romance world lately and to me it indicates a degree of laziness on the author’s part. Like it’s too hard to write meaningful, realistic, mindful prose with honest humor so they have to rely on the written equivalent of a prat fall. Silly, empty, dumb, staged.
I liked Cochet’s THIRDS series but this was just bad. Although with that 4.33 rating, not many folks would agree with me. Anyway. Sorry for the rant.
April 24, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a cute one. From the first chapter I was into it. I mean a seashell suit? That outfit Gage was wearing when he ran away? Those visuals were hilarious. Gage & Jett were adorable. I loved their personalities & how well they knew each other. This was a great second chance romance. I also loved the ending and how it leads into the next book in the series. That is going to be a fun book.
Highlights:
The tea
The little flashbacks
Gage taking Jett to the bar where Hart's first gig was
The song
“If you didn’t know, I missed you every second of every day, even when I didn’t know it.”
"Tenderly, I took ahold of his chin and turned his face toward mine. Fuck, he was beautiful. He had this light that radiated out of him. I'd often wondered if that was why he looked the way he did on the outside, because that light had to shine through somehow."
This was a cute one. From the first chapter I was into it. I mean a seashell suit? That outfit Gage was wearing when he ran away? Those visuals were hilarious. Gage & Jett were adorable. I loved their personalities & how well they knew each other. This was a great second chance romance. I also loved the ending and how it leads into the next book in the series. That is going to be a fun book.
Highlights:
The tea
The little flashbacks
Gage taking Jett to the bar where Hart's first gig was
The song
“If you didn’t know, I missed you every second of every day, even when I didn’t know it.”
"Tenderly, I took ahold of his chin and turned his face toward mine. Fuck, he was beautiful. He had this light that radiated out of him. I'd often wondered if that was why he looked the way he did on the outside, because that light had to shine through somehow."
February 24, 2023
Didn’t realize how much I needed this book. Perfect timing for a fun and romantic interlude between some of my more heavy reads. Highly recommend for those who love the 80s, hot rockers, fun dialogue and just a tiny bit of angst to temper the sweetness.
May 15, 2023
This is my first time reading Charlie Cochet and I've heard that this was a spin off series but I'll be honest I wouldn't have known it if someone hadn't told me. While I'm not a huge rock star MC fan , I actually really enjoyed this one. Both our MCs are great together, fun and lighthearted outside the bedroom and high steam in side it. Can't wait for more in the series!
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