Catch a Tiger by the Tail Blog Tour Review

Hello all! Thank you for joining me on the second stop of the Catch a Tiger by the Tail blog tour, celebrating the release of book 6 in the THIRDS series out February 5th!

Music features heavily in the THIRDS series, whether through Dex’s obsession with 80s music, karaoke night at Dekatria, or a tender scene between characters. All of the THIRDS books have playlists which I listened to while I was writing and represent a good deal of what’s happening in the book. Catch a Tiger by the Tail is no different. Although Calvin and Ethan aren’t as enthusiastic about 80s music as Dex, they still very much enjoy listening to a few tunes. They’re more into Alternative, R&B, and Rock. Here’s the Catch a Tiger by the Tail Playlist:

1. This Kids Not Alright – AWOLNATION
2. Colorblind – Counting Crows
3. Sweet Dreams – Beyoncé
4. My Tiger My Heart – The Boy Least Likely To
5. Casualty of Love – Jessie J
6. I’m Gonna Do My Thing – Royal Deluxe
7. Make You Feel my Love – Adele
8. Shiver Shiver – Walk the Moon
9. Love Me Harder – Ariana Grande, The Weekend
10. Stand by Me – Ben E. King
11. Renegades – X Ambassadors

All my THIRDS playlists can be found on Spotify here. You can also find the playlists on THIRDSHQ.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Genre: Gay Paranormal Romance, Shifters
Length: Novel, 216 Pages
Published: Feb 5th, 2016
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Ebook ISBN-13: 9781634769099
Paperback ISBN-13: 9781634769082

Calvin Summers and Ethan Hobbs have been best friends since childhood, but somewhere along the line, their friendship evolved into something more. With the Therian Youth Center bombing, Calvin realizes just how short life can be and no longer keeps his feelings for his best friend a secret. Unfortunately, change is difficult for Ethan; most days he does well to deal with his Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety. Calvin’s confession adds a new struggle for Ethan, one he fears might cost him the friendship that’s been his whole world for as long as he can remember.

As partners and Defense Agents at the THIRDS, being on Destructive Delta is tough at the best of times, but between call-outs and life-threatening situations, Calvin and Ethan not only face traversing the challenges of their job, but also working toward a future as more than friends.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

Dreamspinner Press eBook | Dreamspinner Press Paperback Amazon | All Romance eBooks | Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From Historical to Fantasy, Contemporary to Science Fiction, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in South Florida, Charlie looks forward to migrating to a land where the weather includes seasons other than hot, hotter, and boy, it’s hot! When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website | THIRDS HQ | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram | Newsletter | DSP |Amazon |Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

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TOUR SCHEDULE

Feb 1st - Prism Book Alliance 

Feb 2nd - Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents 

Feb 3rd - Love Bytes Book Reviews 

Feb 4th - It's About the Book 

Feb 5th - Man2Mantastic 

Feb 8th - Sinfully Addicted to All Male Romance 

Feb 9th - Diverse Reader 

Feb 10th - Joyfully Jay 

Feb 11th - The Novel Approach 

Feb 12th - TTC Books and More

REVIEW

Catch a Tiger by the Tail by Charlie Cochet

4.5 stars

I've loved every book in the THIRDS series including this one.

The main couple in Catch a Tiger by the Tail is Calvin and Ethan. They have been best friends since they were children. I adore best friends to lovers stories, such deep and layered love. C&E aren't just best friends. They grew up almost like family. Even their mothers became best friends. First Ethan gave me the feels when I saw inside his head. Expressing himself is sometimes such a burden, but Cal's faith in him gives him courage. He wants so much to be strong in return. Then, I saw the real Cal. He has always been the strong one for everyone. It's tough to pick who I love more.

If you're missing the other guys, don't worry. The whole gang is very present in this installment. The heart and humor floating in the air when the team is together are joy overload for me. I can't get enough of their interactions. Romances, friendships and family relationships get those emotions flowing.

Of course, THIRDS has drama to manage in the outside world also. There's still something going on in the overall series, a big unknown with pieces in each book. Several instances of citizen unrest fall on the shoulders of the gang as well.

One of my favorite scenes is the Felids Gone Wild bit while they're moving. It ticked me so much. The sex scenes are super yummy, hot and sweet. And that ending! I can't wait for the next installment.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***

FGMAMTC 

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents 

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Rise & Fall by Charlie Cochet #TopReads2015 Interview

Rise & Fall is one of my top reads for 2015. Charlie was so kind as to answer some questions (Dex & Sloane even dropped by a bit). Also keep reading for an excerpt from Charlie's upcoming novel Forgive and Forget.

After an attack by the Coalition leaves THIRDS Team Leader Sloane Brodie critically injured, agent Dexter J. Daley swears to make Beck Hogan pay for what he’s done. But Dex’s plans for retribution are short-lived. With Ash still on leave with his own injuries, Sloane in the hospital, and Destructive Delta in the Coalition’s crosshairs, Lieutenant Sparks isn’t taking any chances. Dex’s team is pulled from the case, with the investigation handed to Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs. Dex refuses to stand by while another team goes after Hogan, and decides to put his old HPF detective skills to work to find Hogan before Theta Destructive, no matter the cost. 

With a lengthy and painful recovery ahead of him, the last thing Sloane needs is his partner out scouring the city, especially when the lies—however well intentioned—begin to spiral out of control. Sloane is all too familiar with the desire to retaliate, but some things are more important, like the man who’s pledged to stand beside him. As Dex starts down a dark path, it’s up to Sloane to show him what’s at stake, and finally put a name to what’s in his heart.

INTERVIEW

Are you surprised by the popularity and fandom of the Thirds series?

Absolutely! I never expected it to become what it has. When I set out to write the series, it was something I wanted to have fun with, and since it was going to be my biggest series to date—as far as the length of the stories and number of books was concerned—I figured I had to go big or go home. With as many characters and books as this series was going to be, I wanted to put my all into it by trying to offer readers a fun experience. I’m a big fandom buff, so I’m familiar with the major love for a movie or TV show, along with the need to get all geeky over extras from my favorite characters. Who doesn’t want more of the characters they laugh and cry with? Which is why I created THIRDS HQ, THIRDS Thursdays, and all the little extras for the series. It’s also something we’re seeing a lot more of with books, especially YA books.  

Do you prefer writing any genre more or find one easier to write? Is there anything you haven't tried yet but are planning?

I write whichever story grabs me, regardless of genre. I’ve now written historical, contemporary, and paranormal. My next big series is an Urban Fantasy series which I’m really looking forward to. I’ll also be writing more contemporary. Contemporary is a new one for me. I’ve got some novel length stories on my schedule. I’ve always wanted to write a fairytale, so maybe I’ll write one of those at some point.

Do these characters speak to you during your regular day to day activities. I can't imagine that Dex would ever shut up. He probably has something to say about everything. ;)

There are plenty of instances where I might see something, or hear something, and snicker to myself because it’s so Dex. Things like T-shirts, internet Memes, songs, snacks. There’s always something to remind me of one of the THIRDS guys.

What would you sing at karaoke night?

Definitely something 80s. I think me and Dex have the 80s covered.

Something rocking, like Pat Benatar, Def Leppard, or Queen.  

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Don’t know about love at first sight. Not saying it can’t happen because I’m sure there are folks out there who saw the love of their life and just knew. I do believe in an instant spark. Seeing someone and just being knocked off your feet.

What were some of your favorite books growing up?

I read a lot of romance growing up. A lot. The majority probably Harlequin. Romances from Amanda Quick, Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz, Jude Deveraux, Johanna Lindsey, Candice Camp, Jane Austen. So many. But I also read a lot of mystery/suspense and detective books. I love Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe books. Dashiell Hammett. I read a lot of James Patterson as well.

What projects are you working on for 2016?

For 2016 we have some more THIRDS books scheduled, as well as a Science Fiction romantic novella, my Dreamspun Desire novel for Dreamspinner Press called Forgive and Forget, plus a couple of other shorts.

FAVORITES

Favorites

Decade

Charlie: That’s a tough one. For the music, I’d say 80s. Definitely not for the fashion. For the style, I’d say 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Dex: The 80s all the way. What other decade will you find hair teased with enough hairspray to warrant a hazmat team entourage? And the school portraits? Who doesn’t own a school photo with a neon laser lightshow backdrop? Hands up who owned a ski suit they wore out in public yet had never gone skiing a day in their life? Come on, I know you’re out there. It’s okay. I won’t judge. I might laugh though. Don’t worry, Tony owned a pair of parachute pants, so you have nothing to feel embarrassed about.  

Sloane: That’s a tough one. For the music, I would probably say sixties, seventies, and part of the eighties. I’m a fan of classic rock.  For the fashion, I’d say I’m pretty happy with now. I’m a T-shirt and jeans kind of guy, but there are also all kinds of options. It’s easy to come up with your own style and no one blinks an eye.

Music Video

Charlie: Man, that’s a tough one. I’m going to go with something a little more modern and say Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance because I was just blown away by it the first time I saw it. I loved it.

Dex: You know what I’m going to say. Of course it’s going to be 80s! I’m going to go with Michael Jackson’s Thriller because that’s just a classic. Cael was terrified by it, but I thought it was awesome. And yes, I know the dance. Of course I know the dance.

Sloane: I’ve probably watched more music videos since I met Dex than I have in the whole of my life.

Ringtone

Charlie: Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas. I know. I’m a nerd.

Dex: Depends on who’s calling. If it’s Sloane, it’s Rock You Like a Hurricane by the Scorpions. Though I like to change it up every few weeks. For Calvin, it’s Axel Foley’s theme from Beverly Hills Cop. Hobbs gets a kick out of it every time I make Cal call my phone. For Hobbs, it’s Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger. For Tony it’s Soul Man by Sam & Dave. The Soul Men vinyl was his favorite record when he was a kid, and he still owns it. Cael it’s Video Killed the Radio Star by the Bangles. Ash, The Imperial March.

Sloane: For everyone except Dex it’s just a regular ringing sound. Exciting I know. But that’s what caller ID is for. For Dex it’s Def Leppard’s Pour Some Sugar on Me. I’ll give you one guess who programmed it. Thing is, I can’t change it. Cael did something to it which means no matter what I do, I can’t change it. The option’s just gone. Nothing like being in the middle of an interrogation and having that song come on.

Commercial

Charlie: I’m not a fan of commercials, but if I had to pick any it would probably be for anything playing a trailer for a movie or TV show I want to see.

Dex: They don’t make them like they used to. My favorites are probably the infomercial type. You know the ones. Where someone picks up a gallon milk and the second they try to pour the milk, the thing implodes or they fumble with it like it was a football they’d just caught and were trying to pass. All because they didn’t have the magic milk pourer or whatever product you just need to have or else your milk is doomed! Doomed I say! You’re destined to have a future of dry cereal for eternity! Those are the best commercials. Oh, and the puppy commercials, for like pet supply stores or puppy food. So many cute fluffy puppies.  

Sloane: We’re not getting a puppy. I don’t like commercials.

Dex: Straight and to the point, babe. You’re so smart. That’s why I love you.

Sloane: I love you too. But we’re still not getting a puppy.

Dex: Damn it. One of these days….

Sloane: Nope.

Dex: He’ll cave. You’ll see.

Sloane: No I won’t. We already have an excited puppy in the house. We don’t need another one.

Dex: What puppy? We don’t have a—Oh, you mean me. Funny.

Sloane: I try.

EXCERPT

From my upcoming Dreamspun Desires story Forgive and Forget releasing April 1^st:

“Joe, look!” Donnie pointed to the stained grass just under the man’s head.

“Damn, is that what I think it is?” Joe carefully turned the guy’s head, finding the black hair at the back matted with blood. “Looks like someone got him good. We need to call an ambulance.”

Donnie hesitated before his instincts kicked in, and then he checked for breathing and signs of a pulse. “His breathing’s shallow, but he’s alive. He’s probably got a concussion, so it’s not good for him to be out.”

“I don’t know anything about head wounds other than the kind Bea gives me, and luckily, they’re not enough to get me concussed. Not yet, anyway.”

“If he’s got a concussion and he’s out, it could damage his brain. Problem is, we don’t know how long he’s been out for. We should—”

The man shot out his hand and grabbed a hold of Joe’s wrist, causing Donnie to shriek and Joe to nearly jump out of his skin. “Sweet Jesus!” Joe was about to tell Donnie to run and call an ambulance when he realized the injured man was trying to talk. “It’s okay. We’re going to get you to a hospital, just hang on.”

The man made a noise that sounded an awful lot like “no,” but that couldn’t be right. Maybe the poor bastard was out of his head. Joe leaned in when the guy lifted his head. “No cops,” he slurred, tightening his grip on Joe’s arm, his voice so low and gravelly Joe wouldn’t have heard him if he hadn’t been so close. “No hospital.”

“What?” Joe shook his head and did his best to remain calm. “Listen, buddy, someone knocked you over the head. You need medical attention.”

“Please, no cops. Help me.”

“I’m trying to help, but the best I can do is get you to a hospital. I’m not a doctor.”

“They’ll… kill me. Cops… dead…. No hospital. Please.” With that, the guy collapsed back onto the ground.

Well, those were certainly words he didn’t care to hear in the same sentence.

About the Author

Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of
her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From Historical to Fantasy, Contemporary to Science Fiction, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in South Florida, Charlie looks forward to migrating to a land where the weather includes seasons other than hot, hotter, and boy, it’s hot! When she isn't writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers. 

                  

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Against The Grain by Charlie Cochet Blog Tour Review

Title: Against the Grain

Series: THIRDS, Book 5

Author: Charlie Cochet

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Cover Artist: L.C. Chase

Length: Novel, 216 pages

Release Date: August 3^rd, 2015

Blurb: As the fiercest Defense Agent at the THIRDS, Destructive Delta’s Ash Keeler is foul-mouthed and foul-tempered. But his hard-lined approach always yields results, evident by his recent infiltration of the Coalition. Thanks to Ash’s skills and the help of his team, they finally put an end to the murdering extremist group for good, though not before Ash takes a bullet to save teammate Cael Maddock. As a result, Ash’s secrets start to surface, and he can no longer ignore what’s in his heart.

Cael Maddock is no stranger to heartache. As a Recon Agent for Destructive Delta, he has successfully maneuvered through the urban jungle that is New York City, picking up his own scars along the way. Yet nothing he’s ever faced has been more of a challenge than the heart of Ash Keeler, his supposedly straight teammate. Being in love isn’t the only danger he and Ash face as wounds reopen and new secrets emerge, forcing them to question old loyalties.

At one point, Ash felt Cael’s leg pressed up against his, and it was ridiculous how happy the tiny gesture made him. If it was even a gesture. Ash swiftly put it off to being an accident, but then a little later, Cael reached over and wiped a thumb over the corner of Ash’s mouth, telling him he had a breadcrumb.

“You should have seen him,” Dex said with a laugh. “He looked so adorable with his cheetah fuzz shaped into spikes, from his head down to his back. Like a little spotted punk rocker.”

Maddock shook his head at Dex. “It took me two hours to wash all the hair spray off your brother’s fur.”

“We were pretending to be Guns N’ Roses,” Cael explained. “Dex was singing ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ and I was backup sing—er, chirping.”

Ash laughed and playfully bumped Cael’s shoulder. “I’m going to have to agree with Dex. That’s adorable.” Even in his Therian form, Ash thought Cael was the sweetest thing he’d ever laid eyes on. Cael could be in his Therian form among thousands of cheetahs, and Ash would be able to point him out. His little gestures, the heart shape of his nose, or the way he chirped away, as if anyone not in their Therian form might understand him if he tried hard enough.

Dex grabbed Sloane’s arm. “Tell me you recorded that. Doesn’t matter. I have witnesses.” Dex stood and motioned to all of them. “Witnesses! You all heard it. Ash said he agrees with me.”

“Oh, good Lord. We’re never going to hear the end of this,” Maddock sighed, getting up to clear the dishes.

“Do you realize how epic this moment is?” Dex said, helping clear up.

“It’s not really that epic,” Maddock replied.

Dex let out an exaggerated gasp. “Where have you been living? Ash Keeler has agreed with something I, Dexter J. Daley, has said.”

“About your brother being adorable. Not exactly earthshattering. He’s thought that since they met.”

The table fell into silence as they all gaped at Maddock. Well, this was news to Ash. What the hell? Seeming to notice the quiet, or more likely the lack of Dex talking, Maddock looked up.

“What are you, fish? Close your mouths.”

Four mouths promptly closed.

“It’s not rocket science. I’ve known that boy since he joined, and he’s threatened every agent he’s ever met with kicking their ass. Except for Cael.”

Hard to argue with that. It was the truth.

Dex frowned at Ash. “You threatened to kick Hobbs’s ass?”

Ash nodded. “Yep.” Was it his first week of being on the job? He was pretty sure it was the first week.

“Dude, that’s not cool. Hobbs is awesome.”

“He can also be a pain in the ass. Plus when we first met, I didn’t know he had selective mutism. I asked him a question, and he wouldn’t answer me. He’d whisper to Calvin, who’d answer for him. I got pissed off and told him if he didn’t tell me himself, I’d kick his ass.” Ash had never met a tiger Therian as big and insecure as Hobbs. The whole encounter had left him confused. Here was their new demolitions expert, and he couldn’t talk. How the fuck was he going to communicate with his team? Ash wasn’t proud to admit he’d had a shit fit. He understood the THIRDS was about equality and representation when it came to hiring, but he had been genuinely concerned about the safety of his team. Not long after, Ash had seen how wrong he’d been about Hobbs. Not that he’d admitted it.

Dex let out a sound of disgust. “Dude, not cool.”

“I said I didn’t know. I apologized afterward, and that’s saying something.”

Ash got up to help clear the dishes, with Dex going on about how he should really think about using some of those scented candles Rosa had gifted him. Ash proceeded to flip him off.

When Cael stood to help, Ash put a hand to his shoulder.

“Relax, I’ve got this.”

He gave Cael a wink and walked the dirty dishes to the kitchen with Dex yammering on behind him. The guy was like a fucking mosquito buzzing in your ear and trying to suck the life out of you. Ash placed the dishes in the dishwasher, giving grunts and one-word replies. He grabbed the dishes from Dex and put those in as well. He wished he could stick Dex in there. Finally someone up there decided to give him a break, and Dex left the kitchen, singing some stupid song about a lion sleeping tonight or something.

Ash frowned at Maddock. “Does he never shut up? How the hell did you live with this for so long?”

“It’s called patience,” Maddock replied. “Not exactly your forte.”

“Oh, I can be patient. That’s not what’s required when dealing with your oldest. I’d say sedative is more the word you were looking for.”

Maddock laughed. “Just get in there, Keeler.”

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Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

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REVIEW

Against the Grain by Charlie Cochet

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This series is one of my favorites. I love how each character has their own totally unique personality. Sometimes in a series, the storyline and roles in the books seem to repeat. That is definitely not the case here.

Actually, I have to admit that I wasn't always crazy about Ash. He's the type that almost everyone thinks is an ass. We saw hints of the real him in the other books, but it was wonderful to see things from Cael's point of view. And seeing how Ash truly feels about Cael made me all swoony.

From the previous books, we know that there are some seriously shady dealings going on within the scientific community. Of course it involves people inside Thirds. There are lots of mysterious meetings, unknown drugs and cases of figuring out who's good and who's bad.

Our favorite Thirds agents are still one big family. They work hard and play hard together. The more I learn about their backgrounds, the more I love them. All the office romances are like the icing on the cake.

Against the Grain was one of my most highly anticipated reads this year, and it did not disappoint. I loved every word, and I cannot wait for more from one of the best casts ever.

***copy given in exchange for an honest review***


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