Release Day Review: Against the Grain by Charlie Cochet

Title: Against the Grain (THIRDS: Book Five)

Author: Charlie Cochet

Page/Word Count: 220 Pages

At a Glance: I have loved every book and audio in this series so far, and absolutely can’t wait for more of the THIRDS.

Reviewed By: Karen

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.

Review: So, a little less than a year ago, I ordered a book from Dreamspinner Press because it was being offered for free. I didn’t really read the blurb or any reviews, I hadn’t heard of the author or the series, but it was free and my budget was tight so I thought, well, I give it a shot. That book was Hell & High Water, and I fell in love.

Although the first books all revolved mostly around Dex and Sloane, they really showcase the entire team, and this book is Ash and Cael’s story. We get a little more background on things that have made these two who they are, and I don’t think their story could have been done any better than it was. Even though there was a change in the MC in this book, it still focuses on the team, so you still get snippets of all of the guys and girls we love. I liked getting a look at the team from a different perspective and to get to see a how Ash and Cael view the crazy going on around them. I seriously want a friend like Dex.

As a couple, Ash and Cael are so sweet. They seem to bring out the best in each other. They make each other see themselves as the other sees them: strong, sweet, fierce, protective and loved.

I have loved every book and audio in this series so far, and absolutely can’t wait for more of the THIRDS. I can only imagine how awesome Calvin and Hobbs story is going to be!