Be still My Heart by Charlie Cochet
Four Kings Security #2
Contemporary Romance
July 28, 2018
About the Book:Former Special Forces medical sergeant Russell “Red” McKinley knows a thing or two about wounds, like the fact some can take a lifetime to heal, if they heal at all. The scars Red carries run deep, and living with PTSD often means battling the memories of his past. Injuries he received while working an executive protection case with fellow Kings and co-owners of Four Kings Security, have once again forced past heartaches to the surface, but Red is determined not to let it derail his blossoming romance with sweet and sexy fashion photographer Lazarus Galanos.
Laz can’t deny there’s something special developing between him and Red, but Laz has wounds of his own. He’s hesitant to jump into a new relationship after his recent explosive breakup. Experience has taught Laz to doubt his judgement when it comes to men. Guys who seem too good to be true, usually are, and no one appears more perfect than Red.
When an attempt is made on Laz’s life, Red is determined to keep him safe. Laz may not be a client, and Red is still off duty, but Laz is one of their own, and nothing means more to the Kings than family. While an investigation is underway, Red and Laz are growing closer, but can they find a way to help each other heal and take a chance on love, or will their fears and insecurities cost them more than their future together?
I think reading Four Kings Security is a hurdle for me, having only read THIRDS by Charlie Cochet. The two series are similar enough it’s hard to not compare, and they’re different enough in all the ways that meant Four Kings struggles to measure up.
There’s a life-ness in all the characters Charlie’s created in the Therian world of THIRDS, and I know she’s trying to create something similar in the relationship of the Kings, but for me it seems to be told more than felt. We’re told Ace and King are the best of friends, but not once were we given a scene or a moment that showed me the emotion between them. That’s how it felt with all the Kings. I was missing the emotion.
I did feel like the relationship between Laz and Red was more interesting than Colton and Ace, but probably only because their relationship started in the first book, so by default it meant we had more to go on than just one book. So, yes they were sweeter and I felt more connected to their individual characters. However, part of the issue I have with this series is how Insta-love it is. Again, to compare, the relationship between Dex and Sloane in THIRDS develops over 3-4 books. There’s instant attraction, but they don’t just connect. In Four Kings, their eyes meet and they’re getting married. There’s no slow burn at all. I need a slow burn.
Regardless, I know I’m not going to stop reading this series. That’s Charlie’s secret, because it seems like she perfectly sets up the following book in the present one. Next it’s going to be Lucky and Mason, and it’s antagonistic, and I love the antagonistic trope. I don’t have the highest expectations, but I know I’m going to read it. So… I hope I’m proven wrong.
Birdie Bookworm 
Well that’s the secret Wendy: addicting the reader even if it’s not perfect 😉
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