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THIRDS: Rebels

Love and Payne

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Austen Payne, THIRDS Squadron Specialist Agent (SSA) for Destructive Delta and TIN operative, has seen the worst the world has to offer, faced lethal killers, and helped bring down dangerous organizations. But nothing terrifies him more than falling in love. After years of undercover work, Austen is a master at defending himself and protecting his heart… until he meets Osmond Zachary.

THIRDS Defense Agent Osmond Zachary has a huge, doting family, yet something is missing in his life. After meeting grumpy, foul-mouthed, jittery cheetah Therian Austen Payne, Zach knows exactly what that something—or someone—is. Unfortunately Austen seems determined to avoid Zach at all costs.

When Zach foils an assassination attempt, he ends up in the killer’s crosshairs, and Austen is Zach’s best chance at staying alive. Zach hopes the crisis will bring them closer, but Austen has every intention of walking away as soon as the danger is over.

Happily ever after isn’t for guys like Austen, but Zach is determined to show him it can be….

200 pages, ebook

First published September 4, 2018

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About the author

Charlie Cochet

110 books3,344 followers
Charlie Cochet is the international bestselling author of the THIRDS series. Born in Cuba and raised in the US, Charlie enjoys the best of both worlds, from her daily Cuban latte to her passion for classic rock.

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo, and a very opinionated German Shepherd bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found devouring a book, releasing her creativity through art, or binge watching a new TV series. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.



Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
THIRDS HQ: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/charliecochet/


Email: charlie@charliecochet.com
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Profile Image for Charlie Cochet.
Author 110 books3,344 followers
Read
September 9, 2020
**** Love and Payne is not a continuation of the THIRDS series. The original THIRDS series is 10 books with the final book being Tried & True. Love and Payne is the first book of several side books in the THIRDS Universe. It is also not a new series. It's a standalone novel.

It is not necessary to read the whole THIRDS series to enjoy Love and Payne. If you have, awesome! It enhances the reading experience, but you shouldn't be lost if you haven't.
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,579 reviews3,886 followers
September 1, 2018
4stars.png (1200×348)

I have had a small crush on Austen, since his first appearance in "Thirds". Ever since that moment I wanted to read his story... and now the time has finally come !!

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1517

And who would be better for Austen than our vey own Yogi Bear...Zach !! That "cheesy doodles scene" with Dex in Hell & High Water, made me laugh my ass off...I will never forget it ;)

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1517

Like I said.. I have really been looking forward to reading Austen and Zach's story and I am glad to say that I enjoyed it very much ;)

Now we've been getting to know these two a bit more in the last couple of books, but a lot about them was still one big mystery, especially Zach. This books clears all of that up.

We already know that Austen, who is a cheetah Therian, was recruited by Thirds when he was very very young, like 14 years old young. Sloane played a big part in his recruitment. He is an SSA agent and he has been working as an opperative for TIN. To say he has had it rough growing up would be an understatement. Which is the reason for these huge walls Austen has ..surrounding him.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1517

Zach is a bear Therian working for Thirds and his life is/has been the complete opposite of Austen's. Case in point....he has like 9 siblings...9 !!!! And Zach is actually the baby of this very big and very loving family.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1517

When Zach gets hurt on the job, he is send to the hospital....and Austen is right there with him in a flash. But being in the hospital doesn't protect him from almost being killed and so Zach and his family go into hiding...

These two were really sweet together, but Zach had to work very hard to get Austen's walls down...

https://www.fotoaanpassen.nl/

Thankfully, Zach is the sweetest most patient man ever and he does love Austen a lot, so he is very willing to put in the effort ;)

There is some push and pull but eventually Austen just has to give in...I mean who can resist this gentle giant ;)

https://www.fotoaanpassen.nl/

I loved reading about Austen en Zach falling more and more in love and loved reading about Zach big ass family, they were awesome. I also enjoyed getting to know Brayden, Austen's friend and fellow agent Brayden. He's a snow leopard (awesome) and I wonder if he will be getting his own book as well ;)

Now I have got to be honest though. As much as I enjoyed reading this one, I missed team Destructive Delta ... especially Dex. He always puts a smile on my face and I have got to admit that he is my absolute favorite.

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1517

Reading a Thirds book without him...it just wasn't the same. So I guess I've got some re-reading to do, to get my Dex fix :P

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Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,325 reviews481 followers
September 7, 2018
4 Stars!!

Ahhhhh, there’s the Cochet I know and love!

Zach is my favorite kind of MC and that’s nice and BIG. Ha! At 7’4”, 310 pounds, this wonderous package of pure manly man is basically the poster child of gentle giant to the max. Unf. All he wants to do is love on Austen. Yes please!

Now, Austen’s one lucky bastard to garner the attention of such a teddy bear, but he’s a little bit prickly. He’s had a shit deal dealt to him and no one has ever cared about Austen nor thought him deserving of such. The last thing he needs is any emotional attachment. Nope. However, when Zach’s life is threatened, Austen finds himself forced into close quarters with 90+ members of all things bear and he doesn't know what to do with them or himself. It’s the fucking twilight zone of familial good feels!

Seriously, this series can do no wrong and I apologize for my review that is not a review. Newbies just need to start with Hell & High Water and veterans need to catch up if they haven’t already. I loved pretty much everything about this because it brought the laughs, the adorbs, the sexy, and those twisty feels that I always revel in! Cochet can’t write fast enough for the next in series!!
Profile Image for Meags.
2,261 reviews557 followers
September 11, 2018
4.5 Stars

Austen Payne is a top three THIRDS character for me so my expectations going into this long (long) awaited story were really high. Thankfully – seriously, thank Christall my hopes and wishes for this particular installment were met in glorious fashion and I couldn’t be happier with the results.

As long-time readers of the series will be well aware, TIN super spy Austen Payne has been denying his feelings for THIRDS agent Osmond “Zach” Zachary for years. There’s been something simmering there, slowly building in the background of the THIRDS series for so long that I can’t even remember a time when I wasn’t impatiently waiting for this focus story to come out.

When Zach becomes the target of some assassins working for an unidentified third party, Austen joins Zach and the huge ass Zachary clan – like 96 members strong – at their family’s remote mountain lodging, in an attempt to keep Zach safe and protected while Austen’s people attempt to identify the bad guys and work out why they’re after Zach so adamantly.

In these circumstances, Austen and Zach are finally thrown into prolonged close proximity – for the first time since they initially meet all those years ago – and for once Austen can’t resist the sweet and dreamy bear Therian’s loving gaze and blatant yearning, even though he tries his darndest to avoid the inevitable fireworks.

It’s all deny, deny, deny, until Austen, in a moment of weakness, gets a taste of his man and gets a glimpse of the true potential he and Zach could have together – a life of love and joy and unwavering acceptance and support; full of tender touches, crazy hot sex, and surrounded by a family of bears who welcome Austen into their lives and hearts fully and without question. It’s a good looking scene, but Austen is constantly fighting his own personal demons and beliefs that a relationship is just not feasible, no matter how much he might wish it so.

There’s a lot of push and pull here, but throughout the high stakes drama and with the admittance of some undeniable truths, Austen and Zach eventually work their shit out and it was kind of fabulous! Watching burned and broken Austen open up to Zach and finally sharing his deepest insecurities and vulnerabilities with the guy, really was a heart-warming and buoyant experience for me as a reader, even considering Austen’s long-time avoidance and grumpy denials of his true feelings and desires for Zach.

I think why this worked so well for me is that I really understood Austen’s mindset and why he was so adamant that a relationship couldn’t work. Obviously, I was glad he overcame his issues and that he worked a lot of his shit out, but the fact remains that I got why he was the way he was and felt the way he felt. I’ve always loved the guy, but now I finally feel like we know the ins and outs of him, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how his story unfolded.

As always, I absolutely loved the romance, the action, the humour, and most importantly, the strong family vibes and awesome friendships that are forever a highlight in this series (and most all of Cochet's works). She has an impressive knack for creating really lovable characters who share some truly brilliant family dynamics, whether they be families by blood or by choice. It's always been my favourite aspect of this series, and in this particular story I found myself once again immersed in the great family feels surrounding the Zachary clan, especially in their effortless acceptance of Austen.

Reactions to this book have varied greatly among some of my most trusted GR buddies and it certainly seems like a story that will garner a lot of opposing reactions and differing levels of enjoyment. All I can say to this is that I hope potential readers keep an open mind and give this one a go if they’ve enjoyed this series in the past, because you never know, you might just share my reaction of ardent joy and satisfaction – and if not, I’m terribly sorry (in advance).

Love and Payne now ranks among my favourites in this THIRDS world and I’m so damn happy all my long-time expectations for Austen and Zach were exceeded here.

I’m looking forward to what’s to come next in both the THIRDS universe and in the upcoming TIN series. Surely, knowing my personal track record with this awesome world Cochet has created, I’ll be in for a fun time regardless of the series focus. All I can say is: bring it on!!!
Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,365 followers
May 18, 2020
If you haven't read the series, you will be completely lost. It isn't a standalone at all.

But, for TL:DR people: The THIRDS series has an alternate reality of a bunch of shifters who were made that way by something related to the Vietnam War and have their own police force called the THIRDS. The main couple in that series is Dax and Sloane, and then of course all their friends started hooking-up in subsequent books. These two were stragglers who are in need of such a hook-up, so voila - this "spin-off" series is born.

Oh, and everyone is gay.



Okay, now that you are caught up.
This book is featuring a cheetah shifter and a bear shifter. The cheetah is a guy who has been in most of the books as the spy/undercover/assassin mysterious man-of-danger. The bear is a guy that we met in the very first chapter of the very first book as a comical dumb giant who chased Dax through the entire building and threatened to beat him up for a bag of Cheetos. So.... he doesn't exactly got the sexy-vibe thing going.

More like this:



But, he seemed to get slightly better as the series went on. I don't know. I guess it became believable in this book that he could be a romantic lead. Barely.

Still, I liked it because I wanted the Cheetah to get his HEA.
And, yes, that sentence totally makes sense.
Profile Image for Rosabel.
723 reviews231 followers
May 15, 2021
My luck has finally returned with this spin-off of the THIRDS series. I read the first three books from that one and even though I loved the story, it had that tone in wich everything is a joke even death situations that don't go well with me, I didn’t mind it much but I had to stop at three. 🤭🤭

This one was from the same world but without the lead guys of the THIRDS series so I wanted to try and yep, I struck gold!!!! I really liked this, I love when we have big teddy bears for a main character and in here one of them is literally a bear shifter, so I enjoyed Zach's personality and his warmth, his patience with Austen and I just love when they shift and start playing in their animal form, is cute as hell!!!! *squeals* 😫😫

Austin didn't win me over at the beginning, while trying to defend himself he was very aggressive to other people, so much so that it seemed he didn't have manners and it was unrealistic a little bit, then the story developed and that trait stopped playing a part in it, so I could enjoy him a little bit more and appreciate him as a character. Watching him getting is HEA was worthwhile.

This had cute shifters, family, warmth and a good crime plot, it was cute, it was fun and at the end I still felt Charlie's writing style.

Lovely read. 🥰❤
Profile Image for Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘.
1,314 reviews2,969 followers
December 9, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*It Was Alright*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

The more books from the THIRDS world, the better, right? As long as Dex & Sloane are there, I'm all good. Mostly. In this spin-off from THIRDS series, we met two Therians who we have already met through the THIRDS series. It wasn't a surprise that we got a book centering the Cheetah Therian, Austen Payne (28), a THIRDS Squadron Specialist Agent (SSA) for Destructive Delta and TIN (Therian Intelligence Network) operative, and the brown bear Therian Osmond ‘Oz’ ‘Ozzy’ ‘Z’ ‘Zach’ Zachary (34?), Agent for Alpha Sleuth in Unit Beta.
“I see you.”
Austen swallowed hard. Zach was so hopped up on drugs, he had no idea what the hell he was saying. Besides, it wasn’t like he was going to remember anyway, so why argue?
“Sure, big guy.”
“You’ll see,” Zach replied softly, his lips tugging at the corner in a smile. Like he knew some big secret Austen didn’t.
Austen shook his head. “Take care of yourself, Z.” He turned to go, but Zach caught his hand, Zach’s palm warm, skin soft, and fingers gripping Austen just tight enough to let him know what he wanted.
“Stay.”
“I can’t.” Austen hated that his voice broke. He hated that his heart was being an asshole and pulling him back to Zach’s side. He especially hated the little spark of hope pulsing from somewhere inside the darkness of his soul.

They both met when Austen was hurt three years ago and Zach was sent to protect him while he healed. Although they got a connection, Austen never lets himself be vulnerable as years as an undercover agent, he's learned to protect himself and his heart. Though he really wants Zach, he refuses to let himself have him, even as Zach wants to be his. So Austen tries to stay way, 'stalking' him from the distance, until Zach ends up in the hospital. Unfortunately, the danger doesn't stop there. Someone is out to get Zach into an early grave, and Austen will do everything in his power to keep him safe, even spending days under the same roof as the Zachary clan.
“Do I have eyes? That’s a ridiculous question. Of course I think he’s sexy. He’s beautiful, funny, smart, and when he smiles, my God, he steals my breath away. But he’s more than that. He’s complicated, and moody, and I wish I could make him see how beautiful the rest of him is, not just what’s on the outside.”
The room had gone silent. Shit. He’d been rambling. Why was everyone staring at him wide-eyed? No, not at him, but behind him. Oh crap. No, no, no.
Zach turned slowly, smiling sheepishly as he waved at Austen. “Hey.”
Austen arched an eyebrow at him. “Hey.”
“We weren’t talking about you,” Zach blurted.
“We were totally talking about you,” Una stage-whispered.
“Oh my God.” Zach turned to glare at Una and spoke through gritted teeth. “You are so dead.”

Zach's from a big family; he has nine siblings; six brothers working for the THIRDS. Zach’s the baby of the family. The entire Zachary clan has ninety-five members. So it can be overwhelming, specially for a guy like Austen who is used to being alone. But he needs to protect Zach so he's willing, even though he has to keep his walls up so Zach doesn't see how much he wants him. Overall, as a Dex & Sloane fan, not seeing them in the THIRDS world... it didn't feel right. I missed them. They were mentioned a couple of times, which made me miss them more. It's really not the same without them. But the book wasn't bad. It had some action, so loving; specially family love. Hot sex and a little pain.
“Hey, what have I told you about supporting your cousin?”
Ramsey stood and stomped over to his dad. Little shit. “All you guys are doing is making things worse for him. He’s going to think he can do anything when he can’t, and then one day it’ll get him hurt!”
“Hey,” Austen snapped, startling Ramsey, who turned his defiant glare on Austen. “Your cousin can do anything, and I’m going to prove it.” He dropped to one knee in front of Caley, and put his hands on his small shoulders. “When I was your age, I was just as small, but I didn’t have anyone to look out for me like you do. I got pushed around and beat up a lot, but you know what I learned?”
“What?” Caley asked almost reverently.
“That I was the one in charge of my destiny. I got to choose who I was, and I wasn’t going to be weak.”

Zach and Austen were cute together when Austen let them. I really liked the scene with Caley and Austen; it was adorable and I wish we had gotten more than one scene. As for the action, it was good. Austen kicked ass, which is normal and Zach was a huge teddy bear who only wants to give Austen his heart. He's all warm and fuzzy. It did bother me a little bit how much... better (?) Austen was when it came to fighting; it was a though Zach's THIRDS agent brother were almost weak and ended up in the background compared to Austen. Hell, Austen made all the calls and Colin, who's a team leader mostly let him. It just gave me a feeling of them being weak for some reason...
“Oh my,” she said, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “You boys certainly have your hands full with those two.” Shaking her head in amusement, she left with their dad in tow.
“And that’s why, dear brothers,” Bram stated, jumping from his chair, “I don’t do relationships. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a phone call to make. PR’s been on my ass to arrange another field trip to Unit Beta.”
“We do that all the time,” Colin said with a shrug. “What’s the big deal?”
“The teacher whose class they want me to show around is a prissy pain in my ass,” Bram grumbled.
“Have we worked with him before?”
Bram shook his head. “He was just added to the roster. Some guy called Felipe Bautista.” Bram wrinkled his nose. “Even his name’s pretentious.”
Zach and Edan exchanged glances, and Edan smiled wickedly. “And you care because?”
Bram rolled his shoulders back with a sniff. “I don’t. Like I said, he’s just a pain in the ass.” Bram seemed to get lost in thought for a moment before shaking his head and leaving the room. Colin’s bemused expression mirrored the rest of theirs.

I wonder though, if Caley will get his own book someday. Like a “THIRDS NEXT GENERATION” series or something. Who knows. I just want more Dex and Sloane though. Maybe seeing them getting a kid... Wouldn't that be something. How long will we be waiting for next book? I hope it's with Dex & Sloane. I can't go long without know what will happen now that they are TIN operatives. Oh and is it just me, or do my reviews of this THIRDS world get longer and longer...
If Austen didn’t put an end to this once and for all, he could end up falling for Zach, and when Zach saw, really saw, how messed-up he was, he’d run. And it would break Austen. He’d spent too long protecting what remained of his heart to take such a risk, especially when he knew what the outcome would be.
He and Zach had no future. If Austen cared about Zach, he’d leave. Now. Time to stop giving Zach—and himself—hope.

Other Characters:
Colin Gavin Zachary, Team Leader of Alpha Sleuth and brother of Zach. Both on the same team. Duke, his human partner. Colin's the oldest Zachary sibling. Caley (6), a tiny bear Therian and Colin's son. Sheena, Colin's wife and a human. “Caley was born prematurely, and although he’s a strong little boy, stronger than a Human little boy, the doctor said he will always be small for his classification. It’s a difficult thing to hear when you’re a bear Therian. Every classification of Therian takes pride in their natural gifts. Felid Therians are the fiercest, Canid Therians the most astute, bear Therians the strongest. It’s even more difficult when your daddy is your hero and you know you’ll never be as strong as him.”
Sawyer, Zach's human partner.
Finley, Zach's brother and THIRDS agent. Idelle, his wife.
Boyd, Zach's brother and THIRDS agent. Nessa, his wife. Ramsey (14), Boyd’s youngest child.
Alastair ‘Al’, Zach's brother and Boyd's twin, and THIRDS agent. Coby, his husband.
Edan Zachary, Zach's third youngest brother and THIRDS agent.
Bram Zachary, Zach's second youngest brother and THIRDS agent.
Maisy Lou-Anne Barlow (5? 6?), daughter of prosecutor Aaron Barlow; he's running for senator in the upcoming election. Bill Kerner, Barlow’s counsel. Both anti-Therian.
Brayden ‘Bray’ Kavanah (26), Austen's best friend and fellow agent (provocateur for the Therian Intelligence Network). He's a snow leopard Therian. He and Austen are friends with benefits; fuck buddies.
→ Nana Elsbeth and Nana Larena, grandmother to the Zachary siblings. Their favorite grandbaby, Osmond aka Zach.
→ Former THIRDS agents turned TIN operatives Dexter J. Daley (38) and his husband, Sloane Daley (41).
Iona Zachary (midsixties), aka Mama Bear, the mother of the Zachary siblings (10 kids). Gavin, her husband and father of the Zachary siblings
Isobel, Kenna and Una, Zach's sisters. Isobel was the oldest of his sisters, and the second oldest of his siblings. Kenna was the middle sister and Una the baby of the sister.
Davonna, Kenna's woman.
Monroe, a fellow paramedic of Una and her boyfriend. Is a smaller bear Therian.
→ Lieutenant Sonya Sparks (48), a cougar Therian and Austen's boss.
Austen shouted into his phone (to Sparks). “You tricked me!” His eyes went comically wide. “Oh my God, are you laughing?”
Brayden and Zach exchanged glances before bursting into laughter again.
“You know what? You can all bite me!” Austen hung up, and crossed his arms over his chest, his pout fierce.

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series (SPIN-OFF; Can Be Read Without Reading THIRDS Series), Book One.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Osmond ‘Oz’ ‘Ozzy’ ‘Z’ ‘Zach’ Zachary.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 3 stars.
Profile Image for Kati *☆・゚.
808 reviews349 followers
December 9, 2022
3.25*** stars


whoop whoop, finally back on audio!!

As much as I loved going back into the THIRDS universe this was unfortunately payne-fully uneventful, I was mostly bored, tbh. I love Austin and Zach and it was super cute nonetheless to watch them finding their way to each other. Like finally! But I think their story would’ve been better as a sweet little novella.


But what I love so much about these books in general is when CC describes the Therians shifting into their animal form just to have fun - this time a cheetah, a snow leopard and a whole lot of big bears playing and running in the snow.

Zach threw himself into the snow and rolled, front paws holding on to his back paws as he wriggled happily. He frolicked around, thrusting his snout into the snow, sending small waves of it cascading into the air. […] Silly bear.

Ears flattened, Austen [cheetah, sprawled on Zach’s back] braced himself as Zach launched down the snowy hill on his belly like a furry sled. Austen’s chirps were high-pitched as he told Zach off, and they only stopped when something bigger whooshed by, and Austen stared after Edan [bear] whizzing by on his stomach, Brayden [snow leopard] riding him like a surfboard.




Regardless of my rating this worked great as transition to the following TIN series.

“Dude. You’re going to be a case officer.”
“And that’s funny why?”
“You’re going to manage Dexter J. Daley.”
“Fuck.”

“[…] I have to manage the fucking Daleys.”



Can’t wait to see this!! *lmaooo


I hope there will be more books in this series soon. I'm so looking forward to Charlie writing the story for Lou & Bradley.

************
The Beginning (THIRDS series):

Book #1 - Hell & High Water - 4.25 stars
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,275 reviews81 followers
March 28, 2020
2020 review

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

I have been a fan of the THIRDS series for years now and always loved Austen. When Austen and Zack meet, oh yeah that was adorbs. Reading their love story, epic! I read this when it first came out in 2018, but the library no longer carries it. I had not gotten around to buying this yet but I planned to when a series re-read made its way on my schedule. When the chance for this complimentary edition was offered, I knew I couldn't pass on the chance to see cutie Austin again, even if it did mean reading out of order. This CAN be read as a standalone, though Austin's history will be better understood by reading the previous books.

Love and Payne is ADORABLE!!!! I mean seriously, they all shift and play in the snow!!! How can a mere mortal resist that?!?!?!?!? And Brayden!!!! I had forgotten about him but I won't again. I am dying for his story. Why doesn't he have his own book yet?

Maisey is an adorable catalyst for the events in this book. She is a sweet girl who loves her teddy bear and befriends Zach, much to her father's displeasure. It turns out people want to kill her father and don't care who they hurt/kill to get to him, increasing Zach. Austin hides out with Zach and his family to protect him and things get all cute and romantic. 😉😉😉😉😉😉😉💋💋💋💋😊😊

When the bad guy makes his move, the team fights back and save the day, including little Maisey. This isn't super action packed but has its moments. It's a chance to meet Zach's family and get to know Austin better.

This is a great read and I do indeed recommend. Upping: my original rating to now 4.5 stars. Give me more cute shifter moments and it will bump up. 😉😂

2018 ebook review library edition (no longer available)
So cute! All I can say is I love the THIRDS and can't wait to continue this series. Austen is so yummy, but his past is very haunted. He needs Zach in his life and oh boy! That ending, lol. Sparks is devious and Austen is going to have his hands full. :D Highly recommend. 4 stars
Profile Image for Karen.
1,860 reviews87 followers
August 14, 2018
4.5 stars rounded down because Austen!!!! I've been waiting forever for this one and...well, now I'ma happy, happy girl. I love Austen even more...it that's possible! Full review to follow soonish!

It's Austen's story and I couldn't be happier!!!

I've been wanting and waiting for Austen's story since he first graced the pages of the THIRDS series.

Austen was that dark mysterious character who shows up when you least expect him and is enigmatic and somewhere along the line you discover that they play a much bigger role in things than it seems and yet somehow they seem to be a bit of an underdog...and you want them to get some of the happiness.

Austen's been keeping an eye on THIRDS Defense agent Osmond Zachary ('Zach') and his family for a while now. He doesn't feel like he deserves to be happy but that's not how he feels about Zach. In Austen's opinion Zach is everything he wants but doesn't deserve but if nothing else he can keep Zach safe and if that allows him to be near the man well who is he to complain.

Zach doesn't share Austen's feelings. He's sure that he could make Austen happy and they could be good together if only Austen would give them a chance.

As the youngest in large....I mean large as in 10 children, Therian bear shifters, so we're talking large in more ways than one, Zach has never had to question whether or not he's loved because if anything he's more than likely to end up being loved to death by his overly protective family. Austen's totally the opposite. He's an only child and his parents were...well, let's not waste a lot of time on what's really a waste of oxygen and space to begin with. Austen unfortunately wasn't blessed with either decent parents or any siblings to be loving and supportive.

As much as Austen's determined to keep his distance from the man he wants more than anything when he gets a call telling him that Zach was hurt when foiling an assassination attempt, Austen doesn't hesitate to go to him determined to make sure that the man who owns his heart is ok. It doesn't take long for it to become obvious that somehow events have put Zach on the assassin's radar and the threat to both Zach and his family is both real and growing.

I loved that the action part of this story took a very definite backseat to the relationship development between Zach and Austen. Getting to see Zach as he patiently showed Austen the patience and love that he had for him. Never pushing and always putting his care and concern for Austen out there for him to see and feel. I think one of my favorite parts in this story was when Zach and Austen were playing in the snow in their shifted forms it was so sweet and such a nice fun moment for them as a couple.

I loved Zach's family and how they were with both Zach and Austen. This is a family that's filled with love and they have so much to share, that it overflowed to Austen so easily and naturally just seemed inevitable.

The closest thing that Austen has to family other than Sloane and Dex is his fellow SSA agent/TIN agent Brayden who happens to be a Snow Leopard...ok, folks I have a soft spot for Snow Leopards so you can assume right from the start that I like Brayden already and yes, oh please yes can we have a story for Brayden because he just sounds adorable!!! And if it involves more Austen and Zach...well, who am I to complain or maybe well get a story about Sloane and Dex and their new handler...oh, I bet that'd be an entertaining adventure.

THIRDS is a series that for me is a must have and sure I've enjoyed some stories more than others but still I've happily read them all and I have every intention of continuing this practice. So for all of you THIRDS nerds out there waiting for this one, it's coming soon and I hope it's as worth the wait for you as it was for me. Enjoy!

*************************

An ARC of 'Love and Payne' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Richard Derus.
3,153 reviews2,081 followers
September 11, 2018
Real Rating: 3.75* of five

Five w-bombs. More later.
***LATER***
Six too many w-bombs. Really annoying.

Good tale of Austen's final descent into loving couplehood, and sets up a neat new dynamic for him vis-a-vis THIRDS daddies Sloane and Dex.

Far too little attention paid to the political subplot, so the ending was a whirlwind of telling not showing so that the set piece would work. Like every other book in the series, it's compulsively readable, and its universe (while exceedingly improbable) is the real draw. All of these books share a dynamic, one that's really telling and also really disheartening: Humans only forget old hates when new ones take their place.

At a guess, Author Cochet is a bitter romantic, a sadder-and-wiser love junkie with a passel of stories left to tell because the damn things won't be quiet. I think THIRDS, if one can shelve the analytical eyebrow-quirking inner Bill Nye criticizing the science, will appeal to veterans of the love wars. Perhaps more than the rookies.

Read on, follow Author Cochet's lead.
Profile Image for Trio.
3,237 reviews181 followers
September 4, 2018
Thank you Charlie, for finally giving me sweet, sweet Austen's happily ever after - no one deserves it more than he does!

Lots of time spent getting to know Zach's family, which is fun. There's also a sexy little scene at the start of the story which gets interrupted (though I sure wish it hadn't!).

The mystery isn't spectacular, but the book is short so it works.

My only issue is there's a ton of name dropping of characters from the other stories, and while this isn't really a problem for me I think it would be annoying to anyone not familiar with the series. Plus a little too much time is spent doing that, and that just takes precious time away from my adorable Austen, so that's a thing :( right? Right!

Still, an absolute must for all THIRDS fans and beautifully written by Charlie!
Profile Image for ⚣Michaelle⚣.
3,672 reviews217 followers
December 24, 2018
4 Stars

I've been waiting for Austen's story forever, and I while I really liked this first book of the new series, I expected to love it. The hot & cold running angst was a bit repetitive.

But I still love this 'verse so I'm eagerly looking forward to the next one!

(Side Note: I typically speed up the narration on all my audiobook listens, at least a little - usually from 1.25 - 1.5x speed...for some reason Mark's performance seemed to draw out even longer and I had to speed it up even more.)
Profile Image for haletostilinski.
1,303 reviews494 followers
August 13, 2018
4.25 stars!

I've been waiting what seems like forever for Austen and Zach's book. They have been my most anticipated romantic couple in this whole universe aside from any new books coming out with Dex and Sloane.

I was so so excited to be able to delve into their story and how they get to their own happily ever after.

Let's just say, it was a hard one, one of the hardest (except for Hudson and Seb...) journey's to get there, mainly because of Austen and his past and because of it how hard it is for him to trust anyone, or a good thing, or himself.

Osmond Zachary, or Zach (or Ozzy) is a huge, well over 7 foot tall, over 300 pounds that are mainly muscles, bear Therian...but he's one of the kindest, gentlest people there is. His whole huge NINETY-SIX people total family is. But Zach...well, Zach is a grown up, but...still seen as the baby of the family.

Because he's the youngest of 10 children. TEN. Yowza. 7 boys and 3 girls - although I think one of the brothers was missing, because I kept only counting 6 guys and the 3 girls. Finley! That name was mentioned in the beginning but never again. I don't know if he was supposed to be among the brood and just not having any role in everything going on...or if Cochet just totally forgot about him. That seems more plausible. This is why...if you're going to have a ton of people for a family (and thus a lot of a characters) a list of them should be kept nearby lol.

But anyway, when Zach and his team are guarding a politician - and anti-therian politician - and his young 5 year old or so daughter as their leaving the THIRDS headquarters, the politician is attacked, and in the scuffle Zach gets hurt, which lands him in the hospital.

Sparks calls Austen, and Austen rushes to Zach's side, despite his constant claims that he doesn't feel much for Zach, that's he's okay without him, that he's fine on his own.

While there, paid assassins come to kill Zach, and because of that, Austen - and his TIN friend Brayden - have to protect Zach.

When Zach's mother suggests hiding Zach (and their entire family) at their family lodge in the mountains, Austen has no choice but to agree.

This story was mainly about getting Austen to get to a place to let down his walls and let Zach in, to trust him and himself, to be with Zach. Zach was already there, Zach was already in love with him and was just...waiting for Austen.

But Austen doesn't have a good past at all - and even being a TIN agent, he's had to isolate himself more often than not for the job, to get it done. Austen really doesn't know any other way.

Even Zach's mother hugging him makes him tense and uncomfortable.

So Zach...has some work to do. But through it all, even when he doesn't give up, he never pushes Austen in to anything or forces himself on Austen or demands anything. If anything he is always aware of his size and trying to not make it a problem or a factor.

Zach is so gentle, so sweet, and he's always so good to Austen. But Austen determinedly believes that he's no good for Zach, not a good person, and once Zach sees that, that he'll walk away.

But when Austen is protecting Zach with his family all there, they're around each other longer than they ever were in the pervious three years, and Zach just makes Austen fall more and more in love with him. But still, there's a push and pull with Austen, a back and forth.

I do think that what got Austen to a place to accept a relationship with Zach was good, but not handled the best. I just feel like even getting Austen's thoughts from the "we can't" to "I want to" stage would have been good, because while the transition makes sense, it was also a little abrupt. Like one minute Austen is still saying no and the other he's ready to be in a relationship with Zach. Just a little more with that transition would have helped, I think.

Not that I didn't love where they ended up and how this ended, and like also didn't make me excited for more with Dex and Sloane. And glad these two got to a good, happy place - also the ending was funny and adorable and sweet.

All of this was spent away from our original THIRD crew - Dex and Sloane and the others are mentioned but we never see them - and that will probably be like what the other books are like in this THIRDS universe novel series, I bet. The TIN series will give us Dex and Sloane and the others and this will most likely keep them on the back burner, which is fine, I just miss Dex and Sloane haha.

Austen and Zach did have amazing chemistry together, and the way Austen made Zach blush sometimes ;) When Austen let his guard down, even a little, you could tell how much he felt for Zach and just how much he was holding back because of his own fears. I loved seeing him fall for Zach just more and more, the more he was around him.

Also, I wanted to see Austen and Zach talk more, because they have a fight near the end and when they're able to talk about it again...they don't. I'm happy they made up and all, but I think those issues talked out would have been good. If an issue is brought up, I liked to see it resolved, talked out.

Other than those few frustrations, I really enjoyed this overall. I recommend it, especially for those who've been waiting and waiting for Zach and Austen's love story like I have.

Can't wait for the next novel Miss Cochet has to offer in this universe. I'm hooked!

***ARC generously provided by the Alpha Book Club in exchange for an honest review.***
Profile Image for Vanna (semi-hiatus).
676 reviews79 followers
December 5, 2018
4 stars!! Loved it! 💕💕. We finally get Austen and Zach's story... the cheetah and the bear. 😍. Zach is such a teddy bear with a giant heart and a loving huge family.. whereas Austen is a lonely moody cheetah who wants to stay away from emotions and love as a form of self-preservation. Their story of how they become lovers from just fuck-buddies is a great read despite the constant danger and intrigue. There is plenty of sizzle, steam, emotion and humor in the typical Charlie Cochet style. Looking forward to Edan and Brayden's story as well. 😁
Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
September 7, 2018
Austin & Zac - nothing short of adorable ❤️ Austin has fought his attraction to Zac for years, thinking he wasn’t enough and determined that his lifestyle meant he would forever be alone. An terrible accident occurs that almost kills Zac and Austin realizes it’s time to step up- mind you he didn’t realize this would mean having the whole Bear clan involved. Like peeling layers off an onion, Austin slowly warmed to the idea of a family and a partner. I’ve been waiting for these two for a while - a beautiful book.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,636 reviews363 followers
August 1, 2020
I really hope this wasn't the last time Charlie sets foot in the THIRDS/TIN world because the books have been epic.

This one made me extra happy though as Austen finally got a happy ending and it was with the perfect person in bear shifter Zach.
Profile Image for Santy.
1,201 reviews70 followers
September 20, 2018
To say I liked this would be an understatement. I thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed everything about it.

Zac was such a sweetheart and I absolutely adored him. I loved the way he refused to give up on Austen through it all. Usually people like Zac (who keep pushing even when the one they love is being silly) annoy me but for some funny reason, I couldn't get enough of him here. *happy sigh*

As usual, Austen was our guarded, prickly, distrustful TIN agent with a very deeply hidden heart of gold. It really wasn't a shock how he turned out given the horrors he faced as a child but I wish he'd realised how perfect Zac was for him much much earlier. It would have saved him a whole lot of time and worry.

Numerous new characters were introduced during the story, with my favourite obviously being Brayden. I also adored the entire humongous Zachary clan and wished they were mine (minus the overbearing older brothers of course.. lol)

Its obvious Brayden's book is next and should he be paired with Edan, I will definitely be ALL over that book!!

** eARC Was Graciously Provided By The Publisher In Exchange For An Honest, Unbiased, Review **
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,487 reviews145 followers
July 4, 2019
This was a lovely addition to the THIRDS series, and I enjoyed it as much as the rest of the books in the series. The best part was that I finally got to see a happy Therian family. Zach's family was awesome. So much love and support made Zach a gentle and caring man, just the kind of man Austen needed in his life. The conflict this time was mostly put on the back burner.

When Austen's past was revealed, I thought it was no wonder he was so closed off. He needed to see what a caring family was, that things like mother's love and sibling's comfort do exist, and he can be a part of that if he lets it. At times it was so heart-breaking, when something so simple as a hug brought tears to his eyes. The big Zachary clan was exactly what Austen's bruised heart called for even when he didn't know it himself.

There were touching moments, a little bit of action and many hilarious situations that made me love Zach's family even more. The ending showed that we are not done with Austen, Dex and Sloane just yet, and I am so on board with that!
Profile Image for Sanaa .
1,218 reviews176 followers
December 18, 2018
4 stars.

It's been a while since I read this series and I'm so glad I came back to read this book because I ended up really liking the story. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars was because, I wish it didn't take Austen and Zach a while before they ended up together because the ending felt rushed.

Find me on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Profile Image for Bitchie.
1,464 reviews77 followers
November 13, 2018
Now, this is what I wish all the other side stories in this series had been. All of the others, Ash and Cael, Calvin and Hobbes, they just seemed to take a backseat in their own stories, to Dex and Sloane, but this right here, Cochet put Austen and Zach front and center, and it was great.

There wasn't as much action here, the story was mostly Austen dealing with Zach and his huge family, but I was perfectly ok with that. It also set a couple of things in motion, including a potential story with one of Zach's brothers and Austen's best friend.

I loved Zach's huge family and how welcoming they were, but I'd like to know how the baddies managed to get into their huge compound unnoticed. Otherwise, though, this was a nice addition to this world, even if it's a bit lacking in the action/mystery department.
Profile Image for Alex.
342 reviews32 followers
January 6, 2019
Awwwww. I need a Zach in my life!!!
My god. So sweet and adorable and kind....
I was really waiting for Austen story from the moment he was introduced in the THIRDS series and I am happy to say that I am NOT disappointed!

description

Too short though but it's just me being greedy with these characters...!

So Austen. Agent for THIRDS,Spy for TIN, Complete Badass, Cheetah Therian. With walls around his feelings and his heart larger and higher than anything that exists!
Austen is hard and tough and he is also so lonely and afraid to finally let go. And that made Zach just PERFECT for him

Zach. Osmond Zachary. THIRDS agent. Bear Therian. Youngest of a fratrie that counts 9 brothers & sisters... And as many uncles and nephew... Family is everything to him. He is more than 7 feet tall and all muscles but he is as gentle and sweet as a kitten...

description

So, Zack is hurt after saving lives on the job and he finds himself at the hospital.
Austen, of course, run to him (just to check if he is ok, you know... Nothing more there....)
But then Assassins are coming from all front so Austen decides they must put everyone in safety.
And by everyone , I mean the WHOLE family!!!

Let just say. Zack family is AWESOME and Austen is so screwed from this point on...

I loved the THIRDS series and I loved these 2. A lot of push & pull but it was very great.
Can't wait for what's next!

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Profile Image for BWT.
2,193 reviews237 followers
January 14, 2019


An amazing job by Mark Westfield, he makes this series so much fun to listen to! All of his character voices, the special audio effects, the way he paces the dialogue and the narration all make up a terrific listen.

I've been a little in love with Austen Payne, undercover TIN operative, since his introduction to the THIRDS series, and I'm particularly glad he gets his own story - and happy ending - with Zach, the bear Therian that's kept Austen fighting his feelings for a very long time.

When Zach is injured in the line of duty, and then attacked shortly after, Austen drops everything to keep him safe. Filled with action, Charlie Cochet doesn't stint on the romance side. Love and Payne has dual POV, the introduction of some new characters, action, some humor, sexy times, and a happy ending.

I feel like fans of the series will be thrilled, and maybe the series will even get some new fans since Love and Payne absolutely works as a standalone. But this series on audio is so great to listen to - I don't think you'll want to stop at just one.

4.5 Stars

Audio copy of Love And Payne provided by Dreamspinner in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
7,996 reviews462 followers
September 4, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars


Love and Payne takes place in Charlie Cochet’s fabulous THIRDS universe and reunites us with two side characters from the main series. You could probably read this one without having read the THIRDS books as the main Destructive Delta team doesn’t appear here. However, it will obviously be a richer reading experience if you are at least familiar with that other series (also this does have some spoilers for the end of that series). I have been intrigued by Austen for a long time, and I loved the idea of him with Zach, so I was super excited about this one and it didn’t disappoint.

There is an opposites attract element here that is nice, not just in the size difference between the enormous bear and the smaller cheetah, but also in temperament. Zach is just solid and steady, a calm presence that fits so well with Austen’s more high strung personality. It is clear when we start the book (and from hints we get from the main series) that these guys have been dancing around each other for a while. Zach very clearly wants Austen, but Austen is wary. He wants to keep his distance, believing he can never really have something as special as Zach. But at the same time, he watches over Zach, keeps track of every member of his family, and can’t stay away, especially when Zach is in need. There is just a connection between the guys that you can really feel.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.


Profile Image for DeeNeez.
1,781 reviews13 followers
March 2, 2019
Long awaited Austin’s story, and it was well worth it! This one had everything I felt was missing with Ash and Cael’s story. Zach and Austin romping in the snow in their Therian form, and yet that sizzling chemistry still came though, was a dream come true. There were some tactical errors that a THIRDS or TIN agent should never have made, but I could understand how it was used as a ploy for the plot line. Overall, loved it, and it’s an awesome series!
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