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  • Diamond in the Rough

  • Four Kings Security, Book 4
  • By: Charlie Cochet
  • Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
  • Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (95 ratings)

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Diamond in the Rough

By: Charlie Cochet
Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
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Summary

When the cards are stacked against you, the Kings will even the odds.

For Ward “King” Kingston the role of protector, forged by fire and tragedy, is one he takes seriously. When King is asked to safeguard the son of a four-star general and friend, he is pulled back into the world of government black ops on a mission that raises painful memories from his past. The moment King meets Leo, amid the chaos of a lockdown at a secret black site, it’s clear he’s never faced a challenge like this - one that will test his unwavering sense of control.

Leopold de Loughrey is a misunderstood genius whose anxiety and insecurities are sent into overdrive when he is forcefully recruited to work on a top-secret project. Terrified of what his role as "invaluable asset" means, Leo’s stress leads to disappearances, arguments, and blowups that threaten the project and Leo’s future. King’s arrival is a calm in the storm for Leo and his frenetic thoughts.

King and Leo couldn’t be more different, yet as they navigate the dangers of a secret multi-agency operation and face unknown threats, their differences could be what saves them. Neither man believes a happily ever after is in the cards, but their hearts might just prove them wrong...if they can survive a deadly betrayal.

©2019 Charlie Cochet (P)2019 Charlie Cochet

What listeners say about Diamond in the Rough

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Listener received this title free

O.M.G. King and Leo are FANTASTIC!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 4
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 5

O.M.G. King and Leo are FANTASTIC!!

I can’t praise this book enough!!! We finally get to learn all about King and get to know all that is under that gruff exterior! Now Leo…My new favorite book character ever!!! Leo is wicked smart, unknowingly sassy, adorkably sweet and just plain loveable. I love his brain, it that weird LOL. His quirks, sass, and smarts make for an incredible and hilarious read. I will admit to laughing out loud, in public!

King’s surprising connection to Leo is so heartwarming (and somewhat deeper and more unique than originally thought) and we are able to learn more about what all the Kings went through and even a little of why. This is a fantastic ‘conclusion’ to the quartet. Charlie definitely saved the best for last!

This book is the funniest of the lot and has all your favorite characters and couples I just loved the way everyone accepted Leo into the family. He is just so wonderful and I loved that he was never scared of King and really kept King on his toes. The story includes the same awesome action and thrill you come to expect of Ms. Cochet and I loved King’s fierce protectiveness out there on full display.

If you haven’t read this series YOU NEED TOO. I can’t recommend them all enough but King and Leo are definitely my new favs!!!

Thanks for reading!

1 person found this helpful

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Another brilliant novel

Charlie has done it again. The enigmatic Ward Kingston finally meets a man who he can't resist. Leo. Computer geek, brilliant mind, socially awkward, yet he gets under King's skin and into his heart. A story chocked full of laughs, heartache, tension and love. A definite five stars.

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Excellent

Saved the best for last. This book is absolutely brilliant, the relationship between King and Leo was amazing, I loved it. The narration by Grey Boudreaux was the absolute best, he really brought the story to life.

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Love it

I really enjoyed this series soooo much. I really couldn’t wait to get to Kings story and it didn’t disappoint at all!

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  • AL
  • 04-10-20

Lovely!

Story: The plot the author cooked up for King and Leo fit them both like a glove! The pair was amazing!
I loved how the author tied up the whole group's background into the storyline, making the book a grand finale to a great series! It was pure pleasure to listen to this last part!

Narration: Perfect as always.

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Loved every word!

This is my 3rd or 4th time though this series and I still can't get enough. Would love to see a Joker and/or Jack story and any of the other characters in THE FOUR KINGS universe.

MORE PLEASE😊

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I love everything about this

Seriously it's brilliant the perfect mix of humour and romance each of the characters is unique or just plain hilarious everyone of them is genuinely well thought out and the narrator is amazing at portraying the characters

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Listener received this title free

Superb Narration!!!

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

Wow, I could listen to Greg Boudreaux read the phone book. His voice is just so yummy!! And when he started voicing Leo, I was a goner!!! Leo is just too freakin' adorable for words!! I just wanted to hold him and put him in my pocket, such a sweetie!

I read some of my friends reviews and not only did they enjoy it, they said they couldn't wait for King's story. I've not read any other book in this series and can say I see why they wanted King's story, but I wish I had had the same investment/eagerness. I don't know that you need to read the previous books in the story but it would be helpful to understand the connection the characters have with each other. I did like King, I adored Leo!

Ms. Cochet certainly knows how to weave a wonderful tale and I never wanted Greg to stop speaking. This was such a fun story and I know I will be going back to start at the beginning so I can see how these characters developed.

The relationship between King and Leo, hah! I had to laugh at King when he was dealing with Leo. He was NOT expecting Leo to be Leo and King does not know what he is in for. It was such a joy to watch them come together. I don't know if you could call Leo a bubbly person, but compared to King he is. With all that King has experienced it's understandable that he takes things seriously. Leo is a good balance for King.

I do recommend this but specifically the audio. I think Greg really made these characters, at least he did for me and I can't imagine only reading it.

Story 4 stars
Narration 10 stars :)

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My favorite in the series!!!

5 Stars!

This was King's story and damn if Charlie Cochet didn't leave the best for last, which is saying something because the whole series was outstanding! King had been a bit of a mystery until we saw him in action on the epilogue for Join the Club (book 3) and since then I've been chomping at the bit to get to know him better and I have to say I loved seeing the usually stoic man getting all out of sorts for the genius, nerdy guy. While I will admit that I was one of the fans that wanted King with his assistant Jay, I will also say that I'm glad that didn't happen. Yes, Jay is fabulous and I can't wait for his story, but Leo is amazing as well and better suited for King. King needed someone like Leo to knock through his defenses, they were so sweet and hot together and I loved that King was very protective of Leo, but Leo was no slouch in the protection department either and was resourceful as all hell when he needed to be. Plus, Leo just fit so well with the group and it was endearing to see how much they all wanted King to be happy. Of course, it didn't hurt that Leo and King had chemistry in spades and threatened to set my kindle (and me) on fire a few times. LOL

As always, it was a pleasure catching up with the rest of the guys and I'm ecstatic that this is not the last we've seen of them!

Greg Boudreaux did such a wonderful job bringing not only the Four Kings but the men they loved and the rest of the team to life. There's a lot of action and emotion in this book and he managed to translate it all into his narration. Even if I had already read the book, he made the book exciting and intriguing and as amazing as the first time around.

Highly recommendable!

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Listener received this title free

I started out of order but it doesn't matter

Yes I started with book 4. Did it impact on my reading experience? I don't think so. The writing is solid and I didn't feel lost at any point.
I loved this book. Leo and King were adorable together, the UST was off the charts and when they finally came togethe, wow.
Leo's awkwardness, rambling and fast moving thoughts could have been a disaster but in the hands of Cochet made for a cute character. And King was just, yeah, just yum.
Excellent narration.
Can't wait too go back and read the rest of the series.

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  • April Reads and Listens
  • 03-01-20

Goldfish Crackers!!!

I love this series! It’s a great mix of action, a bit of mystery, a whole lot of witty and sarcastic banters and I love the strong bond of brotherhood and family.

I enjoyed getting to know King through Leo’s eyes. He somehow crumbled the walls of King’s facade and King became a lovable grump instead of just an intimidating force.

Leo’s so adorable and he and King are a perfect fit. They go way back, per sé.

I can’t wait for Jack’s and Joker’s stories. These stories are very well-written and it encourages awareness of social and cultural issues. Charlie is brilliant that way.

Greg Boudreaux breathe life into these men and he’s done it with excellence.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Five Stars for the Four Kings series! ♠️♥️♣️♦️

💯💙‼️

3 people found this helpful

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  • OJCast
  • 16-04-20

One of THE best series

Charli Cochet's series is among one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.

Greg Boudeaux's narration is, as usual, spot on and extremely enjoyable. I enjoy his narrating so much that I seek out books that he narrates.

1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Mischief15
  • 17-11-19

DEAD!

...but in a good way! it kept getting funnier and funnier as Leo and King grew closer together.
I hope we get Jack and Joker's stories as well! I am hooked to this universe.

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  • Jeffrey
  • 07-07-19

I’m sad to have finished so soon!

This is been one of my favorite series of books to listen to! Over the four books I fell in love with every character and found myself wanting to be part of that family of people! I am a hopeful romantic and all four of these books makes me want to step up my game! I love the technical side the intrigue and the way they all work together!
Greg Boudreaux does a fantastic job of bringing these characters to life! In my opinion he’s one of the best narrators out there! Thanks Charlie for another great book!

1 person found this helpful

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  • Diane
  • 23-05-19

Perfect wrap up to this story ARC

OMG this was sooooooooo good. I've loved King since day one & couldn't wait for his book. Leo was absolutely perfect for King. Leo is a genus but he is not a people person. King has a favored called in by Leo’s dad asking King to protect his son. As soon as King sees Leo, he falls for him lock stock and barrel, but he isn’t going to give in because he feels that he is too old for Leo. The sexual tension crackles off the pages and once they give in, they totally burn it up. I can't wait to see where the spin-off takes us. As always, Greg Boudreaux knocked it out of the ball park!!

1 person found this helpful

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  • Christopher
  • 22-05-19

My favorite of the 4 Kings

This is the best one in the series. King ended up being one of my favorites after this book; so different from previous books. Also, how can you not fall in love with Leo. Fast paced and low to mid angst.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Maryellen in Metsland
  • 02-01-23

Really enjoyable!

This was my first Charlie Cochet story but it won’t be my last. Diamond in the Rough was everything I wanted - low angst, lots of action, snarky banter, and really likable characters. Plus, no skimping on the steam! Greg Boudreaux always does a stellar job narrating and is like a chameleon in the way he can morph into different roles. Definitely recommended!

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  • Kimberly Kniaz
  • 14-09-22

Diamond in the Rough

Omg this audio book was positively amazing. I would highly recommend this audio book.

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  • Many Hat Momma
  • 16-07-22

Fantastic main characters!!!

Readers have heard and seen a bit of King’s personality, but now we get to see him interact on a personal level with a super quirky and unique person in his own book. Both as a protector and a love interest. I absolutely love how Cochet writes Leo- super intelligent but severely inhibited by his seemingly random quirks (sensory defensiveness to touch, taste, & sound and racing thoughts). The plot is flat out fantastic- we’ll developed, red herrings, lots of action, and a few big surprises along the way. Of course the Four Kings are up to their lovingly ridiculous family style support and joking. A flipping fantastic way to end this great series. Greg Boudreaux knocks it out of the park with this one! Great job keeping all the character voices distinct through the whole series, and bringing this series to life.

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • shanty2015
  • 15-08-21

Brilliant

I loved the series when I read it. it is even better as audio book.
funny touching with suspense and romance hand in hand