REVIEW : New Release : Notorious - Shifter Scoundrels Book #1- Charlie Cochet & Macy Blake

Title: Notorious
Series: Shifter Scoundrels Book #1
Author: Charlie Cochet & Macy Blake
Genre: Action Adventure, Gay Romance, LGBTQ Romance
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: August 25, 2022
Format: Kindle
Pages: 317
Source: Amazon

New Paranormal Romance from Bestselling MM Authors Charlie Cochet and Macy Blake. Modern-day Bridgerton with shifter royalty, a snarky fox, and the tiger who refuses to fall for his charms.

Caspian Drake knows what it takes to get ahead in modern-day shifter society. He is an Earl, after all, and known for his wit, style, and ability to charm the pants off of anyone he chooses. Getting his best friend Brandr, the Prince of the Dragons, in and out of trouble is only one of his many talents. When a horrible attack shakes Cas’s world, he’s forced to pair up with Saphir Vepkhia, the esteemed tiger shifter and former Captain of the Royal Guard.

Upon retirement, Saphir is granted the title of Baron Archer and, much to his dismay, becomes part of royal society. Years later, when he’s summoned to the palace, the last thing Saphir expects is for the king to request a favor that ties him to the scoundrel, Caspian Drake. Despite his misgivings, Saphir accepts the assignment, knowing it will give him the access he needs to infiltrate the wealthy and powerful while trying not to get outfoxed by the exasperating Earl.

Forced into a fake relationship by an outdated matchmaking ritual, Cas and Saphir each face the upcoming season with their own agenda. The secrets pile up as the two mates navigate the complexities of a modern world that plays by historic rules. But the closer they get to the truth, the greater the danger–and their attraction to each other–grows.

With their lives on the line and the very foundations of their society at risk, Cas and Saphir must unravel the mystery, even if it means creating a scandal more notorious than their newfound love.

Reviewed by Linda Tonis

Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team

A very unique take on shifters and I have read many, many books on them. Modern day, cell phones, computers and shifters ruled by the Dragon King. In spite of taking place in present day the shifter society consists of Dukes, Earls, Barons and Regency balls. The peerage dresses as they did centuries ago and follows the same etiquette. What they are unfamiliar with is the Order of the Blue Dahlias a secret group of spies loyal to the king who walk among them and are believed to be myth.

Caspian Drake, Earl of Brus is Prince Brandr’s best friend who he loves like a brother but the night after a ball tragedy strikes and leaves Cas brokenhearted, filled with rage and determined to find out who was responsible. The Dahlias are also searching for those responsible for the tragedy and as one of them Cas has his mission ahead of him.

The King has lost his only son and heir to the kingdom and since Cas was like a son to him the king fears for his safety. He calls upon Saphir, Baron Archer to come out of retirement and protect Cas. Saphir is a tiger shifter and former captain and royal guard who was given the title Baron Archer and is now tending to his sister Suri and the family farm. Saphir’s loyalty to the king is unbreakable and when the king requests his help Saphir doesn’t have to think about it.

The King has decided to go ahead with the Season and it would be Suri’s debut something she is beyond excited about and something Saphir is determined to make successful for her. Saphir is not thrilled about having to protect Cas who is known to be a rake and even less thrilled when he is advised that he and Cas have been chosen at the Matchmaking Ceremony. The match is a success if Saphir can catch Cas and he has never been caught. Knowing that the best way to protect him Saphir is going to make sure that this time Cas is caught. Although Cas is a fox shifter his size has always given him a way to hide but a fox against a tiger, not a chance.

As Cas and Saphir do their duty and give the impression they are courting Cas is busy following up on suspicions the Dahlias have about the evil among them and having a partner tagging along is not easy. The two men resent the situation they are put in and yet their attraction can’t be ignored. Neither of them aware that they are both on the hunt and it would take a huge amount of trust for either of them to open up about their feelings and their involvement in the case.

Suri is such a joy and is a tough cookie especially where Cas and Saphir are concerned. Christmas is her favorite time of the year and when she insists that Cas wear one of the ugly Christmas sweaters he is beyond shocked, Saphir is wearing one with reindeer balls hanging and his is filled with lights and even plays music. This was a scene that made me smile after all an Earl who always dresses to the nines being forced to wear something he couldn’t imagine existed.

I started this book with little expectations since it was so far removed from the shifter books I have read and I was sure I wouldn’t like it, I was right I didn’t like it, I loved it. Can’t wait for the next book and for those who hate cliffhangers, like me, there isn’t one.

LGBT/ROMANCE/FANTASY/PARANORMAL/VAMPIRES/SHIFTERS/GHOSTS/PSYCHICS