Giovanni Galanos’s life took a dramatic turn after a terrifying ordeal and a newfound health condition led him home. Leaving behind his globetrotting adventures in favor of a more grounded existence, Gio finds solace in the arms of his love, Sacha “Joker” Wilder, a complex and captivating man who held Gio’s heart from the moment they first spoke. Together, along with their furry companions—Cookie, Gio’s service dog, and Chip, Sacha’s mischievous Belgian Malinois—his unconventional family forges a bond stronger than any hardship life can throw their way.
As the air teems with holiday cheer, Winterhaven unveils itself in all its enchanting glory. But a mishap has Sacha grumpier than usual. Amidst the joyous chaos that surrounds them, can the town’s holiday magic reignite Sacha’s Christmas spirit?
Join Gio and Sacha, along with their merry band of former Green Berets and their partners, as they navigate misadventures and heartwarming moments in Winterhaven, where true love and the transformative power of Christmas await.
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.
Bringing more festive cheer and found family shenanigans for the Kings and their beloved members of the Boyfriend Collective, book three in this Christmassy spin-off series was my favourite yet!!
I honestly forgot how much fun it was to read about Joker and his grumpy demeanour, always vexed and perplexed by having to people, even though he’ll begrudgingly admit he does secretly adore his “brothers” and the larger family they’ve built together.
Joker and Gio took me a bit by surprise, in terms of how much I loved reading about them, all settled and loved up in their still thriving relationship. Revisiting them here, a few years into coupledom, gave me some major cravings to re-read their original story (Sleight of Hand), because I, shockingly, forgot how lovely these two (and their dogs) were together.
This story—still set in the Christmas-town of Winterhaven—was the funniest and most heartfelt yet, with a smattering of hurt-comfort goodness and a dash of life-threatening excitement, which, quite frankly, were my biggest pulls towards the original two series to begin with.
I laughed a lot in this one too. To be fair, I spend most of my Cochet reading time laughing, so this shouldn’t be anything new, but I was especially tickled by Joker’s reactions and interactions here, highlighting my kindle a crazy amount and chuckling so much my face was aching at days end. I do appreciate those good vibes so damn much.
The ending was PERFECT and I can’t wait for the final instalment of this very worthwhile little quartet of holiday reads.
A snowstorm had left the Ice Castle with leaks in the roof and caused the visitors to have cancelled. Everyone from the Four Kings Security is prepared to bring the Ice Castle back to its former beauty, no matter how long it may take. The roof is fixed, the electricity is back on, and the supplies that couldn’t be delivered because of the storm have finally arrived. All the men have contacts...favors to call in, and the knowledge to fix whatever needed to be fixed. Now there is only one problem...how to get the people to come. Those that cancelled probably had made new arrangements so now that the festival is ready how can they bring people in.
The story is also about Giovanni (Gio) and his partner Sacha “Joker” Wilder. Of course, none of the men who now have dogs would ever go on vacation without them so the house they rented is full of love both human and canine. Gio was diagnosed with a mild case of autonomic neuropathy which has affected his blood pressure and heart rate, so Joker always watches Gio for any signs of trouble. Unfortunately, with everyone ready for a grand ole time, Joker suffers an accident thanks to his brother Ace...but it was an accident and all the fault of that pesky extension cord. Joker has a fractured leg, and the cast and crutches are making it impossible for him to reach Ace and kill him...give him time...he'll figure a way:)
This is the third book in this cute series. If you haven’t read the first two books you are missing out on some amazing reading and characters...and the wonderful, beautiful dogs who Joker has trained. Sometimes they have more sense than the humans in the story...but isn't that usually the case?
Obviously, "Home for the Howlidays" was my favourite. It's Joker and Gio, how could I not love their Christmas novella the most?!
I swear I could read hundreds of Joker-centric novellas like this one (and I might actually go and do re-read of his book right away...). If there's one thing that's my absolute catnip, it's gruff, assholish grumps who have a secretely soft and subby side, only shown to their love interests: I'm WEAK for characters like Joker, and I loved him to bits in this novella. He was hilariously grouchy as usual, his shenanigans with Ace were priceless, and the love and the bond he has with Chip made my heart sing. And yes, his relationship with Gio is, as usual, absolutely lovely, and I swooned and sighed and melted so many times.
This Christmas novella is packed with lighthearted humour and an impeccable holidays atmosphere, found family (The Boyfriends taking care of Joker?! PRICELESS) and even a smidge of drama and angst. I loved this third installment to bits, and I loved that we got to see Joker and Gio work through their misunderstandings, and making their love even stronger. I can't wait to read the next (and sigh, last) novella.
And not that it was bad, not at all. But...I found an about 90 page story to...drag a little a time or two. I adore Gio and Joker, but it didn't feel like they were a couple that needed a novella. I think I would have rather had Mason and Lucky to be one of the other couples focused on. Especially with what happens? We could have had the novella centered around that.
But instead we focus on Gio and Joker and aside from Joker getting a fracture in his leg and needing a cast - because of Ace, of course. It's always Ace - the rest of any conflict or plot felt forced to just give them something to do.
At least with the first two, it made sense. Colton was the one to bring them there, it was the start of getting the town ready for guests to save Christmas, Jack and Fitz had a relationship kink to work out, and all that.
So aside from Joker needing a cast, we get 2 seconds of "angst" (I didn't tag it because it felt there and gone so quickly) out of nowhere with some ex of Gio's there in town (since Gio invited many volunteers for his work there, and other people he knew to fill the town for Christmas) who was, of course, wanting his back, which caused a bout of jealousy and Joker storming off, then Gio realizing his ex was trying to get him back and being awful about it, then going after Joker.
He finds him easily, they have a brief talk - although I will say I did really like Joker's speech to Gio. It was, in Joker's way, very sweet and adorable and loving - and just decide they'll travel more together (okay? That's not a big deal tbh).
Then there's some random stall owner from town whose dog is missing - why do we care about this random person? We don't, but...this very short novella needed some plot, so.... - and that's when stuff happens with Mason and Lucky, and then we just get some sweet Gio and Joker moments after that and before the ending.
Which finally felt like a proper cliffhanger, as we finally find out what Leo has been up to the first three books that he's been hiding from everyone, and has made me super excited for King and Leo's novella next.
So, this novella just didn't quite do it for me like the others did. I still liked it, and it had some good Joker and Gio moments here and there that got to me, tugged at my heartstrings and all. And this did reiterate how in love these two are.
I also adored how Joker slipped up and mentioned one day marrying Gio, and he doesn't even realize it. It's just settled into his brain now, that he'll one day marry Gio. It was lovely.
So there are things to like and enjoy about this, especially some few key Joker and Gio moments.
But otherwise, a lot of the plot/drama felt manufactured and put in there to get this to novella length, and it felt slow a time or two, which shouldn't happen in such a short novella.
So, three stars for me. Can't wait to get to King and Leo's next, though!
I will never have enough of the kings, especially Joker and Gio, who are my favourite couple. It doesn't hurt that their dogs are a joy to read about, I just love Chip and his personality.
Ace really can't help causing chaos, and it's poor Joker who gets the brunt of it in this one. It brought out his grumpy side, and I do love his grumpiness! Gio is their for him, and seeing how their care for each other really warms my heart.
The relationship between Joker and Gio is one of my favourites. I will never get enough of submissive Joker in the bedroom. I did guess what was the matter with Joker in the first one, and it caused a great scene in this one, and the guys' reactions are priceless.
I love any time we get with the King's and the Boyfriend Collective. There is so much love and support between them, and its never quiet; not with Ace about anyway! The banter always makes me laugh, and seeing them wind each other up never gets old.
We find out what Leo had been up to, and I was right for once! I can't wait for Leo and Kings' book.
Home for the Howlidays, third in Cochet’s A Treemendous Christmas series, centers around the couple of Giovanni Galanos and Sacha “Joker” Wilder. Gio, his service dog, Cookie, a Golden Retriever, and Sacha, his boyfriend , and his military trained dog, Chip, a Belgium Malinois.
The month-long Christmas vacation stay at Winterhaven, has turned into a working vacation where the found family of The Four King Security agency and their significant others, The Boyfriend Collective, have been scrambling to get the town back together for its traditional Christmas celebration.
While the title may have a reader thinking that the book is dog centric, it’s more about the relationship between the Four Kings Sacha “Joker” Wilder and his extremely wealthy boyfriend, Giovanni Galanos. Each man has a different canine companion. For Gio, it’s his service dog, Cookie, a necessity after the ordeal he suffered from recent events. For Joker, it’s his working ex military partner, a Belgian Malinois named Chip. But the focus here is on their relationship and the issues that are threatening to pull them apart.
It’s Joker’s insecurity about Gio’s wealth and former globetrotting lifestyle. And Gio’s inability to see that he’s too wrapped up in his own job to notice that Joker is having trouble.
I liked the story but somehow it didn’t come together as smoothly as the other two installments. The development of the issues and the resolution was a little too disjointed, broken up by dramatic scenes that involved other characters, and the resolution was too quickly over for such complex emotional issues. All of the topics, the equality, the jealousy, the time management, the illness management, even their past history damage, and their own barriers to matrimony, to have those as storylines and attempt to give them depth and the detailed resolution they deserve , is a lot to expect of 94 pages. Especially with other characters and their story threads involved too.
So I found this an enjoyable read and a lovely addition to the series but not my favorite so far. Now onto a very exciting story next! The finale!
THE KINGS: A TREEMENDOUS CHRISTMAS - [x] Not So Silent Night #1 - [x] Sleigh It Ain’t So #2 - [x] Home for the Howlidays #3 - [ ] Rebel Without a Claus #4
I'm going to write one review for this series and basically post it to all of them, because really this is just one big lovely holiday story about all the Kings/extended Kings/and the boyfriends.
I thoroughly enjoyed returning to this world and the idea of all of these guys just getting away for a little bit. Of course nothing can be as simple as all that in the Kings world.
Of course it's Colton (Not so Silent Night) who gets the big idea to finally have the white Christmas he's always sort of dreamed of having. And Ace will do anything to give his man the big family white Christmas of his dreams. So, King's reluctance or not they're all going to be going Winterhaven for a month and indulge in all the Christmas traditions the town has to offer. It can't be that smooth of course as the poor town's about to have a pretty un-stellar Christmas as their town hall/Ice Castle was damaged in some foul weather and they've had to cancel most of the holiday plans. Hello to all the guys as they have the perfect plan to save Winterhaven's Christmas.
Fitz (Sleigh it Ain't So) and Jack pick things up and fixing the wiring and the electricity to the Ice Palace quickly begins to show the cracks in their relationship. Fitz would do anything for Jack, but Jack's workaholic coping mechanism is driving a wedge between them that Jack is oblivious to. Sprinkle a little Christmas magic though and Fitz can find more happiness than ever, and bring along another couple along the way.
Gio and Joker (Home for the Howlidays) were always two of my favorites and by this point all of the dogs are an additional crack up. In trying to get more people into town, Gio's got the perfect plan and it brings Joker face to face with his biggest fear in their relationship. That now that Gio's health is managed he's going to want more to his life and return to the jet setting philanthropy lifestyle he's always known. Of course facing those fears will have the two closer than ever.
And running through it all is Leo's (Rebel without a Claus) secret plan that no one's party to, but somehow involves Santa, or at least the town's mayor who looks like Santa. He's got something big planned for King and is determined to accomplish it all on his own.
I loved all of the shenanigans in this story as everyone pulled together to save this town's biggest event and it brought all of their relationships a little closer together. I would have loved to see a little more of what Leo was up to (ok so I really wanted to see his interactions with Santa, especially the first one), but all in all this was a lovely Christmas story that had me smiling across all four books.
As with Sleigh it Ain't So, the pairing in Home for the Howlidays was originally at the center of Sleight of Hand which was the third entry in The Kings: Wild Card. And just as mentioned in my review for Sleigh, there were a few factors that probably would have flowed a bit better had I read their original story first but again I was never lost nor did it take away any enjoyment from this holiday portion of their journey.
Gio and Joker's holiday romp is once again full of the humor and love that are needed to make a good rom com. Also in the typical flow of chaos that seems to follow this lovely group of men who have become their very own found family, Ace plays his part which puts Joker "out of commission". There's cords, a ladder, and Ace . . . I'll leave it at that so you can fully experience Ace in all his chaotic spotlight for yourself.
What holiday wouldn't be complete without a bit of a grump? I won't go as far as to put Joker's grumpiness on a Scrooge/Grinch scale but he's definitely not a happy camper. I can't say "as always Gio is able to pull his man out of his funk" since they are actually a new pairing to me(see note above) but I have a feeling it's not the first time Gio had to dig down and pull Joker up. The couple, along with their trusty and loyal sidekicks Cookie and Chip, work their magic to help bring Winterhaven to it's holiday glory.
With each entry in The Kings: Treemendous Christmas we see the men of Four Kings and the Boyfriend Collective play to their strengths to insure this holiday town is able to be the Christmas destination they are known for and thrive at. Along the way they have found that the downtime that so often eludes them can be filled with wonders they didn't even realize they were missing. I'm already sad knowing there is only one entry left to go but I have a strong feeling this won't be the last time I revisit The Kings Treemendous Christmas.
I enjoyed this Christmas novella. Home for the Howlidays the third novella in The Kings: A Treemendous Christmas Series. This novella was packed full of humour and hijinks that I expect from The Kings and the Boyfriend Collective, especially when Ace is involved. Even though this novella features all the characters that we’ve gotten to know and love while reading all the books in the Four Kings Universe, Gio and Joker are at the forefront. Joker is definitely a favourite of mine and I love him and Gio together. They’re so different but they just work. Joker’s conversation with Dotty had me in tears from laughing so much. Kids are so precious and unknowingly hilarious. What a mix up but totally worked for the situation. The dogs are stinking adorable and their personalities shine through. I’m looking forward to reading the next novella when it’s released. It’s Leo and King’s turn next. I’d definitely recommend this novella, series, universe and author to everyone.
******I received an early copy of this book because I’m a member of Charlie’s Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
Home for the Howlidays is the third book in the Kings: Treemendous Christmas series and best enjoyed when read in order. Each book centers on an established couple from the Four Kings Security universe as their relationship grows during an extended Christmas holiday. This story features Gio and Joker from Sleight of Hand.
There’s so much banter and fun in this one, as Ace and Joker razz one another. Gio’s condition isn’t a huge focal point, but it certainly affects him in a critical moment, demonstrating just how valuable Joker is to Gio. Not that Gio ever considered Joker anything less than amazing. I loved how these men deal with frustration, and how they can center each other with the right gestures. Joker’s definitely all-in on Gio, and it seems he’s finally believing Gio’s all-in on him, too. Expect a lot of loving and slightly dominating sexytimes as these guys manage all sorts of acrobatic events with Joker in that cast.
My favorite in this quartet thus far as this simply continues to explore the entertaining group dynamics as the Kings and Wild Cards celebrate the holidays together.
Focusing on Joker and Gio, this was sweet, sexy, and funny with a touch of high stakes thrown in!
So go forth and enjoy mishaps aplenty, dog cuteness galore, and mischievous banter that all of these guys love to give each other!
THAT was the moment my heart stopped and I fainted. OMG!!! Has there ever been someone sweeter then those two? NOPE there hasn’t! The moment, I read on Facebook that Joker and Gio’s Christmas book is out, I was never faster on my kindle than today. I loved their “base” story already but this one here? It’s more than just coming back to old friends and a present for Christmas. Thank you so much Mrs. Cochet, it was exactly what has been missing to end this year happily haha Those two flew right up to the first place of my most favorite characters of all time. Followed by Leo and King which are going to be the center of the next and final book. That ending today???? Omg, I seriously can`t wait for next week :)
This adorable set of shorts continues with Joker and Gio central to this installment. The magic of Winterhaven might have failed a little as an incident hits Joker's preparation for the Christmas festivities. Fear not, though, his particular brand of grumpiness and Gio's sweetness - as well as love from their furry family (love Chip, Cookie and Coco!) - mean all turns out well in the end. And, of course, amidst drama and a little bit of Joker/Lucky/Ace chaos we get a decent amount of page time with all the kings and the Boyfriend Collective. Oh, and we get considerably closer to finding what exactly Leo's been up to...can't wait for the next novella. 5* for this fun, funny bit of Christmas-y sweetness.
This book follows Gio and Joker, which is good after the little freak out that happened earlier in the series. It is clear that Joker has been having thoughts about the future and it is time to address them, it's just difficult how to do so. When an unfortunate accident forces Joker to stay still, and Gio gets to watch after him for a change, they finally get to slow down and figure some things out. Not to mention it also lets them each have personal revelations about what the future could be, as well as take the time to talk to each other. There was a bit more mayhem and danger in this one, but still Christmas sweetness throughout. It also promises to lead into a lovely story to cap it all off!
Another quick slice of holiday shenanigans from this wonderful group
This was another quick read with lots of fun, lots of reminders why I have loved this series and these characters.
This book is theoretically Gio and Sacha’s book but we get bits and pieces with everyone else as well. Even a reference to the Cuban Mom Mafia! This is a very low angst book and there’s lots of holiday cheer. It was a quick read and gave me a nice happy holiday feeling. The ending is great (I kind of figured that’s where this was heading) and I can’t wait to read the next book which I assume will pick up here.
I think that this book was slightly unfocused--even though it was part of the Kings storyline. It got mixed up with all the other holiday King stories. It felt like it was a part of a larger whole--which it is considering that each Christmas story is intertwined with the others.
It just felt messy and still had it's charm--don't get me wrong.
If you read these books in order and one right after the other, I think it would work better. I read 1 and 2, then read other books in between and the thread of the whole story got kind of foggy.
Worth reading and how can you go wrong with a dog on the cover of the book?
Joker is one of my favourite characters and this book is just perfect, I could read lots of of him and won't get bored. His and Gio's relationship is portrait just great and it feels you are in the middle of the sheningan.
His way with Chip is sweet and Joker is shown the exact right amount of grumpyness with a soft hear. There is still some insecurity on Joker's side but he also knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it.
When he ends up injured, the biggest fear (and valid one) is that the Boyfriend Collective is taking care of him. It's just done hillariously.
When a decoration accident leaves Sacha (Joker) with an injured leg, he becomes a very grumpy patient, desperate to escape the coddling from the Boyfriend Collective. Thankfully the love of his life Gio is on hand to order him on bed rest. Mostly. The dogs are chaotic as always, never mind the humans and the secret Leo has been keeping is finally revealed. There's lots of laughter, a strong disability representation and romance.
Ugh. So stinkin’ adorable!😩 I loved Joker and Gio, and I still love them. They’re insanely precious and Chip and Cookie just make everything better.
The mechanics were a little messy, but not terrible. I handled the errors just fine.
4.5/5. I hate how short this one was, but I’m not complaining too much because I love this little mini-series and it makes my heart happy. The fluff is REAL and I’m here for ALL OF IT.
I have mentioned in previous reviews that I love these characters. They are all fantastic! This installment in this series primarily focuses on Joker and Gio. I love the banter Joker has with his friends/ (chosen) family. The dogs throughout the series are so much fun, but Chip absolutely steals the show in this one. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!!!
Gio and Joker are hands down the best. They love each other so completely and without any doubts about the other. Their cute little family is amazing. My favorite is when Chip and Cookie cuddle up with them. These guys will literally do anything for each other, and I love all their interactions. It is a testament to finding your people and never letting go. Can't wait for King and Leo's wedding!
This was just the book I needed after reading, Joker and Gio’s book!
We saw some really amazing growth from both characters, and also plenty of family shenanigans (thank you, Ace). Plus we got to see all of the fur children!
Okay, I love the Kings and love Charlie Cochet, but the sex scenes with a cast just don't seem realistic, and I know it's a book but come on. This concentrates on Gio and Joker and it's so great seeing how much Joker has grown through the years. Now, nothing against any of the other guys, but I can't wait for King and Leo.
WOW its great to have the guys back again in this book 3. The guys make sure that the Spirit of Christmas still shines in Winterhaven. This is Gio and Jokers story. A must read but please read the Four Kings Security and The Kings Universe first as it will give you the inside scoop on the guys and their lives.
The Kings and Wild Cards continue their Christmas vacation in this funny, s3xy, sweet story focusing on Gio and Joker (and the furry foursome). Such a warm-hearted Christmas ‘tail’. Lots going on, from search and rescue to broken bones and we finally figure out what Leo and ‘Santa’ have been up to this whole time! The action never stops.
4/5 Poor Joker, lol. He doesn’t have an easy time of it here, but I like how it all ultimately reinforces how much he and Gio are meant to be together. I loved how everyone helped out and they stick to one another through everything. Looking forward to seeing Leo and King in the final book.
Definitely reads best if you’ve read the other Kings series and know these characters already.
This is such a fun series and Joker and Gio’s addition was so fun. There are several plots tossed together and resolved easily, but this is still an enjoyable, quick read. I really cannot wait for Leo and King’s book, especially with that ending!