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christyduke_5117's review against another edition
4.0
The world that Charlie Cochet has created for the ‘Soldati Hearts’ series is supremely fascinating and I felt as if I'd only skimmed the surface after reading the first novella ‘The Soldati Prince’. The Soldati owe their immortality to the gods and goddesses who created them in order to fight the demons who plague on all living creatures, including humans. I couldn't wait to see more of Riley, as I adored him from the first installment, and getting to know Toka and Rayner was something I looked forward to.
“Toka paid no mind to Rayner’s liaisons, for he could never allow himself to fall into false hopes. Their fiery passion may have burned bright from the moment they laid eyes on each other, but he and Rayner could never be.”
As much as Rayner refers to Khalon and Riley as adorable (teasing his king being a favorite pastime of Rayner’s), the same could be said of Rayner and Toka. Toka has always known, from the first moment he laid eyes on Rayner, that he would belong to no other. Rayner has known for a very long time who Toka is to him. But he waited, instead wanting them to get to know one another to ensure it wasn't just lust he felt for his foxling. Toka, of course, is stunned to realize his feelings are returned, even though there is nothing that can happen.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
“Toka paid no mind to Rayner’s liaisons, for he could never allow himself to fall into false hopes. Their fiery passion may have burned bright from the moment they laid eyes on each other, but he and Rayner could never be.”
As much as Rayner refers to Khalon and Riley as adorable (teasing his king being a favorite pastime of Rayner’s), the same could be said of Rayner and Toka. Toka has always known, from the first moment he laid eyes on Rayner, that he would belong to no other. Rayner has known for a very long time who Toka is to him. But he waited, instead wanting them to get to know one another to ensure it wasn't just lust he felt for his foxling. Toka, of course, is stunned to realize his feelings are returned, even though there is nothing that can happen.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
bdavies17's review against another edition
4.0
Cute. Normally I’m not as interested in established couples and they were very instalove/essentially established. Wouldn’t have minded more angst and jealousy with all of Raynor’s previous lovers. Plus hard to believe Toka was centuries old and still a virgin. Read on Overdrive
moolissap's review against another edition
5.0
Little fox
I adore Toka. He is the very best of all of Soldati: kind, sweet, good and with a wonderfully naughty side. Rayner may act carefree a lot of the time but he is loyal, protective and not afraid to stand up for or fight for who he wants. “For as long as Toka lived, Rayner would be his home, his solace, his heart.” So many emotions in this book and they all pulled at my heart, including some not so nice thoughts about a nasty, nasty piece of work. The HEA in this one was hard won but worth it. Another exciting, magical adventure in the world of Soldati and I for one am looking forward to the next.
I adore Toka. He is the very best of all of Soldati: kind, sweet, good and with a wonderfully naughty side. Rayner may act carefree a lot of the time but he is loyal, protective and not afraid to stand up for or fight for who he wants. “For as long as Toka lived, Rayner would be his home, his solace, his heart.” So many emotions in this book and they all pulled at my heart, including some not so nice thoughts about a nasty, nasty piece of work. The HEA in this one was hard won but worth it. Another exciting, magical adventure in the world of Soldati and I for one am looking forward to the next.
stang_gt3's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars
Ok so normally I love Charlie Cochet, but I must admit this is the weakest of her series in my opinion. Both this book and the first feel rushed. I really enjoy the world building, but the characters relationships and decisions haven't felt fully integrated and motivated. It's like in this story Toka and Rayner's relationship is just presumed and this is the kickstart of it moving into each being together, but there's really no explanation as to why things that have gone on for centuries are changing right now. And then the events of the story felt forced to get across a structure that was pre decided upon and have a conflict occur. Ultimately I like these stories since they're fast reads, but they're just ok. I want more out of them.
Ok so normally I love Charlie Cochet, but I must admit this is the weakest of her series in my opinion. Both this book and the first feel rushed. I really enjoy the world building, but the characters relationships and decisions haven't felt fully integrated and motivated. It's like in this story Toka and Rayner's relationship is just presumed and this is the kickstart of it moving into each being together, but there's really no explanation as to why things that have gone on for centuries are changing right now. And then the events of the story felt forced to get across a structure that was pre decided upon and have a conflict occur. Ultimately I like these stories since they're fast reads, but they're just ok. I want more out of them.
bookworm_panda's review against another edition
4.0
The second book in the Soldati Hearts centers around Toka, the adorable fox servant we met in the last book, and Rayner, one of the Soldati warriors and very good friends with the king. It was obvious there was more to their story in the last story, and now we get to read about them!
I just loved Toka. He is just a sweet, sky, caring and wonderful person, and I love his devotion to his king and his prince. I love that he was also strong when facing challenging times towards the later half of the story, and didn't give in.
Honestly, the thing that stuck out to me was that I found Khalon to be a bit problematic in this one, with his treatment of Toka and Rayner before he finally gets his head on straight. He was a bit pigheaded in his own book, so I think that's just how he will be? It will be interesting to see how he is in the new third book.
These are fun, sweet and sexy novellas with a mix of fantasy and paranormal shifter elements and Charlie always does a great job writing character interactions.
Can't wait for the third story, between Ezra and the bear general.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I just loved Toka. He is just a sweet, sky, caring and wonderful person, and I love his devotion to his king and his prince. I love that he was also strong when facing challenging times towards the later half of the story, and didn't give in.
Honestly, the thing that stuck out to me was that I found Khalon to be a bit problematic in this one, with his treatment of Toka and Rayner before he finally gets his head on straight. He was a bit pigheaded in his own book, so I think that's just how he will be? It will be interesting to see how he is in the new third book.
These are fun, sweet and sexy novellas with a mix of fantasy and paranormal shifter elements and Charlie always does a great job writing character interactions.
Can't wait for the third story, between Ezra and the bear general.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
kashonna12's review
5.0
Book 2 in this series was just as sweet as the first. This book we get to follow the love/relationship of foxling Toka and Soldati Warrior Rayner. We got to see their interest in each other in the first book and during this one we get to see it really flesh out. I found these two to be so adorable as they try to keep the king from knowing too much about their relationship. With the crazy rules this realm has it comes as no surprise when they are unable to stop the evil machinations that is underfoot.
All in all this was a nice novella that seamlessly flows from the previous one.
All in all this was a nice novella that seamlessly flows from the previous one.
snailsarereading's review
1.0
Nope. No forgiveness for Khalon (or even Riley or Raynor for waiting). Bleh. Couldn’t get over it.
emilylovesbooks94's review
5.0
As much as I loved Riley's confidence and sassiness in the first Soldati Hearts novella, Toka's shy sweetness was just as endearing in this story. I'm so happy that being a servant didn't mean that Toka felt like he couldn't express his wants and needs to Rayner. Though there was a power difference between them, it was abundantly clear that Toka was getting exactly what he asked for. If there were any doubts about Rayner's connection with Toka, the way they playfully romped around in their animal forms showed me everything I needed to know.
I'm still impressed by how much lore and action is packed into these short novellas. I was completely captivated by the inter-kingdom dynamics and eager to understand as much as I could about the Soldati. The Orso kingdom's visit had my nerves on edge the whole time, and I was waiting with bated breath to see how the conflict with Rayner would all work out.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
I'm still impressed by how much lore and action is packed into these short novellas. I was completely captivated by the inter-kingdom dynamics and eager to understand as much as I could about the Soldati. The Orso kingdom's visit had my nerves on edge the whole time, and I was waiting with bated breath to see how the conflict with Rayner would all work out.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
kaity_b's review against another edition
3.0
Audio: 5 star, Gary Furlong killin it like usual!
Book: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this more than book one, but you definitely should read them in order so you can really feel the chemistry between Rayner and Toka. Now on to Ezra's book!
Book: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this more than book one, but you definitely should read them in order so you can really feel the chemistry between Rayner and Toka. Now on to Ezra's book!
heabooknerd's review against another edition
3.0
THE FOXLING SOLDATI continues the story of the Soldati tiger shifter realm. Rayner is a Soldati warrior who fights at the side of his King and best friend, Khalon. From the moment Rayner first met Toka centuries ago he has been captivated by the foxling servant, but he's kept his distance and tried to find other "suitable" partners. But Rayner can't stay away anymore and Toka is more than happy to be with Rayner even though Soldati law prohibits them from mating. I really appreciated the way Charlie Cochet made it clear that there were no power imbalances between Toka (a servant) and Rayner (an upper class warrior), consent was clear and enthusiastic.
I liked both Toka and Rayner and they're pretty much in love already when the story starts. They were really sweet and gentle together and while their love was obvious, I would have enjoyed watching it build a little bit instead of already being fully developed. All the relationship angst and conflict comes from outside sources trying to keep them apart. Not only are they unable to formally mate, but the King of the nearby Orso realm has a vendetta against the Soldati and especially Rayner. This results in Rayner being accused of a crime and the Orso King demanding Toka as payment for the crime. I was pretty surprised with how events unfolded and Khalon's actions made me kind of dislike him while also understanding the incredibly complicated situation he was put in. Luckily for Toka, things worked out in the end. Like the first book in the series, thing one had a somewhat rushed quality to the story but it was entertaining for me while I was reading it.
Content Warning: Threats of rape directed at Toka and an attempted rape scene
I liked both Toka and Rayner and they're pretty much in love already when the story starts. They were really sweet and gentle together and while their love was obvious, I would have enjoyed watching it build a little bit instead of already being fully developed. All the relationship angst and conflict comes from outside sources trying to keep them apart. Not only are they unable to formally mate, but the King of the nearby Orso realm has a vendetta against the Soldati and especially Rayner. This results in Rayner being accused of a crime and the Orso King demanding Toka as payment for the crime. I was pretty surprised with how events unfolded and Khalon's actions made me kind of dislike him while also understanding the incredibly complicated situation he was put in. Luckily for Toka, things worked out in the end. Like the first book in the series, thing one had a somewhat rushed quality to the story but it was entertaining for me while I was reading it.
Content Warning: Threats of rape directed at Toka and an attempted rape scene