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Paranormal Princes #2

The Prince and His Captivating Carpenter

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PRINCE BERND As Prince of the Bear Shifters, I knew the time would come for me to prove myself worthy of my crown. I expected my quest to be perilous. What I didn’t expect was for it to take me up into Espen Mountain, a place that’s brought me nothing but grief and terrible nightmares. Not only must I find the five magical ingredients, but I have to do so alongside Saer, a mysterious and charming shifter coyote summoned by the king to be my guide. But who is Saer, and why do I feel as if we’ve met before? SAER Crushing on Prince Bernd from afar was one thing. Being given the responsibility of saving the prince and his kingdom was a whole other story. Banished from my kingdom by my own prince years ago, I never imagined I would be summoned to help Bernd. What could I possibly offer a prince? How was I supposed to save him? I was no one. A shifter with no place to call home. What I did know was that I would do everything in my power to help Bernd succeed on his quest. All I had to do was stop crushing on the guy, find the magical ingredients hidden up a dangerous mountain, and save his heart. What could go wrong?

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 18, 2020

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About the author

Charlie Cochet

122 books3,426 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
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Email: [email protected]
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5 stars
397 (34%)
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472 (40%)
3 stars
251 (21%)
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34 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
Profile Image for Nazanin.
1,187 reviews782 followers
March 7, 2020
3.5 Stars

I liked the previous book more than this one. That one made me laugh a bit but this one lacked that part and there wasn’t any angst to enjoy. It was more like a sweet story to me. But I have high expectations for the next installment (that’s about the King of All Shifters, Alarick, and his advisor and really promising). That Epilogue made me curious! Told mostly in dual POV, 1st person, it’s the second installment in the "Paranormal Princes" series, the story itself can be read as a standalone but there’s an epilogue which is not and it’s the beginning for a really good story (I hope so)! Overall, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t really that good either, hope you enjoy it!
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,626 reviews428 followers
February 21, 2020
Bernd is half living, wrapped up in his grief. The King decides it’s time for him to step up and begin his quest. His partner is a coyote shifter living in his kingdom. Things are a little rough in the beginning but the two soon find peace in each other. They just have to survive the quest.

This was really sweet. I liked both characters and they both deserved happiness. But I’m super excited that the King and Jean are next! Woohoo 🙌
Profile Image for Drusilla.
706 reviews237 followers
April 12, 2024
Aww this was adorable. Bernd the Bear and Saer the Coyote ... Differences that fit together perfectly.
This story is completely different from the first book because the characters are so different. We have a bear who prefers to sit in his library and doesn't like to go out and a coyote who is totally in love with him without him knowing it or even knowing him.
It's a story that is characterized by trauma and therefore comes across as darker and with more depth for the characters.
Bernd and Saer together are ... explosive ...

I couldn’t help dropping my gaze to his plump pink lips. They looked incredibly soft. His hand, so warm in mine, felt… right. How was that possible? Lifting my eyes back to his, I sucked in a sharp breath at his blown pupils and the way his breath seemed to come out quicker, his eyes on my mouth. He opened his mouth to speak, but something raw and powerful overwhelmed me. For the first time since I could remember, I didn’t question what I felt, I simply acted. I kissed him. 💋💋💋

I have to admit, I liked this book a little less than the first. The first book is fluffy and doesn't want to be anything more than funny and superficial, so it worked. This one, however, actually calls for more text. I think the story doesn't quite do justice to Bernd and Saer's backgrounds.
Also, the plot is actually massive, but it's squeezed into a short book and somehow it didn't quite fit.
I'm probably just being too petty today, better you ignore my nitpicking.

However, the insights you get into the relationship between the king and his advisor are super interesting. I am so curious ...
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
2,863 reviews431 followers
October 17, 2021
The Prince and His Captivating Carpenter by Charlie Cochet
2nd book in the Paranormal Princes series. Paranormal M-M romance. 1st person alternating. Best if read after the first book.
The matchmaking King sends his son, the Prince, out on a quest “to prove himself worthy”. Sear is sent to help the Prince “find the magical items”.
Bear shifter meets coyote shifter.
Lots of humor. Sweet relationship with hot and sexy times for a wonderful hea.
Epilogue has a minor cliffhanger leading to the next book.
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,418 reviews187 followers
November 19, 2020
Still smiling from the first book, I was eager to start this story. This round quickly brought my focus to the young prince in the hot seat or cupid’s crosshairs as it were. Prince Bernd has slowly been withdrawing from life since the loss of his father. Not only was he extremely close with his dad but he was with him at the time of the accident that took his life. Shrouded in guilt and sorrow, he’s barely managing his household, let alone his kingdom. And looking for love? Not a chance. That is until Saer slips into his life and his heart. Slightly heavier than the first book, Bernd and Saer take us on a special journey that squeezed my chest and had my breath catching, anxious for the HEA sure to come.
Bernd the bear shifter can’t seem to shake his grief but he’s not the only one. I enjoyed his troublesome twin brothers, angst-ridden teenage sister, and his lovely mother. The entire family is still recovering from their unexpected loss. When he discovers his task involves him returning to the blasted mountain that stole his father from them, my heart split. He can hardly utter the name, let alone conceive going back there. Saer will help him collect the ingredients required, a scavenger hunt of sorts, and return as quickly as possible.
Quiet and kind, Saer not only soothed Bernd but sparked a new wave of feels within him. Bernd realizes he doesn’t know much about Saer and is overcome with an urge to know everything about the gracious coyote shifter. As soon as they get back, he’s going to unravel Saer’s secrets. But then, Bernd is reminded life is short and there’s no guarantee for tomorrow.
Will he seize the day and a generous heart in the process?
Or will Saer’s past return and spoil his plans?
You’ll just have to tag along to find out!

Beware of: This bear’s romance is just like honey…slow and sweet. A lone coyote is brave and selfless…but will his heart shatter a second time? And a mysterious and magical trek mends and binds…then leaves you craving one more!

This book is for: If you enjoyed the first bout of Paranormal Princes, you’re bound to have a good time with this pair. And…yippee! There’s one more book and I’m stoked for the final majestic match!

Book UNfunk
Profile Image for Cadiva.
3,777 reviews385 followers
April 1, 2020
I absolutely adore this series from Charlie, it's just low angst, lots of sweet romance with a bit of spice to heat things up.

This one had a bit more of an ominous air than book one but it was still a wonderfully entertaining story with two delightful characters.
Profile Image for Rachel Emily.
4,285 reviews356 followers
January 10, 2021
ETA: the audiobooks are finally out and Greg did such an amazing job, as always!!! SO happy to get these novellas in audio format!!

Ohhhhh I’m SO happy Charlie Cochet is back to writing and releasing new stories!!

This is the second book in the Paranormal Princes trilogy, and although it could be read on its own - I highly highly recommend the first book! And get the audio too, it’s Greg at his very best.

This story begins, like the first one, with King Alarick and Eldrich setting up the next prince and his quest. Ahhh I’m SO glad we don’t have too long of a wait for their story because OH MY GOD these two need to be together! (And that ending!!!)

Bernd is a bear prince and has been dealing with years and years of survivor guilt over the death of his father. He’s sent on a quest with Saer, a coyote shifter living in Berne’s realm. These two were so sweet together. I loved their first meeting, loved how Bernd was so sweet and gentle in his approach to Saer’s uncertainty.

There is sweet moments, sexy times, so much humor throughout this story, I just loved it. Charlie writes humor SO well, and I love the fantasy setting but how real it all feels.

But yes - gonna need the third book STAT!!

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Trio.
3,382 reviews188 followers
February 19, 2020
If you enjoy fantasy romances with a bit of adventure, humor, and sexy-times as only Charlie Cochet can write them then the Paranormal Princes series will be a perfect fit.

I adored the first book in the series, The Prince and His Bedeviled Bodyguard, it was incredibly funny. The Prince and His Captivating Carpenter had some humor, but it had more hurt/comfort aspects to it which made it a real heart warmer. Charlie Cochet always knows how to put two guys together to make a perfect pair and Bernd and Saer are wonderful.

Sadly there is only one more book in this series, but at least it will be King Alarick and Jean's story. I can hardly wait to see how they banish the beast haunting the kingdom and find their happily-ever-after.

a copy of The Prince and His Captivating Carpenter was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Profile Image for Cat the bookworm.
740 reviews127 followers
April 15, 2024
Probably would have rounded my 3.5 stars up if not for the prince’s name.

Blame it on me being German, but I just couldn’t deal with an MC called Bernd. Call me shallow, and I apologise if I’m offending anyone, but for me, there aren’t many names as unsexy as Bernd. I get it that the author wanted a name that was somehow close to the word “bear”, seeing as Prince Bernd is a bear shifter, but every single time I heard his name, it un-romanced me. Not even Greg B. could make it better 😂

Sorry for the rant. It’s probably a me-thing, there are probably loads of sexy Bernds out there. I just haven’t met one yet 😬

As for the book: it was good, albeit - again - short, but not as good as book 1. In the first book, I LOVED the feline vs dog character traits, and I loved both MCs despite the depth of their characters. Here, a bit more background and depth would have helped, seeing as both characters (Bernd the bear and Saer the coyote shifter) had their own backstories and - in Bernd’s case - a traumatic event to overcome.

Again, they’re sent on a quest by Alarick (the king of all shifters), even though it was pretty clear from the start what all the ingredients they were sent to collect were going to get used for.

Greg B. was excellent, as always. It’s nice and easy to listen to, especially when you’re looking for something that doesn’t require your full attention at all times.
March 5, 2020
This was another fun story in the series. This time it's a Prince bear shifter and his (unbeknownst to him) carpenter, a coyote shifter, paired up for a quest at the whim of King Alarick. While the first book was more lighthearted, this one had a bit more of an emotional story. Still plenty of humor, but also a bit of hurt-comfort just to make it even better.

I easily read through this in one sitting, but that ending?? I already couldn't wait for King Alarick and Jean's book, but now I REALLY can't wait.
Profile Image for Ray Flores.
1,502 reviews242 followers
May 14, 2020
In this one, we follow the romance between Bernd, the Prince of the Bear Shifters, and Saer, a coyote shifter and the royal carpenter.

Bernd had to become a Prince because his father died in an accident and now he is the one “taking care” of his own land, but due to his grief, he locked himself inside his own palace and his ambassadors are the people dealing on his behalf. So, King Alarick and his advisor Jean decide that this must chance or his lands will end up suffering more than just the loss of his prince. They send him on a quest with Saer as his companion.

And as the chapters go by, Bernd remembers why he loved being outside, just like when his father was still with them. His territory is big enough as a couple of states so he can’t just lock himself forever. Thanks to Saer’s personality and love, he gets himself back on the horse and things go expectedly well.

Now, I didn’t love this book as I did with the previous one but it’s still a nice, light-hearted reading so of course I’m gonna continue with the series. Apparently, Jean is not who he says he is and that got me interested because he’s just as old and powerful as King Alarick. Also I just can’t wait to know their own share of romance!

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
The Prince and His Bedeviled Bodyguard
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,916 reviews262 followers
February 21, 2020
Oh no! I don’t want there to only be one more book in the series! I need more Princes!!

This was so good and I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, than the first one. I absolutely love the Fairy Tale feel to the stories. I love the quests. There really isn’t much I don’t like honestly, except that there is only one more book left.

Good stuff!!
Profile Image for Santy.
1,213 reviews71 followers
May 22, 2020
Its been a while since I read this but I remember enjoying it.

These two were great together and I was glad they got their HEA and worked through the trauma that Bernd carried. The bit with the ex at the end was a bit unnecessary but I enjoyed it overall.

Once again, I loved Alarick and his antics and can't wait to read his book next!
May 27, 2020
Not as light and funny as the previous story, but a lovely reading as well. The characters are really likeable and the plot is nice.
Now I am gonna read the next one immediately!
Profile Image for michaela ⚘.
427 reviews26 followers
February 16, 2020
The Prince and His Captivating Carpenter is a quick read about two shifters who are sent on a quest together and wow was it such a treat to read!

Prince Bernd has locked himself and his family away inside his home ever since tragedy struck years prior. When the King of All Shifters sends him on an quest with someone he’s never met before he’s outraged but also curious over the beautiful Saer...

Saer has spent years admiring Prince Bernd from afar and knowing he would never be deserving of him. He is after all an outcasted coyote shifter and the Prince isn’t even aware he exists...until now. And neither man can deny the attraction between them.

This WAS SO GOOD. Although it was short I got attached to Bernd and Saer fast. They were so adorable together. Not only that but the premise of this story was interesting....and the way the author left off the ending for the build up of the next book was everything. I’m completely sold on this series and will be (im)patiently awaiting the next book...

I recommend this to anyone who likes shifter stories and is looking for something quick to read. This IS book two in the series but could be read as a stand-alone!

4.5 stars

♡ arc provided in exchange for an honest review ♡

Profile Image for Kasia Bacon.
Author 17 books350 followers
February 21, 2020
Riiight. So because for some reason my fat fingers apparently managed to one-star this book without my brain knowing about it (no idea what that was about, ahh!), let's get this right.

I enjoyed the book. It's a sweet, fairytale-like story. Cute. Whimsical. Nice, relaxing read. The squirrel bit was hilarious.
I'm looking forward to King Alarick's story.
(3.5 rounded up)
Profile Image for Love Is All Around.
2,050 reviews65 followers
July 1, 2024
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Dopo aver letto “Il Principe e la sua assillante guardia del corpo” ero dubbiosa nei confronti di questo secondo volume, perché Owin e Grimmwolf non mi avevano coinvolta e avevo paura che sarebbe accaduto anche con Bernd e Saer. Fortunatamente mi sbagliavo, perché questo principe mi è piaciuto sin da subito e il piccolo coyote è stato una scoperta inaspettata e ben accetta.
Continua sul nostro blog!
Profile Image for S.R. Harris.
Author 1 book65 followers
July 14, 2020
Such a good book.

This was so sweet and adorable. Bernd and Saer were the perfect couple. I felt for prince Bernd and his pain over the loss of his father.

As good as this one was, I am really looking forward to reading about King Alaric.
Profile Image for Athira.
491 reviews31 followers
February 12, 2020
Bernd and Saer are absolutely adorable together. Written in dual POV, this is the second book in the series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading them in order.

This time around we have a bear and coyote shifter. This is sweet short novella with the signature Charlie Cochet humour. Their first meeting was simply GOLD!

I love everything Charlie writes and this one is no different. Highly recommended!!

Jean is still hopelessly in love and Alarick is still oblivious. That epilogue almost killed me and I can't wait for their book. Looking forward to unravelling the mystery. I'm so excited!

*ARC provided by the author via Gay Romance Reviews (LesCourt) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Profile Image for haletostilinski.
1,384 reviews563 followers
March 24, 2020
Very sweet and adorable second installment in this series.

Bernd is the Prince of the Bears and has been grieving for the past 8 or so years ever since his father died, and he's been so wrapped up in his grief that he hasn't been ruling his kingdom of bear shifters to the best of his ability, and has let ambassadors - who aren't very good ambassadors - go in his stead to villages and such.

When King Alarick and his trusted advisor and friend, Jean, show up to send him on his quest, Bernd is surprised that someone he doesn't know - but who seems familiar anyway - named Saer, a coyote shifter who was banished from the coyote shifter realm, is sent on his quest with him.

Saer, who has been at the palace for years, has crushed on Bernd for years, but Bernd, in his grief, has never noticed him.

But on this quest, feelings emerge and passions ignite. And the truth of why Bernd was sent on the quest with Saer to the mountain where his father died is revealed.

I enjoyed this, and I enjoyed Bernd and Saer together, they were very sweet together, and passionate. Now it's on to King Alarick and Jean, who I am very curious about and eager to read. Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,074 reviews152 followers
April 16, 2020
3.5 stars of pure escapist fun

I liked this one a tad less than the one before (I blame the adorable ehm, FIERCE little Ozelot shifter prince), but it was just a really sweet story about a man so wrapped up in his own grief that he couldn't see past it. I loved that the meddling king (whose obsession with a certain bun-stealing thief is just precious) chose a man who'd loved him from afar for so long and gave them a chance to be happy.

These shifter stories are really fun and adorable, a bit OTT sometimes, but no unnecessary drama or angst. They're just really fun!
Profile Image for Viz.
179 reviews
February 21, 2020
Its different than book1 of this series. Its a short story which has a happy ending with the end of the quest. Will definitely read the next book.
Waiting for the audio book! Grey B is narrating it!
Profile Image for Mimi.
2,291 reviews
February 20, 2020
4.5 stars

Great second part to this Paranormal Princes series. I hate that their will only be one more book. But that one should be a good one. King Alarick and his Lord. Ms. Cochet and her teasers!
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
8,364 reviews485 followers
February 19, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


The Prince and the Captivating Carpenter is the second book in Charlie Cochet’s Paranormal Princes trilogy and it is totally adorable. Like The Prince and the Bedeviled Bodyguard, this story focuses on a royal shifter and his quest, with a little matchmaking help from the king and his advisor. Saer and Bernd are sweet together (I have a total soft spot for bear shifters) and I enjoyed seeing how the endearing and lively Saer helped bring Bernd back to life. Through Saer’s eyes, Bernd starts to see his kingdom and the world around him in a new way, to remind himself how beautiful the world is and how much he and his father used to enjoy exploring it. For his part, Saer has been hurt in the past and his self-esteem has taken a hit. So at first, he can’t even imagine that someone like Bernd would want him. But slowly he comes to believe more in himself and the connection the two have. They relationship is sweet and they are an engaging couple. The quest itself is fairly low key for the most part, as the guys pick up various ingredients throughout the kingdom, but there are some thrills at the end.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
280 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2020
Prince Bernd a bear shifter, who is informed by the King of All Shifters, that he has to complete a quest to prove his ability to lead his people but that a guide, Saer a coyote shifter, will be going with him.

These two characters were fun to read. Along the way on the quest Prince Bernd and Saer learn more about each other and also Prince Bernd is also forced to see what his actions and grief have done to his kingdom. 

There is so much humor and sweet moments in this story it made the book move fast. I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Diane Dannenfeldt.
3,882 reviews76 followers
December 15, 2020
If you enjoyed the first book, then you need to pick this one up. In this latest addition, we have Prince Bernd and the royal carpenter Saer, though Bernd didn't know that Saer is the his carpenter. The king sends Bernd on his quest to save his heart. Unfortunately the king sends him to the same place where his father died & he is still drowning him in his grief as he was there when his dad died. Saer was in love with the prince of the coyotes whose mother didn't approve of him and he was banished from his home. We do find out what was behind his father's death. We are taken on there quest of Bernd finally breaking out of his grief, finding out what his good for nothing ambassadors have been up to, the scene at village was heartbreaking, and these two falling in love. I would have liked more of a showdown with the Saer's ex. In stead of them leaving the room and not reading what Saer said to him, he should have just told him off right there. I am saddened that there is only one more book in the series, but it is King Alaricks & Jeans story.

Audio ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Daesy.
2,441 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2020
I still enjoyed the story of this 2nd book, but the MCs weren't as interesting as the ones in the 1st book. There was almost no bickering, there were less laughs and Saer wasn't as feisty as Owin. Wasn't a bad story and they were both cute, but it was a bit boring if compared to the other story.

3.5 stars rounded up. (we really need the half stars feature...)
Profile Image for Ann.
1,452 reviews130 followers
January 15, 2021
I love this series and while the banter wasn't as sharp as the first book, which wouldn't have been a match with these characters anyway, I still loved every bit of it.

Updated for Audio - Just as good, if not better with the addition of Greg Boudreaux's voice.
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