Relocation

Restitution #1

by B.H. Lynn

Homicide Detective Adam Dawson’s life is a never-ending nightmare. Caught in the grips of a toxic marriage built on trauma and shared secrets, and suspended from Chicago PD, his only shot at redemption lies in small town Peyton Illinois. All he has to do is complete a six-month assignment with the local authorities while things blow over back home, work on his issues and addictions, and come back home to right the ship.

But when he meets Detective Caleb Straus, a man with his own traumatic past, he’ll find that much like everything else in his life, nothing goes to plan. Time alone to think for himself brings up devastating realizations, and the last thing he needs is someone like Caleb making things more difficult. His new partner is kind to his own detriment, and determined to make up for the mistakes of his past and shattered expectations of the community he loves. He’s fluent in Adam’s language, and even though Adam is a walking red-flag, Caleb’s determined not to give up on him the way everyone gave up on him.
When the local High School’s principal ends up murdered in what appears to be a crime of passion, the two are forced to learn to work together quickly. As they weave through the secrets in the principal’s closet, and a string of blackmail, they find how thin the line is between wants and needs, and what happens when you get greedy.

Both men are helpless to fight the bond forming between them, but that doesn’t change the cold hard facts. And when reality sets in, the devastation might be enough to obliterate any hope they’ve found, in life, themselves, and each other.

TW: Suicidal ideations. Alcohol and prescription drug addiction. Cheating (Not between main characters.)

Genres: M M Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Crime

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2024

About the author

B.H. Lynn is an amature writer with a deep love of her characters and the stories they allow her to tell. She lives in the Metro Detroit area where she is an accountant by day and a wife and bulldog mom by night.

She's passionate about many things including sports, cooking, watching too many home improvement shows, reading, and of course, writing.

Her greatest hope is that you will enjoy reading her stories as much as she enjoys writing them!

Reviews

[Sandy Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

“I’m not a good person, Caleb.”
“Sure you are.”
“No, I’m not,” he said, and out of the corner of my eye I saw his lower lip tremble. “I’m a drunk. And a liar. If you really got to know me...if you knew my secrets, you’d hate me.”

One of these days...ONE of these days...one MC is going to believe the other when he warns him about this! I’m not holding my breath, but...I live in hope. Though let me assure you, MC Adam truly knows himself.

I might have rated this three, or even four, stars, if Caleb had stood his ground and acknowledged that Adam's actions were not okay, and Caleb had not rolled over at being treated so poorly, but they'd still admitted their feelings anyway and were set to work through something deeper? That could have been very intriguing. Instead I wound up feeling gaslit into accepting that poor widdle Adam is worthy of Caleb's affection despite his self-acknowledged flaws and not bothering to try to do better. That's what got me—the not even trying. Come TF ON.

Argh. Of course, big ole hurting sweety sweetheart Caleb doesn’t listen to Adam when Adam tells Caleb outright that he’s a piece of crap.

Hi, this is me reading a cheating cheater book! No, Adam isn’t cheating on Caleb. Adam is cheating on his husband, Josh...with Caleb. Oh, don’t worry TOO much. Hubby Josh is a big ole cheating cheater (and expert gaslighter! Guess who Adam learned it from?!) himself, and he did it first and often.

Despite the rating—I’m sorry, but the outcome was total crap and I just could not go higher—I had a good time reading the book! See my rundown of reactions. I was engaged, infuriated, invested in the story.

But I got ahead of myself! Suspended Chicago police detective Adam (we don’t find out why/what happened until the VERY end, as an afterthought, BTW) is sent to fellow police detective Caleb’s small town, Peyton, to Think About What He Did and partner with Caleb. As soon as Adam arrives, crime and then murder happen, and these two are swept up in their new partnership (great complementary work styles!), a new living situation (they’re neighbors in across-the-hall apartments!), and Adam’s thirst for kindness, for someone to see him and treat him well, for the bright light that is generous and gregarious Caleb.

Oh dear.

Coming from a beyond-toxic marriage, Adam has no defense against someone treating him well. Too bad Josh is constantly in touch via text and call, eager to keep Adam under his thumb, and Adam’s feelings are all over the board, flip flopping between I love him, I no longer love him, I want out, but I can’t get out so I have to work on it...round and round.... Which means he’s playing with Caleb’s emotions in a very, VERY shitty and unfair manner.

Adam. Does not. Tell. Caleb. HE’S MARRIED. Before they have sex.

💩head.

And after that, and all this buildup, the way it finally comes out was...boring. Underwhelming. Not even a Moment. And we never do get to see hubby Josh and Caleb on page together, which...come ON. Why the heck set this all up, with Josh staying in touch like a fart that lingers, over text and calls, trying to control Adam and threatening to come visit, and never deliver?!

There’s too much to get into. Read this book if you enjoy police detective partners falling into very messy Feelings, and you’re okay with cheating. Adam cheats on his husband, but after one early rando hookup that isn’t on page for Caleb, the MCs are into only each other and sleep with only each other in the rest of the book.

The mystery was entertaining, though the police procedures got a bit 👀. Not sure they’re legit. It wasn’t super complex, but, kept the story ticking along and worked as a vehicle to keep the MCs on page together and having to face each other.

The ending though...wow, what a letdown. It didn’t deliver at all, Adam turned out to be the biggest gaslighter, garnering sympathy rather than the set-down he so deserved from Caleb, and Caleb rolled over and turned out to be an annoying “oh just keep hurting me I can take it” type character. Too bad, because Caleb truly is a kind and strong person, four years sober, and he found ways to work well with this asshole of a new partner who shows up for work massively hungover, cops an “I’m so superior to this small town” attitude left right and center, and doesn’t even tell Caleb he’s married until frankly it didn’t even matter anymore.

Ridiculous.

But still fun!

Anyway, that was not the best thought out review, but, I had to keep reading to see what happened, so...I recommend it if you’re into cheating and the messiness that neither hero ultimately having a spine can get you into.

No HEA, no HFN, they end as friends and Caleb’s just gonna put up with Adam’s utter bullshit. But. Am I going to read book 2?

I don’t think I can resist. After this dumpster fire turned train wreck turned cat 5 hurricane that blows out with the softest of whimpers, where can it possibly go next?! Enquiring minds want to know.

[Lily Loves 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely my type of book. I love mysteries and this has a good one but also featured two damaged men who need to be together but there are obstacles. Mainly one giant one, Adam’s husband who is such a douchebag and needs to split asap.

Adam and Caleb work well together as detectives in the small town of Peyton’s police department. Adam is on loan for 6 months from Chicago because of a situation that happened there and the break is good for him. His husband is controlling and has Adam under his thumb. Caleb is the breath of fresh air Adam needs. They find someone they can trust in each other, kind of like looking in a mirror and knowing what the other has been through.

Caleb is such a great character! He talks nonstop and knows tons of trivia that drives Adam up a wall but somehow he’s so endearing. He has a troubled past that is heartbreaking but he is a fighter and he wants to be there for Adam.

Adam is Caleb’s opposite. Where Caleb is sweet, Adam is salty. Where Caleb is calm, Adam is frustrated and impatient. They work well and balance each other out.

This is going to be a really good series and I hope to get more resolution so that Adam and Caleb can get their HEA’s. They both deserve it.

One side note: The cameo of two men from another series was awesome!!!!!! If you know, you know.

ARC received for review
All thoughts and opinions are my own

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book. You can't help but feel for both Adam and Caleb-life has not been kind to either. My heart hurt for them right from the start. There is heartbreak and there is homophobia in the police dept. There is a good "who done it" revolving around the murder of the high school principal, enough twists and turns to keep you interested. Adam's "loving" husband makes me want to hit him with a truck! I am looking forward to more of this series and seeing the partnership between Adam and Caleb grow, both on and off the force.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story from a great author! Adam and Caleb both have had difficult life’s making you feel for them from the very start! It is a mystery with a good "who done it" that revolves around the murder of the high school principal, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two as the partnership between Adam and Caleb grows, both on and off the police force. I received an ARC of this book

[PaperMoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly decent investigative procedural that does not get bogged down with M-M action sequences (not more than one). The MCs are definitely wounded - with pasts (and present) influencing their interactions with each other and sometimes impacting their professional work/conduct. Adam is probably too abrasive / reactive for my liking but his outbursts and dark brooding thoughts are balanced out by Caleb's less tortured demeanor/outlook. Despite a 'slow burn' romance ahead with this series, I'm happy to keep on with the series based on the procedural plotting aspects.

[SaBine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reminded me a lot of Nicky James' Valor & Doyle Series: we get two beautifully sketched characters, their attraction to each other is evident and then there's the mystery.

But at the end I searched frantically for a second book, because this is not HEA.... I can tell you, there is still none. So I'm really disappointed.

You have to be aware of triggers, there is cheating, there is the mentioning of suicide on paper and other triggers

[Kazza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and a favourable review is to come on the blog. However, one of the author's TWs is splitting hairs - Cheating (Not between main characters.) Because one of the main characters, Adam, is cheating on his current husband, Josh, with the other main character, Caleb. Caleb doesn't know Adam is married until later. It's one sex scene, there are also feelings involved, but I know there are a number of readers who would be triggered by this scenario.
First time I've read the author and I'm well and truly invested in the Restitution series at this point.
More to come at On Top Down Under Reviews.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

B.H. Lynn is a new-to-me author, I've never read anything by her previously, however, after reading this I might have to look to see what else she's written. I was really impressed with how this book was written, the way the words just flowed together completely entranced me from the very beginning. Adam's character is in a tricky situation, he's stuck in his marriage with a man who constantly manipulates him. Adam knows it's wrong, and knows he's not happy in the marriage, but he feels as though there's nothing he can do about it. When he got transferred, he didn't expect his new partner to break through his walls, nor did he expect Caleb to make him feel as though he could genuinely want something for himself.

I really enjoyed how this book was written, it flowed so nicely, and the pacing was really terrific. I had a hard time putting this down, I just wanted to keep reading to figure out what was going to happen next. I loved how the case Caleb and Adam were working was described, it was like watching a crime show, but I was reading it instead, it was really cool! Each new discovery was full of details, and the dialogue that happened with each new suspect was terrific! There were new pieces added to the puzzle with each chapter you read, it was incredible. I enjoyed going along with these characters and trying to figure who the real guilty party was.

Caleb's story was as heartbreaking as Adam's was, just in a different way. He grew up in the small town he now works in and that doesn't make his life easy, in fact, it makes it more difficult. These two men have been broken and been hurt in many different ways. These two together are like magnets; Drawn to each other but something keeps repelling them apart, or rather, someone.

I really enjoyed this story, but I have to acknowledge the elephant in the room, or rather, the cliffhanger that this book ended with. When I started this story I was not aware that this wasn't fully complete. it turns out that there's going to be another book that will hopefully give us more answers to all the questions about Adam and Caleb that arose in this book. I felt a bit let down that this ended with a cliffhanger, especially when there wasn't much romance in this book. Yes, there was a steamy scene, but there wasn't much romance going on. Having said that though, I'm really looking forward to the next book!

[Tiago Meravigliosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

BH Lynn manages to write a compelling detective duo that fans of other contemporary mysteries like Ashe's Hazard&Somerset would enjoy. The writing is so visual and compelling, there are so many good turn of phrases. I love Adam and Caleb's dynamic, wish there was a bit less of Adam's ex involved in his POV but knowing that he's got Caleb now makes it more palatable. The crime plot is grisly with some horrifying descriptions, overall I was very entertained by this story and found it a quick read! 4.5/5

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves appreciation, love and more than just 5 stars because it was that captivating.


This is a crime/detective murder mystery. First in the series and what a promising start. 


Two damaged men, fighting their demons, struggling to survive every day. There is grief and loss in both of their lives that have shaped them into what they are now. 


Definitely a Grumpy/Sunshine vibe.

Their bond is just amazing, it's heartwarming and beautiful. 


Since this is a series and the first book, not much romantic development has been shown in this book. But certainly more is there to come. 


Eagerly waiting for the next book. 

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Excellent first book leaving plenty of unresolved issues but no unpleasant cliffhanger. The murder mystery was really good. I particularly enjoyed both badly hurt and struggling MCs and while the biggest comfort part is still hopefully on the way there is a lot of palpable potential. Caleb in the epilogue was really something special.

[Krista Eggleston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book by Lynn yet! The characters the story *chefs kiss*. Any book that can make me pick it up and not put it down is a win, bonus points for making me cackle out loud.

[Essie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it and can’t wait for the second book! I withdrew a star because this book finished very abruptly without a hfn or a cliffhanger. It just stopped.

[Chelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It's definitely my kind of book to read. I loved the characters, I can't wait to see what this series has in store.

Thank you to the author for the ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5

OMG - This book! I was hooked from the very beginning.

You could feel Adam’s struggles, deep rooted unhappiness, and defeat. His marriage is TOXIC and I wanted to strangle his husband. Dude needs to GTFO for real. Adam being sent to Peyton, IL and partnered with Caleb is the best thing that could have happened.

Caleb is so sweet and you just want to give him a hug and let him know everything will be alright! I feel for him and just want him to get the love he deserves.

The murder mystery provides an intriguing plot while not taking away from the character’s individual developments and their growing relationship. There is so much understanding and love between these guys and I hope they can figure it out! There isn’t a whole lot of spice in this one, mainly focusing on developing the story line and character relationships, but there is some and definitely the promise of more to come!

The book does end on a cliff hanger, which definitely had me screaming “Nooooo!” at the end, but I’m officially hooked. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love police action with a smattering of mm romance and enjoyed the plot and the introduction of these two chalk and cheese characters. However, I’m not sure I found all the damaging feelings of guilt/self blame completely convincing - the back stories didn’t support them adequately. Still - definitely want to read the next instalment.

[jasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relocation follows the story of detectives Adam Dawson and Caleb Strauss, solving crime whilst juggling trauma, relationships and the developing feelings between their partnership, in the small town of Peyton, Illinois. Lynn takes inspiration from Gregory Ashe and it’s clear to see. The themes, characters and plot have similar vibes to that of Ashe’s Hazard and Somerset series, so if you like that you’ll definitely like this!

[Vintage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

First time reading this author and I think I’ll go back and look at what else they have written because I really loved the writing style in this one. Awesome and interesting mystery and a complicated beginning of a love story between two men that have quite a bit of trauma in common but some legitimate barriers to overcome. Looking forward to more.

[Lindsay Hardin]

Adam and Caleb are two broken men that react in vastly different ways. Where Adam is grumpy and shuts himself off from others Caleb always has a smile and a kind word to share. This dynamic puts them immediately at odds when they are paired together at work. Fortunately for their opposite personalities they mesh well professionally.
The mystery component of this book was very well written with multiple dynamics to keep the reader engaged. The group of side characters are intriguing and I’m interested to see what role they play as the series goes forward.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book read by this author for me which I loved.

A bad start to the book as Adam was about to start a long distance marrage with Josh. Yeah straight up I didnt like Josh for cheating and blackmailing on Adam. Adam 34 being a detective he already knew what was happening behind his back.
Adam goes from chicago to illinois for 6 month stint on the police force.
Caleb 37 yrs meets Adam whod gets into town and there was a homophobic scene with Calab’s workmates. I felt like Calab needed someone to love. Calab is dealing with a few inner demons which I was glad he had help with.
I connected with these characters as both have past hurts and needed to heal again.
They are teamed up to solve a burglary of the school principal in a mystery but later turns deadly.
Parts of the story involve the manipulative husband trying to get Adam back under his thumb when hes mile away.
I loved Caleb as hes a chatterbox which made it entertaining for Adam lol. I loved the references to the Golden Girls which made me laugh, their bantering was bantering to show.
Okay so I normally don't like cheating stories but with this one Adam needed to feel loved. He needed to get his feelings sorted out first cause saying he still loved Josh was just wrong… But yeah cheating is a big part of this book in storyline.
A great ending for the mystery and Caleb learns of Adam’s secret in an HFN ending with no HEA for them both.., yet.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by a new to me author but was dismayed by the editing issues. Very surprised because the author very clearly thanks her editor during her remarks at the end of the book! Really! Some of these just threw me out of the book "Chief Branson was by the front door, while another officer hunched over the side of the wrap-around porch. After a few more unproductive wretches, he wiped his mouth and joined us." Huh! It's retches!! not wretches!! Then "You're moody and unpredictable and just when I thought we were building a report, you try to humiliate me in my own precinct." Ugh - it's rapport NOT report. And finally, "my eyelids were heavy as I pandered through the minimum of self-care." Pandered??? What a shame that there so many of these mistakes in an otherwise stellar book. Love the author's voice. I loved Caleb and Adam and the drama surrounding them. Wanted things to work out and do plan to read the next book to find out whether they get the HEA they deserve but really think the editing needs to improve. This is not the author's first book and has a sizeable backlist. Edit, edit, please edit!!

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

The start of a four-part series following two damaged men who are going to have a bumpy path.

The two detectives are assigned as partners when Adam moves temporarily to Peyton for a fresh start of sorts. Their personalities are different, but they both share a deep level of trauma and pain. Which is helpful and a hindrance all at the same time.

While they work together to solve cases their personalities and stories are revealed. And while some secrets are revealed, there are more to come. What is clear is that they have great chemistry and could definitely share something special.

This isn’t going to be a quaint small-town story…think realism - somewhat gritty and dark, with difficult struggles and some terrible people. But we’ll also get to solve some crimes along the way, which is bound to keep things interesting.

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s stories. This new series kept me up turning the pages.
Adam sure has his share of problems. He is married to a controlling partner who plays mind games with him. When he gets into a bit of trouble on his job as a detective he gets lent to a different small town location for six months.
Caleb on the other hand broke my heart. He has had nothing but bad luck since high school. He puts on a happy face as he faces each day. When Adam is assigned as his partner neither man knows what the other is in for. Both have personalities so different from the other. Yet there is an attraction to each other.
When the high school principal is murdered, they both find out the differences in how they interface with each other and how each can drive the other crazy.
My only problem with the story is I wish the author had stated at the beginning that this is a cliffhanger.

[Stfnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t agree with the high rating. People are flawed, I get that, i AM that, and normally, I won’t mind in a book, I actually crave that part where one is accepted and loved despite their flaws. But I couldn’t get into this. It was all so fast (3 days) and back and forth the whole time. I didn’t like that Adam was cheating; even though it wasn’t between main characters, it wasn’t like he ended it at the end of the book. The whole interaction was so abusive, between so many characters that even the interactions between Adam and Caleb were abusive in a way. Unhealthy, definitely. I’m not sure how you built a relationship on that.
The murder plot was flimsy and was more a sidestory than it was the main subject to lean on for a book. I won’t be reading the next book.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an emotionally compelling story about two damaged men dealing with the aftermath of trauma.
Adam and Caleb are complete opposites but they mesh very well together.
The murder mystery is very gritty, realistic with plenty of twists and turns that kept me invested.
I can't wait for more from this series.

[Fancy]

dnf. didn't do it for me. mystery meh, MCs not credible as professional tecs. D came across as an unpleasant person rather than hard done by. backstories seemed tangled for the sake of it. caricature chars (incl homophobe colleagues, controlling husb). infodumps + repetition, tense-hopping. cheating (tho i dont usu mind if it's realistic + integral to story).

[the.argumentative.bong · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: Cheating!
4.25⭐ (rounded off)

[salomeja]

dnf @ 28%

not bad just a little too quick-moving in the romance department for what im in the mood for