Making it Right

by April Kerner

Investigator E.L. Cooper is on a mission to uncover the corruption that has poisoned his community for years—starting with the very police force that let his foster father's murder go unsolved.

As the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together, his focus on justice is complicated by his long-held desire for Hazel Doyle. He’s done waiting, determined to break through her protective walls and ignite the passion simmering beneath their friendship.

Burdened by the weight of her past, Hazel knows there is no future for them beyond what they already have, despite the undeniable pull that exists between them. If he knew all of her secrets...

In a town where trust is scarce and every truth has a cost, can love survive the weight of secrets and the quest for justice?

Genres: Contemporary

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2025

About the author

April a non-practicing librarian, grew up in California, but currently calls Switzerland her home. When not writing, she can be found traveling, taking long walks in the forest, or naturally, reading a good book.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

Cooper and Hazel have been friends forever, they both want something more and yet they've never crossed that line.

Cooper is still taking care of his chosen mother, Maman, once his foster mother when he was a teenager. He's still trying to solve the murder that haunts him and once the corrupt police department in Grady Springs is where his focus is now.

Hazel has her own demons, not of her own making and is so relieved Cooper is around to support her.

I love their dynamic and want them to end up together.

Will Cooper find enough evidence for his case and get any closer to solving the murder?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

The prologue of this book was intriguing, so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m sorry to say I really didn’t care for it. First of all, there were just so many character names thrown about that I either felt confused or as though I was missing out on something. While this is the fourth book in the series, it did not mention needing to read the previous books first. But with the author throwing out one name after another I felt like I should have read them. I also felt the author was trying to cram way too much into one book. There were Hazel’s visions, her palliative care work, the family she was working for, her breakdowns, Coop’s determination to catch his father’s killer, the corruption in the town, and on and on. And while the prologue made it seem as though Hazel lost touch with Coop, within the first few chapters we learn they are friends, he’s admitted his feelings for her and she’s rebuffed him. Oh, and he’s kind of stalking her and poking into her private life and traumas, too. Creepy and definitely not qualities I look for in a man. I also wasn’t impressed with the author’s writing style. All things considered I would recommend giving this one a pass.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the connection and chemistry between Cooper and Hazel, they were so good together, the little ways that they showed they cared, and showed how important the other one was, was lovely to see. I just loved the relationship that they both had with Atticus, it was sweet and lovely.

Learning about how entwined their lives were and continued to be made for good reading, as did seeing the investigation unfold and the secrets it revealed. I liked the support, understanding and acceptance in this, and that Cooper never truly gave up on him and Hazel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one thing I’ve really enjoyed about this series is the diversity of the reads.
This was a great addition that I would definitely read again. There is plenty going on to hold your attention and keep you reading. With characters I felt I could relate to, too.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily