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Hazard and Somerset #1
Pretty Pretty Boys
After Emery Hazard loses his job as a detective in Saint Louis, he heads back to his hometown--and to the local police force there. Home, though, brings no happy memories, and the ghosts of old pain are very much alive in Wahredua. Hazard’s new partner, John-Henry Somerset, had been one of the worst tormentors, and Hazard still wonders what Somerset’s role was in the death of Jeff Langham, Hazard’s first boyfriend.
When a severely burned body is discovered, Hazard finds himself drawn deeper into the case than he expects. Determining the identity of the dead man proves impossible, and solving the murder grows more and more unlikely. But as the city’s only gay police officer, Hazard is placed at the center of a growing battle between powerful political forces. To his surprise, Hazard finds an unlikely ally in his partner, the former bully. And as they spend more time together, something starts to happen between them, something that Hazard can’t--and doesn’t want--to explain.
The discovery of a second mutilated corpse, though, reveals clues that the two murders are linked, and as Hazard gets closer to answers, he uncovers a conspiracy of murder and betrayal that goes deeper--and closer to home--than he could ever expect.
When a severely burned body is discovered, Hazard finds himself drawn deeper into the case than he expects. Determining the identity of the dead man proves impossible, and solving the murder grows more and more unlikely. But as the city’s only gay police officer, Hazard is placed at the center of a growing battle between powerful political forces. To his surprise, Hazard finds an unlikely ally in his partner, the former bully. And as they spend more time together, something starts to happen between them, something that Hazard can’t--and doesn’t want--to explain.
The discovery of a second mutilated corpse, though, reveals clues that the two murders are linked, and as Hazard gets closer to answers, he uncovers a conspiracy of murder and betrayal that goes deeper--and closer to home--than he could ever expect.
455 pages, ebook
First published November 17, 2017
705 people are currently reading
5042 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,798 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 936 reviews
July 12, 2021
Warning! Stan review ahead! Reread/listen - July 2021
Audiobook - 4 stars. I am now used to Tristan James as Hazard and Somers voice
Story - Bumping it to 4.25 stars
GAAAAAHH!!! This was so much better now that I now how it goes.
I got to concentrate on the tension, and it was goooooooooooddd!!!
I had forgotten about that Before Hazard went all grumpy and ruined it.
GAAHH!! Hazard! My grumpy big teddy bear.
Somers! My sweet golden boy Somers. I feel like I judged Somers harshly before. Everyone deserves a second chance. He is still a pretty shitty fuckboy for what he did but I love him.
Hazard is one loyal bastard, I need a Hazard to be on my side. What he did for Somers? GAAAAAAHHH!! After all that....
Billy can go burn in eternal hell!! 👿👿
Nico........... UGH!!
Overall, I had an amazing time with this one.
************************************************************
Buddy Read May 2019 with Moony and Teal
My rating remains 3.75, i still liked some parts and really disliked others.
Thank you Moony and Teal for the BR, I realized that I had formed a completely different story in my head, in relation to Somers marriage. 😂🤣 Damn! the mind is an interesting thing. It can make you see what you want to see.
*****************************************************
Oh boy! This was a toughy one. I loved some parts and I really disliked some parts.
This book will not be for everyone, IMO it is so well written, it reminded me of those awesome BBC detective series.
The Characters
MC1: Emery Hazard
MC 2: John-Henry Somerset
Damn! These two are frustrating, complex, real characters. The author did an amazing creating your average flawed day to day characters, Ashe got me invested, I wanted to know more about them, so I kept going until the end. Not many will like them or even relate to them but the fact that they were who they were is the reason by the end of this book, I freaking LOVED Hazard and Somers.
The Story
It is a murder mystery with a small dose of hinted second chance romance. The mystery was engaging, I kept guessing until the very end. The police procedures were a bit questionable but that did not keep me from enjoying the story. Again, if you do not enjoy Police Procedural books, you will be bored to death.
Detective Hazard goes back to his hometown of Wareduhra,to be a small-town cop, after losing his job in the big city. He is partnered with his former high school bully, Detective Somers. Now here is where most readers will probably have a problem, the depiction of bullying is brutal, and I had a problem getting through the flashback scenes that at times I had to pause the audiobook and take it all in. Remember this is a small town and this happened years ago when the world was younger than today, I had to keep telling myself that to enable me to continue.
Hazard and Somers start investigating a series of vandalism and a murder, and through all those we get to see their interactions. Hazard still holds a grudge against Somers for bullying him when they were in high school. Over the years Hazard built a wall that is so impenetrable but when he blows.. HE REALLY BLOOOWS!
Somers on the other hand is different from the Somers that Hazard knew. As the story progresses we get to understand why Somers was the way he was in high school but that is not an excuse for his behaviour. Some readers will probably have a problem with Hazard holding a grudge for so many years. I didn’t, because if it happened to me I would hold a grudge for centuries. They say we need to let that shit go but it is not that easy. I still want charges to be brought against the town bully, I don’t know if the statute of limitation applies here, I just want him to be held responsible for what he did!..
During the investigation we also get to read about the homophobia, racism, bigotry in Wareduhra, and oh dear lord! sometimes it went on and on! and it became too much.
I will put the quotes under spoiler:
Nico as a secondary character was a fresh of breath air in this book, he balanced the complexity of the other characters. I love him but i am afraid he will be hurt more than he can handle.
I will go on with this series, because there are so many loose ends, i hope the author does not leave us hanging.
As for the Audiobook, uuuummm! Just get on board with it! At least Tristan Jame’s voice is pleasant to listen to. I just wish he would give the characters distinct voices, it becomes difficult to to tell who is talking.
Damn! I think I went a little overboard! Sorry! Overall, I will give this book a rating of 3.75 rounded up.
Audiobook - 4 stars. I am now used to Tristan James as Hazard and Somers voice
Story - Bumping it to 4.25 stars
GAAAAAHH!!! This was so much better now that I now how it goes.
I got to concentrate on the tension, and it was goooooooooooddd!!!
I had forgotten about that Before Hazard went all grumpy and ruined it.
GAAHH!! Hazard! My grumpy big teddy bear.
Somers! My sweet golden boy Somers. I feel like I judged Somers harshly before. Everyone deserves a second chance. He is still a pretty shitty fuckboy for what he did but I love him.
Hazard is one loyal bastard, I need a Hazard to be on my side. What he did for Somers? GAAAAAAHHH!! After all that....
Billy can go burn in eternal hell!! 👿👿
Nico........... UGH!!
Overall, I had an amazing time with this one.
************************************************************
Buddy Read May 2019 with Moony and Teal
My rating remains 3.75, i still liked some parts and really disliked others.
Thank you Moony and Teal for the BR, I realized that I had formed a completely different story in my head, in relation to Somers marriage. 😂🤣 Damn! the mind is an interesting thing. It can make you see what you want to see.
*****************************************************
Oh boy! This was a toughy one. I loved some parts and I really disliked some parts.
This book will not be for everyone, IMO it is so well written, it reminded me of those awesome BBC detective series.
The Characters
MC1: Emery Hazard
MC 2: John-Henry Somerset
Damn! These two are frustrating, complex, real characters. The author did an amazing creating your average flawed day to day characters, Ashe got me invested, I wanted to know more about them, so I kept going until the end. Not many will like them or even relate to them but the fact that they were who they were is the reason by the end of this book, I freaking LOVED Hazard and Somers.
The Story
It is a murder mystery with a small dose of hinted second chance romance. The mystery was engaging, I kept guessing until the very end. The police procedures were a bit questionable but that did not keep me from enjoying the story. Again, if you do not enjoy Police Procedural books, you will be bored to death.
Detective Hazard goes back to his hometown of Wareduhra,to be a small-town cop, after losing his job in the big city. He is partnered with his former high school bully, Detective Somers. Now here is where most readers will probably have a problem, the depiction of bullying is brutal, and I had a problem getting through the flashback scenes that at times I had to pause the audiobook and take it all in. Remember this is a small town and this happened years ago when the world was younger than today, I had to keep telling myself that to enable me to continue.
Hazard and Somers start investigating a series of vandalism and a murder, and through all those we get to see their interactions. Hazard still holds a grudge against Somers for bullying him when they were in high school. Over the years Hazard built a wall that is so impenetrable but when he blows.. HE REALLY BLOOOWS!
Somers on the other hand is different from the Somers that Hazard knew. As the story progresses we get to understand why Somers was the way he was in high school but that is not an excuse for his behaviour. Some readers will probably have a problem with Hazard holding a grudge for so many years. I didn’t, because if it happened to me I would hold a grudge for centuries. They say we need to let that shit go but it is not that easy. I still want charges to be brought against the town bully, I don’t know if the statute of limitation applies here, I just want him to be held responsible for what he did!..
During the investigation we also get to read about the homophobia, racism, bigotry in Wareduhra, and oh dear lord! sometimes it went on and on! and it became too much.
I will put the quotes under spoiler:
Nico as a secondary character was a fresh of breath air in this book, he balanced the complexity of the other characters. I love him but i am afraid he will be hurt more than he can handle.
I will go on with this series, because there are so many loose ends, i hope the author does not leave us hanging.
As for the Audiobook, uuuummm! Just get on board with it! At least Tristan Jame’s voice is pleasant to listen to. I just wish he would give the characters distinct voices, it becomes difficult to to tell who is talking.
Damn! I think I went a little overboard! Sorry! Overall, I will give this book a rating of 3.75 rounded up.
June 17, 2021
⭐4.5 "Holy Mother of UST, Batman!" stars⭐
I've been having a terrible case ofpoor judgment bad luck when it comes to my last few books, so I tried picking what seemed like a sure thing —because everyone loves Gregory Ashe, or at least most of them do!
The results?
The unlikely happened… I finally enjoyed a book again!!
**********************************
Full disclaimer, I went into this expecting a detective story with very mild romantic undertones, knowing this series is one of the slowest of slowburns. Yet once I was done, for all intents and purposes, I found myself completely enthralled by the characters themselves.
Gregory Ashe constructed protagonists that are both flawed and realistic, in ways that are not always pretty, not always charming, or even entirely likable. And yet that was, at least for me, the reason why this book stood out so much. It partly made me feel like a voyeur, peeking into the window of someone else's successes and miseries. Getting to witness struggles that are not meant to be seen, thoughts that are not meant to be heard.
It felt raw and meaningful, heartbreaking and oddly hopeful.
For lack of a better world, it was enchanting. Because in all honesty, the fact that this story alone managed to break through my book slump is proof enough of witchcraft at work.
Was this just an excuse to use a Monty Python reference? Well, if the shoe fits...
Nonetheless, before I start speaking in rhymes and dancing in honor of pagan deities (Yes, I'm *that* grateful to be rid of my slump), I'll dive right into the review.
Split into what I hope are neat sections: one for each MCs, Hazard and Somerset , and one for their shared Dynamic.
Beginning with...
— HAZARD.
I will not mince words, he was my favorite. A giant hunk of a man who also happened to have an incredibly vulnerable core and a truckload of confidence issues? If you want to find my fictional kryptonite, look no further.
Hazard was a message to decode, a language of his own to interpret, and before I realized it he was the limelight I could not stop staring at —and which might have permanently damaged my corneas in the process, only time will tell.
When it came to him, the desire to unravel his multitude of layers was irresistible. I wanted to comprehend him and the harsh life that shaped him into the complex man he now was. To see, once and for all, the thunderstorm looming under his detached exterior.
Pretty accurate description of him.
As you keep reading, you get glimpses and flashes of the convoluted past he wore as battle scars, both physical and mental. You taste the bitterness permanently etched on his tongue, the pent-up emotions boiling until his ears rang, and grief so deep it could become incapacitating if let loose.
There was such a beauty in experiencing his inner thoughts. The sort that leaves you aching and always craving for more, a glutton for fictional punishment. If someone asked me whether I cried reading this book, I’d say no… while crossing my fingers behind my back like a third-grader.
Plus, the fact that he was described as someone who made a desk and computer looked kid-sized also helped. Sir, your existence is setting the bar too high when it comes to compelling MCs, please step down so we can lower expectations ✋
So to conclude...
Hazard aka Big Grump: *rearranges the pencils on his desk while frowning*
Me (and Somers probably):
Proceeding now...
— SOMERSET.
Just like Hazard, Somers was a world of his own, another enigma Ashe leaves us to slowly piece together. And at least for me, he was by far the most compelling part of the book alongside his partner.
Standing side by side, both men told two sides of the same story, providing different interpretations to an old ache from years past. In Somers' case, the memories that are uncovered help paint the picture of the detestable kid he once was, while also giving weight to the kindhearted adult he now strives every day to be.
His redemption arc, from childhood bully to a caring and mature individual, is also not just handed by the book, but earned through actions.
(Refreshing, right?)
Despite being in a constant state of guilt and shame, Somerset continued to provide the world with a sparkling set of eyes and a good-natured chuckle. Because sometimes, lying to the world is easier than accepting just how much you are drowning in air, and that is John-Henry Somerset to a T.
Plus, did I also mention he is a raging alcoholic?
Somers’ approach to many of life’s greatest problems.
As a romance reader first and foremost, it would also be a disservice to you all not to talk about the PINING. Masked under the label of hero-worship (he even got called Hazard's fanboy by fellow officers), with each chapter it became increasingly clear that what he was truly harboring was a case of hardcore pining. And the fact that he was unaware of it only made it more entertaining to witness.
Even while Hazard treated him badly, refused to engage, or even ignored him altogether, Somers would still act like an eager puppy trying to earn his owner’s affections. If the puppy had been his owner’s previous high school bully, that is.
In conclusion, to briefly sum up a lot of their interactions…
Hazard: *glares*
Somers:
Please, this man needed several hugs, AA meetings and a blanket or two.
But carrying on, at last...
— DYNAMIC (aka the potential for their future relationship)
Let me make things perfectly clear, when I say this is a slowburn, I MEAN IT. In a "will be cooking for the next decade or so" sort of way. Yet that didn’t mean the embers weren’t already present, with the first few sparks giving a pretty accurate peek into the flames that will later set the pages ablaze.
To fully understand the way they fit together, think sunshine/grumpy dynamic, but now twist it until both characters are equally messed up. The Sunshine, Somerset, was more like a defective light bulb, an incandescent light that blinked every so often to tease the patch of darkness and shadows it covered with its artificial shine. Meanwhile, the Grump, Hazard, was the one who wore it like protective armor, a breastplate to safe keep himself after being overwhelmed by sorrow for most of his life, every dent signifying the various betrayals and hurt he endured.
So for all intents and purposes, these very opposite men hid demons of the same breed. And it's within those parameters where you can understand why, deep down, they sought each other out on a subconscious level. Before the attraction, before any semblance of romance or friendship, there is that soul-deep connection that comes with people that just click together.
Even if hidden by contempt, misunderstandings, and regret, that is a truth both of them will in time need to grasp.
But for anyone worried about the romance being too much of a slowburn, let me put it this way:
And it was, in fact, thicker than a bowl of oatmeal.
**********************************
As for my brief Final Thoughts...
Do you enjoy detective stories? Complex character studies front and center? Social commentary that is not hand-fed, but rather left for the reader's own interpretation? A book that happens to hold its protagonists refreshingly accountable, yet still manages to paint them as sympathetic? And, of course, lots of glorious UST ?
If your answer to most of the above was a resounding YES, then I would absolutely recommend giving this one a try, because you (probably) won’t regret it.
God knows I sure did not.
************************************
Hazard and Somerset series by Gregory Ashe
Pretty Pretty Boys — 4.5 ⭐
Transposition — TBR.
Paternity Case — TBR.
Guilt by Association — TBR.
Reasonable Doubt — TBR.
Criminal Past — TBR.
Off Duty (short story collection) — TBR.
I've been having a terrible case of
The results?
The unlikely happened… I finally enjoyed a book again!!
**********************************
Full disclaimer, I went into this expecting a detective story with very mild romantic undertones, knowing this series is one of the slowest of slowburns. Yet once I was done, for all intents and purposes, I found myself completely enthralled by the characters themselves.
Gregory Ashe constructed protagonists that are both flawed and realistic, in ways that are not always pretty, not always charming, or even entirely likable. And yet that was, at least for me, the reason why this book stood out so much. It partly made me feel like a voyeur, peeking into the window of someone else's successes and miseries. Getting to witness struggles that are not meant to be seen, thoughts that are not meant to be heard.
It felt raw and meaningful, heartbreaking and oddly hopeful.
For lack of a better world, it was enchanting. Because in all honesty, the fact that this story alone managed to break through my book slump is proof enough of witchcraft at work.
Was this just an excuse to use a Monty Python reference? Well, if the shoe fits...
Nonetheless, before I start speaking in rhymes and dancing in honor of pagan deities (Yes, I'm *that* grateful to be rid of my slump), I'll dive right into the review.
Split into what I hope are neat sections: one for each MCs, Hazard and Somerset , and one for their shared Dynamic.
Beginning with...
— HAZARD.
I will not mince words, he was my favorite. A giant hunk of a man who also happened to have an incredibly vulnerable core and a truckload of confidence issues? If you want to find my fictional kryptonite, look no further.
Hazard was a message to decode, a language of his own to interpret, and before I realized it he was the limelight I could not stop staring at —and which might have permanently damaged my corneas in the process, only time will tell.
When it came to him, the desire to unravel his multitude of layers was irresistible. I wanted to comprehend him and the harsh life that shaped him into the complex man he now was. To see, once and for all, the thunderstorm looming under his detached exterior.
Pretty accurate description of him.
As you keep reading, you get glimpses and flashes of the convoluted past he wore as battle scars, both physical and mental. You taste the bitterness permanently etched on his tongue, the pent-up emotions boiling until his ears rang, and grief so deep it could become incapacitating if let loose.
There was such a beauty in experiencing his inner thoughts. The sort that leaves you aching and always craving for more, a glutton for fictional punishment. If someone asked me whether I cried reading this book, I’d say no… while crossing my fingers behind my back like a third-grader.
Plus, the fact that he was described as someone who made a desk and computer looked kid-sized also helped. Sir, your existence is setting the bar too high when it comes to compelling MCs, please step down so we can lower expectations ✋
So to conclude...
Hazard aka Big Grump: *rearranges the pencils on his desk while frowning*
Me (and Somers probably):
Proceeding now...
— SOMERSET.
Just like Hazard, Somers was a world of his own, another enigma Ashe leaves us to slowly piece together. And at least for me, he was by far the most compelling part of the book alongside his partner.
Standing side by side, both men told two sides of the same story, providing different interpretations to an old ache from years past. In Somers' case, the memories that are uncovered help paint the picture of the detestable kid he once was, while also giving weight to the kindhearted adult he now strives every day to be.
His redemption arc, from childhood bully to a caring and mature individual, is also not just handed by the book, but earned through actions.
(Refreshing, right?)
Despite being in a constant state of guilt and shame, Somerset continued to provide the world with a sparkling set of eyes and a good-natured chuckle. Because sometimes, lying to the world is easier than accepting just how much you are drowning in air, and that is John-Henry Somerset to a T.
Plus, did I also mention he is a raging alcoholic?
Somers’ approach to many of life’s greatest problems.
As a romance reader first and foremost, it would also be a disservice to you all not to talk about the PINING. Masked under the label of hero-worship (he even got called Hazard's fanboy by fellow officers), with each chapter it became increasingly clear that what he was truly harboring was a case of hardcore pining. And the fact that he was unaware of it only made it more entertaining to witness.
Even while Hazard treated him badly, refused to engage, or even ignored him altogether, Somers would still act like an eager puppy trying to earn his owner’s affections. If the puppy had been his owner’s previous high school bully, that is.
In conclusion, to briefly sum up a lot of their interactions…
Hazard: *glares*
Somers:
Please, this man needed several hugs, AA meetings and a blanket or two.
But carrying on, at last...
— DYNAMIC (aka the potential for their future relationship)
Let me make things perfectly clear, when I say this is a slowburn, I MEAN IT. In a "will be cooking for the next decade or so" sort of way. Yet that didn’t mean the embers weren’t already present, with the first few sparks giving a pretty accurate peek into the flames that will later set the pages ablaze.
To fully understand the way they fit together, think sunshine/grumpy dynamic, but now twist it until both characters are equally messed up. The Sunshine, Somerset, was more like a defective light bulb, an incandescent light that blinked every so often to tease the patch of darkness and shadows it covered with its artificial shine. Meanwhile, the Grump, Hazard, was the one who wore it like protective armor, a breastplate to safe keep himself after being overwhelmed by sorrow for most of his life, every dent signifying the various betrayals and hurt he endured.
So for all intents and purposes, these very opposite men hid demons of the same breed. And it's within those parameters where you can understand why, deep down, they sought each other out on a subconscious level. Before the attraction, before any semblance of romance or friendship, there is that soul-deep connection that comes with people that just click together.
Even if hidden by contempt, misunderstandings, and regret, that is a truth both of them will in time need to grasp.
But for anyone worried about the romance being too much of a slowburn, let me put it this way:
And it was, in fact, thicker than a bowl of oatmeal.
**********************************
As for my brief Final Thoughts...
Do you enjoy detective stories? Complex character studies front and center? Social commentary that is not hand-fed, but rather left for the reader's own interpretation? A book that happens to hold its protagonists refreshingly accountable, yet still manages to paint them as sympathetic? And, of course, lots of glorious UST ?
If your answer to most of the above was a resounding YES, then I would absolutely recommend giving this one a try, because you (probably) won’t regret it.
God knows I sure did not.
************************************
Hazard and Somerset series by Gregory Ashe
Pretty Pretty Boys — 4.5 ⭐
Transposition — TBR.
Paternity Case — TBR.
Guilt by Association — TBR.
Reasonable Doubt — TBR.
Criminal Past — TBR.
Off Duty (short story collection) — TBR.
January 5, 2018
FUCK! Dammit... Mothereffing shit!
*sigh* If you're easily offended, please cover your ears, close your eyes and ignore this one, because there will be swearing...
Lots and LOTS of swearing.
Gregory Ashe delivered one of my favourite reads this year, and those of you who know me, know that I am a fucking, grumpy, not-easily-satisfied, reader.
Mr. Big Empty was a masterpiece and if each book in that series had not had a price of around $9 I would have gobbled them up.
As it is I am spreading my book-buys for as many authors as possible, and I wait for sales and other offers, since I do spend a lot of money on books.
When I browsed the mystery-section on Amazon, saw the pretty cover, the price AND Ashe's name, I hit the 'one-click-buy'-button so fast my keyboard almost cracked.
Because, please let me reiterate: I LOVED 'Mr. Big Empty'!!!!!! Loved it!
Both are long books, but Ashe's writing in Mr. Big Empty drew me in and didn't let go until the end, and this one was (in parts) no exception.
Here though there were a few spelling-mistakes and one place where the names were switched, but otherwise the writing was all Ashe, and I liked that a lot.
Sadly the writing cannot make up for the story and the MCs. And at around 40% I started asking myself:
"why are you still reading this, Line?"
Normally I would have thrown in the towel and returned the book long before this, but Ashe is really talented IMO (his style is very effortless and flowy, and that works for me), and I hoped that he would redeem himself and make me like Somers better or something.
Also the mystery was clever and had me guessing 'til the end.
However I did not even come close to liking Somers better and my rage-face and my WHY-face was prominent throughout:
... It's a day later, and I am still RAGING!
The next part might be spoiler-y, not in regards to the mystery, but in regards to the MCs and their history, so proceed with caution
Fuck this shit, so very fucking much! Seriously I am SO pissed, because it doesn't make any sense!
The mystery and the people and the setting is kind of great, but having this much rage for one of the MCs and really not BELIEVING the relationship between the MCs, makes me so sad... And ragey, if that wasn't clear.
This book could have been brilliant, but fell completely apart...
And I'm still ANGRY: fuck you Somers, you fucking asshole dipshit coward! I hope you drown in your own vomit on one of your daily benders...
*ugh*
I'm pretty sure I can't make myself read the second book arriving here in December.
Gregory Ashe is STILL on the way to becoming a favourite of mine (and that should really say something, considering how much I raged against this book), but I fucking hated these MCs and the choices made for their interconnected stories.
*sigh* If you're easily offended, please cover your ears, close your eyes and ignore this one, because there will be swearing...
Lots and LOTS of swearing.
Gregory Ashe delivered one of my favourite reads this year, and those of you who know me, know that I am a fucking, grumpy, not-easily-satisfied, reader.
Mr. Big Empty was a masterpiece and if each book in that series had not had a price of around $9 I would have gobbled them up.
As it is I am spreading my book-buys for as many authors as possible, and I wait for sales and other offers, since I do spend a lot of money on books.
When I browsed the mystery-section on Amazon, saw the pretty cover, the price AND Ashe's name, I hit the 'one-click-buy'-button so fast my keyboard almost cracked.
Because, please let me reiterate: I LOVED 'Mr. Big Empty'!!!!!! Loved it!
Both are long books, but Ashe's writing in Mr. Big Empty drew me in and didn't let go until the end, and this one was (in parts) no exception.
Here though there were a few spelling-mistakes and one place where the names were switched, but otherwise the writing was all Ashe, and I liked that a lot.
Sadly the writing cannot make up for the story and the MCs. And at around 40% I started asking myself:
"why are you still reading this, Line?"
Normally I would have thrown in the towel and returned the book long before this, but Ashe is really talented IMO (his style is very effortless and flowy, and that works for me), and I hoped that he would redeem himself and make me like Somers better or something.
Also the mystery was clever and had me guessing 'til the end.
However I did not even come close to liking Somers better and my rage-face and my WHY-face was prominent throughout:
... It's a day later, and I am still RAGING!
The next part might be spoiler-y, not in regards to the mystery, but in regards to the MCs and their history, so proceed with caution
Fuck this shit, so very fucking much! Seriously I am SO pissed, because it doesn't make any sense!
The mystery and the people and the setting is kind of great, but having this much rage for one of the MCs and really not BELIEVING the relationship between the MCs, makes me so sad... And ragey, if that wasn't clear.
This book could have been brilliant, but fell completely apart...
And I'm still ANGRY: fuck you Somers, you fucking asshole dipshit coward! I hope you drown in your own vomit on one of your daily benders...
*ugh*
I'm pretty sure I can't make myself read the second book arriving here in December.
Gregory Ashe is STILL on the way to becoming a favourite of mine (and that should really say something, considering how much I raged against this book), but I fucking hated these MCs and the choices made for their interconnected stories.
January 20, 2020
Thank you, Adam, for recommending this amazing series!
It literally blew me away. It's definitely one of those series where the main characters are so well constructed that they could read the phone book to you and you'd still be hooked.
My only criticism would be the fact that the editing was not complete here. Typos, missing words and wrong names in some places had me confused, but that did not distract from Somers and Hazard being a number one power couple that are playing in the major league of romance for me.
A word about the plot
Hoping for decade old answers and harboring a secret wish for revenge, Detective Emery Hazard returns to his childhood home town of Wahredua, Missouri, after having left the homophobic hell that was high school almost 20 years earlier. He starts a position at the local PD - as the department's first openly gay cop - and is shocked to find himself partnered with one of his high school bullies: John-Henry Somerset.
Wanting to 'kill' the old enemy, Hazard is thrown off balance by Somerset - or Somers, as he prefers to be called now - being a gentle and likable guy suffering from his own demons who looked forward to working with Hazard hoping to redeem himself for his behavior in high school.
A murder case among right and left wing extremists takes up most of their on page time in this book. A case which I found surprisingly captivating and which led to interesting developments for both Somers' and Hazard's lives.
What is so amazing about these guys?
I mainly read m/m romance where the focus is on meeting/falling in love/HEA.
This story is VERY different. There's no romance between these guys (at least not in the sense we usually see it), and yet we get lots of scenes that I found extremely powerful, dark and strangely 'gratifying'. And I mean physical scenes, just in a different way than you'd expect. I found that brilliant.
It is absolutely clear that these guys will at some point in the future become an item, but until then their banter and their conflicts are the most rewarding thing ever. I don't even miss any sex here, because let's be frank: There is none. Still, everything is absolutely spot on and exactly how it should be so there is room for things to develop.
It was pure genius to bring two guys together as 'possibly romantically compatible' who are actually enemies. And the secrets of what Somers did in his youth and how it affected Hazard's life even 20 years later is a big part of the 'mystery' that lies behind these guys' relationship.
I also totally dig our boys on a more superficial level. Hazard, the dark, brooding, muscled outcast who never smiles and likes to keep a distance and Somers, the golden All American surfer boy who knows his good looks and disarming smile will usually get him whatever he wants. With everyone but Hazard, of course.
That's like the PERFECT combination and they're more or less exactly the type of guys that my all time favorite couples consist of and YET they're very unique. I seriously feel like I found a true gem reading this.
I can't wait to start the next book :-)
Finally a deserving entry for my top 10 list of favorites read in 2020 !!
5 stars!
It literally blew me away. It's definitely one of those series where the main characters are so well constructed that they could read the phone book to you and you'd still be hooked.
My only criticism would be the fact that the editing was not complete here. Typos, missing words and wrong names in some places had me confused, but that did not distract from Somers and Hazard being a number one power couple that are playing in the major league of romance for me.
A word about the plot
Hoping for decade old answers and harboring a secret wish for revenge, Detective Emery Hazard returns to his childhood home town of Wahredua, Missouri, after having left the homophobic hell that was high school almost 20 years earlier. He starts a position at the local PD - as the department's first openly gay cop - and is shocked to find himself partnered with one of his high school bullies: John-Henry Somerset.
Wanting to 'kill' the old enemy, Hazard is thrown off balance by Somerset - or Somers, as he prefers to be called now - being a gentle and likable guy suffering from his own demons who looked forward to working with Hazard hoping to redeem himself for his behavior in high school.
A murder case among right and left wing extremists takes up most of their on page time in this book. A case which I found surprisingly captivating and which led to interesting developments for both Somers' and Hazard's lives.
What is so amazing about these guys?
I mainly read m/m romance where the focus is on meeting/falling in love/HEA.
This story is VERY different. There's no romance between these guys (at least not in the sense we usually see it), and yet we get lots of scenes that I found extremely powerful, dark and strangely 'gratifying'. And I mean physical scenes, just in a different way than you'd expect. I found that brilliant.
It is absolutely clear that these guys will at some point in the future become an item, but until then their banter and their conflicts are the most rewarding thing ever. I don't even miss any sex here, because let's be frank: There is none. Still, everything is absolutely spot on and exactly how it should be so there is room for things to develop.
It was pure genius to bring two guys together as 'possibly romantically compatible' who are actually enemies. And the secrets of what Somers did in his youth and how it affected Hazard's life even 20 years later is a big part of the 'mystery' that lies behind these guys' relationship.
I also totally dig our boys on a more superficial level. Hazard, the dark, brooding, muscled outcast who never smiles and likes to keep a distance and Somers, the golden All American surfer boy who knows his good looks and disarming smile will usually get him whatever he wants. With everyone but Hazard, of course.
That's like the PERFECT combination and they're more or less exactly the type of guys that my all time favorite couples consist of and YET they're very unique. I seriously feel like I found a true gem reading this.
I can't wait to start the next book :-)
Finally a deserving entry for my top 10 list of favorites read in 2020 !!
5 stars!
August 4, 2023
As though sensing Somers’s thoughts, Hazard’s head came up. He looked across the room, straight at Somers, and—and he smiled. It was vintage Emery Hazard: a tightly guarded smile, the smile of someone all wrapped up in trying to protect himself. But it was there. And Somers felt like his heart was melting, drip by drip, at how much pain could flash out in that smile.
I can finally stop getting this series shoved down my throat.
Too bad this intro to it was disappointing.
I found this to be quite boring and very skim-worthy. I know I’ll need to force myself to be patient because these two don’t get together until (I believe) the end of book 4, so they aren’t anything official until book 5. I knew beforehand that this is one of the slowest of slow burns. And I love a good slow burn, no matter how much it takes for the characters to get together (especially in a series). Unfortunately, while I already love the dynamics between Hazard and Somers, they weren’t enough to keep me grounded. Even the so-called UST wasn’t enough. The pining (especially on Somer’s end) wasn’t enough to save it. I’ve also heard the cases in this are intense and take up a large part of the stories. That doesn’t bother me at all, no matter how intense/brutal/uncomfortable the cases are. The romance/relationship is what comes first, then the characters, and then the mystery. And I know people don’t read this for the mystery (pfft I don’t), but it still affects my reading enjoyment when I’m not attached enough to the characters AND the cases add to the cause of my boredom, anyway. In a way, I ignored the mystery, considering it’s what I skimmed the most while trying my best to enjoy every scene between H & S the most. So in short, if you can like the characters enough and think there’s enough tension to keep the story going, you’ll most likely enjoy this more than I did. I, unfortunately, expected, wanted, and needed more.
However, both characters are the type of characters I love. My favorite is Hazard, which doesn’t surprise me, considering he still carries wounds from the past, is a grumpy hunk of a man, has a reputation for being scary, struggles with self-esteem, and doesn’t know how and when to keep his mouth shut. But when you get close to him, he’s a gentle giant. He doesn’t have people around him he can trust, let alone love, and his life has never been one he finds much to love about. His sudden professional work environment involving being pairad up with his former high school bully only brings up his battle scars more, but he’s also willing to forgive. His straight-forward, no-fucks-given attitude is his coping mechanism. He grounds himself through it, a façade he puts up to hide his agony, suffering, and misery. He’s not depressed, but he’s not entirely happy. Personally, I find his way of acting completely valid. After returning home, a small conservative town, he finds himself not only working with his high school tormentor, but the town itself is all different, more “liberal.” I thought Gregory Ashe wrote his inner monologue incredibly well—no nonsense but still emotional. We see Emery’s internal struggle as he remembers what he went through in the past and how unfair it has been. He doesn’t want to use his past as an excuse for things, but I couldn’t even blame him at times.
On the other hand, Somers is Emery’s opposite: while the two are an impersonation of a grumpy character and a sunshine character, Somers is full of guilt, embarrassment, and complete remorse. Going from a former bully to a kind-natured adult is quite the difference, and it shows in how he acts. He made some stupid mistakes, causing him to be kicked out by his wife, Cora, and no longer able to see his daughter, Evie. My favorite moments of his were the small things he noticed about Emery, but not so much that as to how he remembered his past. His guilt contradicts how he feels, in a way, eating him alive. Once he realizes his pining, some of the past reminds him of his actions, which I thought was a great way to show the emotional crisis he’s going through. Still, John-Henry, while not sunshine and rainbows, stands more optimistic, hopeful, and alive. He acknowledges what he did in the past and doesn’t beat around the bush for it. There’s no sugarcoating his actions. He wishes to show and prove to Hazard that he has changed, but he also doesn’t blame him for not giving in easily. This, I fully appreciated. I loved seeing the guilty Somers felt. He knows what he did and knows it was wrong, and even though he tries justifying his actions as something to be forgotten because he was a kid, he knows it isn’t that easy. And while I didn’t find this to have tension like many others, I won’t deny the delight in seeing Somers pining. No matter how much Hazard would ignore or insult him, Somers would keep going at it, trying his best to get a positive reaction from his grumpy partner.
I have a feeling the next books (at least until book 5) won’t work for me the best but there’s still a chance for them to become enjoyable. Both Hazard and Somers are involved with someone else, and no matter how estranged John-Henry’s relationship with his wife is or how Emery doesn’t really love Nico, it isn’t something I love reading about. Hence, most of my enjoyment for this was through the characters as individuals and as partners. I can’t bring myself to rate this higher when my enjoyment was minimal, and mostly for certain scenes only, and for both Hazard and Somers. Regardless, I’m excited to see the development slowly unfold.
I’ll say this now though, but I won’t write a full review, and I really don’t think I’ll write reviews for the rest of the series because it’s just too many.
I can finally stop getting this series shoved down my throat.
Too bad this intro to it was disappointing.
I found this to be quite boring and very skim-worthy. I know I’ll need to force myself to be patient because these two don’t get together until (I believe) the end of book 4, so they aren’t anything official until book 5. I knew beforehand that this is one of the slowest of slow burns. And I love a good slow burn, no matter how much it takes for the characters to get together (especially in a series). Unfortunately, while I already love the dynamics between Hazard and Somers, they weren’t enough to keep me grounded. Even the so-called UST wasn’t enough. The pining (especially on Somer’s end) wasn’t enough to save it. I’ve also heard the cases in this are intense and take up a large part of the stories. That doesn’t bother me at all, no matter how intense/brutal/uncomfortable the cases are. The romance/relationship is what comes first, then the characters, and then the mystery. And I know people don’t read this for the mystery (pfft I don’t), but it still affects my reading enjoyment when I’m not attached enough to the characters AND the cases add to the cause of my boredom, anyway. In a way, I ignored the mystery, considering it’s what I skimmed the most while trying my best to enjoy every scene between H & S the most. So in short, if you can like the characters enough and think there’s enough tension to keep the story going, you’ll most likely enjoy this more than I did. I, unfortunately, expected, wanted, and needed more.
However, both characters are the type of characters I love. My favorite is Hazard, which doesn’t surprise me, considering he still carries wounds from the past, is a grumpy hunk of a man, has a reputation for being scary, struggles with self-esteem, and doesn’t know how and when to keep his mouth shut. But when you get close to him, he’s a gentle giant. He doesn’t have people around him he can trust, let alone love, and his life has never been one he finds much to love about. His sudden professional work environment involving being pairad up with his former high school bully only brings up his battle scars more, but he’s also willing to forgive. His straight-forward, no-fucks-given attitude is his coping mechanism. He grounds himself through it, a façade he puts up to hide his agony, suffering, and misery. He’s not depressed, but he’s not entirely happy. Personally, I find his way of acting completely valid. After returning home, a small conservative town, he finds himself not only working with his high school tormentor, but the town itself is all different, more “liberal.” I thought Gregory Ashe wrote his inner monologue incredibly well—no nonsense but still emotional. We see Emery’s internal struggle as he remembers what he went through in the past and how unfair it has been. He doesn’t want to use his past as an excuse for things, but I couldn’t even blame him at times.
On the other hand, Somers is Emery’s opposite: while the two are an impersonation of a grumpy character and a sunshine character, Somers is full of guilt, embarrassment, and complete remorse. Going from a former bully to a kind-natured adult is quite the difference, and it shows in how he acts. He made some stupid mistakes, causing him to be kicked out by his wife, Cora, and no longer able to see his daughter, Evie. My favorite moments of his were the small things he noticed about Emery, but not so much that as to how he remembered his past. His guilt contradicts how he feels, in a way, eating him alive. Once he realizes his pining, some of the past reminds him of his actions, which I thought was a great way to show the emotional crisis he’s going through. Still, John-Henry, while not sunshine and rainbows, stands more optimistic, hopeful, and alive. He acknowledges what he did in the past and doesn’t beat around the bush for it. There’s no sugarcoating his actions. He wishes to show and prove to Hazard that he has changed, but he also doesn’t blame him for not giving in easily. This, I fully appreciated. I loved seeing the guilty Somers felt. He knows what he did and knows it was wrong, and even though he tries justifying his actions as something to be forgotten because he was a kid, he knows it isn’t that easy. And while I didn’t find this to have tension like many others, I won’t deny the delight in seeing Somers pining. No matter how much Hazard would ignore or insult him, Somers would keep going at it, trying his best to get a positive reaction from his grumpy partner.
I have a feeling the next books (at least until book 5) won’t work for me the best but there’s still a chance for them to become enjoyable. Both Hazard and Somers are involved with someone else, and no matter how estranged John-Henry’s relationship with his wife is or how Emery doesn’t really love Nico, it isn’t something I love reading about. Hence, most of my enjoyment for this was through the characters as individuals and as partners. I can’t bring myself to rate this higher when my enjoyment was minimal, and mostly for certain scenes only, and for both Hazard and Somers. Regardless, I’m excited to see the development slowly unfold.
I’ll say this now though, but I won’t write a full review, and I really don’t think I’ll write reviews for the rest of the series because it’s just too many.
July 28, 2023
Third reread-July 2023
***still a 5.0 rating***
Review contains list of TWs that may be triggering to some.
Took me a week to read this. Life was hectic and well I have been in a bit of a review slump. Anyways I am determined to read the entire series including the sequels.
The tension and the slow burn between Somers and Hazard is chef's kiss in this book. Love them, and I cant wait to read the rest again💕
Also for those who have never read this series, I gotta warn ya there is a lot of triggers in this book and I am not sure if GA lists them or not. I dont recall seeing them in the book but maybe on his site?
Anyways here is the list of TWs:
-Violence
-Murder
-Use of vulgar language and homophobic slurs
-Homophobia
-Rape
-Suicide
-Domestic violence
-Racism (racist characters)
-Cheating
-Mentions of hate crimes
I dont think I forgot anything else but please consider these before reading the series, the series does get darker in the later books. Just a warning for my fellow readers that need to know these. Otherwise enjoy, this series has one of the best slow burns I have ever read and I love the romance that develops between them later.
_____________________________
Second reread-Jan 2023
***5.0 rating***
Ah Hazard and Somers, how I missed these two. The first time I read this series, I was so frustrated with the slow-burn aspect of it, but now I have come to appreciate it. I love how Gregory Ashe takes the time to develop the angst, tension, and desire between Emery and John-Henry. His writing is a talent on its own. The storytelling, the character development, the tension, the suspense, and so much more are what you come to appreciate as a reader. Gregory Ashe knows how to frustrate his readers, but there is a reason he does what he does. I love his writing style and can't wait to reread the entire series once more!
____________________________________
"Jesus, you’re beautiful. I’ve wanted to tell you that for twenty years.” He took a breath, coughed, and shuddered with the pain. “I’m sorry for what I said. What I did.” 😍😍
**4.0 Rating**
Cannot believe it took me a week to read this book🤦🏼♀️ I feel like I read this at the pace of a turtle lol.
I am a little late to the Somers and Hazard fan club or Gregory Ashe in general, smh.
What can I say I have been living under a cave apparently 😭 but I can finally see why people love this series. I am one of them, yes. I became heavily invested in this book tsk tsk. You would probably know that if you have seen my annoying updates on your feed 🤭😩
I really enjoyed this read even though it was the definition of slow burn and even though we didn't get a kiss until 300 pages in. Speaking of the kiss, I was excited only to be annoyed😭
*Slowly slaps Hazard*
My man Hazard had to ruin it tho 🙃 I know why he did it but still...smh.
There were many things I did and did not enjoy about this book. (Mostly enjoyed it tbh don't come for me).
Those things are mentioned below.
What I liked about this book
• The mains: Hazard and Somers😍😍 (my frustrating not yet couple)
•Yes even the slow burn "romance" between the two. I hope by book 2 we get some action 😔🤞🏻
• Nico (don't come for me lol🙈), he was so sweet and flirty I liked him.
• The plot, I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the case and the plot twist.
• The trope: I am a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope.
• The angst: wasn't too much but I do love it when a book makes me emotionally invested if done correctly.
Characters I HATED:
•Mikey: that mofo can go to hell💅🏻
•Upchurch: sadistic bastard, he got what he deserved
•Billy and Tom: those assholes deserve each other 🤬
•Lynn? Lync, Lynk? What was this bish's name? So confusing.
•Chendo: the audacity to cheat on Nico🔪
•Naomi's psycho ass: that annoying wannabe cult leader made me roll my eyes
What I didn't enjoy about the book:
• The subtle sexism and vilification of female characters in the book: almost all the female characters with the exception of those on the force were to an extent vilified or evil af.
•The weird grammer- I was confused about Lynn what was her actual name? Lol
• We don't get introduced to Cora who is Somers's wife but she is mentioned throughout the book, I know my impatient ass needs to wait till I read the other books.
•The very long length: I do think the book could have been shorter
•The Volunteers/Ozark: wish we knew more about the organization
•What happened to Jeff😭😭: my poor baby. His story made me shed tears but that's when you know the author is good. I was indeed emotionally invested in this book.
Overall Opinion?:
I enjoyed this book! I blame my GR friends for getting me hooked on this couple lol😂 I am already reading the next book so that should tell you how much I like this series so far. I hope 🙏🏻 that at least we get some action in the second book. I don't wanna look like a 🤡 if that ain't the case but meh I am optimistic.
Do I recommend it? Of course 😌.
***still a 5.0 rating***
Review contains list of TWs that may be triggering to some.
Took me a week to read this. Life was hectic and well I have been in a bit of a review slump. Anyways I am determined to read the entire series including the sequels.
The tension and the slow burn between Somers and Hazard is chef's kiss in this book. Love them, and I cant wait to read the rest again💕
Also for those who have never read this series, I gotta warn ya there is a lot of triggers in this book and I am not sure if GA lists them or not. I dont recall seeing them in the book but maybe on his site?
Anyways here is the list of TWs:
-Violence
-Murder
-Use of vulgar language and homophobic slurs
-Homophobia
-Rape
-Suicide
-Domestic violence
-Racism (racist characters)
-Cheating
-Mentions of hate crimes
I dont think I forgot anything else but please consider these before reading the series, the series does get darker in the later books. Just a warning for my fellow readers that need to know these. Otherwise enjoy, this series has one of the best slow burns I have ever read and I love the romance that develops between them later.
_____________________________
Second reread-Jan 2023
***5.0 rating***
Ah Hazard and Somers, how I missed these two. The first time I read this series, I was so frustrated with the slow-burn aspect of it, but now I have come to appreciate it. I love how Gregory Ashe takes the time to develop the angst, tension, and desire between Emery and John-Henry. His writing is a talent on its own. The storytelling, the character development, the tension, the suspense, and so much more are what you come to appreciate as a reader. Gregory Ashe knows how to frustrate his readers, but there is a reason he does what he does. I love his writing style and can't wait to reread the entire series once more!
____________________________________
"Jesus, you’re beautiful. I’ve wanted to tell you that for twenty years.” He took a breath, coughed, and shuddered with the pain. “I’m sorry for what I said. What I did.” 😍😍
**4.0 Rating**
Cannot believe it took me a week to read this book🤦🏼♀️ I feel like I read this at the pace of a turtle lol.
I am a little late to the Somers and Hazard fan club or Gregory Ashe in general, smh.
What can I say I have been living under a cave apparently 😭 but I can finally see why people love this series. I am one of them, yes. I became heavily invested in this book tsk tsk. You would probably know that if you have seen my annoying updates on your feed 🤭😩
I really enjoyed this read even though it was the definition of slow burn and even though we didn't get a kiss until 300 pages in. Speaking of the kiss, I was excited only to be annoyed😭
*Slowly slaps Hazard*
My man Hazard had to ruin it tho 🙃 I know why he did it but still...smh.
There were many things I did and did not enjoy about this book. (Mostly enjoyed it tbh don't come for me).
Those things are mentioned below.
What I liked about this book
• The mains: Hazard and Somers😍😍 (my frustrating not yet couple)
•Yes even the slow burn "romance" between the two. I hope by book 2 we get some action 😔🤞🏻
• Nico (don't come for me lol🙈), he was so sweet and flirty I liked him.
• The plot, I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the case and the plot twist.
• The trope: I am a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope.
• The angst: wasn't too much but I do love it when a book makes me emotionally invested if done correctly.
Characters I HATED:
•Mikey: that mofo can go to hell💅🏻
•Upchurch: sadistic bastard, he got what he deserved
•Billy and Tom: those assholes deserve each other 🤬
•Lynn? Lync, Lynk? What was this bish's name? So confusing.
•Chendo: the audacity to cheat on Nico🔪
•Naomi's psycho ass: that annoying wannabe cult leader made me roll my eyes
What I didn't enjoy about the book:
• The subtle sexism and vilification of female characters in the book: almost all the female characters with the exception of those on the force were to an extent vilified or evil af.
•The weird grammer- I was confused about Lynn what was her actual name? Lol
• We don't get introduced to Cora who is Somers's wife but she is mentioned throughout the book, I know my impatient ass needs to wait till I read the other books.
•The very long length: I do think the book could have been shorter
•The Volunteers/Ozark: wish we knew more about the organization
•What happened to Jeff😭😭: my poor baby. His story made me shed tears but that's when you know the author is good. I was indeed emotionally invested in this book.
Overall Opinion?:
I enjoyed this book! I blame my GR friends for getting me hooked on this couple lol😂 I am already reading the next book so that should tell you how much I like this series so far. I hope 🙏🏻 that at least we get some action in the second book. I don't wanna look like a 🤡 if that ain't the case but meh I am optimistic.
Do I recommend it? Of course 😌.
July 1, 2020
2.5 stars
I'm afraid I didn't really enjoy this story. I didn't care about the case they were working on. I guessed three different things early on, which made the rest of the story not so mysterious or interesting and it really dragged for me.
I didn't understand the police procedure in this one. There wasn't much sense in how certain things were done or not done. I don't like when detectives or police officers in books come across as being incompetent at their job.
I hated Grames, for obvious reasons. I almost gave up on this story after that scene between him and Hazard. I hated Naomi. I'm getting fed up with those overconfident villains who love hearing the sound of their own voice.
I sort of liked Hazard, Somers and Nico. Hazard and Somers grabbed me right from the start. Both are complex characters with a lot of issues and I was looking forward to see how they would get on. But honestly, the way they sometimes acted seemed very irrational and immature.
I'm still interested in their story, I'd like to see what happens next, but at the same time I don't feel like reading another book with this many trigger warnings, unlikable characters and more bad decisions.
The audiobook was ok, though sometimes the voices the narrator gave different characters were not distinct enough.
I'm afraid I didn't really enjoy this story. I didn't care about the case they were working on. I guessed three different things early on, which made the rest of the story not so mysterious or interesting and it really dragged for me.
I didn't understand the police procedure in this one. There wasn't much sense in how certain things were done or not done. I don't like when detectives or police officers in books come across as being incompetent at their job.
I hated Grames, for obvious reasons. I almost gave up on this story after that scene between him and Hazard. I hated Naomi. I'm getting fed up with those overconfident villains who love hearing the sound of their own voice.
I sort of liked Hazard, Somers and Nico. Hazard and Somers grabbed me right from the start. Both are complex characters with a lot of issues and I was looking forward to see how they would get on. But honestly, the way they sometimes acted seemed very irrational and immature.
I'm still interested in their story, I'd like to see what happens next, but at the same time I don't feel like reading another book with this many trigger warnings, unlikable characters and more bad decisions.
The audiobook was ok, though sometimes the voices the narrator gave different characters were not distinct enough.
September 27, 2020
This book should have giant trigger warnings attached to it. There is bullying, rape, suicide, and hate-crimes all over the place. The bullying stories were so bad that I can't imagine anyone who was bullied being okay reading this. I was never bullied, but I had to put the book down and walk away for a bit after reading some horrific things.
So, it wasn't a typical family dinner at Casa de Jilly. Our usual dinner conversations are subjects such as:
1. How can the person who is the champion of arm wrestling know that he is better than the champion arm wrestler for the other hand? (lefty/righty)
2. Should we start asking our doctor and pharmacist if any pill we should take is available in suppository form? Just to see how they react?
3. What would be the weirdest funeral we could think of for whoever dies first? What would the reaction be if we just went into stores with ashes and asked if we could flush them down their toilet because it was their favorite public restroom? (Buckee's for the win.)
4. What would be the most spectacular, and stupid, way to die?
5. What would we do if there was a real-life Purge? And, why hasn't there been one yet?
Huh. I guess we talk about death a lot. My daughter calls us the Addam's Family. I consider that the highest of all compliments.
Anyway, tonight's meal was quiet because I wasn't adding in my comments on who would win in a toad-frog war and I blame the book for that. (duh, toads)
So, you know, don't read this if it would make you sad.
But, if you aren't easily triggered, this was a damn good book.
This guy, Emery Hazard, moves back to his small town to be a detective there. Unfortunately the first thing he finds out is that his old high school bully is his new partner. And, the bullying was brutal. Lasting scars, PTSD shit. So, it was good to find out that his new partner felt like shit for what he had done. And that he was now a sad, lonely alcoholic because his life is a mess.
There is a big war brewing in the town because they have a militant group of racist homophobes causing trouble and a new college professor who is exactly the opposite. She thinks all heterosexuals should die, and she's indoctrinating students. These two groups are getting along as well as could be expected - protests, fights, vandalism, and a couple of deaths.
As the new partners try to figure out all of the crimes. And, there are really a lot to choose from, they are also trying to make peace with their past. It was very well done and compelling. I'll be continuing to read on now that the past traumas are resolved because I want to see the racist homophobes get their asses kicked. And, maybe the feminist that wants all men forcibly castrated could have a Snickers or something so she tones it down a notch.
So, it wasn't a typical family dinner at Casa de Jilly. Our usual dinner conversations are subjects such as:
1. How can the person who is the champion of arm wrestling know that he is better than the champion arm wrestler for the other hand? (lefty/righty)
2. Should we start asking our doctor and pharmacist if any pill we should take is available in suppository form? Just to see how they react?
3. What would be the weirdest funeral we could think of for whoever dies first? What would the reaction be if we just went into stores with ashes and asked if we could flush them down their toilet because it was their favorite public restroom? (Buckee's for the win.)
4. What would be the most spectacular, and stupid, way to die?
5. What would we do if there was a real-life Purge? And, why hasn't there been one yet?
Huh. I guess we talk about death a lot. My daughter calls us the Addam's Family. I consider that the highest of all compliments.
Anyway, tonight's meal was quiet because I wasn't adding in my comments on who would win in a toad-frog war and I blame the book for that. (duh, toads)
So, you know, don't read this if it would make you sad.
But, if you aren't easily triggered, this was a damn good book.
This guy, Emery Hazard, moves back to his small town to be a detective there. Unfortunately the first thing he finds out is that his old high school bully is his new partner. And, the bullying was brutal. Lasting scars, PTSD shit. So, it was good to find out that his new partner felt like shit for what he had done. And that he was now a sad, lonely alcoholic because his life is a mess.
There is a big war brewing in the town because they have a militant group of racist homophobes causing trouble and a new college professor who is exactly the opposite. She thinks all heterosexuals should die, and she's indoctrinating students. These two groups are getting along as well as could be expected - protests, fights, vandalism, and a couple of deaths.
As the new partners try to figure out all of the crimes. And, there are really a lot to choose from, they are also trying to make peace with their past. It was very well done and compelling. I'll be continuing to read on now that the past traumas are resolved because I want to see the racist homophobes get their asses kicked. And, maybe the feminist that wants all men forcibly castrated could have a Snickers or something so she tones it down a notch.
December 29, 2024
I am happy to announce that book number 300 for the year 2024 is a 5-star book. I deliberately chose it that way because I thought it would be so good, but at the same time I was bloody surprised that it would be the most exhaustive book of the year. I spent A WHOLE DAMN WEEK reading it!!!
Bad book ...
A really evil book. The breaks I had to take again and again to recover a little are dangerous. I usually lose interest so much that it can be years before I pick up that book again. But no, this book was really mean, it haunted my dreams for a week.
I am now officially a fan, I would have been surprised if I wasn't, the writing style is very appealing to me and the way the story is told really resonates with my brain.
The plot made me pull my hair out constantly. The characters were so interesting and at the same time annoying that I couldn't look away. Yes, it was worse than a train wreck, it's as if Hazard and Somerset were burned into my retina.
What made the book so exhausting for me were the amounts of alcohol consumed here, and worse than that, the vast amounts of hate in all colors that are expressed here.
That made my soft little heart heavy and not in a nice way. I guess I need lots of flowery cozy books to recover now. So it will be a while before I pick up book two. That's entirely down to me, as I said, I'm really excited about this story, but such gloomy books are rarely good for me, so don't be surprised if it takes a while.
As for the “romance”, I don't know if anything that can be said about Hazard and Somerset hasn't been said by now anyway, so in that respect ... yes, they are two real idiots and I love them ...
Sitting in front of Cravens’s desk, he was blond and well-built and very, very good-looking. The kind of good-looking that stops traffic for about a mile in every direction. His blue eyes crinkled with amusement, and he grinned as he rose, stretching out a hand. Hazard couldn’t move, couldn’t blink, couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t have grabbed that man’s hand if the earth dropped out from under him. He could barely hear Cravens talking. 🖤🌵🖤🌵🖤
Bad book ...
A really evil book. The breaks I had to take again and again to recover a little are dangerous. I usually lose interest so much that it can be years before I pick up that book again. But no, this book was really mean, it haunted my dreams for a week.
I am now officially a fan, I would have been surprised if I wasn't, the writing style is very appealing to me and the way the story is told really resonates with my brain.
The plot made me pull my hair out constantly. The characters were so interesting and at the same time annoying that I couldn't look away. Yes, it was worse than a train wreck, it's as if Hazard and Somerset were burned into my retina.
What made the book so exhausting for me were the amounts of alcohol consumed here, and worse than that, the vast amounts of hate in all colors that are expressed here.
That made my soft little heart heavy and not in a nice way. I guess I need lots of flowery cozy books to recover now. So it will be a while before I pick up book two. That's entirely down to me, as I said, I'm really excited about this story, but such gloomy books are rarely good for me, so don't be surprised if it takes a while.
As for the “romance”, I don't know if anything that can be said about Hazard and Somerset hasn't been said by now anyway, so in that respect ... yes, they are two real idiots and I love them ...
Sitting in front of Cravens’s desk, he was blond and well-built and very, very good-looking. The kind of good-looking that stops traffic for about a mile in every direction. His blue eyes crinkled with amusement, and he grinned as he rose, stretching out a hand. Hazard couldn’t move, couldn’t blink, couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t have grabbed that man’s hand if the earth dropped out from under him. He could barely hear Cravens talking. 🖤🌵🖤🌵🖤
June 22, 2020
I'm sending up the white flag. DNF @ 78%. I simply can't face another scene with Naomi. Not even skimming can get me through that. Please accept my surrender.
So, the good news: I like Gregory Ashe's writing style.
The bad news: Writing style alone is not enough to make a novel.
Characterization, plot, dialogue -- that's not a comprehensive list of what else needs to work well in order to make a novel, but it's a list of what failed for me in this one.
I'll limit myself to one example. Detectives Hazard and Somerset discover surveillance photos have been taken of them by the well-organized local white supremacist group they're investigating. It reveals that they're being stalked, and have been photographed even inside their own police station. Hazard only arrived in town for his new job a couple days ago -- yet was photographed within hours of his arrival. Scary, much? No, apparently not. Once that scene is over, they forget about it. It's never discussed again. They don't even *think* about it again. They never wonder about the implications, never worry that maybe their every move is still being photographed, that somehow the enemy infiltrated their police station, that maybe they're in danger. BECAUSE OF COURSE YOU ARE, YOU IDIOTS. Nope, just move along folks, there's nothing to see here.
So, that's a characterization fail and a plot fail. There are so many more things that Just. Don't. Work. The major characters act inconsistently -- there are far too many examples to list, but my ability to suspend disbelief was shattered before I'd gotten halfway through. Other characters are caricatures, like Naomi the femme fatale, and the 100% insane anarcho-feminist professor. The police force is staffed by utter incompetents. The situations that are set up don't seem remotely credible -- the attack on the campus in broad daylight to haul out the insane professor and lynch her -- are you kidding me? That didn't work. This book just didn't work. It didn't work.
Given all that, as I tried (but failed) to skim through to the end, I wondered why I'd enjoyed the book so much at first. I was fully onboard for almost the first third of the story -- sure, I didn't much like the MCs, but that's not necessary if something else about the writing grabs me. I ended up spending more time analyzing this than makes any sense... But I think I figured out what Ashe does well that lured me in: Setting a scene with powerful but unobtrusive descriptions, moving a character through that scene, revealing the character’s thoughts and feelings during the scene… I like how he does that. His prose is smooth and readable, and when taken in individual chunks, scenes can seem strong and credible.
But once he started stringing those scenes together, they were full of wild inconsistencies of characterization and unbelievable turns of plot. He wasn't able to integrate the individual chunks into a story that came together into a convincing narrative. At least not for me. I'll give him another chance. I'll try one more book. But this one was a crash & burn.
A big thank you to my fellow buddy readers, Moony and Shile, without whom I wouldn't have been able to make it as far as I did. I'm sorry it was a bust, but you gave me something positive to remember about this experience.
So, the good news: I like Gregory Ashe's writing style.
The bad news: Writing style alone is not enough to make a novel.
Characterization, plot, dialogue -- that's not a comprehensive list of what else needs to work well in order to make a novel, but it's a list of what failed for me in this one.
I'll limit myself to one example. Detectives Hazard and Somerset discover surveillance photos have been taken of them by the well-organized local white supremacist group they're investigating. It reveals that they're being stalked, and have been photographed even inside their own police station. Hazard only arrived in town for his new job a couple days ago -- yet was photographed within hours of his arrival. Scary, much? No, apparently not. Once that scene is over, they forget about it. It's never discussed again. They don't even *think* about it again. They never wonder about the implications, never worry that maybe their every move is still being photographed, that somehow the enemy infiltrated their police station, that maybe they're in danger. BECAUSE OF COURSE YOU ARE, YOU IDIOTS. Nope, just move along folks, there's nothing to see here.
So, that's a characterization fail and a plot fail. There are so many more things that Just. Don't. Work. The major characters act inconsistently -- there are far too many examples to list, but my ability to suspend disbelief was shattered before I'd gotten halfway through. Other characters are caricatures, like Naomi the femme fatale, and the 100% insane anarcho-feminist professor. The police force is staffed by utter incompetents. The situations that are set up don't seem remotely credible -- the attack on the campus in broad daylight to haul out the insane professor and lynch her -- are you kidding me? That didn't work. This book just didn't work. It didn't work.
Given all that, as I tried (but failed) to skim through to the end, I wondered why I'd enjoyed the book so much at first. I was fully onboard for almost the first third of the story -- sure, I didn't much like the MCs, but that's not necessary if something else about the writing grabs me. I ended up spending more time analyzing this than makes any sense... But I think I figured out what Ashe does well that lured me in: Setting a scene with powerful but unobtrusive descriptions, moving a character through that scene, revealing the character’s thoughts and feelings during the scene… I like how he does that. His prose is smooth and readable, and when taken in individual chunks, scenes can seem strong and credible.
But once he started stringing those scenes together, they were full of wild inconsistencies of characterization and unbelievable turns of plot. He wasn't able to integrate the individual chunks into a story that came together into a convincing narrative. At least not for me. I'll give him another chance. I'll try one more book. But this one was a crash & burn.
A big thank you to my fellow buddy readers, Moony and Shile, without whom I wouldn't have been able to make it as far as I did. I'm sorry it was a bust, but you gave me something positive to remember about this experience.
May 24, 2020
3 Skeptical Stars
Oh man. I really really wanted to love this. I can totally see why others did because this no doubt, is rife with two compelling characters with layers of so much ethos and pathos that lends an impressive complexity to them both and to the story.
First things first. It's painfully obvious that Hazard and Somerset’s individual journey, as well as the one they’ll take together to eventually become a couple, will not be fun nor will it be painless because they have a shared tumultuous terrible history that needs some major personal insight and forgiveness.
I think it will come as no surprise that I read romance because I like the fantasy. I like the happy ending, I like enjoying myself by reveling in all the good feels. That’s not what’s going on here, and things probably won’t change any time soon.
What I will say is that these two men are flawed . Significantly so… and if you want realism and something that isn’t easy, then this will probably grab you and not let go. Neither Somerset nor Hazard are very likeable, and their faults and weaknesses frustrated me as much as I’m sure they frustrated each other. I was left groveling and grasping for any crumbs Ashe would deign to throw my way, never feeling at all satisfied.
However, all the points go towards intricate character building, a compelling mystery filled with lots of hateful awful on both ends of the spectrum, and again, a tangled myriad of conflicted feelings that permeates this entire first story. I applaud the plausible slow burn, the “forbidden” attraction that goes both ways. I know this isn’t a conventional romance with hearts and flowers and as of now, I’m still not sure if I’ll leave my fluffy expectations at the door and proceed further with the inevitable continued torture regarding these two very imperfect men.
Oh man. I really really wanted to love this. I can totally see why others did because this no doubt, is rife with two compelling characters with layers of so much ethos and pathos that lends an impressive complexity to them both and to the story.
First things first. It's painfully obvious that Hazard and Somerset’s individual journey, as well as the one they’ll take together to eventually become a couple, will not be fun nor will it be painless because they have a shared tumultuous terrible history that needs some major personal insight and forgiveness.
I think it will come as no surprise that I read romance because I like the fantasy. I like the happy ending, I like enjoying myself by reveling in all the good feels. That’s not what’s going on here, and things probably won’t change any time soon.
What I will say is that these two men are flawed . Significantly so… and if you want realism and something that isn’t easy, then this will probably grab you and not let go. Neither Somerset nor Hazard are very likeable, and their faults and weaknesses frustrated me as much as I’m sure they frustrated each other. I was left groveling and grasping for any crumbs Ashe would deign to throw my way, never feeling at all satisfied.
However, all the points go towards intricate character building, a compelling mystery filled with lots of hateful awful on both ends of the spectrum, and again, a tangled myriad of conflicted feelings that permeates this entire first story. I applaud the plausible slow burn, the “forbidden” attraction that goes both ways. I know this isn’t a conventional romance with hearts and flowers and as of now, I’m still not sure if I’ll leave my fluffy expectations at the door and proceed further with the inevitable continued torture regarding these two very imperfect men.
March 7, 2023
March 2023
True story.
It's been so long since I read/listened to this that I legit forgot who the baddie was so I was super impressed with myself that I picked them out. Not sure if I did the first time around since I don't remember the first time through very well.
For me, it was better the 2nd time around since I know what happens with Hazard & Somers so I wasn't as focused on the romance and was more focused on the story. I also forgot Nico showed up this early so it was almost like reading a whole new book.
Almost.
________________________________________________________
I dug it.
I dug it muchly.
Tristan James did a fantastic job varying the voices and delivering the lines with emotion.
The case held my attention.
I was entertained.
I can hardly ask for more than that EXCEPT! WHAT IN THE FRACKADOOZLE WENT DOWN IN THAT LOCKER ROOM????
I needz the deets!
So I've already jumped into the next one. Because I have the patience of a 5 yr old.
Recommend to mystery/thriller fans.
True story.
It's been so long since I read/listened to this that I legit forgot who the baddie was so I was super impressed with myself that I picked them out. Not sure if I did the first time around since I don't remember the first time through very well.
For me, it was better the 2nd time around since I know what happens with Hazard & Somers so I wasn't as focused on the romance and was more focused on the story. I also forgot Nico showed up this early so it was almost like reading a whole new book.
Almost.
________________________________________________________
I dug it.
I dug it muchly.
Tristan James did a fantastic job varying the voices and delivering the lines with emotion.
The case held my attention.
I was entertained.
I can hardly ask for more than that EXCEPT! WHAT IN THE FRACKADOOZLE WENT DOWN IN THAT LOCKER ROOM????
I needz the deets!
So I've already jumped into the next one. Because I have the patience of a 5 yr old.
Recommend to mystery/thriller fans.
November 14, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this one, but I have got to be honest here and say it also pissed me the fuck off !!!
Before I say anything more, let me inform you that this is not a romance...not yet anyway. As I have come to understand, the MC's don't even get together until much later in the series. That said...there was still plenty of sexual tension to choke on
No steam though...just so you know 
I myself am a big mystery/suspense fan and that is what this book is first and foremost.
This first book in the series opens with detective Emery Hazard coming back to his hometown to start a new job on the Wareduhra police force. There is a reason he once left and to say that he is thrilled to be back would be a huge understatement. As if being back isn't joyful enough, being partnered with his high school bully, John Henry Somerset, is the icing on the cake ...
While Hazard and Somers get kind of reacquainted, while hunting down murderers, white extremists and bigots, we get little flashbacks of their high school days...Which show us exactly why Hazard hates his hometown (and Somers) so much.
I gotta say, I was right there with him. What a bunch of assholes... I don't think I would ever be able to forgive some of the things that happened.
One of those assholes actually being Somerset !!
Now I know he was sorry and he really did try to make amends.... but I hold a mean grudge so I am not quite ready to forgive him yet... Doesn't matter how I feel about ot anyway, it's all up to Hazard to be honest
I got pulled into the story right from the start and the lack of steam/romance didn't really bother me....but... I also don't feel like reading 6 books until we get there so we will see how much I can take
I am giving this one 3-3,5 stars because I am still very angry about how some things transpired.
Can't wait to see what's next !!
This review was posted on Wendy's Wycked Words
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October 26, 2018
This is an interesting mystery series with a gay cop and his (probably, closeted) bi partner. Deeply enemies-to-lovers, as Somerset tormented and abused Hazard when they were both in high school (while fighting an attraction to him.) The plot is convoluted, and there is a lot of backstory for both these guys that gets deeply in the way of solving the crime.
At the end of the book, there is a case resolution, but very little has resolved in the relationship of the MCs. And I want to note a caveat - this continues through the series. I read through book 3, and these guys are the kings of never talking. They edge toward important information and then fight, hit each other, run away, get drunk, or have sex with someone else. Their issues damage their police work over and over. At the end of book 3, they have more information about each other, but the essential misunderstandings are still there (which is where I'm bailing out.)
So if you're a fan of gay mysteries with deeply damaged, flawed and complex characters, and a puzzle-cast of suspects, by all means check these out. But you have to have deep patience on the relationship front, and a tolerance for wanting to knock the MCs heads together multiple times in each book.
At the end of the book, there is a case resolution, but very little has resolved in the relationship of the MCs. And I want to note a caveat - this continues through the series. I read through book 3, and these guys are the kings of never talking. They edge toward important information and then fight, hit each other, run away, get drunk, or have sex with someone else. Their issues damage their police work over and over. At the end of book 3, they have more information about each other, but the essential misunderstandings are still there (which is where I'm bailing out.)
So if you're a fan of gay mysteries with deeply damaged, flawed and complex characters, and a puzzle-cast of suspects, by all means check these out. But you have to have deep patience on the relationship front, and a tolerance for wanting to knock the MCs heads together multiple times in each book.
December 13, 2023
DNF @44%. Can’t. Tried… but can’t.
First of all, let me clarify that even though I know this has been a problem for some, I didn’t have an issue with the content. I can read any trope if it’s well executed.
What I can’t deal with is unfocused, inconsistent, and just plain no-sense-making characterization. Who tf are these people? Almost every character had the emotional maturity of a 7-year-old, ready to meet any issue with their fists and then get hot and bothered by each other 2 minutes later. The two MCs constantly hopped from one extreme to the other, both in thoughts and actions. I swear I got a couple of new wrinkles from my persistent confused frown.
And for such a small town, Wahredua is overrun with the unbelievably gorgeous. Of course the MCs, but also a couple of the SCs. Guys so hot that “even the straight” one could admit it; women so hot that “even the gay” dude could tell. <— There were at least five variations on those sentiments before I gave up. Which brings me to another point: the telling and repetition, had it been cleaned up, would have shortened the book by at least 10%.
The cherry on top was the editing errors, to the point of it being offensive. Spelling/typo stuff yes, but also continuity and timeline issues all over the place.
From its popularity, and also from conversations I’ve had with friends, I can see that this series gets better in time. But unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to muscle my way through to finding out.
Thanks to my buddy readers Teal and Shile — the only thing that makes a losing read feel better is having friends like you to commiserate with! ❤️
First of all, let me clarify that even though I know this has been a problem for some, I didn’t have an issue with the content. I can read any trope if it’s well executed.
What I can’t deal with is unfocused, inconsistent, and just plain no-sense-making characterization. Who tf are these people? Almost every character had the emotional maturity of a 7-year-old, ready to meet any issue with their fists and then get hot and bothered by each other 2 minutes later. The two MCs constantly hopped from one extreme to the other, both in thoughts and actions. I swear I got a couple of new wrinkles from my persistent confused frown.
And for such a small town, Wahredua is overrun with the unbelievably gorgeous. Of course the MCs, but also a couple of the SCs. Guys so hot that “even the straight” one could admit it; women so hot that “even the gay” dude could tell. <— There were at least five variations on those sentiments before I gave up. Which brings me to another point: the telling and repetition, had it been cleaned up, would have shortened the book by at least 10%.
The cherry on top was the editing errors, to the point of it being offensive. Spelling/typo stuff yes, but also continuity and timeline issues all over the place.
From its popularity, and also from conversations I’ve had with friends, I can see that this series gets better in time. But unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to muscle my way through to finding out.
Thanks to my buddy readers Teal and Shile — the only thing that makes a losing read feel better is having friends like you to commiserate with! ❤️
July 16, 2024
This is yet another MM romantic suspense series I won't be finishing. At least this book is free on KU because even a buck spent would have been a buck wasted.
This was my first (and most likely last) book my Gregory Ashe. He's a popular author, so most readers will disagree, but I hate his writing style. It's so cut and dry, it's like reading a grocery list.
I also hate the date and time stamps at the beginning of every chapter. I'm reading a work of fiction, not a time-tracking report.
But wait ... there's more to hate.
For one, there is no romance here, at least not between the MCs. Somers is pining after his ex-wife, and Hazard breaks up with one boyfriend only to find another. Based on reviews, the MCs don't even get together until book 5, which what.
I don't give a fuck because I disliked both characters immensely. Hazard is broody and rude. He's not professional, and it's not cool. He just looks like a douche.
And Somers ... well, Somers is a despicable human being: a liar, a bully, a drunk, a cheater, an incompetent asshole, and an accessory to murder. Yet we're supposed to cheer for him? Make it make one lick of sense.
The mystery didn't keep my attention either. I skimmed a whole bunch because I was bored out of my mind and also very, very angry.
This was my first (and most likely last) book my Gregory Ashe. He's a popular author, so most readers will disagree, but I hate his writing style. It's so cut and dry, it's like reading a grocery list.
I also hate the date and time stamps at the beginning of every chapter. I'm reading a work of fiction, not a time-tracking report.
But wait ... there's more to hate.
For one, there is no romance here, at least not between the MCs. Somers is pining after his ex-wife, and Hazard breaks up with one boyfriend only to find another. Based on reviews, the MCs don't even get together until book 5, which what.
I don't give a fuck because I disliked both characters immensely. Hazard is broody and rude. He's not professional, and it's not cool. He just looks like a douche.
And Somers ... well, Somers is a despicable human being: a liar, a bully, a drunk, a cheater, an incompetent asshole, and an accessory to murder. Yet we're supposed to cheer for him? Make it make one lick of sense.
The mystery didn't keep my attention either. I skimmed a whole bunch because I was bored out of my mind and also very, very angry.
November 14, 2018
*4,5 stars*
Absolutely brilliant.
Deeply complex characters, agonising issues, a gripping mystery plot, and amazing writing!
As many readers have stated, there is very little romance in the usual sense in this book, something that kept me from picking this up for quite a while. Please don’t make the same mistake.
The UST between these two guys is intense and crackling all the way. We get one kissing scene, which is not quite what it should be (you’ll see what I mean when you get there) and at the end of the book both MCs are with different partners.
Again ... don’t let this put you off. There are six books in this series and obviously it’ll take these guys a bit of time to ‘get there’. So far it has been an incredible and highly enjoyable roller coaster. And I am more than looking forward to their journey!
Off to read book 2!
Excellent, with only one tiny niggle....
Thanks to all of you who nudged me towards this! 🧡
Absolutely brilliant.
Deeply complex characters, agonising issues, a gripping mystery plot, and amazing writing!
As many readers have stated, there is very little romance in the usual sense in this book, something that kept me from picking this up for quite a while. Please don’t make the same mistake.
The UST between these two guys is intense and crackling all the way. We get one kissing scene, which is not quite what it should be (you’ll see what I mean when you get there) and at the end of the book both MCs are with different partners.
Again ... don’t let this put you off. There are six books in this series and obviously it’ll take these guys a bit of time to ‘get there’. So far it has been an incredible and highly enjoyable roller coaster. And I am more than looking forward to their journey!
Off to read book 2!
Excellent, with only one tiny niggle....
Thanks to all of you who nudged me towards this! 🧡
August 16, 2019
***3.5 Stars***
Boy, am I glad I don't live in this town with all its picture-perfect people.
I would probably stick out like a sore thumb...
My other niggle was that it was way too long-winded and detailed. I love me a good world building, but I don't need to know what clothes each resident wears down to his underwear or how many flowers are on a wallpaper (metaphorically speaking). I'm reading books to let my own imagination come out to play. ;-)
And yet the story is strangely compelling and I'm hooked enough to see how Hazard and Somerset could possibly end up being together at some point.
As for the audiobook: I almost dropped my MP3 player in shock when Tristan James actually did distinctive voices! My excitement dwindled slowly but surely like a deflating balloon, though, since after a while he started to mix up Hazard and Somerset's voices and Somerset ended up getting Hazard's deep voice sometimes. It was still an improvement over the other narrations I listened to so far, so I still liked his performance here. On to the next! :)
Boy, am I glad I don't live in this town with all its picture-perfect people.
I would probably stick out like a sore thumb...
My other niggle was that it was way too long-winded and detailed. I love me a good world building, but I don't need to know what clothes each resident wears down to his underwear or how many flowers are on a wallpaper (metaphorically speaking). I'm reading books to let my own imagination come out to play. ;-)
And yet the story is strangely compelling and I'm hooked enough to see how Hazard and Somerset could possibly end up being together at some point.
As for the audiobook: I almost dropped my MP3 player in shock when Tristan James actually did distinctive voices! My excitement dwindled slowly but surely like a deflating balloon, though, since after a while he started to mix up Hazard and Somerset's voices and Somerset ended up getting Hazard's deep voice sometimes. It was still an improvement over the other narrations I listened to so far, so I still liked his performance here. On to the next! :)
November 6, 2018
4.5 stars!
I am truly blown away by the writing of this author. This story won't be for everyone, but it rocked my socks thoroughly.
Mainly a police procedural with murder mystery suspense plot, these two very imperfect MCs stole the show.
Important points to note:
- there is little romance in this one. The UST is there, but there is clearly more development in the subsequent books.
- there is a lot of hate speech, aimed at multiple minorities and privileged classes. The author does a great job showing how extremists of any nature can do damage. There are also flashbacks of severe bullying.
- there are some editing issues
Re: the above. I couldn't care less. The story is so well written that I am already fully invested in the outcome of the slooooooow burn going on here between these two detectives.
The only way this can be ruined for me is if our MCs don't get their eventual HEA.
I am truly blown away by the writing of this author. This story won't be for everyone, but it rocked my socks thoroughly.
Mainly a police procedural with murder mystery suspense plot, these two very imperfect MCs stole the show.
Important points to note:
- there is little romance in this one. The UST is there, but there is clearly more development in the subsequent books.
- there is a lot of hate speech, aimed at multiple minorities and privileged classes. The author does a great job showing how extremists of any nature can do damage. There are also flashbacks of severe bullying.
- there are some editing issues
Re: the above. I couldn't care less. The story is so well written that I am already fully invested in the outcome of the slooooooow burn going on here between these two detectives.
The only way this can be ruined for me is if our MCs don't get their eventual HEA.
February 15, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I don’t know why I avoid cop romance, at the very least detective romance. Although to be fair, there was very little romance but I am one hundred percent ok with that.
The first thing that caught my attention that made me want to read this was that Somer’s had been Hazard’s bully. We all love some good groveling. Then I realized it would be GFY (eventually, hopefully sooner rather than later) and that is my favorite MM trope.
I sometimes forget how much I love a good mystery and Mr. Ashe did not disappoint in that arena. This mystery had more layers than an onion and the slower they unfurled the more I enjoyed this. It was one thing after another, and by the end everything you thought was utterly wrong.
Plus I loved that he tackled hate groups in the Bible Belt. And not just the obvious anti-lgbtq ones but their counterparts as well. I think we sometimes forget that there’s bad apples in every cart no matter the presentation.
So many colorful characters brought to life so vividly through not only Ashe’s fantastic descriptions and dialogue but by the audio narrator, Tristan James as well. I didn’t know if I’d like his voice at first but I quickly began to enjoy all of his nuances.
Even though we didn’t get much romance, you still felt the tension and chemistry build between Hazard and Somer and it was achingly good.
I’m excited to jump right into the next one which isn’t the usual for me. I like to take breaks but I can’t wait to see what case they get into next. Ha! Who am I kidding?! Yeah I want another mystery to unfold but mostly I want more give and take between these two.
I don’t know why I avoid cop romance, at the very least detective romance. Although to be fair, there was very little romance but I am one hundred percent ok with that.
The first thing that caught my attention that made me want to read this was that Somer’s had been Hazard’s bully. We all love some good groveling. Then I realized it would be GFY (eventually, hopefully sooner rather than later) and that is my favorite MM trope.
I sometimes forget how much I love a good mystery and Mr. Ashe did not disappoint in that arena. This mystery had more layers than an onion and the slower they unfurled the more I enjoyed this. It was one thing after another, and by the end everything you thought was utterly wrong.
Plus I loved that he tackled hate groups in the Bible Belt. And not just the obvious anti-lgbtq ones but their counterparts as well. I think we sometimes forget that there’s bad apples in every cart no matter the presentation.
So many colorful characters brought to life so vividly through not only Ashe’s fantastic descriptions and dialogue but by the audio narrator, Tristan James as well. I didn’t know if I’d like his voice at first but I quickly began to enjoy all of his nuances.
Even though we didn’t get much romance, you still felt the tension and chemistry build between Hazard and Somer and it was achingly good.
I’m excited to jump right into the next one which isn’t the usual for me. I like to take breaks but I can’t wait to see what case they get into next. Ha! Who am I kidding?! Yeah I want another mystery to unfold but mostly I want more give and take between these two.
June 13, 2021
***RE-READ 6/2021***
I'm reading & rereading GA's books set in the Wahredua/St. Louis 'verse in the author's suggested chronological order. Some of the characters timelines overlap, sometimes inadvertently or sometimes interact. It's a hoot. However I would recommend, if you're a first time reader, to enter this world precisely with this book. Hazard & Somers are the perfect intro to this world and to the author's tone and style.
ABOUT THE RE-READ: I loved it. I loved seeing situations and characters again from the vantage of knowing all that has come later, not only in the this book, but in this arc and the subsequent in the series. I loved watching Emery confront the painful past and have to recalibrate what he thinks he knows, how he perceived things, because ultimately that's all any of us really knows. What things looked like to us. How we saw things. How it affected us.
John-Henry trying to drown so much pain in alcohol but also a fighter, unfailingly generous, and kind. Shrewdly self-aware despite the image the world sees.
I appreciated how the author sets up the rest of the players, limning their characters with small details to which he'll add over time. I still hunched my shoulders when I saw some of them and found myself being a smidge more generous of thought to others (looking at you Nico) and overall admiring of how GA brings a whole fictional town to life, full of quirks and history, to the point that I'm looking for it on a map.
I'm also starting a Google Doc for the documentaries Hazard watches. No titles where mentioned here but my fellow Hazard 'stans know they get hilariously good. In this outing there's one about glue manufacturing and one on the history of Canadian buttons. Riveting stuff.
IN CONCLUSION(for now): If you're a fan of epic, hard fought, non-cookie cutter love stories take a seat, carve out some time and patience and wade or dive into this. You won't be sorry. I'm not and this likely won't be my only reread.
*********************************************
This is one of those series I've seen popping up with regularity in my feed, I've added to my TBR, and owned a few installments for a while. Why the procrastination in the reading? No clue, but I'm glad I've waited until it's finished.
If you're a romance reader, with expectations of HEA or even HFN, this isn't for you. In fact marketing this as an MM romance is a disservice to all involved. Luckily it lands squarely in my wheelhouse and I loved it, probably, for many of the reasons it won't work for others. I also admit to being a generous rater when the story, writing, or characters engage me. #notsorry
After being booted from the St. Louise Police Department, for reasons, Emery Hazard has returned to his hometown of Wahredua, a place he never imagined he'd see again. Emery doesn't hold fond memories of his childhood/adolescence there, and the unpleasant memories are roiling just below the surface of his skin. As fate would have it one of the main reasons for his teenage torment, John-Henry Somerset, town pretty boy & high-school bully, will be his new partner.
The case(s) in the book is fairly well done, and though I guessed where it was going, I liked the journey. I liked that there were extremists on both sides, and not just for the sake of balance or being PC, but because these are recognizable figures from our everyday lives. Of course the real story here is Somers & Hazard's relationship, how the past is this picture that refuses to remain fixed, how it won’t release it's hold on our imagination, or in the words of William Shakespeare, "What's past is prologue; what to come, / In yours and my discharge." Hazard has returned with a truckload of baggage he wants to unload but it turns out, that while he was gone, transforming himself, Wahredua and it's inhabitants changed too. No one more so than Somerset. I loved that Gregory Ashe was able to, credibly redeem, or kick start the redemption journey, of a character that's routinely (rightfully so) vilified. I like that GA doesn't lose sight of the ages of his characters, the passage of time, and how it doesn't leave any of us unchanged or unscathed. Unless we're sociopaths.
I think given the span of time covered in the book, roughly a week, the relationship went as far as it credibly could. A lot of ground work was laid and I fully expect to reap the rewards in future installments.
For those who do audio Tristan James did a nice job and helped me out with some of the pronunciation i.e. Wahredua? Also it's on the Audible Escape package, so you don't have to commit if it doesn't work for you. I liked it.
And finally, I got to meet Gregory Ashe at GRL2019 and he was nothing but nice, gracious, and participated in a very informative and moving Q & A.
I'm reading & rereading GA's books set in the Wahredua/St. Louis 'verse in the author's suggested chronological order. Some of the characters timelines overlap, sometimes inadvertently or sometimes interact. It's a hoot. However I would recommend, if you're a first time reader, to enter this world precisely with this book. Hazard & Somers are the perfect intro to this world and to the author's tone and style.
ABOUT THE RE-READ: I loved it. I loved seeing situations and characters again from the vantage of knowing all that has come later, not only in the this book, but in this arc and the subsequent in the series. I loved watching Emery confront the painful past and have to recalibrate what he thinks he knows, how he perceived things, because ultimately that's all any of us really knows. What things looked like to us. How we saw things. How it affected us.
John-Henry trying to drown so much pain in alcohol but also a fighter, unfailingly generous, and kind. Shrewdly self-aware despite the image the world sees.
I appreciated how the author sets up the rest of the players, limning their characters with small details to which he'll add over time. I still hunched my shoulders when I saw some of them and found myself being a smidge more generous of thought to others (looking at you Nico) and overall admiring of how GA brings a whole fictional town to life, full of quirks and history, to the point that I'm looking for it on a map.
I'm also starting a Google Doc for the documentaries Hazard watches. No titles where mentioned here but my fellow Hazard 'stans know they get hilariously good. In this outing there's one about glue manufacturing and one on the history of Canadian buttons. Riveting stuff.
IN CONCLUSION(for now): If you're a fan of epic, hard fought, non-cookie cutter love stories take a seat, carve out some time and patience and wade or dive into this. You won't be sorry. I'm not and this likely won't be my only reread.
*********************************************
This is one of those series I've seen popping up with regularity in my feed, I've added to my TBR, and owned a few installments for a while. Why the procrastination in the reading? No clue, but I'm glad I've waited until it's finished.
If you're a romance reader, with expectations of HEA or even HFN, this isn't for you. In fact marketing this as an MM romance is a disservice to all involved. Luckily it lands squarely in my wheelhouse and I loved it, probably, for many of the reasons it won't work for others. I also admit to being a generous rater when the story, writing, or characters engage me. #notsorry
After being booted from the St. Louise Police Department, for reasons, Emery Hazard has returned to his hometown of Wahredua, a place he never imagined he'd see again. Emery doesn't hold fond memories of his childhood/adolescence there, and the unpleasant memories are roiling just below the surface of his skin. As fate would have it one of the main reasons for his teenage torment, John-Henry Somerset, town pretty boy & high-school bully, will be his new partner.
The case(s) in the book is fairly well done, and though I guessed where it was going, I liked the journey. I liked that there were extremists on both sides, and not just for the sake of balance or being PC, but because these are recognizable figures from our everyday lives. Of course the real story here is Somers & Hazard's relationship, how the past is this picture that refuses to remain fixed, how it won’t release it's hold on our imagination, or in the words of William Shakespeare, "What's past is prologue; what to come, / In yours and my discharge." Hazard has returned with a truckload of baggage he wants to unload but it turns out, that while he was gone, transforming himself, Wahredua and it's inhabitants changed too. No one more so than Somerset. I loved that Gregory Ashe was able to, credibly redeem, or kick start the redemption journey, of a character that's routinely (rightfully so) vilified. I like that GA doesn't lose sight of the ages of his characters, the passage of time, and how it doesn't leave any of us unchanged or unscathed. Unless we're sociopaths.
I think given the span of time covered in the book, roughly a week, the relationship went as far as it credibly could. A lot of ground work was laid and I fully expect to reap the rewards in future installments.
For those who do audio Tristan James did a nice job and helped me out with some of the pronunciation i.e. Wahredua? Also it's on the Audible Escape package, so you don't have to commit if it doesn't work for you. I liked it.
And finally, I got to meet Gregory Ashe at GRL2019 and he was nothing but nice, gracious, and participated in a very informative and moving Q & A.
January 29, 2025
I forgot how much I love crime stories!
Really loved how detailed and layered this was, there's so much happening and the pace is always moving forwards.
I actually love Emery Hazard, the more prickly a character is, the more I adore them! John-Henry Somerset hasn't won me over yet though but I'm optimistic that I will end up liking him. The tension and unresolved issues between them had me hooked from the first chapter too, which I always love.
The crime solving was really engaging and I didn't really have a suspect in mind for ages, which made it even more enjoyable to read.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
Really loved how detailed and layered this was, there's so much happening and the pace is always moving forwards.
I actually love Emery Hazard, the more prickly a character is, the more I adore them! John-Henry Somerset hasn't won me over yet though but I'm optimistic that I will end up liking him. The tension and unresolved issues between them had me hooked from the first chapter too, which I always love.
The crime solving was really engaging and I didn't really have a suspect in mind for ages, which made it even more enjoyable to read.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
May 19, 2022
**Just an updated rating. From three to four stars. I’ve been thinking about these two a lot lately because a bunch of people are reading them. And I realized I needed to change my rating on some of them. Because nobody gets in my head and my heart like Ashe guys. And these two are, in my opinion, his best. (Sorry North and Shaw. You are a super close second.) I just love them. So it’s ok if I don’t enjoy the mysteries in this first series as much as the later ones. It’s ok to give an extra star for character love and development. I can make my own rating rules. 😂**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
5/5 Sexual Tension and Pining
🦥🦥🦥🦥🦥/5 Sloth Slow Burn
“There he was, on the far side of the room, past the pool table. Jesus, it was like a GPS signal, throbbing in the darkness of Somers’s head, like he could find Emery Hazard anyone in the universe, eyes closed.”
My thoughts are all over the place with this one. So I’m just going to say what didn’t work and what worked. I really can’t decide between three and four stars but am giving it a 3.5, tentatively rounding down for now. I think I loved Ashe’s, “Borealis Investigations,” series so fiercely and so quickly that I might have had too high of hopes for this one. It’s also very clear that his writing has improved greatly. So I’m thinking this series will improve as it goes.
His writing was still lovely in this with a lyrical flow that I just really like. However, this one had many distracting grammatical errors, inconsistencies in the timelines and the mystery was a bit of a mess. There were also parts where the wrong person’s name was inserted. All of the women characters were written badly, more caricatures than anything else and I found there to be a misogynistic tone running through it. So all of this took away from my overall enjoyment.
AND YET...
“Hazard’s eyes snapped open, the gold as hot as sunlight, and he raised one hand. With a bloody thumb, he traced the line of Somers’s cheekbone. ‘Jesus, you’re beautiful. I’ve wanted to tell you that for twenty years.’”
😍😍😍
I fell for Emree/Hazard and Somerset/Somers in a big way. What a complicated relationship!! They came so far in this book but still have miles to go. It was heartbreaking. The two know each other from high school where Somers was one of Hazard’s biggest tormentors. Somers was drawn to Hazard in high school but covered it up by being a bully. Seeing how they were in the past compared to now was painful. Somers is very ashamed of how he acted and Hazard can’t rectify the kind man he’s seeing now with the bully he was.
Somers is also wrestling with his sexuality and has an estranged wife and daughter. Hazard has his own relationship issues. Both men are extremely uncomfortable with the developing feelings between them. The sexual tension, chemistry, pining and unrealized/confused/reluctant heart eyes just about killed me.
It’s safe to say this series will be the slowest of slow burns. Or as I told my friend, a mating dance of sloths, moving towards each other in a sea of molasses. I was a goner by the time Somers called Emree, “Ree.” I’ll be moving on to book two very soon and can’t wait to see what happens. And all of this rambling in the last three paragraphs is why I’m hooked, despite the issues. Give me more Hazard and Somerset! 😍
**Just a note for all Hazard and Somerset books. They are more considered gay fiction not romance. So if you are looking for lots of sexy scenes, you might be disappointed. There are some quite steamy moments but they are not overly graphic and do not happen frequently. However, to me, they were still incredibly hot. The UST, pining and feels are through the roof. But I just wanted to put this out there in case it’s not what you are looking for. 😀**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
5/5 Sexual Tension and Pining
🦥🦥🦥🦥🦥/5 Sloth Slow Burn
“There he was, on the far side of the room, past the pool table. Jesus, it was like a GPS signal, throbbing in the darkness of Somers’s head, like he could find Emery Hazard anyone in the universe, eyes closed.”
My thoughts are all over the place with this one. So I’m just going to say what didn’t work and what worked. I really can’t decide between three and four stars but am giving it a 3.5, tentatively rounding down for now. I think I loved Ashe’s, “Borealis Investigations,” series so fiercely and so quickly that I might have had too high of hopes for this one. It’s also very clear that his writing has improved greatly. So I’m thinking this series will improve as it goes.
His writing was still lovely in this with a lyrical flow that I just really like. However, this one had many distracting grammatical errors, inconsistencies in the timelines and the mystery was a bit of a mess. There were also parts where the wrong person’s name was inserted. All of the women characters were written badly, more caricatures than anything else and I found there to be a misogynistic tone running through it. So all of this took away from my overall enjoyment.
AND YET...
“Hazard’s eyes snapped open, the gold as hot as sunlight, and he raised one hand. With a bloody thumb, he traced the line of Somers’s cheekbone. ‘Jesus, you’re beautiful. I’ve wanted to tell you that for twenty years.’”
😍😍😍
I fell for Emree/Hazard and Somerset/Somers in a big way. What a complicated relationship!! They came so far in this book but still have miles to go. It was heartbreaking. The two know each other from high school where Somers was one of Hazard’s biggest tormentors. Somers was drawn to Hazard in high school but covered it up by being a bully. Seeing how they were in the past compared to now was painful. Somers is very ashamed of how he acted and Hazard can’t rectify the kind man he’s seeing now with the bully he was.
Somers is also wrestling with his sexuality and has an estranged wife and daughter. Hazard has his own relationship issues. Both men are extremely uncomfortable with the developing feelings between them. The sexual tension, chemistry, pining and unrealized/confused/reluctant heart eyes just about killed me.
It’s safe to say this series will be the slowest of slow burns. Or as I told my friend, a mating dance of sloths, moving towards each other in a sea of molasses. I was a goner by the time Somers called Emree, “Ree.” I’ll be moving on to book two very soon and can’t wait to see what happens. And all of this rambling in the last three paragraphs is why I’m hooked, despite the issues. Give me more Hazard and Somerset! 😍
**Just a note for all Hazard and Somerset books. They are more considered gay fiction not romance. So if you are looking for lots of sexy scenes, you might be disappointed. There are some quite steamy moments but they are not overly graphic and do not happen frequently. However, to me, they were still incredibly hot. The UST, pining and feels are through the roof. But I just wanted to put this out there in case it’s not what you are looking for. 😀**
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 16, 2022
if you see my updates/reviews of the first two series on your feed, NO YOU DIDN’T. 😳
(i binged the first two series over the past few days so i’ll either have non-existent reviews or they’re just short ones for each book, just a fyi lol)
in conclusion, the cases/plot have been mostly a miss for me, although some books kept my interest glued to the case, but Hazard, Somers and Evie carried this whole entire series so far (imo), but that’s me being biased shhh.
(i binged the first two series over the past few days so i’ll either have non-existent reviews or they’re just short ones for each book, just a fyi lol)
in conclusion, the cases/plot have been mostly a miss for me, although some books kept my interest glued to the case, but Hazard, Somers and Evie carried this whole entire series so far (imo), but that’s me being biased shhh.
April 7, 2025
4.5***** stars
Holy Moly! Gregory Ashe’s books are something else. The way he writes is just amazing even when he tells ugly and frustrating but oh so captivating stories. Five stars for that alone. Always.
I met John-Henry Somerset before in "They Told Me I Was Everything" and I honestly had a hard time in the beginning to reconcile the nice and very likable Detective from then with the person I met in this book. Somers was Emery Hazard’s high school bully. He admitted to himself that he was torturing the guy. Regardless he couldn’t understand why Hazard hated his guts and couldn’t forgive him. According to him he was a stupid kid back then but wasn’t anymore. So that’s that. At least for him.
I have a feeling that it’s a very good thing that I came prepared for what to expect - with Hazard and Somerset as characters as well as how low key the romance part in this will be - so I could focus on the gripping case instead of being disappointed by what did and did not happen.
Regardless, I was still surprised at what was going on overall, the mcs’s inner thoughts and views and interactions with each other. Of what they were hiding and revealing and the complexity of the mystery as well as the conflict between Hazard and Somers.
I must say, I can’t wait to see these two solving cases together as an established couple in the future and not with this dance of uncertainty around each other like they did so far. Even knowing it’s going to be a long while still until they find their way to each other romantically. I’ve seen many getting frustrated so I hopefully won’t be one of them *lolll
So overall, this was really good.
side note: I like my mysteries best on audio, but with Tristan James narrating, I fell asleep twice. In the first two hours. He reads pretty monotone and can’t quite deliver distinctive voices for the characters. It was a bit of a hardship, tbh. But I’m happy to report that I’ve gotten quite used to his ways towards the end so I can hopefully go through with the other books on audio as well.
***********
Hazard and Somerset Series:
Book 1 - Pretty Pretty Boys - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Transposition - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Paternity Case - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Guilt by Association - 4.0 stars
Book 5 - Reasonable Doubt - 4.0 stars
Book 6 - Criminal Past
accompanying Short Story Collection - Off Duty Vol 1 - partly read
Holy Moly! Gregory Ashe’s books are something else. The way he writes is just amazing even when he tells ugly and frustrating but oh so captivating stories. Five stars for that alone. Always.
I met John-Henry Somerset before in "They Told Me I Was Everything" and I honestly had a hard time in the beginning to reconcile the nice and very likable Detective from then with the person I met in this book. Somers was Emery Hazard’s high school bully. He admitted to himself that he was torturing the guy. Regardless he couldn’t understand why Hazard hated his guts and couldn’t forgive him. According to him he was a stupid kid back then but wasn’t anymore. So that’s that. At least for him.
I have a feeling that it’s a very good thing that I came prepared for what to expect - with Hazard and Somerset as characters as well as how low key the romance part in this will be - so I could focus on the gripping case instead of being disappointed by what did and did not happen.
Regardless, I was still surprised at what was going on overall, the mcs’s inner thoughts and views and interactions with each other. Of what they were hiding and revealing and the complexity of the mystery as well as the conflict between Hazard and Somers.
“You and I have a lot to talk about. Days and weeks and years of talking, and that’s just to start. You’ve got a hell of a lot more to do before I’m done with you. Open your eyes, God damn you. Open your eyes!”
I must say, I can’t wait to see these two solving cases together as an established couple in the future and not with this dance of uncertainty around each other like they did so far. Even knowing it’s going to be a long while still until they find their way to each other romantically. I’ve seen many getting frustrated so I hopefully won’t be one of them *lolll
So overall, this was really good.
side note: I like my mysteries best on audio, but with Tristan James narrating, I fell asleep twice. In the first two hours. He reads pretty monotone and can’t quite deliver distinctive voices for the characters. It was a bit of a hardship, tbh. But I’m happy to report that I’ve gotten quite used to his ways towards the end so I can hopefully go through with the other books on audio as well.
***********
Hazard and Somerset Series:
Book 1 - Pretty Pretty Boys - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Transposition - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Paternity Case - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Guilt by Association - 4.0 stars
Book 5 - Reasonable Doubt - 4.0 stars
Book 6 - Criminal Past
accompanying Short Story Collection - Off Duty Vol 1 - partly read
October 28, 2022
Emery Hazard is back in town. He’s new partner, John-Henry Somerset, was the one who held Hazard while Mikey carved his initials in his abdomen with a Swiss Army knife. The one who pushed him down the stairs and said
that’s what faggots get.
The worst part though, it’s that fifteen years have passed and that perfect smile still has the power to make Hazard weak.
John-Henry is not that boy anymore. It’s Somers now, and he wishes he could erase everything he did when he was a boy. Everything he did to Hazard. Maybe this is his only chance to apologize, to make it right. But Hazard doesn’t even look at him, and how could Somers blame him?
Somers wants Hazard to like him, he needs it. It’s been fifteen years, and some things still haven’t changed. Somers still remembers everything: the knife, the stairs… and the locker room. The damn locker room.
“I want to tell you how sorry-”
“No. You apologize, and I’m going to break your neck, ok? I don’t want apologies. We forget about that shit. We move on. All right?
Somers nodded, but deep down, he knew it wasn’t all right. The past stayed with you. The past was like poison, and built up in you like poison, like lead in your tap water, until it killed you.
I hate bully romances. The more I knew about everything Hazard went through, what John-Henry made him go through, the more I wanted to close the book and never come back. It was making me sick. One of the reasons why I keep reading was that it had happened very long ago and Somers wasn’t a bully anymore. Which means this is not a bully romance and, while I could not fathom how Hazard was able to work with Somers instead of beating him the way he deserved, Somers was treating Hazard with care and was trying to make honest amends.
But the real reason why I could stop reading is that the author's writing style truly feels like those are the exact thoughts of a character, messy, complex and not always rational. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Hazard from the beginning. Somers, though, is a completely different matter. I hate how difficult it is to hate Somers-a problem Hazard and I share-, he’s charming and fun, always with that perfect smile on, but he also loves to manipulate Hazard, pressing all the bottoms to make him snap. I hope he ends up convincing me he deserves someone as amazing as Hazard.
“I just don’t get it.” The words exploded out of Nico. His hands balled into firsts. “I asked around. I’m not stupid. The things people did to you-the things he did to you-what the fuck? How can you look him in the eyes? How can you be his partner? () Don’t you wish he were dead? Don’t you wish they were all dead? But you’re here, you’re-you’re nice.”
People get afraid of his quiet, analytical, grumpy nature, but Hazard is a softie at heart. I’d have never been able to forgive what Somers did to him, but Hazard is a bigger boy than meor a fictional one. It made me sick how people thought they had the right to insult him like he was worthless just for being queer, how he was so used to it that he just let them be. How he started to feel, after everything, that may be his real worth.
Somers and Hazard's relationship is kinda rocky in this first book, but there were small hints where you could see what they could become. They are both fighting the pull that keeps making them think about the other. About a disheveled lock in Hazard’s perfect hair that Somers needs to touch, put in his place, about that perfect smile that is always lingering in Somer’s pink lips, that are screaming to be kissed.
There might have been a way-some way-for Hazard to begin to explain. He could have talked about the day he had driven to Naomi’s house with Somers and had, for some reason he didn’t understand, shared his troubles about Billy. He could have talked about Somers’s patience and good humor and determination, in spite of Hazard’s best efforts, to make amends. () But all those things would have been skirting the edges of something tectonic that was shifting inside Hazard, something that even he himself didn’t understand.
I have never seen a relationship dynamic like theirs-and that’s a praise. It’s like neither of them wants to acknowledge they are in love with the other, that they have been in love with the other for fifteen years, because that’s never going to be their story. The author’s biggest excuse for them to not be together-besides Somers being a coward and Hazard’s conflicted thoughts because of all the bullying-, was that Somers is married with Cora and they have a little girl, Evie. A girl Somers thinks about like three times in the whole book. I’d put my hand on the fire that the author is not a father. Because, if that’s how much a parent cares about their children, I don’t see how Evie can be an excuse for Somers to not be with Hazard. She would be better by herself. I know it sounds stupid-who wants to talk about the woman and the child when you have the real love interest?-, but it makes Somer’s character feel a bit fake.
As for the mystery part, if I'm being honest, I didn't care about it; I was only in for Somers and Hazard’s angst. Which is a shame, because I'd have enjoyed this a lot more if I was into the thriller part as much as into the romance part.
Besides all the conflicted feelings about Hazard and Somers, I really need to see them finally talk and get together and stop wandering around like two lost souls. It was very frustrating in the best way possible, I loved every single second of angst. I hope there is a very slow burn comingalthough part of me is screaming for them to solve it already and be happy ever after .
People couldn’t forget, not the really awful things. They carried the past with them, sharpened it like a knife, and when you weren’t looking, when you least suspected it, they cut your heart out.
↬ Hazard and Somerset:
1. Pretty Pretty Boys: 3.75 stars
2. Transposition: 3.5 stars
3. Paternity Case: 3 stars
4. Guilt by Association: 3 stars
5. Reasonable Doubt:2.5 stars
*ignore a bit the rating because I enjoyed the romance but I really disliked the mystery so I'm struggling to rate this
John-Henry is not that boy anymore. It’s Somers now, and he wishes he could erase everything he did when he was a boy. Everything he did to Hazard. Maybe this is his only chance to apologize, to make it right. But Hazard doesn’t even look at him, and how could Somers blame him?
Somers wants Hazard to like him, he needs it. It’s been fifteen years, and some things still haven’t changed. Somers still remembers everything: the knife, the stairs… and the locker room. The damn locker room.
“I want to tell you how sorry-”
“No. You apologize, and I’m going to break your neck, ok? I don’t want apologies. We forget about that shit. We move on. All right?
Somers nodded, but deep down, he knew it wasn’t all right. The past stayed with you. The past was like poison, and built up in you like poison, like lead in your tap water, until it killed you.
I hate bully romances. The more I knew about everything Hazard went through, what John-Henry made him go through, the more I wanted to close the book and never come back. It was making me sick. One of the reasons why I keep reading was that it had happened very long ago and Somers wasn’t a bully anymore. Which means this is not a bully romance and, while I could not fathom how Hazard was able to work with Somers instead of beating him the way he deserved, Somers was treating Hazard with care and was trying to make honest amends.
But the real reason why I could stop reading is that the author's writing style truly feels like those are the exact thoughts of a character, messy, complex and not always rational. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Hazard from the beginning. Somers, though, is a completely different matter. I hate how difficult it is to hate Somers-a problem Hazard and I share-, he’s charming and fun, always with that perfect smile on, but he also loves to manipulate Hazard, pressing all the bottoms to make him snap. I hope he ends up convincing me he deserves someone as amazing as Hazard.
“I just don’t get it.” The words exploded out of Nico. His hands balled into firsts. “I asked around. I’m not stupid. The things people did to you-the things he did to you-what the fuck? How can you look him in the eyes? How can you be his partner? () Don’t you wish he were dead? Don’t you wish they were all dead? But you’re here, you’re-you’re nice.”
People get afraid of his quiet, analytical, grumpy nature, but Hazard is a softie at heart. I’d have never been able to forgive what Somers did to him, but Hazard is a bigger boy than me
Somers and Hazard's relationship is kinda rocky in this first book, but there were small hints where you could see what they could become. They are both fighting the pull that keeps making them think about the other. About a disheveled lock in Hazard’s perfect hair that Somers needs to touch, put in his place, about that perfect smile that is always lingering in Somer’s pink lips, that are screaming to be kissed.
There might have been a way-some way-for Hazard to begin to explain. He could have talked about the day he had driven to Naomi’s house with Somers and had, for some reason he didn’t understand, shared his troubles about Billy. He could have talked about Somers’s patience and good humor and determination, in spite of Hazard’s best efforts, to make amends. () But all those things would have been skirting the edges of something tectonic that was shifting inside Hazard, something that even he himself didn’t understand.
I have never seen a relationship dynamic like theirs-and that’s a praise. It’s like neither of them wants to acknowledge they are in love with the other, that they have been in love with the other for fifteen years, because that’s never going to be their story. The author’s biggest excuse for them to not be together-besides Somers being a coward and Hazard’s conflicted thoughts because of all the bullying-, was that Somers is married with Cora and they have a little girl, Evie. A girl Somers thinks about like three times in the whole book. I’d put my hand on the fire that the author is not a father. Because, if that’s how much a parent cares about their children, I don’t see how Evie can be an excuse for Somers to not be with Hazard. She would be better by herself. I know it sounds stupid-who wants to talk about the woman and the child when you have the real love interest?-, but it makes Somer’s character feel a bit fake.
As for the mystery part, if I'm being honest, I didn't care about it; I was only in for Somers and Hazard’s angst. Which is a shame, because I'd have enjoyed this a lot more if I was into the thriller part as much as into the romance part.
Besides all the conflicted feelings about Hazard and Somers, I really need to see them finally talk and get together and stop wandering around like two lost souls. It was very frustrating in the best way possible, I loved every single second of angst. I hope there is a very slow burn coming
People couldn’t forget, not the really awful things. They carried the past with them, sharpened it like a knife, and when you weren’t looking, when you least suspected it, they cut your heart out.
↬ Hazard and Somerset:
1. Pretty Pretty Boys: 3.75 stars
2. Transposition: 3.5 stars
3. Paternity Case: 3 stars
4. Guilt by Association: 3 stars
5. Reasonable Doubt:2.5 stars
*ignore a bit the rating because I enjoyed the romance but I really disliked the mystery so I'm struggling to rate this
June 20, 2021
Yeah so..... I'm invested...
You must be so happy Nikki! LOL
What I loved:
- Hazard is so stoic and grumpy and sometimes bitchy and I loved him. #UnapologeticallyMe
- Somerset is so damaged and lost and needs help and I loved him too. #HelpMeHeal
- The UST between these two men was potent and worth the #LadyBlueBalls
- The history between them, all the torture and what Somerset did to Hazard... God it was painful. I really don't know how Hazard didn't actually kill Somerset. #MixedFeelings
- Both characters are flawed and imperfect and real. #PerfectlyImperfect
- Niko asked Hazard:
"Don't you wished you were dead? Don't you wish they were all dead?"
I asked myself the same question....
I can't imagine being in Hazard's place, having to work alongside your bully, while simultaneously lusting after him. I think the author handled this really well. #Heartache
Niggles:
You must be so happy Nikki! LOL
What I loved:
- Hazard is so stoic and grumpy and sometimes bitchy and I loved him. #UnapologeticallyMe
- Somerset is so damaged and lost and needs help and I loved him too. #HelpMeHeal
- The UST between these two men was potent and worth the #LadyBlueBalls
- The history between them, all the torture and what Somerset did to Hazard... God it was painful. I really don't know how Hazard didn't actually kill Somerset. #MixedFeelings
- Both characters are flawed and imperfect and real. #PerfectlyImperfect
- Niko asked Hazard:
"Don't you wished you were dead? Don't you wish they were all dead?"
I asked myself the same question....
I can't imagine being in Hazard's place, having to work alongside your bully, while simultaneously lusting after him. I think the author handled this really well. #Heartache
Niggles:
March 26, 2024
I think I found my new obsession. some tropes I don’t usually like, are working for me here (morally gray characters and crush on the bully) AND IT HAS ONES I LOVE 🔥🔥🔥 like sloooooow burn and unavailable MCs.
In a few words; Hazard applies at the precinct of his hometown, where he’s partnered up with a remorseful and delightful old bully/crush. The part where they interviewed Lady Mabbe (an elderly prostitute) made me laugh so damn hard😂♥️. And the end of chapter 33 broke my heart.
PS. this book made me crave Caribou Coffee ☕️.
In a few words; Hazard applies at the precinct of his hometown, where he’s partnered up with a remorseful and delightful old bully/crush. The part where they interviewed Lady Mabbe (an elderly prostitute) made me laugh so damn hard😂♥️. And the end of chapter 33 broke my heart.
PS. this book made me crave Caribou Coffee ☕️.
August 7, 2021
Even before I started this book, I knew this series was going to be addictive but still I was not prepared to be awake until 4:30 even though my tired brain kept shouting "You fool!! you have to wake up at 7 to earn your keep in this world". Guess, my poor, tired brain has to make do with lots of cups of tea. And, it was not a surprise that as soon as I woke up, I started listening 2nd book.😂😂
I love mystery books based in small towns since they have old school charm. Gossip loving residents with old and buried secrets, relationships that tie generations and most often lack timely resources to aid MCs. But, here the mystery element was not very strong and I could guess the culprit, way beforehand. Still, I liked the writing style of Gregory Ashe. He has a unique knack for characterisation and atmospheric details. And not to forget we have two very complicated MCs, Hazard and Somers.
I don't care if people don't believe in insta-love because I felt it the moment 'Hazard' made an entry( ohh!! I mean the first scene )😍😍. And, I never felt this much urge to hug a character and tell them that everything is going to be okay. However, weird me likes to read books without knowing anything beforehand, so I had no idea, it's going to be a bully romance. And, emotionally it made things difficult for me. I wanted to despise Somers but the occasional disdain was the best I could do. I wanted to hate him and I was conflicted because I could not do so. Maybe it makes me look soft, but in reality, I am not a believer of people change with time, not at least for good. but since we get the POV of both the characters, It helped me and made me feel empathy towards Somers.
I have no issues with the little/ nil relationship development in this book. I feel both the MCs has a very complicated past and even more complicated present. So, I would have been highly disappointed if anything more than what 'little connection we get to see between them in the book.
I am sure that I am going to read this series in the right order.😂😂
I love mystery books based in small towns since they have old school charm. Gossip loving residents with old and buried secrets, relationships that tie generations and most often lack timely resources to aid MCs. But, here the mystery element was not very strong and I could guess the culprit, way beforehand. Still, I liked the writing style of Gregory Ashe. He has a unique knack for characterisation and atmospheric details. And not to forget we have two very complicated MCs, Hazard and Somers.
I don't care if people don't believe in insta-love because I felt it the moment 'Hazard' made an entry( ohh!! I mean the first scene )😍😍. And, I never felt this much urge to hug a character and tell them that everything is going to be okay. However, weird me likes to read books without knowing anything beforehand, so I had no idea, it's going to be a bully romance. And, emotionally it made things difficult for me. I wanted to despise Somers but the occasional disdain was the best I could do. I wanted to hate him and I was conflicted because I could not do so. Maybe it makes me look soft, but in reality, I am not a believer of people change with time, not at least for good. but since we get the POV of both the characters, It helped me and made me feel empathy towards Somers.
I have no issues with the little/ nil relationship development in this book. I feel both the MCs has a very complicated past and even more complicated present. So, I would have been highly disappointed if anything more than what 'little connection we get to see between them in the book.
I am sure that I am going to read this series in the right order.😂😂
January 9, 2020
4.5 - Pretty Pretty Boys is very good, first in a series that I’m looking forward to reading. A slow-burn mystery with lots of twists and turns, and a gut wrenching tug of war love-story unlike the typical tropes, yet searing without all the heat. Far more mystery and sleuthing than romance, but the relationship between Somers and Hazard is beautifully complicated, and worth the read!
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