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Hazard and Somerset #3
Paternity Case
It’s almost Christmas, and Emery Hazard finds himself face to face with his own personal nightmare: going on a double date with his partner—and boyhood crush—John-Henry Somerset. Hazard brings his boyfriend; Somers brings his estranged wife. Things aren’t going to end well.
When a strange call interrupts dinner, however, Hazard and his partner become witnesses to a shooting. The victims: Somers’s father, and the daughter of a high school friend. The crime is inexplicable. There is no apparent motive, no connection between the victims, and no explanation for how the shooter reached his targets.
Determined to get answers, Hazard and Somers move forward with their investigation in spite of mounting pressure to stop. Their search for the truth draws them into a dark web of conspiracy and into an even darker tangle of twisted love and illicit desire. And as the two men come face to face with the passions and madness behind the crime, they must confront their own feelings for each other—and the hard truths that neither man is ready to accept.
When a strange call interrupts dinner, however, Hazard and his partner become witnesses to a shooting. The victims: Somers’s father, and the daughter of a high school friend. The crime is inexplicable. There is no apparent motive, no connection between the victims, and no explanation for how the shooter reached his targets.
Determined to get answers, Hazard and Somers move forward with their investigation in spite of mounting pressure to stop. Their search for the truth draws them into a dark web of conspiracy and into an even darker tangle of twisted love and illicit desire. And as the two men come face to face with the passions and madness behind the crime, they must confront their own feelings for each other—and the hard truths that neither man is ready to accept.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2018
261 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,789 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 514 reviews
July 20, 2021
Re-read/listen - July 2021
4.25 more frustrating 😤 want to slap everyone stars.
Except Hazard! I want to hug Hazard. Yes! I am biased when it comes to my big grumpy teddy bear 🐻.
Wooooooooooooo!! This was intense.
Hazard really needs to stop getting hurt.
Somers is a piece of shit sometimes. He needs therapy and rehab.
Nico! Nico! I am mad at him and understand him at the same time. He is just an insecure toddler.
The mystery! Gaaahhh!!!!! Still broke my heart.
Grace Elaine! Ugggghhh!!!! What a piece of work. I pity Somers.
Everyone woke up and chose violence in this book.
****************************************
4.25 frustrating stars
I loved some parts and got really frustrated with some parts.
The writing is good, the story is still frustrating, at this point i just want to lock Hazard and Somers in a room throw away the key and let them work out the pent up tension they got going on.
We get to know more about Hazard and Somers past. Somers is a little shit, i wanted to slap the fuck out of him. Hazard! Hazard! damn this guy is a brick, I don't know how he does it. These two deserve each other.
The mystery in this was a sad one and the best one so far, it touches on a very difficult subject and the twist caught me off guard, i loved that. The investigation part was well done, just good old fashioned police work. Again this series reminds me of those amazing BBC detective series.
This series requires a lot, i mean A LOT of patience and if you don't have it, you will be frustrated and end up with a DNF but if you can handle all that then you are in for an amazing ride.
Hazard and Somers story is a worthy read.
4.25 more frustrating 😤 want to slap everyone stars.
Except Hazard! I want to hug Hazard. Yes! I am biased when it comes to my big grumpy teddy bear 🐻.
Wooooooooooooo!! This was intense.
Hazard really needs to stop getting hurt.
Somers is a piece of shit sometimes. He needs therapy and rehab.
Nico! Nico! I am mad at him and understand him at the same time. He is just an insecure toddler.
The mystery! Gaaahhh!!!!! Still broke my heart.
Grace Elaine! Ugggghhh!!!! What a piece of work. I pity Somers.
Everyone woke up and chose violence in this book.
****************************************
4.25 frustrating stars
I loved some parts and got really frustrated with some parts.
The writing is good, the story is still frustrating, at this point i just want to lock Hazard and Somers in a room throw away the key and let them work out the pent up tension they got going on.
We get to know more about Hazard and Somers past. Somers is a little shit, i wanted to slap the fuck out of him. Hazard! Hazard! damn this guy is a brick, I don't know how he does it. These two deserve each other.
The mystery in this was a sad one and the best one so far, it touches on a very difficult subject and the twist caught me off guard, i loved that. The investigation part was well done, just good old fashioned police work. Again this series reminds me of those amazing BBC detective series.
This series requires a lot, i mean A LOT of patience and if you don't have it, you will be frustrated and end up with a DNF but if you can handle all that then you are in for an amazing ride.
Hazard and Somers story is a worthy read.
November 30, 2020
2.5 stars
If book 2 was one step forward, this one was two steps back. I don't even mind the slowest of slow burns ever, I just wish Somers and Hazard would stop acting like a couple of twelve-year-olds. I didn't feel them as much as in book 2, but I did learn more about them, so that's good.
I like Nico, but I don't understand him. I have no idea why he wanted to stay with Hazard after their talk. I wouldn't. I think that he is genuinely nice and deserves more.
The case they were working on was interesting for a while, but the investigation really dragged for me. The dialogues with the side characters were sometimes too long and a bit boring. I feel the whole book was too long and repetitive at times. By the time I reached the last few chapters, I just wanted it to be over.
To be honest, I'm finding the lack of professionalism during the investigation, the amount of unlikable characters and the extent of homophobia in these books more frustrating than the relationship between Somers and Hazard.
I struggled a bit with the narration in this one. Somers sounded a lot like Hazard so many times, that it was often hard to distinguish between the two. And most of the side characters, if not all, have the same voice and the same way of talking. I'm sure it affected my enjoyment of the story.
If book 2 was one step forward, this one was two steps back. I don't even mind the slowest of slow burns ever, I just wish Somers and Hazard would stop acting like a couple of twelve-year-olds. I didn't feel them as much as in book 2, but I did learn more about them, so that's good.
I like Nico, but I don't understand him. I have no idea why he wanted to stay with Hazard after their talk. I wouldn't. I think that he is genuinely nice and deserves more.
The case they were working on was interesting for a while, but the investigation really dragged for me. The dialogues with the side characters were sometimes too long and a bit boring. I feel the whole book was too long and repetitive at times. By the time I reached the last few chapters, I just wanted it to be over.
To be honest, I'm finding the lack of professionalism during the investigation, the amount of unlikable characters and the extent of homophobia in these books more frustrating than the relationship between Somers and Hazard.
I struggled a bit with the narration in this one. Somers sounded a lot like Hazard so many times, that it was often hard to distinguish between the two. And most of the side characters, if not all, have the same voice and the same way of talking. I'm sure it affected my enjoyment of the story.
August 29, 2019
Sorry, dissenting opinion ahead...
*channeling my inner Somerset*
And with that I'm out. Out of patience and right into I-don't-care-anymore mode. There's simply too much droning going on, too much blah-blah-blah and I'm bored to tears.
Even with the relationship, it's the same MO over and over again:
From "Say that again and I'll rip your a** off" over "He's so beautiful, I get a boner just looking at him" and "I don't even know why I bother with you" to "I hate his guts, but I love him" (no quotes - except for the first one -, just my impression), before Hazard runs off back to Nico again.
Rinse and repeat.
This series is well-loved, so I guess it's just me, but there's not enough of a relationship development for me after three long books. I know they'll get together at some point, but as of now it's too little, too late. I also know the narrator is not really helping, but I don't think it would have been better if I had read it instead of listening to it.
I tried, I really did, and at the beginning I thought, this would be the point where I'm starting to love this series. After a short while this book fell back into old patterns, though, and I'm sorry, but I have zero interest in going on and listening to this series for another more than forty hours. :(
*channeling my inner Somerset*
And with that I'm out. Out of patience and right into I-don't-care-anymore mode. There's simply too much droning going on, too much blah-blah-blah and I'm bored to tears.
Even with the relationship, it's the same MO over and over again:
From "Say that again and I'll rip your a** off" over "He's so beautiful, I get a boner just looking at him" and "I don't even know why I bother with you" to "I hate his guts, but I love him" (no quotes - except for the first one -, just my impression), before Hazard runs off back to Nico again.
Rinse and repeat.
This series is well-loved, so I guess it's just me, but there's not enough of a relationship development for me after three long books. I know they'll get together at some point, but as of now it's too little, too late. I also know the narrator is not really helping, but I don't think it would have been better if I had read it instead of listening to it.
I tried, I really did, and at the beginning I thought, this would be the point where I'm starting to love this series. After a short while this book fell back into old patterns, though, and I'm sorry, but I have zero interest in going on and listening to this series for another more than forty hours. :(
February 1, 2020
Holy Mother of God, this was DARK!!!!
A weird case of a shootout involving Somer's father at a Christmas dinner party at the Somerset household turns into something really evil and dark.
I'm pretty impressed with the plot and again the side characters in this series are amazing. They're usually absolutely batshit crazy, but so well written and perfectly paced. I'd easily believe that ANY of them would be capable of being the killer here, and the resolution froze me to the bone.
Totally unexpected.
I simply adore Somers and Hazard and quite frankly, I also like Nico. It's not his fault that he's kind of a fifth wheel. He's actually a genuinely nice guy and I wish Somers would rein in his constant kindergarten jibes a little. Of course Nico isn't as mature as a guy in his mid-30s, but a handsome young male model like him sitting down and watching weird stuff like 'Rarely known footpaths in the Italian Alps as walked between 1925 and 1935' just because Hazard likes that stuff, shows that he's really got it bad for our big guy.
STILL, as this series is called SOMERS and HAZARD, I am DYING to see them get together at some point.
I need to repeat the fact that I love how multilayered our guys are. If you've hopped from one standalone romance to the next, then this is a real revelation. Both guys are neither totally good or bad. They make decision that aren't always (or rarely) right and they deal with the consequences.
I really really love and appreciate this series. And you can easily tell, because I'm not complaining one bit about the COMPLETE LACK OF SEX SCENES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On to the next book!!
5 stars!!
A weird case of a shootout involving Somer's father at a Christmas dinner party at the Somerset household turns into something really evil and dark.
I'm pretty impressed with the plot and again the side characters in this series are amazing. They're usually absolutely batshit crazy, but so well written and perfectly paced. I'd easily believe that ANY of them would be capable of being the killer here, and the resolution froze me to the bone.
Totally unexpected.
I simply adore Somers and Hazard and quite frankly, I also like Nico. It's not his fault that he's kind of a fifth wheel. He's actually a genuinely nice guy and I wish Somers would rein in his constant kindergarten jibes a little. Of course Nico isn't as mature as a guy in his mid-30s, but a handsome young male model like him sitting down and watching weird stuff like 'Rarely known footpaths in the Italian Alps as walked between 1925 and 1935' just because Hazard likes that stuff, shows that he's really got it bad for our big guy.
STILL, as this series is called SOMERS and HAZARD, I am DYING to see them get together at some point.
I need to repeat the fact that I love how multilayered our guys are. If you've hopped from one standalone romance to the next, then this is a real revelation. Both guys are neither totally good or bad. They make decision that aren't always (or rarely) right and they deal with the consequences.
I really really love and appreciate this series. And you can easily tell, because I'm not complaining one bit about the COMPLETE LACK OF SEX SCENES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On to the next book!!
5 stars!!
September 30, 2020
First of all, I should tell you that there are more triggers in this series, and this particular book, than in the average Texas suburban neighborhood. And, shit, everyone here is packing. Everyone. It's almost the law.
It's true. It was practically a blood bath that summer of Pokemon Go!
Next warning is about all of the angst. So much fucking angst. I don't know if this author loves drama, but there is more angsty drama than a Telenovela.
That's what you might call the book's mood.
The murder mystery in this one is twisty. Tons of Red Herrings. But still, the angst took center stage.
The good thing is that the banter has finally gotten a little better. Although Hazard still threatens to beat-up Somers and pretty much everyone else he comes into contact with, there were a few times when things got humorous. So, I appreciate that. When they were being all serious about the case and Somers made a crack about Hazard's car I really laughed at how he got all offended. I want a lot more of those funny moments.
Now, if they would just get together all ready. It's way past time for this ship to sail.
It's true. It was practically a blood bath that summer of Pokemon Go!
Next warning is about all of the angst. So much fucking angst. I don't know if this author loves drama, but there is more angsty drama than a Telenovela.
That's what you might call the book's mood.
The murder mystery in this one is twisty. Tons of Red Herrings. But still, the angst took center stage.
The good thing is that the banter has finally gotten a little better. Although Hazard still threatens to beat-up Somers and pretty much everyone else he comes into contact with, there were a few times when things got humorous. So, I appreciate that. When they were being all serious about the case and Somers made a crack about Hazard's car I really laughed at how he got all offended. I want a lot more of those funny moments.
Now, if they would just get together all ready. It's way past time for this ship to sail.
July 16, 2023
Love isn’t a choice. Love is a collision. Love is a catastrophe.
You thought you knew all of John-Henry’s mistakes? You were wrong.
Paternity case deals with a murderer closer to home and we finally meet Somerset’s lovely familly. I know he was a monster as a teenager, but I’m starting to feel sorry for him.
“Come on, Ree.”
“Come on, what?”
“It was you. I always knew where you were.”
I feel there wasn’t a lot of progression in their relationship, which annoyed me a bit pleaseee can these two get together already?, but ✨I enjoyed the case✨. Maybe because it was closer to Somers or maybe because it actually made sense.
What you are going to get:
✓ Somers being even moodier than usual
Because it was Hazard’s fault too. It was the big man’s fault for-daring to love someone else-hooking up with an infant.
✓ Somers calling Nico a baby for the hundredth time-I can’t see why it’s such a big deal that Nico is 25 and Hazar is 33. Maybe reading too many crazy age gaps have left me scarred🤷♀️
✓ Somers bickering about what Hazard sees in Nico, without realizing Hazard is with Nico because Nico is the first boyfriend who has ever cared about him and he’s tired of being alone 💔
✓ Somers making Hazard angry
✓ Somers making Hazard hot
✓ Hazard losing his patience
✓ Somer’s daughter finally getting more than two sentences
✓ ANGST
I think it’s better if I don’t say what you won’t get :)
Time to cross fingers and start book #4!
Twenty years. He’d wasted twenty years. What was another minute, another hour, another day? Somers didn’t know, but it felt like a goddamn eternity.
↬ 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 (except the mystery in book 3) so I'm struggling to rate this series
You thought you knew all of John-Henry’s mistakes? You were wrong.
Paternity case deals with a murderer closer to home and we finally meet Somerset’s lovely familly. I know he was a monster as a teenager, but I’m starting to feel sorry for him.
“Come on, Ree.”
“Come on, what?”
“It was you. I always knew where you were.”
I feel there wasn’t a lot of progression in their relationship, which annoyed me a bit
What you are going to get:
✓ Somers being even moodier than usual
Because it was Hazard’s fault too. It was the big man’s fault for-daring to love someone else-hooking up with an infant.
✓ Somers calling Nico a baby for the hundredth time-I can’t see why it’s such a big deal that Nico is 25 and Hazar is 33. Maybe reading too many crazy age gaps have left me scarred🤷♀️
✓ Somers bickering about what Hazard sees in Nico, without realizing Hazard is with Nico because Nico is the first boyfriend who has ever cared about him and he’s tired of being alone 💔
✓ Somers making Hazard angry
✓ Somers making Hazard hot
✓ Hazard losing his patience
✓ Somer’s daughter finally getting more than two sentences
✓ ANGST
I think it’s better if I don’t say what you won’t get :)
Time to cross fingers and start book #4!
Twenty years. He’d wasted twenty years. What was another minute, another hour, another day? Somers didn’t know, but it felt like a goddamn eternity.
↬ 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 (except the mystery in book 3) so I'm struggling to rate this series
July 5, 2021
Absolutely losing my mind at how this third installment in the series and Lucy Dacus’ newest album Home Video align so perfectly with each other!!! The parallels! Like Hazard and Somers, Lucy (& me!) grew up in a small town in the United States. Her album shares that experience -- as well as feelings of nostalgia, pain, and heartbreak -- it’s all present. I will let Lucy’s lyrics lead the way… She captures Hazard and Somers' story so well, it left me breathless.
Hot & Heavy
Led me to the floor even though I’m not a dancer
Ask me all the questions your parents wouldn't answer
How could I deny a diamond in the rough?
You let me into your world until you had enough
You knew that I wanted you to bend the rules
How did I believe I had a hold on you?
You were always stronger than people suspected
Underestimated and overprotected
When I went away, it was the only option
Couldn’t trust myself to proceed with caution
The most that I could give you is nothing at all
The best that I could offer was to miss your calls
Being back here makes me hot in the face
Hot blood in my pulsing veins
Heavy memories weighing on my brain
Again and again (and again) Hazard and Somers continue to return to that moment they shared 15 years ago in the locker room. The chaste kiss. It’s like their minds are a railroad track that can’t help continually veering off course, heading into a dangerous direction. Heading into the unknown. They don’t know how big this moment was to either of them. How they both come back to it, like a bruise you can’t help but poke. You know it hurts but you just can’t help yourself.
Christine
But if you get married, I’d object
Throw my shoe at the altar and lose your respect
I’d rather lose my dignity
Than lose you to someone who won’t make you happy
Something in Nico’s voice, in the thick hitch, painted Somer’s world red. So that’s what they’d been doing. Sure, they were dating. Sure, Hazard was entitled to screw whatever he wanted to screw. But it didn’t change the fact that Somers was seeing blood, didn’t change the way his thoughts went, first, to what it might feel like to break Nico’s teeth.
We are privy to a lot of Somers insecurity and jealousy in this installment over Hazard putting someone else above him. He remarks at the audacity of Hazard -- loving someone else.
Nico and Hazard get into an argument where Somers is nearby (over Somers) and Somers remarks that Hazard would be so much happier if he wasn’t dating Nico. If he would just date someone other than Nico, everyone would be happy -- in Somers eyes.
Thumbs AKA my favorite song off the album!!
I love your eyes
And he has them
Or you have his
'Cause he was first
I imagine my thumbs on the irises
Pressing in until they burst
I would kill him
If you let me
I would kill him
Quick and easy
Your nails are digging into my knee
I don’t know
How you keep smiling
I wanna take your face between my hands and say
“You two are connected by a pure coincidence
Bound to him by blood, but baby, it’s all relative
You’ve been in his fist ever since you were a kid
But you don’t owe him shit even if he said you did”
This song tells the tale of a tumultuous relationship with a father figure. Somers doesn’t have the best parents in the world. To be blunt -- they’re terrible people! His dad is a bigger character in this book than previous installments, being a focus in the case, and in comes the question of what is Somers willing to do for family, family friends, people he grew up with and spent his formative years around? How far will he go? What exceptions will he make? His dad uses Somers position as a detective to get what he wants. He doesn’t actually care about his son but Somers still shows up ready to get whatever crumbs of affection he’s offered.
Partner in Crime
You were my partner in crime
It was a welcome waste of time
Eating cherries on the bridge, feet dangling
Throwing the pits and stems into the racing current below
I got vertigo looking down and looking in
Triple Dog Dare
And the kid at the counter is gawking at your grace
I can tell what he’s thinking by the look on his face
It’s not his fault, I’m sure I look the same
It’s what you do, but it’s not you I blame
I absolutely loved this book. My favorite so far out of the three I have read. The Hazard and Somers moments were amazing and the mystery was so well done! I was flabbergasted once I put the pieces together. The character development and the story progression was perfect. Everything I was missing whilst reading book 2 returned to me in the form of book 3. And as a close-out I will include a lovely little quote from Somers.
"He said he heard you like sausage. That guy, Jimmy Redondo, at the supermarket. So I shoved him inside the frozen meat case with all the sausages. Ripped one open. Shoved as much of it as I could into his mouth. I took a picture and said it looked like he liked sausage too."
Hot & Heavy
Led me to the floor even though I’m not a dancer
Ask me all the questions your parents wouldn't answer
How could I deny a diamond in the rough?
You let me into your world until you had enough
You knew that I wanted you to bend the rules
How did I believe I had a hold on you?
You were always stronger than people suspected
Underestimated and overprotected
When I went away, it was the only option
Couldn’t trust myself to proceed with caution
The most that I could give you is nothing at all
The best that I could offer was to miss your calls
Being back here makes me hot in the face
Hot blood in my pulsing veins
Heavy memories weighing on my brain
Again and again (and again) Hazard and Somers continue to return to that moment they shared 15 years ago in the locker room. The chaste kiss. It’s like their minds are a railroad track that can’t help continually veering off course, heading into a dangerous direction. Heading into the unknown. They don’t know how big this moment was to either of them. How they both come back to it, like a bruise you can’t help but poke. You know it hurts but you just can’t help yourself.
Christine
But if you get married, I’d object
Throw my shoe at the altar and lose your respect
I’d rather lose my dignity
Than lose you to someone who won’t make you happy
Something in Nico’s voice, in the thick hitch, painted Somer’s world red. So that’s what they’d been doing. Sure, they were dating. Sure, Hazard was entitled to screw whatever he wanted to screw. But it didn’t change the fact that Somers was seeing blood, didn’t change the way his thoughts went, first, to what it might feel like to break Nico’s teeth.
We are privy to a lot of Somers insecurity and jealousy in this installment over Hazard putting someone else above him. He remarks at the audacity of Hazard -- loving someone else.
Nico and Hazard get into an argument where Somers is nearby (over Somers) and Somers remarks that Hazard would be so much happier if he wasn’t dating Nico. If he would just date someone other than Nico, everyone would be happy -- in Somers eyes.
Thumbs AKA my favorite song off the album!!
I love your eyes
And he has them
Or you have his
'Cause he was first
I imagine my thumbs on the irises
Pressing in until they burst
I would kill him
If you let me
I would kill him
Quick and easy
Your nails are digging into my knee
I don’t know
How you keep smiling
I wanna take your face between my hands and say
“You two are connected by a pure coincidence
Bound to him by blood, but baby, it’s all relative
You’ve been in his fist ever since you were a kid
But you don’t owe him shit even if he said you did”
This song tells the tale of a tumultuous relationship with a father figure. Somers doesn’t have the best parents in the world. To be blunt -- they’re terrible people! His dad is a bigger character in this book than previous installments, being a focus in the case, and in comes the question of what is Somers willing to do for family, family friends, people he grew up with and spent his formative years around? How far will he go? What exceptions will he make? His dad uses Somers position as a detective to get what he wants. He doesn’t actually care about his son but Somers still shows up ready to get whatever crumbs of affection he’s offered.
Partner in Crime
You were my partner in crime
It was a welcome waste of time
Eating cherries on the bridge, feet dangling
Throwing the pits and stems into the racing current below
I got vertigo looking down and looking in
Triple Dog Dare
And the kid at the counter is gawking at your grace
I can tell what he’s thinking by the look on his face
It’s not his fault, I’m sure I look the same
It’s what you do, but it’s not you I blame
I absolutely loved this book. My favorite so far out of the three I have read. The Hazard and Somers moments were amazing and the mystery was so well done! I was flabbergasted once I put the pieces together. The character development and the story progression was perfect. Everything I was missing whilst reading book 2 returned to me in the form of book 3. And as a close-out I will include a lovely little quote from Somers.
"He said he heard you like sausage. That guy, Jimmy Redondo, at the supermarket. So I shoved him inside the frozen meat case with all the sausages. Ripped one open. Shoved as much of it as I could into his mouth. I took a picture and said it looked like he liked sausage too."
April 7, 2025
4.5***** stars
Fantastic mystery again (pretty sick though, tbh), and again five stars for GA’s writing and story telling skills alone.
Still want to throttle Hazard and Somerset, tho. The way they were still hiding all these things from the past and the present from each other… it frustrated the fucking hell out of me. Again.
But to end my fabulous comment on this episode I want to share my favorite moment *lmao
Someone also still remember Josh Hartnett back then? I was 15 when "Pearl Harbor" aired and boy, was I in love (with Ben Affleck too, and okay a little bit with Kate Beckinsale as well). That also reminded me that Hazard and Somers are almost the same age as me, only they were already 17 at that time.
***********
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
Fantastic mystery again (pretty sick though, tbh), and again five stars for GA’s writing and story telling skills alone.
Still want to throttle Hazard and Somerset, tho. The way they were still hiding all these things from the past and the present from each other… it frustrated the fucking hell out of me. Again.
But to end my fabulous comment on this episode I want to share my favorite moment *lmao
“You know what my mother did with her old bras? And with the Fit / Fitness / Fight magazines that she used to buy?
Somers’s grin had magnified. “She had one with Josh Hartnett. Like, 2001 Josh Hartnett. I know because I, uh, borrowed it.”
“She wrapped it up in an old newspaper and shoved it to the bottom of the outside trash can. You know, the one you put at the curb.”
“How do you know this?”
“Well, I wasn’t going to let Josh go that easily. He and I had become too close.”
“You’re sick.”
“I was seventeen. I had my hands full. Kind of literally.”
Someone also still remember Josh Hartnett back then? I was 15 when "Pearl Harbor" aired and boy, was I in love (with Ben Affleck too, and okay a little bit with Kate Beckinsale as well). That also reminded me that Hazard and Somers are almost the same age as me, only they were already 17 at that time.
***********
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
July 7, 2021
i kept losing interest in the case in the beginning, but towards the end…?? holy SHIT!!! that was intense!!! i actually loved it and did not suspect the killer at all!
the ~vibes~ between somers and hazard… still delicious. 😋 these two drive me absolutely nuts though. it’s just hilarious how each of them think that the other doesn’t want them back, when it’s literally so obvious to everyone around them.
at least somers is finally fully admitting his feelings for hazard to himself. that’s a step forward. i can’t believe the man is gonna try to keep it all to himself because he thinks hazard is now happy with nico or whatever… like… baby… he’s fucking IN LOVE with YOU!!!
i just want to mush their faces together and shout “KISS!!” @ them.
i truly feel like the next book in the series will be amazing in regards to their relationship. i can just FEEL IT coming!!!!
the ~vibes~ between somers and hazard… still delicious. 😋 these two drive me absolutely nuts though. it’s just hilarious how each of them think that the other doesn’t want them back, when it’s literally so obvious to everyone around them.
at least somers is finally fully admitting his feelings for hazard to himself. that’s a step forward. i can’t believe the man is gonna try to keep it all to himself because he thinks hazard is now happy with nico or whatever… like… baby… he’s fucking IN LOVE with YOU!!!
i just want to mush their faces together and shout “KISS!!” @ them.
i truly feel like the next book in the series will be amazing in regards to their relationship. i can just FEEL IT coming!!!!
March 16, 2023
Reread/listen 3/2023
I have a bit of a hot take on this one upon revisiting it so brace yourselves.
I you subscribe to there being one person that's perfect for another then Somers & Hazard are it for each other.
If, however, you subscribe to a more liberal view of love, that people come into your life and you can have multiple "the one(s)" then I think Nico & Hazard in the absence of Somers could've gone the distance.
My opinions are my own and that's mine and I'm owning it.
Anyhoo, thank you for coming to my TED talk.
p.s. to give credit to Tristan James, after having read Ashe's books as well as listened, he can throw in long stretches of dialogue without identifying a character; so, I can see how he could get confused as to who was talking when and mix up the voices.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
*pained groan*
Killin'.
Me.
Smalls.
I honestly thought Mariana Zapata was the reigning champion of the slow burn but Gregory Ashe is patting her on the head and saying, 'run along now. Keep trying your best. You'll get there one day'.
Dude's long gamin' the stuffing out of me with ole Hazard and Somers!
The UST has reached critical levels which means I'm either going to hulk out on these two and start...
OR I'm going to combust.
Tough call.
These two are the biggest, dumbest, most oblivious knuckleheads to ever knuckle heads. IMHO.
Evidently the dumbassery is airborne too! Maybe it's the recirculated air in that pint-sized VW they were riding around in throughout this investigation?
Not sure. I'm spitballing here.
Nonetheless, I will give credit that at least they have admitted their true feels to themselves so that's... something.
These cases, though, continue to dazzle me. This one even though it turned my stomach I enjoyed watching them work together and feed off each other. Let's be honest, I enjoy them pushing each other's buttons mostly because I keep hoping it's going to lead to some epic hate sex.
Bottom line, they make a good team and despite the fact that they are making me want to throat punch them for not being honest about their feels to each other I'm still thoroughly enjoying the buildup. I just hope the *cough* release *cough* is worth all this slow burningness.
Also, Tristan James continues to do them justice but sometimes here I think he mixed up his voices for Hazard and Somers.
I have a bit of a hot take on this one upon revisiting it so brace yourselves.
I you subscribe to there being one person that's perfect for another then Somers & Hazard are it for each other.
If, however, you subscribe to a more liberal view of love, that people come into your life and you can have multiple "the one(s)" then I think Nico & Hazard in the absence of Somers could've gone the distance.
My opinions are my own and that's mine and I'm owning it.
Anyhoo, thank you for coming to my TED talk.
p.s. to give credit to Tristan James, after having read Ashe's books as well as listened, he can throw in long stretches of dialogue without identifying a character; so, I can see how he could get confused as to who was talking when and mix up the voices.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
*pained groan*
Killin'.
Me.
Smalls.
I honestly thought Mariana Zapata was the reigning champion of the slow burn but Gregory Ashe is patting her on the head and saying, 'run along now. Keep trying your best. You'll get there one day'.
Dude's long gamin' the stuffing out of me with ole Hazard and Somers!
The UST has reached critical levels which means I'm either going to hulk out on these two and start...
OR I'm going to combust.
Tough call.
These two are the biggest, dumbest, most oblivious knuckleheads to ever knuckle heads. IMHO.
Evidently the dumbassery is airborne too! Maybe it's the recirculated air in that pint-sized VW they were riding around in throughout this investigation?
Not sure. I'm spitballing here.
Nonetheless, I will give credit that at least they have admitted their true feels to themselves so that's... something.
These cases, though, continue to dazzle me. This one even though it turned my stomach I enjoyed watching them work together and feed off each other. Let's be honest, I enjoy them pushing each other's buttons mostly because I keep hoping it's going to lead to some epic hate sex.
Bottom line, they make a good team and despite the fact that they are making me want to throat punch them for not being honest about their feels to each other I'm still thoroughly enjoying the buildup. I just hope the *cough* release *cough* is worth all this slow burningness.
Also, Tristan James continues to do them justice but sometimes here I think he mixed up his voices for Hazard and Somers.
August 5, 2021
***RE-READ 8/2/21 -- 8/4/21***
Well that was ... intense.
Thoughts? I changed my rating to 5 because who am I trying to impress with 4.5? I freakin' love this series and trying to parse out ratings for individual books is a fruitless endeavor for me. Others may be able to do it can't.
THE STORY: I think in Bk.3 is where the author has really committed to fleshing out these characters and their story and the luggage comes in trunks. This book is just a peek, takes place in a few scant days which leave the reader and the MC wrung inside out. As I said in my original read/review Somers is the character who goes through the most, at least emotionally. His relationship with his parents, with Cora, with his daughter Evie, his past that's inexorably tangled to Hazard, his feelings towards Hazard, the impossibility of them, their unrequitedness. It's a lot. And it's done brilliantly.
In the meantime Hazard continues to stumble along, trying to forge a life, one where John-Henry Somerset is only his work partner. He chooses that over no Somers at all.
The first read is always the rush to what's next, who did it, but know I was able linger on details and luxuriate in them. I loved it. Even when the blows connected, and they did, I was ready for more.
If you do audio Tristan James will treat you right.
**********FIRTST READ 11/19/19 -- 11/21/19**********
Another couple of intense days for Wahredua's most dysfunctional buddy cops. An ill-advised Holiday dinner with their SOs is mercifully cut short by a summons to Somers's childhood home. Once there things go predictably south culminating with Somers' father being shot, which is the least of what happens, externally or internally. And that's the beauty of this series and why I'm continuing full steam ahead.
It was evident from the first sentence of the first book in this series that Gregory Ashe had a clear vision of where he was going, both in the overarching 'mystery' of the series, and in the evolving, lifetime in the making, relationship between Hazard & Somers. Brilliant.
Like in the previous books the 'action', if you will, takes place in compressed time, from Friday, December 22nd @ 6:47 to December 25th @ 11:58 with a sort of coda on December 31st. In that time Somers, who to my mind is the character that's most grown & evolved, has yet more rugs pulled out from under him, he's forced to confront past fears, and misdeeds yet he manages to remain standing or at least get back on his feet. Sure, we wobbles but it's better to bend than break. In the meantime Hazard continues to confront Wahredua's elite. They're an ugly bunch and, sadly, not unfamiliar.
The relationship between Hazard & Somers continues in the push & pull but to my mind it has progressed as much as it realistically can, considering their history, the short time that has elapsed since Hazard's return, and the fact that they're both in relationships or something close to that. I'm deeply satisfied. Those looking for a quick fix, insta anything, cookie cutter HEA, or even just regular romance, this is probably not the series for you. Also you should definitely start at the beginning.
For my fellow travelers in this saga can we pool our money together to buy Nico a clue? Seriously. The boy has issues. Lots of them.
Well that was ... intense.
Thoughts? I changed my rating to 5 because who am I trying to impress with 4.5? I freakin' love this series and trying to parse out ratings for individual books is a fruitless endeavor for me. Others may be able to do it can't.
THE STORY: I think in Bk.3 is where the author has really committed to fleshing out these characters and their story and the luggage comes in trunks. This book is just a peek, takes place in a few scant days which leave the reader and the MC wrung inside out. As I said in my original read/review Somers is the character who goes through the most, at least emotionally. His relationship with his parents, with Cora, with his daughter Evie, his past that's inexorably tangled to Hazard, his feelings towards Hazard, the impossibility of them, their unrequitedness. It's a lot. And it's done brilliantly.
In the meantime Hazard continues to stumble along, trying to forge a life, one where John-Henry Somerset is only his work partner. He chooses that over no Somers at all.
The first read is always the rush to what's next, who did it, but know I was able linger on details and luxuriate in them. I loved it. Even when the blows connected, and they did, I was ready for more.
If you do audio Tristan James will treat you right.
**********FIRTST READ 11/19/19 -- 11/21/19**********
Another couple of intense days for Wahredua's most dysfunctional buddy cops. An ill-advised Holiday dinner with their SOs is mercifully cut short by a summons to Somers's childhood home. Once there things go predictably south culminating with Somers' father being shot, which is the least of what happens, externally or internally. And that's the beauty of this series and why I'm continuing full steam ahead.
It was evident from the first sentence of the first book in this series that Gregory Ashe had a clear vision of where he was going, both in the overarching 'mystery' of the series, and in the evolving, lifetime in the making, relationship between Hazard & Somers. Brilliant.
Like in the previous books the 'action', if you will, takes place in compressed time, from Friday, December 22nd @ 6:47 to December 25th @ 11:58 with a sort of coda on December 31st. In that time Somers, who to my mind is the character that's most grown & evolved, has yet more rugs pulled out from under him, he's forced to confront past fears, and misdeeds yet he manages to remain standing or at least get back on his feet. Sure, we wobbles but it's better to bend than break. In the meantime Hazard continues to confront Wahredua's elite. They're an ugly bunch and, sadly, not unfamiliar.
The relationship between Hazard & Somers continues in the push & pull but to my mind it has progressed as much as it realistically can, considering their history, the short time that has elapsed since Hazard's return, and the fact that they're both in relationships or something close to that. I'm deeply satisfied. Those looking for a quick fix, insta anything, cookie cutter HEA, or even just regular romance, this is probably not the series for you. Also you should definitely start at the beginning.
For my fellow travelers in this saga can we pool our money together to buy Nico a clue? Seriously. The boy has issues. Lots of them.
July 9, 2021
"Love wasn't a choice, it was collision, it was catastrophe."
Ok... I'm emotionally exhausted, angry, mad, frustrated and sad.
My review:
F@CK THIS F@CKING BOOK!
F@CK EVERYTHING.
F@CK NIKO, F@CK KORA, F@CK HAZARD AND SOMERS.
FML
Honestly this book was a test in patience. I just can't. Hazard and Somers are STILL not together, Hazard is STILL with F@CKING NIKO...the child, the whiny piece of apparently exteremly hot male.
Somers is STILL pining and just when I thought OMG he's gonna say it!!! FINALLY! Nop! He chickens out! Why? Because he sees Hazard happy and wants to do right by him.
Well you know what Somers you little wuss... I LOVE YOU but you're STUPID because YOU are right for Hazard.
Gah my heart broke for this guy. I just wanted to wrap him up and coo at him. He's hurting, and he's sweet and he just needs someone in his corner...someone to love him like he deserves.
Hazard... GOD I HAVE NEVER MET A MORE FRUSTRATING MAN EVER! Dude, you're too dense and stubborn for your own good.
YOU KNOW HOW SOMERS FEELS.
Own up to it!!!!
The case... I mean it was interesting for sure even though it dragged a bit for me. There was too much back and forth for my liking, but the resolution worked.
Now don't get ne wrong.... I'm invested, I'm here for these men, but I just need them to pull
Their heads out of their asses and get together. Is that too much to ask? No... i don't think it is.
Should I lock them in a room and make them freaking TALK! Yes...for sure.
Should I smush their heads in and make them kiss? Why yes...yes I should.
This book is truely #FrustrationStation
I'm jumping tight into book 4....
#Exhausted #I NeedADrinkButIDontDrinkSoIllHaveACoffee #MenAreClueless #GregoryAsheYouBetterComeThroughForMe
PS. I really wish Tristan James would have performed this better...at least give the MCs distinct voices. The performance was sadly too stilted at times, and I think it took away from my enjoyment as well.
There is also an issue with some of the dialogue here... sometimes it seems kind of childish, too repetitive or not really thought out well.
PPS
This must ne the most unhealthy grumpy/sunshine book I have ever read.
*rant done*
Ok... I'm emotionally exhausted, angry, mad, frustrated and sad.
My review:
F@CK THIS F@CKING BOOK!
F@CK EVERYTHING.
F@CK NIKO, F@CK KORA, F@CK HAZARD AND SOMERS.
FML
Honestly this book was a test in patience. I just can't. Hazard and Somers are STILL not together, Hazard is STILL with F@CKING NIKO...the child, the whiny piece of apparently exteremly hot male.
Somers is STILL pining and just when I thought OMG he's gonna say it!!! FINALLY! Nop! He chickens out! Why? Because he sees Hazard happy and wants to do right by him.
Well you know what Somers you little wuss... I LOVE YOU but you're STUPID because YOU are right for Hazard.
Gah my heart broke for this guy. I just wanted to wrap him up and coo at him. He's hurting, and he's sweet and he just needs someone in his corner...someone to love him like he deserves.
Hazard... GOD I HAVE NEVER MET A MORE FRUSTRATING MAN EVER! Dude, you're too dense and stubborn for your own good.
YOU KNOW HOW SOMERS FEELS.
Own up to it!!!!
The case... I mean it was interesting for sure even though it dragged a bit for me. There was too much back and forth for my liking, but the resolution worked.
Now don't get ne wrong.... I'm invested, I'm here for these men, but I just need them to pull
Their heads out of their asses and get together. Is that too much to ask? No... i don't think it is.
Should I lock them in a room and make them freaking TALK! Yes...for sure.
Should I smush their heads in and make them kiss? Why yes...yes I should.
This book is truely #FrustrationStation
I'm jumping tight into book 4....
#Exhausted #I NeedADrinkButIDontDrinkSoIllHaveACoffee #MenAreClueless #GregoryAsheYouBetterComeThroughForMe
PS. I really wish Tristan James would have performed this better...at least give the MCs distinct voices. The performance was sadly too stilted at times, and I think it took away from my enjoyment as well.
There is also an issue with some of the dialogue here... sometimes it seems kind of childish, too repetitive or not really thought out well.
PPS
This must ne the most unhealthy grumpy/sunshine book I have ever read.
*rant done*
March 27, 2024
GAH! I HATED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. NO, DON’T LOOK AT MY RATING; LOOK INTO MY EYEBALLS. H&S SUCK TOES🙂🔪
I HATE ALL SIDE CHARACTERS EXCEPT NICO, poor guy deserves better. and all the rest are the same, homophobic and corrupt, only varying degrees of crazy. oh, except cora, I actually thought I’d hate her but she was alright….for now? The plot like always, dragged and got tangled and had the SAME FORMAT as the last books but WOW. it was so damn sickening and twisted, but what happened to the bad person (at least one of them) was so damn satisfying!!!!! the swearing was too damn disgusting and just too much🤮.
this book would have been much better with one pov, maybe somers’? I can’t wait for his reaction when he finally knows every little detail about H, and how he’ll make it better. PLEASE TELL ME THIS WILL HAPPEN? also, i really hate it when a gay character appreciates every pretty woman TOO much, i don’t care for it. the ‘more or less straight’ guy did not appreciate them quarter as much🙄!
for the gr friends who like reading about mistreated mcs, you’ll love this. god, poor H, it makes me want to cry. bullied and assaulted in school by even the adults, bf of two weeks commits suicide; when he’s older, big and strong for some reason lets his first real bf slap him around, lets the second cheat and manipulate him, lets his crush affect and mistreat him after all this time, S was my favorite but i needed to punch him so badly. not to mention the other crap in his life, i want to hug him💔.
I HATE ALL SIDE CHARACTERS EXCEPT NICO, poor guy deserves better. and all the rest are the same, homophobic and corrupt, only varying degrees of crazy. oh, except cora, I actually thought I’d hate her but she was alright….for now? The plot like always, dragged and got tangled and had the SAME FORMAT as the last books but WOW. it was so damn sickening and twisted, but what happened to the bad person (at least one of them) was so damn satisfying!!!!! the swearing was too damn disgusting and just too much🤮.
this book would have been much better with one pov, maybe somers’? I can’t wait for his reaction when he finally knows every little detail about H, and how he’ll make it better. PLEASE TELL ME THIS WILL HAPPEN? also, i really hate it when a gay character appreciates every pretty woman TOO much, i don’t care for it. the ‘more or less straight’ guy did not appreciate them quarter as much🙄!
for the gr friends who like reading about mistreated mcs, you’ll love this. god, poor H, it makes me want to cry. bullied and assaulted in school by even the adults, bf of two weeks commits suicide; when he’s older, big and strong for some reason lets his first real bf slap him around, lets the second cheat and manipulate him, lets his crush affect and mistreat him after all this time, S was my favorite but i needed to punch him so badly. not to mention the other crap in his life, i want to hug him💔.
January 13, 2020
This series gets better with every book. I couldn’t work out who the murderer was, it plot was very clever. I really want the two loonies to get their act together, Somers needs to man up to admit exactly how he feels towards Emory, maybe the next book will do it here’s hoping
May 29, 2020
I cannot stand it. 😱 Holy crap, I can’t believe how fucked up everything is. Where’s the damn wine??
These guys are killing me. 💔
These guys are killing me. 💔
December 13, 2020
Paternity Case by Gregory Ashe
3rd book in the Hazard and Somerset mystery series.
This book is half police mystery, half the two either denying or analyzing their relationships.
Dark and gritty, the mystery begins with a naked Santa and multiple people shot at an adult only party. Hazard and Somerset investigate but family and old friends and political influences throw shadows and twists over everything. As the two investigate, old relationships surface with old hurts.
Includes lots of ugly gay bashing. Lots of drinking. Lots of denial.
So much angst.
3rd book in the Hazard and Somerset mystery series.
This book is half police mystery, half the two either denying or analyzing their relationships.
Dark and gritty, the mystery begins with a naked Santa and multiple people shot at an adult only party. Hazard and Somerset investigate but family and old friends and political influences throw shadows and twists over everything. As the two investigate, old relationships surface with old hurts.
Includes lots of ugly gay bashing. Lots of drinking. Lots of denial.
So much angst.
December 5, 2021
**3.75 Rating**
“You queer for him? That what this is about?” “As a three- dollar bill,” Somers said. He got to his feet and pushed past the sheriff, ignoring the gun and the old man. “If you don’t like it, go fuck yourself.”
😳
Brief Summary:
My darlings Hazard and Somers are back in the Paternity Case(third book of the series) to work on a case that hits close to home for Somers. The two are still not together *internally sobs*and are indeed with other people. Sigh. This book also focuses on the internal dilemma of the main characters, particularly Somers who (hallelujah) finally realizes how much Hazard means to him and yes he finally admits that he is indeed in love with my babe Hazard😌. Now, how they get past their feelings for one another and eventually come together will be what I (hopefully) look forward to in the next book🤞🏻.
The Positives:
🚓The Case/plot: While I did not enjoy the case in the second book, this one was much more enjoyable. It was a really sad case, especially what Bing did to Hadley and Daisy. He is one sick mofo. Let's not even forget what he did to my babe Hazard and the way he taunted Somers. I don't feel bad for what happened to him. Nope. Karma got his ass. It was very satisfying.
🚓Cora: Even though she made a brief entrance and was barely in the book, I liked her. She was very civil and sweet to Hazard, despite their history. I can see why all the readers like her.
🚓The mutual pining/longing: As frustrating as these two were in this book, especially Somers🙄, I really liked how despite clueless they were regarding how the other felt about one other, the pining and longing was evident. Man, was it satisfying to see Somers realize how deep he is in for Hazard. Yes it was satisfying af🤣.
The man was having a come to Jesus moment:
"His eyes were annoying, those eyes like wheat stubble at the end of autumn. His lips. His lips were fucking annoying, how firm they were, how full, how they bruised. Somers’s mouth against his teeth. His hands. Jesus, his hands were like catcher’s mitts. And his ass— Somers thought of Frank and Dusty, and he thought of all the things that could have been right between him and Hazard, all the things that could have been perfect. And he thought of Jeremiah’s words. Love isn’t a choice. Love is collision. Love is catastrophe."
"Somers loved Emery Hazard. And what the hell was he supposed to do about it?"
🚓 I am not gonna lie, it did make me sad how because of the times they lived in, Somers and Hazard missed out on the opportunity to be with one another earlier in their lives 😭.
The heartbreaking moments:
🚓 Why was everyone trying to hurt my sweet Hazard? That was painful man. From Somers acting like an asshole fratboy, his parents, Bing, to even Nico, and everyone else. Like damn leave my babe alone. He went through so much in this book. Emotionally, it was hard to see him suffer so much. God, don't even get me started on what Bing did to him, he was just as awful as Hugo and what's his face? (Mikey?). I just wanted to hug Hazard 😭😭. It was all a bit much. I just want some happiness for him.😩 Is that too much to ask? Lol
🚓 It was also so devastating to see how he thought Somers didn't love him.
Exhibit A:
“It doesn’t make any sense, but I do. I love him. I wish I didn’t. I wish I didn’t feel any of this. I think about what he did to me, and I hate him. But—but it’s like that was someone else. And the one here, the one with me, the one that’s my partner, he’s different. He’s better.”
Exhibit B:
"It doesn’t matter how I feel about him. He’s got a wife and a little girl. He’s got a life. And I’m happy I fit into part of that life. I like being his partner. He’s a good detective. We’re a good team. But I don’t want to ruin the rest of his life just because I have a crush on him.”
Put daggers in my heart why don't you GA?💔😭
I adore Hazard so much. I do hope that he and Somers work their shit out and be together (eventually)😩.
🚓 Don't even get me started on Somers. This man was a major douche in this book. He needs a therapist. How dare he hit Hazard? Somers can catch these 👊🏻. He did my babe Ree so wrong in this book, until towards the end where he had a come to Jesus moment. But I didn't like how he blamed everything on Hazard and portrayed him as a creep to his parents. Hazard did not deserve the wrath of the Somersets🤬.
🚓Frank, Dusty, and Hadley: the overall story of this trio was sad af. Hadley especially, she deserved better😭. My babe Frank, that scene where Dusty mentioned people threw dog 💩 at him. I cried like a baby I tell ya.
Characters that can catch these hands:
🚓Bing: disgusting ass 💩
🚓Grace Elaine: homophobic 🤡. I hated her ass. She was awful.
🚓The Sherif (Bing's dad) and Glenn Somerset: equally unlikeable characters, especially Bing's dad. With those two, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He just watched what happened to his granddaughter and didn't do shit. Then he had the audacity to come for my babe💀
🚓 Nico: still an annoying fetus 🤡
🚓 Somers: yes even the golden boy is not exempt. He was a douche in this book, especially towards Hazard.
Overall thoughts: :
🚓 I did enjoy this book a lot more than the second book. The case had many plot twists, I did not know what to expect. The mystery although sad af was very well done. Props to GA. The back and forth between Hazard and Somers was really frustrating, satisfying but frustrating. I aged about 10 Obama years💀. (Yes I am dramatic af lol). Many highs and lows with this book. It was an emotional roller coaster. After the ride was over, I can say that I wholeheartedly enjoyed it. Onto the next book I go.
“You queer for him? That what this is about?” “As a three- dollar bill,” Somers said. He got to his feet and pushed past the sheriff, ignoring the gun and the old man. “If you don’t like it, go fuck yourself.”
😳
Brief Summary:
My darlings Hazard and Somers are back in the Paternity Case(third book of the series) to work on a case that hits close to home for Somers. The two are still not together *internally sobs*and are indeed with other people. Sigh. This book also focuses on the internal dilemma of the main characters, particularly Somers who (hallelujah) finally realizes how much Hazard means to him and yes he finally admits that he is indeed in love with my babe Hazard😌. Now, how they get past their feelings for one another and eventually come together will be what I (hopefully) look forward to in the next book🤞🏻.
The Positives:
🚓The Case/plot: While I did not enjoy the case in the second book, this one was much more enjoyable. It was a really sad case, especially what Bing did to Hadley and Daisy. He is one sick mofo. Let's not even forget what he did to my babe Hazard and the way he taunted Somers. I don't feel bad for what happened to him. Nope. Karma got his ass. It was very satisfying.
🚓Cora: Even though she made a brief entrance and was barely in the book, I liked her. She was very civil and sweet to Hazard, despite their history. I can see why all the readers like her.
🚓The mutual pining/longing: As frustrating as these two were in this book, especially Somers🙄, I really liked how despite clueless they were regarding how the other felt about one other, the pining and longing was evident. Man, was it satisfying to see Somers realize how deep he is in for Hazard. Yes it was satisfying af🤣.
The man was having a come to Jesus moment:
"His eyes were annoying, those eyes like wheat stubble at the end of autumn. His lips. His lips were fucking annoying, how firm they were, how full, how they bruised. Somers’s mouth against his teeth. His hands. Jesus, his hands were like catcher’s mitts. And his ass— Somers thought of Frank and Dusty, and he thought of all the things that could have been right between him and Hazard, all the things that could have been perfect. And he thought of Jeremiah’s words. Love isn’t a choice. Love is collision. Love is catastrophe."
"Somers loved Emery Hazard. And what the hell was he supposed to do about it?"
🚓 I am not gonna lie, it did make me sad how because of the times they lived in, Somers and Hazard missed out on the opportunity to be with one another earlier in their lives 😭.
The heartbreaking moments:
🚓 Why was everyone trying to hurt my sweet Hazard? That was painful man. From Somers acting like an asshole fratboy, his parents, Bing, to even Nico, and everyone else. Like damn leave my babe alone. He went through so much in this book. Emotionally, it was hard to see him suffer so much. God, don't even get me started on what Bing did to him, he was just as awful as Hugo and what's his face? (Mikey?). I just wanted to hug Hazard 😭😭. It was all a bit much. I just want some happiness for him.😩 Is that too much to ask? Lol
🚓 It was also so devastating to see how he thought Somers didn't love him.
Exhibit A:
“It doesn’t make any sense, but I do. I love him. I wish I didn’t. I wish I didn’t feel any of this. I think about what he did to me, and I hate him. But—but it’s like that was someone else. And the one here, the one with me, the one that’s my partner, he’s different. He’s better.”
Exhibit B:
"It doesn’t matter how I feel about him. He’s got a wife and a little girl. He’s got a life. And I’m happy I fit into part of that life. I like being his partner. He’s a good detective. We’re a good team. But I don’t want to ruin the rest of his life just because I have a crush on him.”
Put daggers in my heart why don't you GA?💔😭
I adore Hazard so much. I do hope that he and Somers work their shit out and be together (eventually)😩.
🚓 Don't even get me started on Somers. This man was a major douche in this book. He needs a therapist. How dare he hit Hazard? Somers can catch these 👊🏻. He did my babe Ree so wrong in this book, until towards the end where he had a come to Jesus moment. But I didn't like how he blamed everything on Hazard and portrayed him as a creep to his parents. Hazard did not deserve the wrath of the Somersets🤬.
🚓Frank, Dusty, and Hadley: the overall story of this trio was sad af. Hadley especially, she deserved better😭. My babe Frank, that scene where Dusty mentioned people threw dog 💩 at him. I cried like a baby I tell ya.
Characters that can catch these hands:
🚓Bing: disgusting ass 💩
🚓Grace Elaine: homophobic 🤡. I hated her ass. She was awful.
🚓The Sherif (Bing's dad) and Glenn Somerset: equally unlikeable characters, especially Bing's dad. With those two, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He just watched what happened to his granddaughter and didn't do shit. Then he had the audacity to come for my babe💀
🚓 Nico: still an annoying fetus 🤡
🚓 Somers: yes even the golden boy is not exempt. He was a douche in this book, especially towards Hazard.
Overall thoughts: :
🚓 I did enjoy this book a lot more than the second book. The case had many plot twists, I did not know what to expect. The mystery although sad af was very well done. Props to GA. The back and forth between Hazard and Somers was really frustrating, satisfying but frustrating. I aged about 10 Obama years💀. (Yes I am dramatic af lol). Many highs and lows with this book. It was an emotional roller coaster. After the ride was over, I can say that I wholeheartedly enjoyed it. Onto the next book I go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2021
4 stars ⭐️ Well. I feel really sorry for Nico. If I were in his shoes, I would never act so patient with Hazard. I'll probably smack Hazard and break up with him in the first chance I get. I'm so curious about Nico because I don't understand why he wants to put up with Hazard when all Hazard's thoughts only revolve around Somers. Nico deserves better. I mean Hazard is the best grumpy brooding boyfriend anyone can ever have. But he doesn't right for Nico. He is only right for our baby Somers.
Jesus! This is still hella frustrating. I don't like the back and forth between Hazard and Somers. That's enough. I'm a normal person. I haven't unlimited patience. God, they are behaving like children. It didn't bother me first. But it's irritated the hell out of me now. If they want to keep up with it any longer, I'll probably go insane. They shut themselves when everything came to the right point where the only option seems to be to start talking. I'm fed up with this whole thing, and the fact that Somers is an alcoholic makes the case even worse for me. He should probably go to rehab.
It's so frustrating to see that how Hazard and Somers are walking in different paths but in reality, both of them want to collide into the same path. Dumbasses, I'm not going to say this twice. Stop this nonsense!! you two are moving in a circle!! Damn it.
The mystery part was where I got too interested. It was better than the earlier book. It was too dark. But much better. I thought I would get bored when I read the first few chapters of the book but actually, I didn't. The last few chapters were so intense and so interesting.
On to the next book!
Jesus! This is still hella frustrating. I don't like the back and forth between Hazard and Somers. That's enough. I'm a normal person. I haven't unlimited patience. God, they are behaving like children. It didn't bother me first. But it's irritated the hell out of me now. If they want to keep up with it any longer, I'll probably go insane. They shut themselves when everything came to the right point where the only option seems to be to start talking. I'm fed up with this whole thing, and the fact that Somers is an alcoholic makes the case even worse for me. He should probably go to rehab.
It's so frustrating to see that how Hazard and Somers are walking in different paths but in reality, both of them want to collide into the same path. Dumbasses, I'm not going to say this twice. Stop this nonsense!! you two are moving in a circle!! Damn it.
The mystery part was where I got too interested. It was better than the earlier book. It was too dark. But much better. I thought I would get bored when I read the first few chapters of the book but actually, I didn't. The last few chapters were so intense and so interesting.
On to the next book!
November 27, 2018
***I was listening AND reading this book. If you purchase this book over Amazon you can get an audio book for a VERY fair price. So please do it.
4,5 stars
The best installment for me until now.
If I have to describe this installment with a single word, it would be
FRUSTRATION .
The
It was not helpful, not healthy and not logical AT ALL.
But, OMFG, was that HOT and INTENSE.
The mystery part was the best until now, but it retreated a little into the background because I couldn't focus on anything else except of these two guys and their COMPLICATED relationship.
I have no idea how they are going to go through this emotional chaos, but I am already on the edge.
July 14, 2022
CAN THESE TWO MORONS FUCK ALREADY?
This one was dark. The case was disturbing, with a dead teenaged girl.
So many emotions between Hazard and Somerset. But I loved Nico and Hazard. Poor Nico. I don’t like Cora, I am not sure why.
Love (hate) all the other characters.
I’m just rambling. I’m addicted to this series.
This one was dark. The case was disturbing, with a dead teenaged girl.
So many emotions between Hazard and Somerset. But I loved Nico and Hazard. Poor Nico. I don’t like Cora, I am not sure why.
Love (hate) all the other characters.
I’m just rambling. I’m addicted to this series.
March 10, 2019
Review to come soon ..ish ;)
July 31, 2025
Ah poor Nico, he is the most awkward (but actually rather lovely) third wheel in his own relationship and I just want him to break up with Hazard already and get his own HEA 🥹
Hazard and Somerset didn’t make a lot of relationship progress here - MAJOR BLUE BALLS ALL ROUND. I was frustrated by how much everything dragged out yet I still immediately bought AND started the next audio on completion of this, I’m officially hooked by that stupid carrot dangling in front of me which we NEVER GET TO EAT!
The mystery was solid and kind of weird but also pretty rough in terms of some of the stuff that went on. There are quite a few scenes (as I’ve learnt is a common recurrence with GA’s books) with harsh homophobia and graphic descriptions of teenage boys and adult men being threatened with assault and rape or actual flashbacks/vivid descriptions of these acts. I skimmed over some of the hateful, graphic stuff that was said at times as it felt a bit unnecessary and repetitive. Similarly women seem to often be depicted negatively, something I’ve coming to expect in these books but also maybe this is exaggerated by the disdainful tone of voice the narrator uses for every female character.
Regardless of the above I’m clearly invested now and will be continuing this saga to hopefully see some progress between these two numbskulls somewhere on the horizon.
Hazard and Somerset didn’t make a lot of relationship progress here - MAJOR BLUE BALLS ALL ROUND. I was frustrated by how much everything dragged out yet I still immediately bought AND started the next audio on completion of this, I’m officially hooked by that stupid carrot dangling in front of me which we NEVER GET TO EAT!
The mystery was solid and kind of weird but also pretty rough in terms of some of the stuff that went on. There are quite a few scenes (as I’ve learnt is a common recurrence with GA’s books) with harsh homophobia and graphic descriptions of teenage boys and adult men being threatened with assault and rape or actual flashbacks/vivid descriptions of these acts. I skimmed over some of the hateful, graphic stuff that was said at times as it felt a bit unnecessary and repetitive. Similarly women seem to often be depicted negatively, something I’ve coming to expect in these books but also maybe this is exaggerated by the disdainful tone of voice the narrator uses for every female character.
Regardless of the above I’m clearly invested now and will be continuing this saga to hopefully see some progress between these two numbskulls somewhere on the horizon.
January 30, 2025
I'm completely hooked on this series!
I love Emery Hazard. Absolutely love him. I relate to him so much and his prickly, logical, emotionally challenged personality is exactly me 😂😂
I still can't stand John-Henry. He's pulled so much shit against Emery that I am struggling to see why Emery even tolerates him, let alone loves him.
I am loving the slow burn, I love the way they've had so many near misses and close calls. I am getting a bit impatient for them to get their bloody act together already, but I'm also enjoying that they're having to work through their extremely complicated history before anything further happens. I think it will give them a really solid foundation, and it feels so weirdly realistic when they argue and snipe at each other - there's not enough of that kind of friction in the books I've been reading which often makes the MCs of books appear to be too good to be true, but I will always love a flawed character more (except JH at this point 😂)
I don't like Cora, I'm not sure why but I get a strange feeling from her. I also can't stand John-Henry's parents or most of the police force. I'm also still unsure on what the difference is between police/detectives and sheriffs?? I don't know if we have anything comparative in the UK so I don't really get the hierarchy.
The crime was really interesting again, and I didn't have a solid suspicion at all - I love when a crime mystery really makes me think and I can't figure it out!
Excited to move onto the next book!
I love Emery Hazard. Absolutely love him. I relate to him so much and his prickly, logical, emotionally challenged personality is exactly me 😂😂
I still can't stand John-Henry. He's pulled so much shit against Emery that I am struggling to see why Emery even tolerates him, let alone loves him.
I am loving the slow burn, I love the way they've had so many near misses and close calls. I am getting a bit impatient for them to get their bloody act together already, but I'm also enjoying that they're having to work through their extremely complicated history before anything further happens. I think it will give them a really solid foundation, and it feels so weirdly realistic when they argue and snipe at each other - there's not enough of that kind of friction in the books I've been reading which often makes the MCs of books appear to be too good to be true, but I will always love a flawed character more (except JH at this point 😂)
I don't like Cora, I'm not sure why but I get a strange feeling from her. I also can't stand John-Henry's parents or most of the police force. I'm also still unsure on what the difference is between police/detectives and sheriffs?? I don't know if we have anything comparative in the UK so I don't really get the hierarchy.
The crime was really interesting again, and I didn't have a solid suspicion at all - I love when a crime mystery really makes me think and I can't figure it out!
Excited to move onto the next book!
August 9, 2021
Sorry it's not a review...it's just a rant
I am a person with very specific tastes.🤭🤭
I love romance in books, hate it in movies/tv shows. Again, I love romance only when I am reading a romance novel, I don't give two hoots if there is no romance in mystery/historical fiction or any other type of book I am reading. Now, why the hell am I saying all this, just to make it clear that I don't mind if nothing ever happens between Hazard and Somers like ever. I don't care that Hazard is in love with Somers but has a relationship with Nico. I don't care that Somerset is still hung up on his ex-wife but hates Nico and wants Hazard to break up with him. What I do care about is the emotional abuse/manipulation going on in this non-existent but still toxic relationship.
See, from the first time we met Somerset we knew he felt guilty for his bullying behaviour towards Hazard in high school. Actually, in book 2nd that guilt made me feel empathy towards him. But, now what??? Just because Somerset's life is better and he has a relaxed relationship with Hazard, he is free to feel nothing. There is a scene where they both meet a senior from the past who used to bully Hazard. The guy didn't even say sorry and Somerset was angry with Hazard for making issues of "all those old things". Again there is a diner scene, which used to be the hub of Somerset and his bully friends during school time. It made me angry to see that Somerset has no regard for Hazard's feelings. Deep down he was very much like his socialite mom and Dad, selfish and self-centred.
But do I love Gregory Ashe's brand of mystery??? Very much so. In every book, he comes up with different sub-genres of mystery, like in this one we get Police procedural. Still, I am not going to be manipulated by him in rooting for this toxic relationship. Why should I cheer for this couple?? Just because the author tells me that they are a couple. No, an MC like Hazard deserves better and Somerset deserves whatever is happening to him and worse.
Note-
•Please tell me it will get better. Because I have already bought the whole series plus 6 books from an interlinked, 'Union of Swords' series'. 😿😿
•I know, I am being petty but I am going to call Somers, by his surname, 'Somerset' till he does not redeem himself.🤭🤭
I am a person with very specific tastes.🤭🤭
I love romance in books, hate it in movies/tv shows. Again, I love romance only when I am reading a romance novel, I don't give two hoots if there is no romance in mystery/historical fiction or any other type of book I am reading. Now, why the hell am I saying all this, just to make it clear that I don't mind if nothing ever happens between Hazard and Somers like ever. I don't care that Hazard is in love with Somers but has a relationship with Nico. I don't care that Somerset is still hung up on his ex-wife but hates Nico and wants Hazard to break up with him. What I do care about is the emotional abuse/manipulation going on in this non-existent but still toxic relationship.
See, from the first time we met Somerset we knew he felt guilty for his bullying behaviour towards Hazard in high school. Actually, in book 2nd that guilt made me feel empathy towards him. But, now what??? Just because Somerset's life is better and he has a relaxed relationship with Hazard, he is free to feel nothing. There is a scene where they both meet a senior from the past who used to bully Hazard. The guy didn't even say sorry and Somerset was angry with Hazard for making issues of "all those old things". Again there is a diner scene, which used to be the hub of Somerset and his bully friends during school time. It made me angry to see that Somerset has no regard for Hazard's feelings. Deep down he was very much like his socialite mom and Dad, selfish and self-centred.
But do I love Gregory Ashe's brand of mystery??? Very much so. In every book, he comes up with different sub-genres of mystery, like in this one we get Police procedural. Still, I am not going to be manipulated by him in rooting for this toxic relationship. Why should I cheer for this couple?? Just because the author tells me that they are a couple. No, an MC like Hazard deserves better and Somerset deserves whatever is happening to him and worse.
Note-
•Please tell me it will get better. Because I have already bought the whole series plus 6 books from an interlinked, 'Union of Swords' series'. 😿😿
•I know, I am being petty but I am going to call Somers, by his surname, 'Somerset' till he does not redeem himself.🤭🤭
July 6, 2021
**Just an updated rating. 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 Stars
5/5 Pining and sexual tension
🦥🦥🦥🦥🦥/5 Sloth Slow Burn
Not too much has changed from my reviews of the first two books. The mystery parts underwhelm and can be confusing. This one was better than the first two though. Grammatical errors exist but seem to be lessoning. I continue to be in love with Ree and Somers. They continue to be in love with each other. The slow burn continues. The frustration continues. The longing and pining and tiny tender moments continue. The electricity between the two could power a medium sized town. Hey at least by the end of this one, they’ve admitted it to themselves right? Now they just have to tell each other. 🙄 I don’t know that I’ve read about a more clueless duo. They make me want to smack them on their heads. 😂 On to book four...😍
**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 Stars
5/5 Pining and sexual tension
🦥🦥🦥🦥🦥/5 Sloth Slow Burn
Not too much has changed from my reviews of the first two books. The mystery parts underwhelm and can be confusing. This one was better than the first two though. Grammatical errors exist but seem to be lessoning. I continue to be in love with Ree and Somers. They continue to be in love with each other. The slow burn continues. The frustration continues. The longing and pining and tiny tender moments continue. The electricity between the two could power a medium sized town. Hey at least by the end of this one, they’ve admitted it to themselves right? Now they just have to tell each other. 🙄 I don’t know that I’ve read about a more clueless duo. They make me want to smack them on their heads. 😂 On to book four...😍
**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. 😀**
February 16, 2020
So close... DENIED. I swear, these boys need to get it together. Have a conversation without Nico barging in. The ending didn't piss me off (this time) so much as makes me sigh - in frustration. Is it possible for a woman to have blue balls? Something has got to give. And soon!
![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
4.5 stars ☆
“I was at the high school games, Somers. How did you know where I sat?”
Some of the brassiness seemed to fade from Somers. Some of the glee rubbed off, tarnished. His smile became pained—still a smile, but very close to a grimace—and he rolled one shoulder. “Come on, Ree.”
“Come on what?”
“It was you. I always knew where you were.”
THE LONGING!! Somers in the last chapter broke my heart, brb crying. 💔
“I was at the high school games, Somers. How did you know where I sat?”
Some of the brassiness seemed to fade from Somers. Some of the glee rubbed off, tarnished. His smile became pained—still a smile, but very close to a grimace—and he rolled one shoulder. “Come on, Ree.”
“Come on what?”
“It was you. I always knew where you were.”
THE LONGING!! Somers in the last chapter broke my heart, brb crying. 💔
March 19, 2025
Best case in the series so far! 🤩 I never would have guessed it to turn out the way it did.
Also, Nico. Dear sweet Nico. I have never felt such an overwhelming desire to karate kick a character back into the bathroom before in my life. Oh my god. 😭 5 stars
Read Count: 2
Also, Nico. Dear sweet Nico. I have never felt such an overwhelming desire to karate kick a character back into the bathroom before in my life. Oh my god. 😭 5 stars
Read Count: 2
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
July 31, 2023
MM Ongoing Mystery Series
Angsty Slowww Burn
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Audiobook Narrator: Tristan James: 4.5 Stars ⭐️
*Note: I went from hating Tristan James to loving him. I don’t know that I’ll be able to listen to him narrating anything else but this series because after 3 books, he IS Hazard & Somerset. It would be weird listening to him as anything else.
It’s taking everything in me not to start the next book in this series because I’m seriously obsessed but my ears hurt where my on the ear headphones have been sitting and binging murder mysteries is harder than my usual smutty books after awhile. So, I’m going to review this while I try to fight off the compulsion for more. My addictive personality is trying to use every excuse in its arsenal to entice me but I’m holding out, kind of!
Okay so I doubt anyone has been paying attention to my reading habits but unless I am reading a duet or trilogy I saved to read all at once, I don’t read books in a series back to back to back. I like to take breaks, put other books in there to satisfy my need for variety and it makes the series last longer if I’m truly enjoying them. So, the way I am reading this series is completely unprecedented for me. Murder Mysteries are not always easy reads because of the crime, the suspects, the drama and suspense but I used to read a lot of them back in the day. I used to be obsessed with Tana French and her Dublin Murder Squad series but then my dad, who is a prolific reader, said I should read “Water For Elephants” by Sara Gruen and I loved it to pieces but it changed my reading habits completely. I loved the storytelling, the characters, everything really, but my favorite part was the romance between Jacob and Marlena. It reminded me of these books I used to read as a teen, a multi-author series called “Love Stories” and it made me start looking at romance books again. I got really into Lauren Layne and Sawyer Bennett then pivoted to Vi Keeland, Willow Winters and finally Lauren Blakely who would eventually introduce me to MM books. The point is, once I started reading romance books again, I stopped reading murder mysteries and psychological thrillers. I watch a lot of true crime shows but when I try to read the books I used to love, I find myself unable to pay attention. However, this series has captivated me and I think it’s because it’s merging my favorite things together. There’s obviously a murder to be solved in every book but there’s also these challenging, multidimensional characters and watching them come together as one has been so rewarding for me. I love the enemies to lovers trope but in the books I usually read, it’s always rushed and I’m almost always disappointed. I’ve really disliked most of the books I’ve read this year because a lot of the new releases have been the same story over and over again and frankly, I’m bored, but then I pick this series up and it’s like a breath of fresh air.
For once, these two are actual enemies when Hazard moves back to town, Somers was his high school bully, did what appeared to be irreparable damage and yet these two are absolutely smitten with each other. Watching them dance around each other while pretending to not give a fuck in front of the other has been so entertaining especially when their inner monologues completely contradict their outward behaviors. As much as I want them to get their shit together and be together, I love their journey. I’m simply shocked by how much these books have taken over my life and I feel like such an addict because I NEED more despite how crazy they make me.
This author is like the ultimate sadist because he’s reeled me in like a fish on a hook, addicted to this new type of masochism where I can’t set the books down yet his characters are haunting me and driving me absolutely insane. They are torturing each other and themselves while the author is toying with me like a cat with a feather toy. I understand now why my cats get so wound up, try to climb the walls, chasing their tails and making bizarre noises when it dangles over their heads because I’m there with these characters despite my love for them. In the first two books they amused me with their dysfunction but in this one, I was ready to pull my hair out! I want them to have a fucking conversation that isn’t interrupted by the case, Nico/Cora or their own self sabotage. Gregory Ashe!! You are killing me!! 😂 The case in this one felt all over the place at the start and I was way more invested in their relationship than learning who the killer was but as it unfolded, I was riveted by the case, H&S and all the secrets that were revealed. Wow 🤩 I understand why a lot of my friends loved this one so much.
I have to end this review because I’m just going to babble on at this point but I successfully rested my ears by not starting the next audiobook. It’s been 19 hours now and that feels like some kind of win 🏆 Now it’s midnight and if I was smart I’d go to bed and not start the next book instead because this week is going to be a doozy. One of my cats needs an abdominal ultrasound 😿 and she’s the original, the OG, the one who started us on this crazy journey that somehow resulted in rescuing 3 cats in 3 years. Our goal was one and the 3 we have are spoiled beyond words but there’s been something off about this one for a few months and even though her blood work was perfect, her X-Ray showed an enlarged spleen among other things. So fingers crossed 🤞🏻 this isn’t cancer or something else terrible. She’s only 9 years old, we’ve had her for 8 but I want her forever or as long as is possible.💗 She’s my baby 😻
Angsty Slowww Burn
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Audiobook Narrator: Tristan James: 4.5 Stars ⭐️
*Note: I went from hating Tristan James to loving him. I don’t know that I’ll be able to listen to him narrating anything else but this series because after 3 books, he IS Hazard & Somerset. It would be weird listening to him as anything else.
It’s taking everything in me not to start the next book in this series because I’m seriously obsessed but my ears hurt where my on the ear headphones have been sitting and binging murder mysteries is harder than my usual smutty books after awhile. So, I’m going to review this while I try to fight off the compulsion for more. My addictive personality is trying to use every excuse in its arsenal to entice me but I’m holding out, kind of!
Okay so I doubt anyone has been paying attention to my reading habits but unless I am reading a duet or trilogy I saved to read all at once, I don’t read books in a series back to back to back. I like to take breaks, put other books in there to satisfy my need for variety and it makes the series last longer if I’m truly enjoying them. So, the way I am reading this series is completely unprecedented for me. Murder Mysteries are not always easy reads because of the crime, the suspects, the drama and suspense but I used to read a lot of them back in the day. I used to be obsessed with Tana French and her Dublin Murder Squad series but then my dad, who is a prolific reader, said I should read “Water For Elephants” by Sara Gruen and I loved it to pieces but it changed my reading habits completely. I loved the storytelling, the characters, everything really, but my favorite part was the romance between Jacob and Marlena. It reminded me of these books I used to read as a teen, a multi-author series called “Love Stories” and it made me start looking at romance books again. I got really into Lauren Layne and Sawyer Bennett then pivoted to Vi Keeland, Willow Winters and finally Lauren Blakely who would eventually introduce me to MM books. The point is, once I started reading romance books again, I stopped reading murder mysteries and psychological thrillers. I watch a lot of true crime shows but when I try to read the books I used to love, I find myself unable to pay attention. However, this series has captivated me and I think it’s because it’s merging my favorite things together. There’s obviously a murder to be solved in every book but there’s also these challenging, multidimensional characters and watching them come together as one has been so rewarding for me. I love the enemies to lovers trope but in the books I usually read, it’s always rushed and I’m almost always disappointed. I’ve really disliked most of the books I’ve read this year because a lot of the new releases have been the same story over and over again and frankly, I’m bored, but then I pick this series up and it’s like a breath of fresh air.
For once, these two are actual enemies when Hazard moves back to town, Somers was his high school bully, did what appeared to be irreparable damage and yet these two are absolutely smitten with each other. Watching them dance around each other while pretending to not give a fuck in front of the other has been so entertaining especially when their inner monologues completely contradict their outward behaviors. As much as I want them to get their shit together and be together, I love their journey. I’m simply shocked by how much these books have taken over my life and I feel like such an addict because I NEED more despite how crazy they make me.
This author is like the ultimate sadist because he’s reeled me in like a fish on a hook, addicted to this new type of masochism where I can’t set the books down yet his characters are haunting me and driving me absolutely insane. They are torturing each other and themselves while the author is toying with me like a cat with a feather toy. I understand now why my cats get so wound up, try to climb the walls, chasing their tails and making bizarre noises when it dangles over their heads because I’m there with these characters despite my love for them. In the first two books they amused me with their dysfunction but in this one, I was ready to pull my hair out! I want them to have a fucking conversation that isn’t interrupted by the case, Nico/Cora or their own self sabotage. Gregory Ashe!! You are killing me!! 😂 The case in this one felt all over the place at the start and I was way more invested in their relationship than learning who the killer was but as it unfolded, I was riveted by the case, H&S and all the secrets that were revealed. Wow 🤩 I understand why a lot of my friends loved this one so much.
I have to end this review because I’m just going to babble on at this point but I successfully rested my ears by not starting the next audiobook. It’s been 19 hours now and that feels like some kind of win 🏆 Now it’s midnight and if I was smart I’d go to bed and not start the next book instead because this week is going to be a doozy. One of my cats needs an abdominal ultrasound 😿 and she’s the original, the OG, the one who started us on this crazy journey that somehow resulted in rescuing 3 cats in 3 years. Our goal was one and the 3 we have are spoiled beyond words but there’s been something off about this one for a few months and even though her blood work was perfect, her X-Ray showed an enlarged spleen among other things. So fingers crossed 🤞🏻 this isn’t cancer or something else terrible. She’s only 9 years old, we’ve had her for 8 but I want her forever or as long as is possible.💗 She’s my baby 😻
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February 17, 2020Aaaaaaarrrrrrrggggghhhh! Frustration is at peak level with these two I swear to god - I need a break.
Anyway, I really enjoyed the mystery here and it also shed light onto Somers' family and his upbringing. He's still a jerk, but I know he's trying and I know his family didn't help anything. They are truly awful. We got to see a bit of Cora and I'm really not sure what her deal is or where either of them really stands on possibly reconciling, although Somers finally seems to be close to making a decision.
Hazard is Hazard. We learn more about just how brutal his life was in HS, not just with even more shit that Somers did, but what happened with another of the town bullies who may be kneedeep in the current investigation. The fact that he is willing to work with Somers, and could love the man, is still mindboggling, but adds to his character's depth. He is still working on the relationship with Nico (and why Nico hasn't just up and left I can't guess) but I have a feeling that too is reaching a tipping point.
One can only hope that the next installment will bring a bigger step forward in the H&S relationship. A slow burn is one thing, but these guys are really just unbelievable. Neither of them talks and then when they try it's too late or bad timing. I've read 3 books back-to-back and definitely need a bit of a break here, but I'll be jumping into the next one shortly.
Anyway, I really enjoyed the mystery here and it also shed light onto Somers' family and his upbringing. He's still a jerk, but I know he's trying and I know his family didn't help anything. They are truly awful. We got to see a bit of Cora and I'm really not sure what her deal is or where either of them really stands on possibly reconciling, although Somers finally seems to be close to making a decision.
Hazard is Hazard. We learn more about just how brutal his life was in HS, not just with even more shit that Somers did, but what happened with another of the town bullies who may be kneedeep in the current investigation. The fact that he is willing to work with Somers, and could love the man, is still mindboggling, but adds to his character's depth. He is still working on the relationship with Nico (and why Nico hasn't just up and left I can't guess) but I have a feeling that too is reaching a tipping point.
One can only hope that the next installment will bring a bigger step forward in the H&S relationship. A slow burn is one thing, but these guys are really just unbelievable. Neither of them talks and then when they try it's too late or bad timing. I've read 3 books back-to-back and definitely need a bit of a break here, but I'll be jumping into the next one shortly.
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