Reasonable Doubt

Hazard and Somerset #5

by Gregory Ashe

After almost twenty years, Emery Hazard finally has the man he loves. But things with his boyfriend and fellow detective, John-Henry Somerset, are never easy, and they’ve been more complicated lately for two Somers’s ex-wife and daughter. No matter what Hazard does, he can’t seem to get away from the most important women in his boyfriend’s life.


While Hazard struggles with his new reality (changing dirty diapers, just to start), a bizarre murder offers a distraction. John Oscar Walden, the leader of a local cult, is found dead by the police, and the case falls to Hazard and Somers. The investigation takes the two detectives into the cult’s twisted relationships and the unswerving demands of power and faith.


But the deeper Hazard looks into the cult, the deeper he must look into his own past, where belief and reason have already clashed once. And as Hazard struggles to protect the most vulnerable of Walden’s victims, he uncovers a deeper, more vicious plot behind Walden’s murder, and Hazard finds himself doing what he never racing to save the killer.


Only, that is, if Somers doesn’t need him to babysit.

Genres: Mystery, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Crime, Audiobook, LGBT

ebook

First published August 11, 2018

About the author

I'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.

Reviews

[lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a soft, pained laugh, Somers kissed him back and then pulled away. “This is it, right?”
“What?”
“Love. This is what it feels like.”
“This is it.”
Tears rushed into Somers’s eyes, not spilling, but trembling and luminous in the afternoon sun, like his eyes had turned into golden oceans. “I didn’t know. I had no idea.”
~ THEY’RE SO ADORABLE TOGETHER PLS. 😭🥰

✦ one of my fav instalments of this series, along with book 4, that’s for sure. the way both hazard and somers find it so hard to find common ground and communicate and yet find it in themselves to reassure each other has my heart. 🥹 they rarely manage to read each other’s minds and figure out what the other is thinking but THAT’S OKAY bc they love each other so beautifully even if they find it hard to say that to each other sometimes because of their insecurities. 🥺 (i still find it weird how i picked up book one randomly a few months back and liked it but got lost with book two lol - and then again spontaneously picked the series back up and binged it over the past few days, and right now i’m obsessed 😭😂)
✦ the mutual possessiveness and jealousy between hazard and somers was so cute omg. and all the neediness and random touches between them has my entire heart!! the way somers showed his love by kissing hazard in front of people spontaneously. the way both of them get so hot under the collar for each other just by looking at each other (*cough* or by each other’s deep voices *looking pointedly at hazard* 🤪) all those lil moments between them were so sweet. love seeing how far they’ve come from book one. they’re still just as bad at communicating, but at least they’re trying and that means something to me.
✦ hazard is still my soft grumpy teddy bear and i just... love him. i have such a soft spot for him and i don’t mind in the least. 😌 love the way somers teases hazard to get a rise out of him bc that’s so 🥺 the flirting and banter were so on point and i adored it here.
✦ HAZARD AND EVIE MOMENTS!!! they have my entire heart oh my gosh. i always love it when the grumpy mc goes soft for the other mc but also for the kid, cause their moments together could be so sweet, and i could totally see the potential for those moments in their later books too. the way evie is so adorable and hazard melts for her is to die for. 🥹 also, evie calling hazard “dee”?? NEED TO SEE MORE OF THAT ASAP. 😩
✦ hazard has gone through so much pain though and i just want to hug him at so many points in the book. the way he believes everyone’s gonna eventually go away cause he’s just not worth the effort, that no one will ever want a family with him, that even somers is gonna leave at some point and will probably be better off without him? ☹️ it’s just so sad. that one scene when hazard confessed to somers about how he thought somers was gonna leave him and go back to cora and evie and remain a family with them? i felt so bad for him. i loved the way somers reassured him in the end though, and calling him a dumbass and saying “you’re my family” 🥺 exactly what hazard needed to hear at that moment, and i’m so glad somers gave him that.
✦ even somers had his insecurities about whether hazard would leave him bc of the way he (somers) treated him in high school and... ngl, i loved seeing him simmer in that guilt, is that bad of me?? 😂 he kinda deserved it for the way he treated hazard in hs. but i love that he was actually feeling that, cause in most bully romances i’ve read, the entire bullying issue just gets brushed off and i hate that. :/ here though, it was executed so well so i was satisfied. oh, and it was so funny and good to see somers becoming jealous of nico bc of those 4 calls he saw between nico and hazard - though i still don’t get how you can “accidentally” call someone like that FOUR TIMES but oh well.
✦ i feel like complicated family dynamics is GAs mo for sure and i can’t wait to see more of hazard’s family and somers’ - though imo both their families are shit and they’re better off without them. i mean - who the fuck sends their son, who they love, to conversion therapy?? who the fuck manipulates their son and makes them feel so bad about embracing their innate identity?? so yeah, while i’m intrigued by the family dynamics between papa hazard and emery as well as somers and his parents, i just want them all to fuck off atm. let hazard and somers be happy, please.
✦ speaking of the mysteries in this series, only those for books 2 and 3 grabbed me fully, even though i didn’t exactly love the romance in those - especially in book 3 lol but that’s a different matter altogether. i didn’t understand wtf the mystery was in this book though?? it’s not that it bored me, i just... didn’t get how any of it got resolved? HELP 😭😭 was it just me who was confused or what. it was just so convoluted and i had no idea how to make things out. and by the end i completely lost interest in it. i just have to make a note though - i feel like the mysteries are going all haywire as the series progresses, while the development between hazard and somers is getting better and better. because i’m a romance reader though, i’m ignoring the fact that the mysteries are making no sense and focusing on hazard and somers - who are more than delivering for me lol.

And if this is love, John-Henry thought, kicking a rock so hard that it cracked against the bole of an oak and wobbled off into the grass, if this is love biting holes in me, if this is love knowing he can’t ever forgive me all the way and wanting it anyway, if this is love feeling whole one moment and then blasted apart the next, whenever some hunk swings around and starts pawing at Hazard - if this is love, Somers thought, just put a bullet in me now.
~ love seeing how far he’s come, especially after their high school years 🥹

Need Somers? Like water. Like air. Like sunlight. He might as well wish he didn’t need a heartbeat.
~ the way both of them need each other so much 🫶 we love to see it.

tl;dr - unless something really bad happens between h&s (that hopefully doesn’t, but i’m still scared 😭), expect to see random updates and reviews of me binging all three arcs popping up over the next few weeks. 🤪

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread - July 2021

Hazard and Evie moments are so precious and cute. 😍 😍 😍

***********************************
5++++++++ stars After all it is Hazard and Somers.

When I was sulking about lack of smexy detailed scenes in this series, i blame it all on my perverted, kinky side.



I was made aware that this is Not MM Romance, It is Gay Fiction, at that time I didn’t understand the difference until I came across a link on Lena’s review. And truly after understanding that, I found myself enjoying this story more. The focus is more on the character development, relationship development, mystery and that the main character is Gay. The sex is just a bonus and fade to black is part of the norm.

Here is the link:
The difference between Gay fiction and MM Romance.

M/M Romance Vs. Gay Fiction

If you go into this series expecting smexy scenes you will be disappointed and end up with a DNF but you will also be missing out on an amazing Gay mystery story, with a touch of a well developed romance.

The chemistry between Hazard and Somers both at work and outside work is great and worth reading. The writing is amazing too.

A BABY WASN'T A LOADED GUN. That’s what Emery Hazard kept telling himself, anyway. He sat in a small living room while a dark-haired child played. She was sorting blocks, stacking them, and then smashing them to the ground. Her dark eyes came to rest on Hazard again and again, and Hazard found himself calculating how fast he could run, how long, how far. He could make it to the highway for sure. He could hitch a ride.
A baby wasn’t a loaded gun. Not exactly.

Boom! And just like that I was hooked.

In this 5th Instalment of Hazard and Somers find themselves in the middle of a cult murder. The case was somehow icky for me. Just be warned the preaching and fanatics in this one is extreme, and can be very overwhelming.

I love Ashe’s writing, I am now officially a Stan. The police procedural part is so entertaining to read, and the mystery was so intertwined had me guessing and all giddy when the truth was revealed. The case also serves as a backdrop in revealing Hazard’s past. Damn! That was painful to read. This guy went through hell in his teen years.

We get to see Hazard and Somers relationship grow at a steady pace, these two are so frustrating sometimes, but the way Ashe portrays their relationship is so real and engaging, you can’t help but root for them. The character development is so evident and throughout the series. Somers is proof that people can change.

The banter between Hazard and Somers. OMG! Is so on point. Ashe has a great dry sense of humor. Me likey a lot.

The best part was Hazard and Evie bonding! is the cutest thing I have ever read. Hazard and all his brooding couldn't help but fall in love with the tiny human.

Children were warm, Hazard thought. And their shampoo smelled nice. And their skin was soft, and their little hands, and the tiny nails on their fingers, and it was like he was realizing for the first time that they were people, or that they would be people.
Evie forgot about the chicken, and she grabbed his cheek, and her nails were sharper than any human nails had a right to be, and she kissed him sloppily on the nose. And suddenly Hazard was blinking hard. Not crying. Not a chance in hell. Just blinking his eyes cause he had something in them.



Overall, I loved it and is highly recommended. This series is soooo good and deserves to be read by everyone, ummm or not. Just go in knowing it is not MM romance then you will be all set.

[nark · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

i was bored as hell by the case once again… i keep coming back for more Hazard/Somers moments, but honestly these damn cases are ruining this series for me a little bit.💀

i do get a little more invested in them towards the end, but it takes me almost the whole book to actually give a shit about all the case work. i truly don’t know why i find most of the cases in this series so damn boring. but whatever. enough about the case work…

…Somers & Hazard are just so deliciously infuriating.

not much has changed overall except for Hazard and Somers being actual ✨boyfriends✨(excuse me while i go squeal from happiness).

these two might be in a relationship now, but they’re still absolute idiots when it comes down to actually communicating with each other.

Hazard is still a feral neanderthal who constantly wants to beat everyone up. this man has SO many layers though… he’s still my favourite character for sure.

“Emery Hazard was just a plain old enigma. that’s all there was to it.”
true that!

Somers still goes out of his way to annoy Hazard as much as possible. there’s something so charming about Somers, even though it took me a while to fully warm up to his character.

regardless of how annoying these two might be, i truly fucking adore them together and i melt every time there’s a cute moment between them.

“this is it, right?”
“what?”
“love. this is what it feels like.” 🖤

Hazard and Somers are both terrified of the same thing - that the other will leave for one reason or another.

deep down, Hazard thinks he doesn’t deserve Somers, that Somers probably doesn’t love him back (i am rolling my eyes once again), while Somers thinks that Hazard will realise one day just how much Somers had hurt him in the past and leave him for someone “better”.

the way they both wouldn’t just come out and say what they’re thinking in this book… i wanted to administer several bitchslaps.

“he realized he was pretty much the stupidest man alive whenever John-Henry Somerset walked into the room.”
well, at least he’s self aware i guess???🙄

my other random favourite things/moments from this book were -

✦ the mutual jealousy and possessiveness. so. damn. good.
✦ all the spontaneous kisses, the random touches.🥰🥰
✦ the way they constantly thirst over how hot the other is.

“Hazard was going to need life support if Somers got any hotter.”

✦ the Hazard and Evie moments. so cute.🥺🥺🥰
✦ the way Somers calls Hazard dummy, dum-dum, dumb-dumb.🤣
✦ Hazard’s never ending love for niche documentaries!
✦ Somers’s love for plants!

“Somers had added houseplants. Hazard didn’t know their names, but they took up shelves and end tables and counter space. they grew with reckless abandon towards the windows. Somers was the only one who watered them. Somers talked to them. and he’d put them in the sink and sprinkle them with water and call it giving them a bath. because they got dust on their leaves, he’d explained, and Hazard had stopped listening by that point.” 🤣

✦ this quote:

“need Somers? like water. like air. like sunlight. he might as well wish he didn’t need a heartbeat.” 🖤

________________________________

i am definitely continuing with the series asap, despite not loving the cases. fingers crossed the last book in this series hits all the right spots for me!

[Jilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since moving from liberal California to Texas, I've seen a lot of religious fervor. I went to this one church service that a family member dragged me to and they did this thing where they lined up and the preacher said something to them, touched their foreheads and everyone fell to the ground. So, I thought, what the hell, I could use a nap. Plus, they had these helpers placing little purple blankets with crosses on them on top of all of the people laying on the ground. They looked soft. So, I went up there in the line, and the preacher - wow, he really needed an Altoid (maybe that was part of the equation) - said some religious whatever to me and pressed my forehead. I said, "thanks" and tried to move on. But, I don't know, it wasn't good enough for him. So, he said, "wait here, I'll come back to you." I didn't really like the sound of that, so I said, "no, I'm fine. I'm good. Thanks." and tried to move on. But, no. I was now the belle of the ball. The big fish. This guy was going to land me on my ass if it was the last thing he ever did. So, he says more religious words to me and gets more forceful with his forehead push. Didn't work. I'm still standing there, thinking about how far dental hygiene products have gotten these days and maybe I should give him a tic tac. Next thing I know, he has called in some guys as back-up. I'm not sure if I was supposed to be scared, but these guys were pretty old - and church people - I was pretty sure I could take them. So, they get behind me, and I'm thinking they are going to pull that old trick where one gets on his hands and knees behind me while the other one pushes. That'll bring the bitch down! But, they grabbed my arms and Mr. Pushy Preacher tries again. At this point. I'm embarrassed for him. I mean, let it go, Dude. So, I very clearly and purposefully sit down, criss-cross applesauce, and just wait until he's done slaying the rest of the people. By the end of it, it looked like a blood bath had happened in this church with me, the probable killer, sitting like a kindergartner around a sea of bodies.

That was fun. And, I never got a blanket. Fuckers.

Anyway, this preacher asks me to come back. Later, I could have sworn I saw him driving past my house a few times.



Anyway, this book is filled with these kind of fun religious fanatics. Their Father Bad Breath has them convinced he's the resurrected Christ. And, I'm like, *sigh*. Really, people? You've never seen the news or picked up a history book? You think this is going to end well?


Do you need to be castrated first? Asking for a friend.

So when Preacher Not-Jesus is stabbed a gazillion times, we have a mystery. But, don't worry, the believers believe he will rise in three days. Sure, he may not have a fully functioning colon, because of all the stabbing, but he'll be there! Just don't feed him, for god's sake!



As I've come to expect in these books, the murder isn't a simple thing. There are always plots, subplots, and outlying plots going on. Nothing is what it seems. Nobody is innocent. You know, like family Thanksgiving dinner. It's complicated stuff filled with resentment, jealousy, simmering rage, and opposing political viewpoints with just a dash of crazy.



On the personal front, Hazard and Somers finally got together and are happy. But don't worry, they are still angsting like a couple of insecure teenagers. But, does he like me like me?

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread May 2023

I may have enjoyed it more the second time around. The connection Emery forms with Sister Naomi and their whole vibe... there was something that resonated with me there. Also his connection to Clyde pulled on the heartstrings and don't even get me started on Evie and Dee or my face may spring a leak.

So I think I'll bump up my rating to 5 stars.

✖︎✖︎✖︎STOP RIGHT HERE IF YOU'VE NOT READ THE PREVIOUS INSTALLMENTS.✖︎✖︎✖︎

These two knuckleheads and their combined knuckleheadtry have become very dear to me.

Honestly, if they were my friends I would have center-punched them a long time ago because their communication skills are deplorable.

THE WORST!

But they are so adorably clueless when it comes to reading each other that I would maybe? hopefully? probably feel badly for doing it. Later.

Much, much later, but still.

Yet if I'm being honest, if they acted any other way, were they well-adjusted with excellent communication skills, I undoubtedly wouldn't love them nearly as much as I've come to, so there is that.

Despite the fact that they've declared their feels and all indications point to their being committed AND them cohabitating they still have a underlying anxiety that the other is going to wise up and dump the other.

It's frustrating.
It's nonsensical.
It's irrational.
It's also so very endearing.
Because that is both of their greatest fear and they have no idea it's a shared one.

This is what I love best about them because it seems wholly genuine to their characters and that raw vulnerability on two pretty badass detectives is both unexpected and charming.

So, I freely admit I'm charmed by my these two knuckleheads. What I was less charmed by was this case which I think is more of a narration issue.

The case is highly religious in nature which dovetails nicely into a good chunk of Hazard's backstory. It was heartbreaking but I can't deny that I'm glad to know it. However, there are an abundance of secondary characters, most of whom are women and James just didn't deliver. They all sounded the same and the struggle to keep up was real so I think I'll read the next one rather than listen. Just hedging my bets.

Pretty big rec from me on this one and this series. I have to say this series might be one of the best of 2019, so thanks to all my GR friends for putting it in my face.

[Mila · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 rating**

Warning: Long ass rant ahead

You ever watch a show and wonder "damn the main character has been through so much shit. I wonder when the writers will give him/her a break?"

Well that's been the big ? in my head since reading this series. Like damn can Hazard catch a break? He gets attacked by a psycho in almost every book or emotionally traumatized 😭. Meanwhile, golden boy Somers is untouched. Not saying he should suffer too, but it ain't fair you know. I just feel like Hazard deserves a break🙃.

I just had to get that out before I actually reviewed the book lol.

Brief Summary:

In this fifth installment of the series, this book has just about everything going on: multiple murders, cults, religious fanatics, abuse, rape, jealousy, possessiveness and some sweet tender moments between our faves.

A whole lot was indeed going on.

The story takes place in April and it's been almost two months since Ree and John have gotten together, officially. It's the first book where we witness these two as a couple. And like most couples, the beginning of any relationship begins with trust. That is after all how the foundations of any relationship is formed and built to last. Trust is a big theme in this book, along with faith. Insecurity is shown from both MCs, especially when it comes to the ghost of exes which linger in the minds of both Hazard and Somers. Their relationship is tested and affects both differently. These two idiots whom I have come to adore dearly, make assumptions about each other and are at times, their own worst enemies 🤦🏼‍♀️. But eventually with open communication they come together and make a beautiful little blended family 😍.

The Case/Mystery:

I didn't necessarily like this one tbh. It started off really boring, especially the first half when they were interviewing the cult members. Too many side characters that I didn't care for. I will say this tho, I felt really sad for Clyde. That poor boy never stood a chance. I swear in almost every book (so far) there has been one character like Clyde that will shed my tears.😭 The way he died 😭😭I will say tho a trigger warning would have been nice. His death was really intense and a bit triggering. I did feel also sad for the real Peyton. R.i.p sis 😢

I am not religious (I am an agnostic) so I had to google some of the biblical references lol. It was a bit confusing for a nonreligious person to catch on to the religious refs.

The case did however pick up towards the end. Damn, I was at the edge of my sit.

Ree +John 💕💕:

My my these two have come such a long way since the first book. It's like watching my nonexistent children grow lol. I do understand from my H&S guide (Leslie😜) that this is a gay fiction and romance is secondary, but honestly I prefer it that way. The relationship development in this book was beautifully done. The doubts, insecurities, jealousy, and possessiveness were all valid when told from their perspective. I have grown a special fondness and love for Hazard, Somers too but Hazard that man is just something else. My guy went through a lot in this book. His traumatic past (gay conversion therapy), his tumultuous relationship with his father, his grief over Clyde and doubts about his relationship is just A LOT. And the few last chapters where my man got attacked 🤧 jeez. It was also so beautiful to see him call Evie his😍😍 just stunning.

Somers was my typical Somers. That man has the patience of a saint when it comes to Ree. 🤣 That's how you know it's love people.

Favourite Moments:

I was here for all the jealousy and possessiveness from our faves😏😏

"Somers’s eyes flicked to Hazard, now seated inside the ambulance, his shirtsleeves rolled up, his catcher’s-mitt hands flat out while the paramedic squealed, “Oh my God, you’ve got such big hands.” And Somers found himself thinking this is ridiculous, this is fucking ridiculous. Hazard is yours, he told himself. He loves you. He said he loves you. Sure, he said it. So why is he back there letting that mohawk-queen with the giant arms touch him? Why does he have his jacket off? Why are his shirtsleeves rolled up, for Christ’s sake? What about that?"

"He glanced up, and when he saw the teasing on Somers’s face, he smiled. “Something like that.” “You’re not going to kill that doctor, are you? It’s not his fault my mom thought he was attractive.” Hazard shrugged. “That depends on you.”

Their constant declaration of love for one another 😍

"With a soft, pained laugh, Somers kissed him back and then pulled away. “This is it, right?” “What?” “Love. This is what it feels like.” “This is it.”

Tears rushed into Somers’s eyes, not spilling, but trembling and luminous in the afternoon sun, like his eyes had turned into golden oceans. “I didn’t know. I had no idea.”


“Yeah, Ree, I know. I just—” “Twenty fucking years, John. That’s how long.” “I love you too.”

I also loved the steamy moments in this book 😏 hehe thank you GA🙏🏻 we appreciate it lol.

The small moments that Hazard also shared with Evie 😭😭 *swoons*

They are just freaking adorable. He called her "mine". Gtfo with that cuteness 🤧

The Writing:

I have to say GA is one hell of a writer. When the story picked up the pace I was on edge, it got really intense towards the end. He is definitely a talented writer. I have really grown to appreciate this series and his style of writing which has vastly improved since the first book.

Overall Thoughts:

This book was okay. I did enjoy it. The first half did bore me but 60% in, is when I started to get really into it. It's always a joy to read about Hazard and Somers. I do appreciate the mystery (sometimes). But it was a good read. I am a bit sad the first season is coming to an end🤧 I don't think I will ever get enough of this series. With that being said, I am excited to read book 6 and the other more recent books that GA has written about these two!

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4**** stars


Damn, I never thought I see the day but I finally made it. I mean, it took me long enough. Two years and almost three months to be exact. *lol It’s probably half the charm but the books in this series are just too damn long for my taste. Even though I highly admire GA’s writing style and storytelling skills.

Anyhow, this one’s mystery was too longwinded for me and I wasn’t quite invested but I loved seeing Emery and John so insecure in their new-found relationship. This vulnerability showed just how much their love means to each other and don’t want to lose it.


***********
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

[Annery · Rating 5 out of 5]

***RE-READ/LISTEN 8/20/21 -- 8/23/21***

When I decided to do these rereads I thought I'd maybe skim a little and be about done now. I'm a fool 😂 I'd somehow managed to gloss over how these installments get progressively deeper and more intense, but clearly I'm here for it.

Book 5 in the H&S series picks up after most romances end. After the "I love you's" have been exchanged and the MC cross the HEA finish line. In other words when things actually get interesting, after the love birds have burned off a bit of wild monkey sex & lust and the luggage that's been sitting in the corner must be unpacked. I relish that. I found myself reading and rereading passages, my eyes welling up, and my heart going pitter-patter.

My first review pretty much covered how I felt but now, revisiting all the horror that the case dredges up from Hazard's past, just made me ragey. Regardless I did admire how the author doesn't take this as an opportunity to demonize Emery's father or religious people in general. That would be the easy road. Greg doesn't do easy and I love that.

I loved how the sex between the MC was used as another way for them to know each other and not just in the Biblical sense. I appreciated how JH & Emery are both struggling with the same thing but coming from different angles & perspectives. Emery doesn't think he's worthy of love, no one has ever put him front & center or first, so why would Somers, the golden boy? Somers can't quite believe that Hazard can or has forgiven him for who he was in high school.

Images that will remain with me: Hazard cradling and consoling an old woman, an abused and confused teenage boy, and holding Evie to his chest, calling her his, knowing she is his. 💓💓💓

On a lighter note I love how Hazard's threats of physical violence towards Somers and Somer's different iterations of dummy or dumb dumb towards Hazard are basically terms of endearment. And this:

With a small grin, Hazard squeezed Somers's ass. "I believe you." Heat exploded in Hazard's chest, and the smile turned serious. "But more importantly, I trust you.

******FIRST READ/LISTEN 1/12/20 --- 1/15/20******

"Everything I've got is you. And you're everything I've got."

I'm certain that there are a slew of reviews for this book, this series, that cogently express the highs and lows so I'm just going to go with what worked for me, what I loved: EVERYTHING.

Like in all great series the author, Gregory Ashe, has deepened, enriched, and grown not only the characters and their relationship, but also the world they inhabit. I think I could confidently walk the streets of Wahredua, and recognize people, places, things, and even scents with no problem. Maybe even have a meal at Big Biscuit.

This week-in-the-life of Emery & John-Henry had me with a smile on my face at the beginning, my heart in my throat in the middle parts, swallowing back tears, and a lopsided happy grin by the end. Hazard's internal monologue when confronted with the reality of Evie, Somer's baby daughter, is funny and endearing. His predilection for dry documentaries on obscure subjects says a whole lot about how his brain works, pure logic, and yet he can't deny his illogical love for the man who should've been his sworn enemy, John-Henry, and his bone deep conviction that he doesn't deserve/can't be loved in return.

Somer's for his part, under his golden good cheer, is also struggling to believe that Hazard can really love him, John-Henry, with all his guilty past.

This book is very much about these two tentatively testing the truth of their new-found union, and hoping against hope that the other shoe doesn't drop. As usual, the case is an opportunity to revisit the past, in this case religious fanatics/con-artists, and a visit from Hazard's father for good measure. We get another glimpse of what Emery had to endure to become the man he is now, it wasn't easy but luckily he has Somers. He would've always had Somers, who has seemingly infinite patience, and knows what to say or not say when Hazard is too much in his own head, if the world wasn't populated by a**holes.

"And there was Somers's breathing, which sounded like home."

Anyway ... I'm here feeling happy. Happy for fictional characters whose joy I've become invested in, and imagining Hazard banging his head against the car door window as Somers drives and blasts Gillian Welch on the car stereo. As a plus I'm thrilled that the author has given us Cora, a woman in MM that we can love, who's a good person, without any caveats.

The audio by Tristan James was a hit. I think he’s also grown into the characters, and if there are a few, negligible instances, where he swapped one MC voice for another, it's hardly worth mentioning.

[L Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread: March 2025 I couldn't get fully invested in this case again. I vaguely remembered it from my first read, but I'd forgotten all the dark and twisted details; the way the story left me feeling emotionally exhausted. When I started reading those forgotten events and conversations I couldn't take it anymore. What happened to Naomi and Clyde.. was it their fault for wanting to believe in something greater than themselves, for believing and trusting someone to take care of them and love them? What a mess. I skimmed over the pages related to the case and focused on Emery and John's relationship.

That was a mess, too. One idiot, Henry, doesn't believe he deserves Emery's love, and it's only a matter of time before Emery realizes it. The other idiot, Emery, believes he's unlovable, and it's only a matter of time before Henry figures it out. Meanwhile, they're both desperately in love with each other. 🙄 I swear, I just wanted to strangle both of them.

But, ugh, the ending! It still had me bawling like a baby. I love them so much, and knowing what still lies ahead for them made me want to cry even more. Still five stars.

July 2023: As frustrating as this case was, I really enjoyed it. Watching Hazard and Somers try to solve it as an official couple was an experience. I loved all of the random kisses and I love yous, the constant need to touch each other, the flirting, the jealousy whenever anyone got too close, and, of course, their hilarious banter. Hazard was just as broody and angry as usual, and Somers never missed an opportunity to try to get under his skin.

The ending had me bawling. It was so beautiful and emotional, and little Evie calling Hazard Dee was nearly too much. This is my favorite book from the series so far. I loved all of it, including the whole thing with Hazard's father. So good. 🩶 5+ stars.

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a soft, pained laugh, Somers kissed him back and then pulled away. “This is it, right?”
“What?”
“Love. This is what it feels like.”
“This is it.”
Tears rushed into Somers’s eyes, not spilling, but trembling and luminous in the afternoon sun, like his eyes had turned into golden oceans. “I didn’t know. I had no idea.”

✧ THIS BOOK WAS FULL OF CUTENESS AND MY HEART CRIED. Hazard and Somers’ dynamic as a couple reminds me of one of my other fav couples, Mal and Seong-jae (minus the constant fighting bc Mal and SJ don’t fight 24/7 lol) from Criminal Intentions by Cole McCade. the way Somers is so affectionate and touchy-feely towards Hazard, always teasing him, reminds me of how Mal is to SJ and it’s so freaking cute. 🥺
✧ Hazard and Evie moments are everything.
✧ the way Somers’ guilt of the things he did to Hazard back in hs still haunting him broke me. i know he’s changed, trying to become better than who he used to be, but i do like that this past between them is showing it’s still something they have to overcome if they want to last as a couple bc it’s not as if shit like that can go away easily so it felt realistic to have these kinds of thoughts (from both ends).
✧ LOVED THE JEALOUSY MOMENTS HERE. 😌🤩

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of the old miscommunication trope but in this case I really didn't care because it simply highlighted their well justified insecurities. And these two didn't let it go on for ever and a day, they simply tackled it and moved the hell on.

Loving these two blokes so hard, this is going to be another series I am going to struggle to move on from. Loved it!

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was horrific, stressful and I don’t think I took a breath for the last 20%. I loved it.


(4.5 stars rounded up)

[Megan [At The Cottage] · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM Romance
Detectives In Love
4 Stars ⭐️

Audiobook Narrator: Tristan James: 5 Stars ⭐️
*Note: I dont know if just reading the book would make me laugh so much but I love the way Tristan narrates Somers and then Hazard’s reaction to all the BS Somers says makes me laugh out loud which makes these books so much more fun.

I definitely liked this book better than book 4 especially the case. I find cults fascinating but the religious ones like in this book really infuriate me. People who prey on those down on their luck, looking to belong to something or someone make me absolutely sick. Some of these characters were just plain vile but damn did they keep my attention.

This is the first book H&S are an official couple and I loved how affectionate they were with each other. I loved how Hazard was so scared of Evie at the beginning but by the end that relationship had me swooning at the protective daddy he was becoming. We learn a lot about Hazard’s backstory in this one and now I’m becoming the overprotective one. I hate the fade to black sex scenes though ☹️ especially because there was one in here where Hazard gets Somers begging and moaning and then it being the next day was just so unfair! However, I love these two even without the smut and the audiobooks all being narrated by the same person just make it even better. It’s going to be impossible to listen to Tristan James narrate anything else because to me he’s always going to be H&S.

I have the next one lined up but I am just waiting for the right mood. This next one makes me a tad nervous because I’ve seen when my friends reread this series they always skip book 6. 🤞🏻

[Reem · Rating 2 out of 5]

word count for scarecrow eyes 14. and all I picture in my head is BUTTONS!


finally finished reading this long ass book and I don’t have more to say than what I did at 20% except that Hazard was kind of a bitch. more than usual.

the case, the suspects, the victims, the side characters, the towns people, the plot, the conversations, everything is super annoying and the same. but I like ridiculous Hazard and charming Somers and I need them to move from this stupid town and go live happily ever after, flirting and annoying each other.

[Lisazj1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. After all the damn heartache and angst of the previous books, this one was all the cute I could have wished for, considering that this is Hazard and Somers. Until it wasn’t. *sigh* As long as these guys actually talk to each other, it’s so, SO good. Then each of them gets in their own head and talk themselves into disaster.

The worst of this deals with Hazard’s own painful past, a part that not even Somers knew about. The crime here bought that past roaring to the present for Hazard, and I really thought it was going to drag him under for a while.

The last of this one was truly nail-biting. My heart can’t take much more. But one thing is clear. Damn I love these guys. ❤️

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! This book...I loved the mystery and it really had me going. Definitely one of the more complex ones that I've encountered in quite a while but the ending...simply put it was excellent. I'm loving this series and I really, really hope there's more coming out on audio soon...really soon!

And as always Tristan James was awesome. I love listening to this narrator.

[Christelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

A long review for a long series (more than 2.000 pages with 6 books that have to be read in order).

Hazard grow up in a small city in Missouri (I think ?) with less than stellar parents, and has scars on him as a constant reminder of the bullying he had to endure. After the suicide of his teenage boyfriend, he left for Saint Louis and became a police officer. Now an adult, he’s very smart, collected but with a lot of rage boiling inside him. After having to resign from the Saint-Louis force, Hazard goes back to his hometown. First day at the police station and he is assigned a partner who is none but Somerset, one of his bullies when he was a teen, and for whom, despite what happened, he has some complicated feelings for.

Somerset is kind of a golden boy : coming from a wealthy family, very good-looking, laid-back and fun to hang out with. Don’t get fooled by this shiny picture, though : he doesn’t seem to be very proud of his past bullying behaviour, failed his marriage but tries to be a good father for his daughter and, when he meets with Hazard again, has a serious drinking problem.

Throughout the span of several months, we got to follow the upheaval of Hazard and Somerset’s lives, partners at work, and soon partners in life, dealing with their individual and shared pasts, their “families”, with homophobia permeating everywhere. A lot of subjects are tackled : love, guilt, conversion therapies, religion/cults and so on.

Very engaging at the beginning : complex MCs, a huge dose of angst. I won’t deny it : it was a great rush and I inhaled the first two books, knowing that I was in for a long ride and eager to see where the author would take Hazard, Somerset and me.

But, the saying “the higher and faster you climb, the harder you fall” applies here for me, for several reasons :
* The dynamics between Hazard and Somerset because of their past puzzled me. There was a lot of inner monologs from them both, alternating between recollection, rage or shame, and denial. After 5 books, the elephant in the room felt so huge for me that it stomped on my enjoyment of the relationship developing.
* The change of mood and behaviour from both MCs, more and more pronounced and quick the further the story went, gave me whiplash I didn’t like. As for all the secondary characters, some were very “evil”-portrayed, which was OK until book5 where it was too much for me.
* As for the plots, with investigations being resolved with each instalment, not the most crafted I’ve read and a tiny bit weak for me. That was OK for me though until book 5 : I prefer to think I didn’t understand what was going on and missed the points (**sarcasm**) !? Well, there might be that anyway as the writing in that book felt totally weird and very obscure to me. As for the on-going corruption being revealed to our MCs with each investigation, maybe something will come out of it eventually but it’s stalling.

My rating is a reflexion of this up-and-down experience : 4 stars for books 1 and 2, 3 stars for books 3 and 4 and 2 stars for book 5.

So, I guess it’s a kind of DNF of this series with a time of death at 78%. I just can’t get read the last book : almost 600 pages until the finish line…I don’t have enough in me anymore. The rush I got at the start of this series is simply gone.

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a soft, pained laugh, Somers kissed him back and then pulled away.
“This is it, right?” “What?” “Love. This is what it feels like.” “This is it.”

It's a known fact that everyone in this universe (more specifically -- the main characters of the mystery plots not H&S) talk in riddles but this installment took that to the extreme. Combine the riddle talk with the convoluted nature of this case and you have a very frustrated Marci. Convoluted almost feels like the wrong word to use because I *did* follow what was going on but I just didn't care and I wasn't interested. It was all very messy. So although my three stars reflect how little I enjoyed the mystery plot in this book, the H&S moments were beautiful. 😭💜 The last few chapters left me a sobbing mess! Evie and Hazard??? When he talked to her like she was an adult and not a baby about how she had good taste choosing Somers' books to rip up instead of his??? 🥺 THE LAST LINE IN CHAPTER 48????? I was about to combust from loving them so much. 😭😭😭😭

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written with an intriguing story line and two hot guys. Whats not to love?! Enjoy.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iniciar una relacion siempre es emocionante, energizante pero tambien delicado en un pueblo como Warehua. Hazard y Somerset apenas llevan un par de meses saliendo juntos abiertamente, y aunque la sociedad no los critica directamente si sienten las miradas hostiles de muchas personas sobre todo en la parte vieja del pueblo. Para Hazard trae a su memoria recuerdos de su pasado, pero con el nuevo caso que tienen, su pasado estara mas presente que nunca, sobre todo ahora que su padre esta en el pueblo para hacerle una "visita".
La muerte de un lider de un culto religioso despierta los terrores mas profundos de Hazard, pero tambien el miedo de ser abandonado, y si a eso le agregas lo dificil que le resulta entender a Somerset, hace de Hazard una bomba de tiempo. Somerset intenta por todos los medios hacerlo hablar, intenta entenderlo, dandose cuenta que Hazard va a explotar en cualquier momento. Pero tiene miedo a que quiera volver con Nico, o que todavia le guarde rencor por lo que le hizo en el pasado.
Sin embargo, el caso esta tomando mucho de Hazard y no les permite concentrarse realmente en conseguir las pistas para encontrar al asesino, y es mucho peor cuando un Hazard se siente identificado con un joven dentro del culto, alguien quien cree tanto en lo que le dijeron que es capaz de matarse para demostrarlo.

El libro sigue la misma estructura que los demas, y aunque comienza muy bien, los protas vuelven a los mismo complejos de antes, cosa que ya resulta aburrida. Tambien al autor comienza a repetir descripciones de personajes conocidos, de sitios conocidos, se siente como si tuviera que llenar el espacio, como si le faltaran paginas y decidieron llenarlas con tonterias como esa.
En cuanto al manejo del caso, siento que le falto mucho explotar el tema del culto, de como los lideres logran atraer a las personas y como se ganan su fidelidad a tal extremo que creen cualquier cosa que les digan, siento que le falto un lider realmente carismatico en esta parte o quizas profundizar un poco mas en el tema.
Ahora, la forma como cambia la personalidad de los protas, es demasiado injusta, Hazard, quien habia sido un personaje interesante, intuitivo, analitico, lo estan conviertiendo en un hombre que solo se guia por emociones como la rabia, que no piensa, que no es logico, atras quedaron los momentos donde se sentaba mirando fijamente y analizando el problema hasta conseguir la solucion. En cambio a Somerset, lo estan convirtiendo de un nino malcriado, alcoholico, acostumbrado a salirse con la suya, a un martir, solo capaz de tranquilizar a su companero, y con poco sentido empatico para con los otros personajes.
No me gusta mucho el cambio en los protas, entiendo que tienen que evolucionar, pero la evolucion no deberia ser tan drastica, ni cambiarlos a nivel tan profundo que ya no los reconoces.
En fin, ya en el ultimo libro, esperando que el final sea algo que los protas de verdad se merezcan.

[oshiiy · Rating 3 out of 5]

“This is it, right?”
“What?”
“Love. This is what it feels like.”
“This is it.”
Tears rushed into Somers’s eyes, not spilling, but trembling and luminous in the afternoon sun, like his eyes had turned into golden oceans. “I didn’t know. I had no idea.”
Hazard’s thumb raked Somers’s lower eyelid, and tears spilled onto the pad, racing down the inside of his hand. He repeated the gesture to Somers’s other eye. “You know now.”
“Yeah.”

Somers is such a cutie!! I love him, and that big grumpy man <3

[Lau ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I never thought this day would come: John-Henry Somerset, I forgive you.


Reasonable Doubt it’s my favorite installment when it comes to the portrayal of character’s struggles since book 1. I thought this was the moment for rainbows and butterflies, but Somers surprised me by being oblivious of Hazard’s feelings. He’s sure that someday Hazard will leave him, that he’ll never forgive him, that he’s still in love with Nico... Of course, you know that Hazard has already forgiven him and is in love with him, not with that baby, but only someone who is really sorry would think so. Suffering bullying is a nightmare, but living with the guilt of being not the victim but the perpetrator? You can see in Somers and Hazard that, in the long run, it can make you feel even worse.


Because people might change, but the past never changed. And Somers knew that what he’d done, the ways he’d hurt Hazard, that couldn’t be forgiven. So he knew it was coming. He knew the day was coming when the past would come roaring back at them, when it would shred this perfect thing between them, and he knew he deserved it.


While I was okay with Hazard having a bigger heart than me and loving Somers, seeing Somers suffer was what made me finally forgive him. Hazard is no longer thinking about the beating, the bullying or the stairs. Somers is. He’s the one thinking he doesn’t deserve Hazard, that he should find someone who never hurt him. And he’s right, but Hazard has already made up his mind he doesn’t want anyone else.


What I wasn’t happy about was seeing Hazard suffering the same. He keeps thinking that there is something wrong with him that makes people treat him badly, that he’s not worthy of love and one day Somers will leave him for his family. In this book we finally meet his father and what he did is another thing to add to the nerver-ending list of bullying, physical abuse and toxic relationships. No wonder Hazard’s mental health is a mess. The difference is that Hazard’s father was supposed to love him unconditionally and he was not a confused teen like Somers. I never quite understood how easy Hazard went on him at the end, after constantly telling him he didn’t want anything to do with him. I hope someday I forget half as easily as Hazard does. Although I don’t think all actions deserve to be forgiven.


Now onto the bad part: the mystery. I give up. It’s not only not working for me, it’s making me so frustrated that it’s more and more difficult to enjoy the rest. The OTT drama, the repetitive structure made of continuous irrational murders and the lack of proper emotional impact has managed to reach the limit for my patience. I understand some people may prefer this kind of drama but I was never a fan of soap operas. I’d rather have some messy mysteries inserted between more ‘average’ cases that affected the characters emotionally instead, or at least a different structure that didn’t mean them almost dying in every damn book. In the first book, even though I knew they weren’t dying because there were more books coming, I was worried for them. Now, when I get to the ‘almost dying’ scene, I find myself skipping paragraphs and rolling my eyes.


The author made a great work when it comes to the dynamic between Hazard and Somers, which was not easy to do, but I was unimpressed about how he dealt with the emotional consequences of almost dying every other week. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help but compare it with the amazing job Cole McCade did regarding that aspect in Criminal Intentions.


With a soft, pained laugh, Somers kissed him back and then pulled away. “This is it, right?
“What?”
“Love. This is what it feels like.”


I may change my opinion and go back to read the last book in a few months, but right now I’m not sure I’d enjoy it. The unique relationship was a breath of fresh air, I love Hazard and I’m glad I managed to make peace with Somers. I can imagine them living a difficult life with a lot of near death experiences and a well-deserved HEA. But I really don’t want to go through another GA mystery. They don’t work for me and reading Valor and Doyle’s investigations has made me realize I can find some MM thrillers where I actually care about the mystery.


“Can you tell us how many people are part of your group?”
“The faithful grow in number every day.”
“We’ll settle for today,” Hazard said.


↬ Hazard and Somerset:
1. Pretty Pretty Boys: 3.75 stars
2. Transposition: 3.5 stars
3. Paternity Case: 3 stars
4. Guilt by Association: 3 stars
5. Reasonable Doubt: 2.5 stars

*ignore a bit the rating because I enjoyed the romance but I really disliked the mystery so I'm struggling to rate this

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good and so very clever!
So emotional and so deep!
So intense and beautiful, I needed a day (again) until I felt able to say a couple of sensible words here.

This book circles around the themes of faith, belief and trust.
For both ... Hazard and Somers and the intricate plot.

After we waited for so long to see these two together, it was pure joy to witness how their relationship develops (and boy, does it develop!)
There are so many insecurities there, on both sides, about where their bond is going to take them, if anywhere at all. About what being together means to each of them. About being out as a couple.
And they talk. Yes, they do. About their feelings! It is awesome.

Gregory' Ashe's writing (as always) is truly spectacular.
While we get more insights in Somers's family in book 4, it is Hazard's turn to face some of his past.
To say that looking these issues straight into the eye, after years of brushing them under the carpet, turns Hazard inside out is the understatement of the year.
To see the real man behind all the outer rude- and grumpiness is beautiful.
To find him so courageous and full of forgiveness was humbling. I certainly could have never been as bighearted as he turns out to be.

And Hazard and Evie (Somers little daughter) Omg. If this doesn't bring a huge smile to your face and a lump to your throat, I have no idea what will!

Then, of course, there is the humour and sarcasm. Brilliantly done!

"I am the bride of Christ, Detective, as the Revelator saw me. Our relationship, as you quaintly call it, soars on eagle's wings, above the understanding of mortal men."
"It must be hell finding a card for that on Valentine's, Hazard said.

I guess this is the point where I have to mention something I have failed to bring up in my previous reviews. Nobody writes better religious, homophobic or right extremist rants and speeches than Mr. Ashe! It is equally amazing (from the writing POV) and horrifying (because it sounds so damn real!)

And that ending! It left me teary eyed and pretty much overwhelmed.

H: "You believe I love you?"
S: "Yeah."
"You trust me?"
Goddamnit, yes, I do."
"Because I sure as fuck love you, John. More than anything in the world."

Highly recommended!
My favourite in the series so far!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Emery Hazard more and more with every book!

Usually I avoid books with anything about conversion therapy in them because it makes me so unbelievably angry and sad, but it explained a lot more about Emery and who he is and what he's been through. It broke my heart and I cried so much throughout this book, for Emery and also for Clyde too. I honestly don't understand why so many people go in for religion, it doesn't compute to me and I'm never going to be a believer, but I appreciate the angle this story went at it from even if I don't agree with religion in any way.

I did want to knock their heads together again in this book though because Emery and JH are both so terrified the other is going to leave them!! It feels very real, the insecurities and doubts didn't feel manufactured or forced, and I'm just loving being on their journey and seeing how they grow in each book. The way Emery protected Evie too.... my heart!!!

Again, I had no clue with the crime but I love that, it keeps me interested and I'm always surprised by the outcome.

Looking forward to more!

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was trying to be sensible last night and stop reading this and go to bed at a reasonable hour, but then the final 15% or so (I can't remember, there's extended previews at the end) had me too tense to even fall asleep after I finished it, and I'm just gonna say that Hazard deserves about 5 years off.

He already did, but now he really does. Anyway at some point I was sobbing. Or maybe a lot of the last bit.

Ashe upped his prose for me in this in many ways... Or I was paying more attention now for reasons. Many many more highlights.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - Hazard is my spirit animal when it comes to religion. I'm fascinated by the impact it has on people, but aligning myself one way or another has never been something I've felt compelled to do. Like most boxes we're asked to check in life, mine is decidedly blank. The mystery in this book focused a lot on the fanatical side of religion and how easily some people can be manipulated when faith is used as a weapon. It can be distorted into something so ugly and vile when placed in the wrong hands, and there were some seriously wrong hands in this book. It was heartbreaking on so many levels and made this one of the darker books of the series so far. Without the banter between Hazard and Somers, along with some of their sweeter moments, this story would have been oppressively heavy.

I loved that we got more of Hazard's backstory and a greater understanding of where his pain and fear of being alone originated. I felt like watching Clyde seek affirmation mirrored how Hazard acted in his relationships. He let other people make decisions for him. He molded himself into something that fit with the other person, that kept them in his life whether he wanted them there or not. He apologized to keep the peace. His abrasive personality and sharp words were hiding a very sensitive person who wanted to be told they were good and special and loved.

While I'm convinced that GA can't write a bad book, I had more issues with this one than I have any of the others so far. I saw the seams more than I'm used to and they were distracting at times. There were several situations that felt contrived to create tension and I didn't really understand the necessity. For example, the butt dialing of a certain ex (which I swear got noticed before it even happened, a fact that tormented me beyond sanity). It was kind of ridiculous. And I can see it maybe happening once, but twice? And after the first time, why wouldn't he just delete the contact from his phone? And who stays on the line for 12 minutes? My mother-in-law used to call me on accident all the time. She got 30 seconds tops.

BUT, this is Hazard and Somers and I love them. They're flawed and they're big dummies and, per usual, Hazard pissed me off at least 50 times (what did those streamers ever do to him?), but I adore them both so much and forgive them for being insecure and dumb. I just hope this isn't an ongoing thing. Frustrating UST is one thing, but frustrating people who don't know how to use their words and make outlandish assumptions are something else entirely.

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

LOOOOVED this book!

This will be short!

What I loved...

1. Hazard my teddy bear of a grumpy human and who I love and want to hug.

2. Somers my sunshine of a human who I want to protect and hug.

3. Hazard and Somers together and all the banter.

4. The sexual innuendos gave me LIFE.

5. The case was clever and I truely didn't know who the killer was.

6. Hazard's past made my heart hurt. My baby needed some lovin' and Somers was happy to oblige.

7. Hazard and Evie.... *Cue swoon*
I DIE FROM ALL THE CUTE

8. The discussions about faith, scriptures and veliefs and how H and S understood that they could agree to disgree about these things.

9. Somers lusting over Hazard's chunky ass. *cure drool emoji*

10. Hazard calling Somers John and Somers calling Hazard baby. *cue heart eyes*

What I didn't love...

- The birthday incident and that it wasn't addressed later.

- The repetition was kind of tedious at times... the scarecrow eyes, the past flashbacks, and using the word mitts for Hazard's hands.

Well look at that.... this wasn't as short as I thought lol!
Oh well.... Happy reading!

[Laxmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an early readers copy of this book, I have become a huge fangirl for Gregory Ashe and look forward to each new release. It was hard to follow up on the previous book for me Guilt by Association, it was by far my favorite of the series and I had no idea where the boys would go next. More detective work to be done and seeing the chemistry between them grow and take real roots for me was so enjoyable. This book reached back into Hazards past, this was so difficult for him, yet the story was so rewarding. I cannot go on enough how much I am enjoying this series, for me its fresh, and original - really so different from everythig else out there. Looking forward to the next book

[Evelyn220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Love the banter, so funny. Love Hazard and Somers together finally, even with the continued angst because they’re both so insecure and jealous and tentatively optimistic about if their love can truly work.
Love seeing Hazard with Somerset’s daughter. 🥹

The murder mystery in this one is my second fave of the series as it deals with a really F’d up cult, which throws Hazard into a rage spiral about religion and forces him to face what happened to him in the past.

[h o l l i s · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reader, I am t i r e d. Because this one put me through a bit of a wringer.

I was so in love with the beginning. I got a little muddled up in the middle when instead of living in Dumbdumbville these two went on a vacation to BigIdiot Town but.. tears might've been shed near the end. Because of two different things. Oh my heart. While I don't think we're really chewed through all of their past I think.. maybe.. we are at a point where it's been acknowledged and we're finally moving past it? M a y b e? Who knows what awaits me.

As for the mystery, and what took up the middle of this story aside from these idiots being idiots, it was.. something. The weirdo religious culty thing is always a lot to take and this particular venture was no exception. The actual nitty gritty of how it all went down was frighteningly clever though. I'll admit I figured out one part of the twist but definitely not every element of it. Well done, Ashe.

Even though it was missing some of that edge from book three, even though once again Emery has been fucked up to high heaven and hospitalized (dude needs a serious vacation), the fact of the matter is they went to the park. They walked down the street. They went to the pub. And if you have read this book you know what happened during those moments. And it was possibly my favourite thing.

Also, for once, I have nothing to complain about when it comes to Somers. The true miracle! How apropos.