Wayward

Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords #4

by Gregory Ashe

Emery Hazard is trying to plan his wedding, even though his fiancé, John-Henry Somerset, isn’t exactly making things easy for him. To be fair, Somers has been distracted lately; his father is running for mayor in a hotly contested election, and their hometown is splintering under the weight of divisive politics.

In a matter of hours, those poisonous politics invade Hazard’s life in a way he couldn’t have imagined. Glenn Somerset, Somers’s father, shows up on their doorstep, and he wants two things: first, for Hazard to neutralize a blackmail threat; and second, for Somers temporarily to move out of the house he shares with Hazard, part of public relations stunt to win the election. To Hazard’s shock, Somers agrees.

Determined to lose himself in his work, Hazard takes on a missing person’s case, but his investigation only leads him deeper into the tangled web of small-town politics. To find the truth, he must face off with the viciously rich who rule Wahredua—and with the poor, desperate, and marginalized, who fight just as viciously in their own way.

When Hazard’s investigation uncovers a murder, he is forced to work with Somers to bring the killer to justice, despite their fractured relationship. But the sudden news that Hazard’s father is failing fast threatens to put an untimely end to the case—and, in doing so, jeopardize Somers’s last-ditch effort to repair his relationship with his own father.

The killer, though, has an accelerating timeline, and in a world of wayward children, every relationship is fraught with hidden dangers.

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

428 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2020

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

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

Reread - September 2021

Daddy issues on top of Daddy issues.

Damn! these two are exhausting.

I can't believe I am saying this, but I didn't like Hazard in this book. He treated Somers so badly and I felt it. I felt Somers pain. Somers is not so innocent but I feel like Hazard crossed a line. I know Hazard is hurting but nope, just nope.



I am biased when it come to this series, I noticed on my reread that I have let so many things slide just because it is Hazard and Somers.

Dulac and Nico... Ugh!

Glenn Somerset can go die somewhere far away and have his remains eaten by vultures.

Anyhoo, I had fun when these two knuckle heads decided to get their heads straight. And Evie!! she makes everything better.

*********************************************************
Audiobook – 4 stars

Story – 4.5 stars

Damn! These two will finish me!



This book made me want to knock these two lovable knuckleheads. Hazard and Somers, have a very toxic, love that I love. It is a good kind of toxic. These two will not be able to survive without each other. I love, love that. Unconditional, weird, love.

“I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. Ever. I don’t care who knows it. I’m not ashamed of it. And I don’t want to lose you.” Awwww! Yaap they make my heart met even when I want to strangle them.



Gregory Ashe, has a unique way of writing his characters that make me engaged and enraged at the same time. And I keep coming back to them. Hazard and Somers have become my permanent favorite couple.

Wayward, brought some heartache into Hazard and Somers lives. The insecurities, Daddy Issues, Family Issues, were all brought to surface. And it did hurt so bad. At some point, I didn’t like how Hazard talked to Somers and vise versa. These two hurt each other when they are hurt. Ugh! I was so hurt and frustrated but in a good way. They always find their way back. Communication is not their strong suite sometimes, but that doesn’t stop me from loving and rooting for them every step of the way.

The mystery was so engaging and interesting. It was so nice to see Hazard and Somers working together again. Squeee… Their work chemistry is amazing, I had missed that, and I am happy Greg gave us that. The case was so enjoyable and also focused on family. I love that the case and the personal lives of Hazard and Somers were all dealing with family issues.

Now, Glenn Somerset needs to burn in hell. Damn, I don’t like him at all. Poor, poor Somers.

Dulac! Dulac! I knew it! Get a clue, man! Ugh! What a frustrating being. Somers is my hero. He did us all a favor.

Overall, I had a great time listening to this story. IMO, Tristan James has massively improved his narration. I am excited and afraid to read/listen to The Keeper of Bees.

Disclaimer: A copy of the Audio book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

It seems all this author can write are five star reads for me. I'm not complaining one bit. Though there might be just a little bit of complaining going on in this review though...

I had one word for his last book on how it had me feeling and I have one word for how this book had me feeling throughout it as well. GUTTED. Things just are never easy for this couple. There is always something that comes sweeping in to unbalance the groundwork they have been putting into their relationship. This time the boulder that knocks a crack in their foundation is John-Henry's father. I hate this man.

I spent the majority of the book being upset with both Ree and Somers. It is very true of what they say about the people who know and love you the most are the ones that can hurt you the most. These two are perfect examples of that. Through the hurt the one thing you don't question is their love. Even through the harsh words and the gestures that they make or don't make you know these men are only hurting so much because of the love they feel for each other.

Both men are still having a hard time being vulnerable with each other. They both still have a hard time communicating their hurt and insecurities. This leads to both of them acting out in anger or keeping it locked up until they explode with hurtful words.

There is a lot going on in this book. Both men are going through it with their fathers. One is trying to hold on to a relationship with his while the other is having to say goodbye. It was pretty upsetting to see both men struggling so hard and not being able to really lean on each other for support.

The murder as always was a good mystery. It wasn't one that exactly had me stumped, but it did keep me guessing and going back and forth on who I thought it was. I was left with some questions though. What happened with Dolly? Which grandparents did she end up with? Where did the sister go and did she ever come back? What about the deputy? Just a few questions I was left asking.

This book really puts these men's relationship to the test. They are pushed to their limits and question their place in each others lives. They struggle a lot in this book and a lot of it broke my heart and lot of it had me yelling at my kindle. I swear if it was in paperback I would have been acting like Ree and sending it flying across the room more than once. No one makes me love angst as much as Gregory. He has you go through it only to bring you to an ending that makes you have hearts in your eyes. I think I enjoy Emery and John's vulnerable conversations they have more than their intimacy moments. They just have a way with words that makes you say, awwww!!! LOL

I really can't wait for the next book. I read the first 2 chapters and got sucked in right away. I will always need and want more of these men.

Happy reading dolls! xx

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review from the author.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 stars

This review was supposed to be short and snappy. 😂
I’m sorry it didn’t quite work out that way.
I haven’t stopped thinking about Hazard and Somers since I finished this book last night. And then I thought more, and then …

Let’s start at the beginning:
At 8% I wanted to strangle Mr. Glennworth Somerset.
At 9% I seriously wanted to slap Somers repeatedly over the head whilst shouting “WTF are you doing?”
At 10% my inner screams of “no, no, no, not again!” echoed back unheard as Hazard and Somers fall into their usual MO of not properly talking and allowing insecurities take over their emotions.

I was angry. Nope, delete that. I was blooming furious. At all of the characters and particularly at Mr.Ashe for doing this to them. ( and as always he does it so beautifully!😁)

I was even more upset when things got from bad to worse.
When Hazard got sucker-punched again and again, I wanted to weep. I love Emery Hazard. He would do anything for a person he loves (his own quote and so true!), and tbh he more than proves that in this book. The hurt he’s willing to put up with for Somers, the anguish and the humiliation … I don’t think we’re left in any doubt how much he loves that man, and I hated Somers for allowing the hurt.

So why does Somers play along with his dad’s utterly shitty and hurtful plans? THAT is the question I kept asking myself again and again. I’m not sure the answers given are enough for me. Basically, I wanted Somers to stand up for himself and tell his dad to go to hell. However, it is Hazard who sorts the situation in the end. That felt totally wrong to me. I felt that Somers needed to deal with his father himself instead of being ‘fooled’ that things are getting better.

This book is very much about fathers and their sons. Fathers who in some way or another have failed their sons. And it’s about how both these sons cope with that failure. Hazard and Somers deal with it very differently, and it’ll be interesting to see how the relationship between Somers and his dad progresses in the last book.

So does all that mean that Hazard and Somers still haven’t learned a thing about being together?
Tbh, I was asking myself this question while I was reading, but then I dissected their behaviour and well …
Yes, they do fall easily into old patterns when they fight, like Hazard retreating into himself, Somers acting like a spoilt child, and both of them dishing out hurt galore.
BUT – and that is a huge ‘but’ – they ARE learning. Hazard does tend to open up more, Somers does try and make amends, they do work at ‘working it out’, and it is very very clear, despite all the sh** going on, that they love each other. Even better - they tell each other.

I also had to remind myself that these two have only been a couple for about a year and a half. And considering their past and what they went through before this second series started, it’s no wonder they aren’t at a shiny HEA yet.
Gregory Ashe gives us two men who are deeply complex, vulnerable and flawed. Of course, the beginnings of their relationship aren’t all sunshine and roses.

And darn, people like Dulac don’t help at all. That interfering b****** is simply not funny anymore. I was starting to resent the guy in the previous book, but this time I was downright mad at him. We do get a LOT of insight into his thinking, and I wonder if his issue with Somers has really been sorted.

Oh, and a last word on therapy:
We all know that Hazard desperately needs it. And to be fair, we are told that Somers has been trying to convince Hazard to do something about it. Apparently with no luck. Clearly that will have to change – but seeing Hazard interact with Melissa, the psychotherapist in the murder plot, explains a lot why he avoids it.

This book is sky-high on character development and it also ends on a relationship high – I seriously swooned over the last chapter, even though I find it a lot harder to forgive Somers than Hazard who says quite clearly that none of what happened is Somer’s fault.

The killer of bees just makes an appearance of a few paragraphs here, but the name of the last book in the series promises us more and a final conclusion.
‘Can’t wait’ is putting it mildly!

Fabulous book and incredible writing!

[Darien · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

The Narration: I’ll just like to say after listening to both series that no one could have done it better than Tristan James. His Hazard is perfection, so deadpan with the inflections and amazing with the other characters. While Dulac as a character is incredibly annoying, the narration for him is so spot on and I live. Amazing work every time, Tristan IS Hazard and Somers.

Some slight spoilers included (but not really)

So we’re at book 4 and I think this is where we should feel like Hazard and Somers are sympatico and being awesome together, then things happen and it’s like we’re smack dab in the middle of when they first met up again in Pretty Pretty Boys.

Family obligations have the boys acting up and being emotionally constipated (well even more emotionally constipated). John Henry’s dad calls in his favour and it’s just another way to mess up an already fragile bond. Suddenly bags are being packed and word around town is that are fantastic duo are no longer together and so ensues a whole lotta BS. Handling all this during another chaotic investigation and tempers are at an all time high.

Honestly, another great book to add to an awesome series but for me it’s not without it’s faults. I adore Somers and Hazard but I feel like their relationship has remain stagnant for a bit and I see no growth. Always thinking about what they need to say but never actually saying it. I wish we could move past the insecurities and hurt but I guess it’s what make them H&S.....Can I also touch on how much more spicy the boys are getting, whew chile 🥵🥵🥵 the domestic fiancé life is where it’s at.

Another thing I find fault with is the slurs and it’s becoming all too gratuitous. The foundation for Wahredua is so perfectly done that we know what this town is about and what some of their values are so I feel like we’ve evolved from the use of slurs, don’t need to hear or see it to know which characters are thinking it. Plus, I see the n-word used daily by people who shouldn’t and I’m feeling like it’s becoming a thing here too. The same applies to the slur describing gay men and the r-word that have been used to harm those with disabilities. IT AINT CUTE! STOP! (There’s a broader topic here about the use of the n-word and who should be using it in books but I’m not quite eloquent enough to touch on it, but as a black woman I’m saying this word is for no one else)

🗣🔊 WHERE THE HELL IS THE KEEPER OF BEES!?



Overall, I love this series and I love Hazard and Somers so much. My Mr Grumpy cinnamon roll Hazard just makes me happy with all his man pain while also being the best dude ever. Somers, I’m hoping he finds some backbone and say what needs to be said to his dusty face father.

~~Copy provided by the author for a honest review~~

[Lisazj1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Every time I read a Hazard & Somers book, I always think that there's no possible way this new one could be worse than the last. And every, single bloomin' time, Gregory Ashe proves to me that yes, yes he can hurt me more. And that shows more than anything how very much he can make you care, genuinely care about his characters. Jerk. *side-eyes author*

John and Emery have barely had a chance to relax from the last storm when Glenn Somerset shows up, calling due his 'favors" that our guys owe him. He needs John to help him win his election for mayor against Naomi Malsho and he needs Emery to help him find who's blackmailing him to keep him from winning. And to do so, John is asked to move out of the house for 2 weeks and pretend to be broken up with Emery and he agrees. To his credit, he does ask Emery's permission, and Emery can do nothing but give it. Though I *kind of* *grudgingly* understood the why of both John agreeing and Emery giving his consent, it lit me up like somebody had poured gasoline on me and threw a match. 🤯 And I literally burned the whole book. I'm not even kidding, this series is bad for my blood pressure.

There's a lot going on in this book. While John is moved out of the house helping his father with his election, Emery's dad is dying, the cancer finally putting him in the hospital for possibly the last time. So while trying to deal with all the horrible rumors flying around Wahredua *thanks to Somers' dad 🤬*, Emery is also trying to deal with all the contradictory emotions his father's decline is causing. Then there's the missing person case Emery is working that seems to intersect with a custody issue John has been assigned, that ends up tying to a murder no one expected. On top of all that, Nico is determinded to be Hazard's friend now and Dulac finally *unintentionally* shows himself to Somers, beneath all the bro-attitude he's always bringing. My one bright spot at that point. At least John sees what he's like truly, which is frankly a bit creepy. I loved him putting Dulac in his place but I'll be interested to see what, if anything, changes.

These guys have the worst problems when they don't talk to each other, not telling each other how they really feel and then letting their fears and insecurities run them. But even when coming from a place where each has hurt the other, the one thing that remains constant is that they love each other, no matter what else, and neither wants to be without the other. At the point where I was really afraid that they might actually break this time and I had almost given up on John, he really comes through for Emery at the time he needs John most, though he'd never admit it or ask for it. ❤️

Despite the hurt feelings and miscommunication, these two are getting better at talking things out. When they remember to sit and talk first. It's hard to keep in mind that they haven't been together all that long. Also keeping in mind the life they lead, a lot their stresses aren't exactly normal ones. But they are making progress and growing together and I'm so, so hopeful that they'll get to a place that everything won't have to be the hard way, LOL.

One of my favorite things for each book? Give me all the Dee and Evie moments, there can never be enough of them. 🥰

But best of all, after all the painful things, are the things that are blissfully sweet. *swoon* And funny, lmao, because "items" and lists! 😂 That ending was one of the things that will keep me reading Hazard and Somers for as long as Gregory Ashe will write them.

The audiobook was a great listen. Tristan James has really found Hazard and Somers' rhythm, learned their personalities, because I tend to forget that I'm not actually listening to Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset. When's the next one out????

Disclaimer: A copy of the Audio book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Annery · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Re-Read 9/29/21 -- 9/30/21***

Finding extra layers of goodness in an already memorable series has been one of the pleasures of this epic reread.

As before, I think I pretty much covered my feels about this in my original review, so just some extra thoughts:

* I'm still scratching my head as to why Rebeca insists on 'making' Hazard socialize with people he'd prefer no to see. Seems a bit pushy.

* This episode is very much about the relationship between fathers and sons and I couldn't help but think that, no matter what our age, we all revert to teenagers in the presence of our parents.

* Somers getting relationship advice from Norman & Gross is both scary and hysterical.

* Hazard's mom calling him 'Bunny' and 'Muffin' is beyond cute 💗💗

******************************

FIRST READ 12/19/20 --12/21/20

DEAD. DEAD. DEAD.

There are a myriad of brilliant reviews for this out there so I'll just jot down some impressions.

*Lately I've regretted not reading some things sooner however with this one I'm glad I waited. Why? Because Gregory Ashe is a genius and he's written two characters, John-Henry & Emery, who've managed to migrate from the realm of fiction to people I imagine existing in the real world. And I care deeply about them. They get put through the wringer in this installment, some of it from outside forces, but the deepest wounds, the hurts that unflinchingly find their targets, are the ones they inflict on each other. Isn't that always the case? The ones we love and love us in return, the ones who know us intimately are the only ones who really have the power to hurt us. I wasn't up to handling this level of intensity two months ago.

*I love how within each individual mystery the author has kept the greater picture in sight, the overall story ever present. Despite the passage of time, reasons for joy, and irrefutable progress Hazard is still dealing (badly) with his demons and the events at the Haverford. It makes sense. Vietnam Vets are still dealing with their experiences during the war. John-Henry for his part is having his eyes opened (forcibly) to things he was willfully ignoring. Life was easier that way.

*The different ways in which John-Henry and Emery deal with their fathers cut close to the bone. I'll say no more.

*Hazard being made up by Evie is one of the sweetest things ever written.

*That final chapter had me smiling like a loon for hours.

*Tristan James owns this series as much as the author, and I wasn't singing this tune at the beginning.

*I'm heading to the next and final book in this arc terrified and wildly excited.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I still think John has all the appeal of gonnorhea but for some reason I cannot stop wanting to read everything about these guys.

I hate that Emery is always gaslit and made to feel other because he's different. I hate how John is such a hypocrite and doesn't seem to realise that he's actually worse than Emery about talking about his feelings - at least Emery acknowledges it's a challenge but he fucking does it when he's ready, or when he's aggravated into it!

It may sound like I hate these books but I actually really enjoy how real their relationship feels 😂 John just pisses me off because he's a selfish, overgrown frat bro - when exactly does he start taking accountability? I definitely relate more to Emery though, we have the same daddy issues and almost the exact same circumstances, so it's very easy for me to connect to that element of the story.

The crime was pretty interesting but what happened to Daniel and Courtney?

Dulac is really getting on my nerves too. He's so fucking odd and I can't figure out what his angle is but I'm ready for Emery to knock him down a peg or twenty.

I am convinced that I definitely know who the Keeper of Bees is too. It's too obvious and there's a literal trail of breadcrumbs right from book one if Hazard took a step back and noticed what links everything together...

[alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ: 2023 H&S Rereadathon :･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ (spoilers littered throughout)

the installment of the devil circling back to cash in on past deals, father-son dynamics, and the sweetest & corniest of endings.

[3.6] i stand by my statement that this is Somers at his most unlikeable. he may be the prettiest of the pretty pretty boys, but i refuse to befriend the version we see here: astronomically self-centered, unable to see past his nose, and spending an inordinate chunk of the book feeling sorry for himself for reasons that, with a little rewording and a few degrees rotation to the right, boil down to mourning his lost illustrious status as "the golden boy loved by all" and being stupefied by next steps to cope.

granted, this self-reflection was a long time coming. we've quartered and examined facets of Hazard with microscopic precision, but forcing Somers to sit down and acknowledge the stark reality that people from his old life have decisively cut him out because of his choice to publicly come out in a relationship with Hazard is a first. it's an upending realization for this local superstar half-expecting the usual crowd of imprinted ducklings following behind, only to be met with a deafening silence. maybe a solitary tumbleweed rolling past in the distance if he's lucky. this is what Hazard’s experienced his whole life, and now Somers no longer has to imagine being in his shoes. it's a new world order, and one he has trouble digesting.

i recognize the respects in which Somers's upbringing has brainwashed him, instilling a sense of family obligation that perpetuates the undying, childish wish to believe in his father despite the mountain of evidence clamoring against it. with clouded judgment, he retreats back into old habits and desires and loses sight of what's right in front of him, airily dismissing the weight of breakup rumors on Hazard's psyche. comparatively, Somers's childhood remains an unknown aside from a sprinkle of vague memories, few of which are overtly pleasant (plenty of sports, training, heavy expectations). ponder over present day examples, and the only conclusion any sane person can draw is that the Somersets are no better than the gum stuck to the bottom of our shoes. much of Somers's character arc reflects on how to reconcile toxic parents and their continued involvement in his life as an adult, yet at this juncture, i couldn't see how the negatives could outweigh the benefits without a borderline miraculous change of heart.

one of Hazard's greatest difficulties is articulating what goes on in that big brain of his, and it's safe to say he's grown to over-rely on Somers's uncanny ability to translate his grunts and other behavior into words. so when Hazard is waiting for Somers to work his magic and read his mind, only for the translation program to malfunction when it mattered most... *cue dissonance chord* in no way do i expect Somers to be the all-knowing space baby at the center of the universe, and Hazard's refusal to process his emotions enough to translate into words only aggravates the situation. however, after all the echoes/flashbacks of their past history and high school trauma in Transactional Dynamics, there was an extra layer of frustration to Somers failing to make even a seedling of a connection between points A and B, then consenting, with alarming readiness, to a two-week farce that plunges Hazard into the throes of his worst living nightmare.

little wonder Hazard takes it upon himself to act out in all the ways a perpetually uncomfortable and sleep-deprived Evie would. Wayward Hazard's name tag would be "Petulant Child" in big, bold letters, because he wants to make it *very* clear how it felt to have a knife stuck between his ribs from the man he trusted most. he's ignoring and hanging up on calls, incessantly reminding Somers of their rumored shaky relationship status, inviting Nico out for show - he called upon his inner Somers for that last one (flashback to the Dulac massage scene) - even if the regret seeped in literally minutes after he went through with his petty idea. at the end of the day though, this is picayune behavior. vexing, yes, but i'm talking small fry.

on the other hand, when Somers is angry, i'm physically holding back the urge to curl into myself. at the very beginning, when Hazard pushes past him (as the Neanderthal is wont to do 😅) and Somers ends up burning his hand, he set the tone by slinging accusations of "domestic abuse." mind you, they've just started on the road to recovery after having dealt with Billy in the last book, so this felt akin to 50 lashings on bare skin. Somers is also shown easily tossing Hazard back into the social pariah fray to fend for himself despite their relatively recent emotional discussion on outsider status (also in TD). this reversal of progress struck me the hardest, as there wasn’t a revealing discussion on the facet of Somers lashing out and essentially blaming Hazard for his losses upon learning what it truly means to be out and a target in a backwards town. that it’s easier to blame and hide in the resentment. but Somers made his choice, and Hazard owes him nothing. i'd also be remiss not to note my salt levels over the whole "we can delay seeing your father in hospice for a photo-op dinner with my dad" conversation. having had worked with hospice patients before, i’ll admit my perception remained colored for the remainder of the book, no matter how achingly sweet his final gesture was. i'd have to first kick him to the curb with yesterday's trash and then tell him to take a week-long reflection hike before welcoming him back with open arms 😤

Frank. as the impetus for reconciliation, his passing paved the groundwork for the third half of the book. it gave a chance for Somers to show up for Hazard as a better partner, and while Hazard's interference at the end with Glenn wasn't necessarily my cup of tea in isolation, i could understand as a creative decision why GA couldn't just do away with both fathers in one fell swoop. it also showed that even though Hazard wasn't able to fully understand why Somers insisted on maintaining a relationship with Glenn, he could at least recognize the significance it held for Somers and would threaten/blackmail anyone to make his boo happy. romance has peaked 💖

✧･ﾟ: *✧･���: updated 2023 rankings :･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The Rational Faculty - 4.7 ➜ 5⭐
Police Brutality - 4 ➜ 4.5⭐
Transactional Dynamics - 3.3 ➜ 4.4~4.5⭐
Wayward - 3.1 ➜ 3.6⭐
The Keeper of Bees - 4.75 ➜ 5⭐

~ original review ~

[3.1] Before anyone plans my execution, hear me out! Judging by the speed at which I was whizzing through these pages and how invested I was in our two dum-dums, I obviously didn't hate the book. But like those sunny side up eggs that people seem to enjoy immensely as a breakfast dish and yet have me shivering at the consistency, at times I did feel like the yolks were left half-cooked, if you catch my drift 🍳

⚠️ SPOILERS GALORE AHEAD ⚠️
(Turns out I had a lot more to say than expected lol)

To start off, let me introduce the spark that started this whole fiasco: Glenn Somerset.

He comes out of nowhere to collect on the deals he made with H&S in previous books, driving another wedge between them when his demands include Somers moving out for two weeks in an attempt to sway the election results in his favor. He knows he has his son wrapped around his finger and abuses this religiously, later letting the gossip mill churn out lies like H&S broke up, Somers is getting back together with Cora, etc. WHAT A HOT MESS.

Cue the hurt!! As Rebeca said in the third book, “When you love someone, you know all the secret ways to hurt them,” and boy do they intentionally utilize that knowledge to cut in deep and watch each other bleed with satisfaction until the guilt creeps its way in.

The balance worked out better for me but I'm telling you, GA wrote Somers in ways to provoke me to the core 🤣 My blame meter: 70% for Somers, 30% for Hazard.

Hazard seriously blew the implications of acting in this 2-week PR stunt way out of proportion. Once again he retreats within himself and calls upon his inner man child, hanging up on Somers when he’s in the middle of trying to explain himself through the phone, breaking objects, using Nico to provoke Somers.....Hazard’s insecurities come back full force, and he's running on the fuel of fear for most of the book.

BUT I agree that it didn't make much sense why Somers would go to such lengths to do exactly what his dad told him to do. Somers mentions that he has pleasant memories of happy times with his family that motivate him to maintain their relationship, but were any of those times from the past decade? Hazard’s dad is a certified a**hole but at least we've seen his attempts to make amends in his own crude way. Meanwhile Glenn?? Nothing. Kind of makes me pity Somers. Daddy issues, man....

I can understand Hazard's feeling of betrayal as well. Even if they themselves knew the rumors weren't true, Somers never went out of his way to break the illusion because of his father. Like a bystander who simply stands back and watches, he's at least partially complicit in the harm it causes Hazard. I guess it comes down to how fundamentally different they view family: to Hazard this is very much a “you’re choosing your dad over me” situation while Somers is doing his best to balance the two, albeit unsuccessfully.

But now the crème de la crème aka what had my blood pressure rising:

- Somers’s justification is that they both said yes to Papa Somerset's demands so Hazard shouldn't be making such a big deal about it, but he follows that up with “You looked at him, you knew what he was asking, and you didn’t say no.” Ummm saying yes and not saying no are two very different things. Somers then admits that even he didn’t realize things would be taken this far, so technically they both didn't fully understand what they were signing up for. Do we have to discuss what informed consent means? It starts with full transparency on Papa Somerset's part, which didn't happen, so why y'all fighting each other? Tag team the real culprit instead 😤

- “You know what, Ree? I gave up a lot to be with you. A lot.” *proceeds to blame Hazard for losing his social circle after coming out as if it were his fault* I can’t understand his yearning for not only a relationship with his family, but also those with his “old buddies.” What’s the point of wanting so many superficial relationships in your life that don’t amount to anything substantial? And did you forget your growing circle of new friends who couldn't care less about your sexuality? Come on, Somers!!

- HERE'S THE BIG ONE. I can't fathom how Somers could even suggest in the heat of the moment that they go to his father's for a dinner photo-op first before driving to see Papa Hazard who took a turn in hospice. Even if they assumed his dad was still relatively stable, having worked with hospice patients before, I can attest that you can’t predict when things will take a sudden nosedive. I couldn't forgive Somers for this even after he apologized; it was so insensitive, especially coming from a normally very thoughtful guy.

(Oh and on top of all this, Hazard’s PTSD is getting much worse, so yeah, it’s a real party up in here. )

I had a hard time relating to Somers’ actions and thought processes again, but at least this time both of our MCs are obviously at fault and have instances where they don't properly communicate. They’re trying though.

The handful of scenes I had a hard time understanding and/or didn't like how they were handled:

(1) The Dulac situation. There's all this alluding and buildup to something, but once Somers is in the know, the confrontation turned out super anticlimactic, and before long, Somers was walking out of there, checking it off his to-do list. I feel like I'm missing a puzzle piece or twenty. Everything's resolved? Just like that? 🤔

(2) The showdown with the Keeper of Bees is fast approaching and yet with this penultimate installment, we got maybe a paragraph-long mention of the killer. I was hoping for more "setting the stage," but it was more…pushed to the side? I know the next book will more than make up for it, but the nail biting tension has cooled significantly since the last near encounter.

(3) The final deal Hazard coerced Papa Somerset to agree to. Even if the gesture was sweet, trying to salvage happiness where it doesn’t exist, continuing Somers's fantasy that there's hope for their father-son relationship when Papa Somerset has proved time and time again that he simply couldn’t care less unless it's related to his reputation, didn't seem like a real solution. I guess Somers’s optimism is rubbing off on Hazard. We’ll see how long Papa Somerset can pull off this charade before Somers figures it out.

Apologies for my endless ranting 😅 But please don't get me wrong, there were plenty of scenes I enjoyed as well!

- Glad to see Nico on the up-and-up! Making strides with his therapist, doing an about-face with his personality, who woulda thunk!

- It’s too cute how they channel their inner Hazard/Somers even when they’re apart and furious at each other 😆

- Hazard's personal taxonomy of cute animals with an entire scoring system omg

- Once again, Hazard & Evie!! Evie getting Hazard all dolled up and then inadvertently calling Nico a “twink” HAHA GOOD TIMES

- I can't get over Mama Hazard's nickname for Hazard. Hearing her call him “muffin” and “bunny” makes my heart clench from the softness 🥺

- The billboard scene! Freaking hilarious and sweet, although I’d probably throttle anyone who did that to me because photogenic I am not LOL

- Even though Dulac’s hella sus and creepy at the moment, I still loved this convo:

“Yeah, man. That’s right. Wear that armor. When you’re ready, you can take it off. We’re still going to love you.”
Hazard finally managed to wriggle far enough away that Dulac had to drop his hands. With a quick look at Somers, Hazard said, “Make him stop.”
“Gray, stop loving him. That’s my job.”
“Can’t, dude.” Dulac dropped back into the seat. “He’s just this giant angry teddy bear I want to squeeze until his eyes pop out.”
“Oh my God,” Hazard whispered. “Oh my God.”

-----

My biggest takeaway: don't get so invested in characters and their story otherwise you'll be writing a whole essay about 'em 😑🤣

Alrighty, time to place final bets on who's the Keeper of the Bees! There’s one very obvious candidate for the killer *coughfratboicough* but come on, it has to be too blatantly conspicuous to be true….right? 😬

You know what, I'm going with Evie cuz she probably has had enough of everyone’s drama and just wants some peace and quiet to play with her toys 😂

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

me throughout this book like:


it’s not like this was anything new from Somers and Hazard’s usual fights, but i think the whole situation of Somers’ dad being in the picture, what he made Somers do and the decisions Somers made wanting to impress his dad brought down my mood for this book. don’t get me wrong though, Hazard wasn’t perfect either. he definitely had his fair share of moments that frustrated me as well (more than usual, to be specific lmaoo). 😐

OKAY BUT THE LAST CHAPTER WAS HONESTLY SO SWEET. also, any scenes with Evie is always one of my favorites. 💘

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after Somers' ridiculous grovel (that was so everything that Hazard wasn't!) I'm afraid I really do NOT like Somers, at all. He made Hazard cry more than once, and once was one time too many for that broken man. There were times when I wanted Emery to tell Somers to shove his daddy and his daddy issues up his arse and walk away. That's how much I dislike Somers.

So again, all the stars for Hazard and zero for the idiot.

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I thought based on the blurb this was going to hurt but I escaped without any major face leakage. I'm counting that as a win considering my poor Grumpy McGrumperton gets put through an emotional hurricane in this one but luckily Somers pulls out the nosedive.

Don't get me wrong, Wayward is emotional but all the trials and tribulations only serve the bring my two most favorite knuckleheads closer together.

The case in this one isn't all that gripping or Earth-shattering but the relationships all evolve not just Hazard and Somers either.

Now the wait begins for The Keeper of Bees. Anyone else starting to get a little anxiety thinking this might be the end of the road for our knuckleheads?

#nervous
#separationanxiety

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

“Oh yeah? Well, guess what, John? I don’t give a fuck. That man treated me like shit my whole life. That might be hard for you to hear. Maybe . . . maybe you think it makes me fucked up. I guess I am fucked up. But I don’t care. He was an asshole. He was a bigoted, abusive asshole. He treated me like I wasn’t even human. He used my mom like a maid. And here’s another big surprise, so get ready: I’m not you. You’re always hoping things can get better, with your dad, I mean. And I love that about you. I love how optimistic you are. But that’s not me. I knew things weren’t going to change. I was the biggest fucking disappointment of his life, and you know what one of the last things was he said to me? That son of a bitch said he wished he’d had a kid to take fishing. So fuck him. You can . . . you can patch things up with your dad, if you want. But that asshole? I couldn’t ever make him proud, I couldn’t ever do anything right, and that’s on him, ok? That’s not on me. I’m a good person. I’m smart and I’m strong and I’m brave and I work hard. So fuck him if he can’t see that. Fuck him, and let him rot in hell.” 🥺

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book with two of my favorite guys!! Hazard & Somerset are two intense characters who have had a very long journey to get where the finally are, yet even happiness comes with a cost for these two.

“I love you,” Somers said. “What we have, I’ve never had before in my whole life. I get to be me, the real me. I get to be with you. That’s worth any price.”

I admit this book broke my heart...then put it back together.

We got to witness an epic “coming out” - Somers style of course...

Coming out is stupid,” Somers said. “It’s . . . it’s so upside-down crazy that I can’t even wrap my head around it from the inside. I mean, I’m me. Why do I have to tell people who I love?”

I cannot wait for the next & final story — I can’t help but wonder if these two will ever make it to “I Do.”

Now I will wait on pins and needles....

5 Stars!!

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

Having written over a dozen reviews of Gregory Ashe’s books over the last couple of years, I really am running out of ways to express just how damn good they are!  So forgive me for repeating myself when I say that Wayward, book four in the second Hazard and Somerset series, A Union of Swords is another fantastic combination of tightly-plotted, twisty mystery and complex and compelling romantic relationship which Mr. Ashe continues to examine with laser-sharp insight.  The wry observation, humour, snarky dialogue and fantastic storytelling readers have come to expect from this author are all present and correct in this penultimate instalment the series, as our two favourite dysfunctional detectives - now an engaged couple – struggle with many of the same day-to-day relationship issues as the rest of us while working hard to clean up the streets of Wahredua. *grin*

The last book, Transactional Dynamics, really put Hazard and Somers' relationship to the test, with the re-appearance of Hazard’s abusive ex and the resurgence of Somers’ tendency to retreat into a bottle as an avoidance tactic.  It's always hard to read them when they're at odds and hurting each other as they work through their issues, but there's always the sense that they're bound together by a  bedrock of love and committment that keeps them firmly anchored to each other.  By the end of that book, they’re back on an even keel and as much in love as ever.  But this is Gregory Ashe, and if you’ve got this far, you’ll know all too well that that tends to signal the calm before the storm ;)

Wayward begins a few weeks after Transactional Dynamics and Hazard is grumbling about wedding plans as he and Somers spend a relaxed evening with their neighbours Noah and Rebecca, and their friendship group – Dulac and Darnell, Wesley (the local pastor) and his girlfriend, Mitchell Martin – who narrowly escaped the Keeper of Bees in The Rational Faculty - and even Nico, who I was really pleased to see growing up and acting like a proper friend in this book.  But we’re not allowed to bask in their domesticity for too long; a day later, after an exhausting day during which he and Dulac were asked to handle an upsetting custody exchange, Somers’ father shows up to throw several cats in among the pigeons.

Glennworth Somerset is front-runner in the upcoming mayoral elections (the lesser of two evils – it’s him or Naomi Malsho!) and wants to hire Hazard to find out who is behind the blackmail threats he’s begun to get recently.  Hazard is reluctant, but Somerset Snr. reminds him of a deal they struck a while back – and he’s calling in the debt.  But that’s not the only debt he’s collecting.  With the election just two weeks away, he reminds John of an agreement they reached (most likely over the loan to start Hazard’s business) and asks Somers to  temporarily move out of the house he shares with Hazard in an attempt to sway undecided voters who don’t like the idea of having a mayor with a queer son.  Knowing how many times Somers has raised the figurative finger to his parents, or told his father to plain fuck off, Hazard waits to hear it this time.  And waits.  But what he’s forgotten to take into account is that Somers, while having spent most of his life rebelling against his father, nonetheless craves his approval – and Somers, knowing it’s just a stunt and that nothing about it is real, misreads the situation and doesn’t say no.  Furious, hurt and utterly disgusted, Hazard storms out in an attempt to calm down – and returns home to find Somers already gone.

The day after Somers moves out, a young woman enters Hazard’s office saying she wants to hire him to find her missing sister.  Something about Courtney Vega is familiar, and Hazard realises that the sister she wants to find – Donna May Plenge – is none other than the antifa activist who disrupted the tree-lighting ceremony last Christmas and assaulted and threatened to kill a police officer (Police Brutality).  Donna has a history of sudden disappearances but she has always – so far – returned to Wahredua, and this last time, she made it clear she intended to stay for good, because she was going to stick around for her four-year-old daughter, Dolores, and possibly get back together with Dolores’ father, Josh Dobbs, the son of a local well-to-do family.  Dolores had, until recently been living with Donna’s parents, and is the little girl Somers and Dulac had to escort from her grandparent’s home the day before.  But Donna has disappeared again, and Courtney doesn’t believe she’s simply run off this time.

The mystery is complicated and of course nothing it as it seems.  None of the leads Courtney gives Hazard pan out; Donna isn’t at any of her local haunts, the last people to see her are all telling similar but not-quite-the-same stories, and it quickly becomes apparent that he’s been sent on a wild goose chase.  When a hunch leads him to find Donna’s body hidden in the boathouse on the grounds of the Dobbs’ residence, it’s time to call the cops.

The involvement of Somers (and Dulac) in the murder investigation sees Hazard and Somers having to find a way to work together, which isn’t easy, given that Hazard is still furious at Somers and hardly speaking to him.  At the same time, Hazard is working on the job he agreed to do for Somers’ father, and when his enquiries lead him to a bit of late night B&E, Somers insists on tagging along. This leads to one of the best scenes in the book, when the two of them slip effortlessly into their old patterns of working together.  It’s glorious and silly and funny and perfect; they’re feeling the old, familiar rhythm between them, and it’s the best either of them has felt in days.

The mystery is solved and the blackmailer is found  by the end, but as always in this series, Hazard and Somers and their complicated, angsty relationship are the big draw, and wow, is Gregory Ashe delivering an amazing story there.  I admit that when I read the synopsis for Wayward I worried I was going to end up disliking Somers (much as I love Hazard, Somers is my boy!) but that never happened, because Mr. Ashe does a superb job of not taking sides, showing that they’re both wrong and both right.  Somers doesn’t immediately see why what he’s agreed to is a big deal – he and Hazard are going to spend the rest of their lives together, so in the grand scheme of things, living apart for two weeks isn’t a long time.  It doesn’t take Somers long to realise he’s made a serious error of judgement, but Hazard’s refusal to communicate or engage makes it impossible for any attempt at hashing everything out.  The rumours about their ‘break-up’ being permanent which quickly start to circulate don’t help the situation, and only add to Hazard’s already big pile of insecurities.  Hazard sees Somers’ willingness to do as his father asks as a personal rejection and betrayal of everything they’ve built together, and on top of the hurt and fear and low self-esteem that’s been fostered by scumbags like Billy Rolker, the events of the previous summer and his continued refusal to admit to or get treatment for his PTSD, are making it harder and harder for Hazard to control his temper and his emotions. It’s like trying to keep a faulty lid on a pressure cooker; steam is leaking out around the edges and it’s only a matter of time until it blows.  And right now, that’s Emery Hazard.  His tendency to retreat inside himself and shut everyone out when his emotions start to get the better of him is increasing, in spite of his promise to try to be more open, so here, he just shuts down and shuts John out - and watching him spiralling out of control and getting so dangerously close to the edge in this book was a heart-breaking punch to the gut (please, Mr. Ashe, let him get some therapy soon!).

This is probably the closest the couple has come to a real split, and there are times it’s really difficult to see how they’re ever going to be able to pull back from the brink.  Yet scenes like the one I mentioned earlier really do help both of them to remember why they’re so good together, and a slow but solid rapprochement begins.

The other thread running through the story is one about father/son relationships.  Readers got some insight into Somers’ family dynamic in Paternity Case; he was something of a rebel, marrying Cora against their wishes, becoming a police officer instead of going to law school; he thumbed his nose at his parents every way he could, and yet it was also clear that he desperately wanted validation from his father.  In Reasonable Doubt, we met Frank Hazard, who is dying from cancer, and while the Hazard men’s relationship is different, the underlying theme of wanting a father’s approval isn’t too dissimilar.

And in the end, it’s family and those fraught relationships that finally seal the cracks in Hazard and Somers’ bruised hearts and battered relationship.  A family emergency forces some soul-searching and re-evaluation of what it means to be a family, and by the end of the novel – and in a lovely and somewhat whimsical final scene – Hazard and Somers recommit to each other all over again.

On top of all this, Darnell and Dulac are still on-off, Somers makes an unsettling discovery and the Keeper of Bees is still out there, just waiting to strike again.  Hazard is no closer to working out their identity (and neither are we) and I’m sure that by now, we’re all scrutinising the actions of every other character in each book and wondering if it could be them! (I have no idea, but I’m notoriously bad at working out whodunit!)

Wayward has plenty of the humour and snarky banter that are the hallmarks of the series – and the author’s work in general - but Emery and John spend a lot of the book on the outs, and it’s hard to read them hurting and wounding each other so badly.  But – and I know I’ve said this before – Gregory Ashe’s ability to focus in on what makes both men and their relationship tick is incredible, and the fact that he can pull off a story like this and make it so relatable and convincing is testament to his skill as an author.  If you’ve come this far with Ree and John, then you won’t want to miss this instalment in the Union of Swords series; just prepare yourself for a bumpy ride.

[L Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like the case in this one, but the drama between Hazard and Somers made up for it. I'm no longer mad at Nico, I feel terrible for the sheriff (and wish Hazard was a little nicer to him), Dulac is a creeper, Glenn is a shitty husband and father, and Evie screams too much. 3.5 stars, rounded up

[oshiiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ⭐️ Duh, this is crazy. Right? I'm obsessed with this series. I'm so scared to death when I think what should I read after finishing all Hazard and Somerset books.

Wayward is so intense. Omg, these two dumbasses!!! It's too much. I'm so exhausted. It's like a roller coaster ride. I thought ‘yeah, I should stop reading it for a while, just to clear my mind and loosen up’ But certainly, it didn't happen. Because this book is damn addictive.

Hazard and Somers are not perfect. Not even close. They are fighting for everything. But it's so glad to see how they solve their problems to keep the relationship because they love each other so much.
Hazard was hurt most of the time. He walled up his heart from everyone. He doesn't let anyone invade his privacy. But when he let his guard down, he will be the sweetest and kindest person you've ever known.

Oh my god, the last chapter!!! I'm dying. It's so perfect. Somers is so thoughtful even though sometimes his default mode is to be a moron. When I thought Hazard and Somers couldn't be sweeter, they always show me how wrong I was. I want to hug both of them. But I probably know that Hazard would push me. 😂

The mystery is engaging. I like how things went, and how Hazard handled everything with the case and Glenn Somerset.

I want Dulac to be partnered with someone else. I guess it's not too much to ask. I don't like him very much. 😒

I'm scared to read the next book. It's the last one of this journey. I think we can literally see who the hell has been playing games with Hazard.

[Claudie ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Still loved it, but it’s not my fave in this series. Why? One word: drama. So



much



unnecessary



fucking



DRAMA!!!



Relationship drama, family drama, ex drama, Dulac drama! Even Evie giving Hazard a princess makeover and Somers’s big gesture at the end were not enough to make me round it up.

[Nelly S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“I know I’m not good at expressing myself, but I was feeling… insecure, I guess. About our relationship. I still feel that way sometimes. Because I love you so much, and sometimes I think you’re going to wake up and realize this was just a phase and you’re ready to get back to the life you used to have.”

So I finished this over a week ago and was hoping that taking some time to digest it would allow me to write a coherent review. It hasn’t. Somers and Ree put me through even more of an emotional wringer than usual this time. The nonstop emotional drama. Small town politics galore. A custody case. A mystery with a love pentagon (Yup! Three women and two guys.) And keep in mind the ever-threatening Keeper of Bees…

Highlights
— Somers’ dad is an absolute dickhead and wields emotional blackmail remorselessly.
— Somers and Ree constantly ripped my heart apart during their separation, what with the fights, cold shouldering and interference from Wahredua people.
— Ree taking care of Evie turns me into mush.
— The shrink in the mystery is a major b*tch.
— Dulac is creepy and obsessive.
— OMG the suspense about the Keeper of Bees is killing me!

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has become an all time favorite series. There's so much going on in the world lately that I'm having a super hard time concentrating on reading anything. Once I started this though I was immediately drawn in to their world again and for the first time in months I was up half of the night reading.

I love these two and their both imperfect and yet perfect relationship.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shaky mystery.
They keep cutting out their hearts
then come back for more.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Just...wow. And also-what am I supposed to read after this? I always have the worst book hangover after a Hazard and Somerset book.

Gregory Ashe put my boys through the ringer in this penultimate book of the second Hazard and Somerset series.

They have come so far since book one of the first series. And while I never doubted they would get through the obstacles in this one and find their way back to each other, this was brutal. It hurt. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Ree and John were at odds for most of this book and got darn close to breaking up. Mr. Ashe has promised that the next book will be gentler on them and I’m so holding him to that!

“Wayward,” brought us back to a theme or subject that has haunted the books since the first series. Fathers. Father issues. You didn’t really think that Somer’s dad was going to forget about the favors both guys owed him from way back when did you? Well he didn’t and, “Wayward,” finds him cashing in those favors and causing a lot of grief in the process. Meanwhile, Hazard’s dad is dying which brings even more problems.

In the background, the Keeper of Bees is still loose and the next book will no doubt be about him. Or her? I have my theories as to who it is but have never been the best at solving mysteries, despite how many I read.

Other random thoughts and feelings:

-My babies might have given me heartache and worry in this one but I never stopped feeling how much they loved each other for even one second. And that ending? A million swoons and sighs. I honestly can’t think of another book couple who I adore more than these two.
-The central mystery was good. Not too much of the Ozark Volunteers/Bright Lights group. Which is always a good thing for me. They get old. The mystery also provided the opportunity for Ree and John to work together and be reminded of how well they do that.
-Nico. When he popped back up a book or two ago I groaned. But he’s actually not so bad anymore. Who knew?
-Dulac can still go jump off a cliff for all I care. Sorry not sorry. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I will be anxiously awaiting the next book. And while it will be the last book in this second series, I’m hopeful it won’t be the last we see of Hazard and Somerset. I would gladly read about these two for years to come.

** 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 are still incredibly hot. The feels are through the roof too. But I just wanted to put this out there in case it’s not what you are looking for. 😀**

[Kathleen in Oslo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another satisfying installment. The immediate source of the conflict between Somers and Hazard this time was so dumb, salvaged primarily by the fact that even Hazard admitted it (or more specifically: his reaction to it) was overblown. "I realize this is completely illogical but I can't help feeling this way, which pisses me off even more" is infinitely more sympathetic than pretending like the grievance is entirely legit.

Which is not to say that there isn't a legit underlying grievance here! While Somers' father's interference -- and the chain of reaction/ response/ snipe/ snipe-back it sets off -- is, on the face of it, trivial, the bigger issue is ofc Somers' relationship with his dad, set against Hazard's relationship with his dad, and the larger context of Somers going from town golden boy to town sort-of outcast once he shacked up with Hazard. It was the latter that I found most meaty.

Honestly, I am Team Hazard on the Somers' daddy issues: there is a real kicked-puppy feel to how Somers relates to his father, and while I sympathize on a human level, as a reader it gets tiresome since literally nothing in the 9 preceding books inclines us to have any investment in this extraordinarily dysfunctional, harmful relationship (indeed, quite the opposite: as a reader, I'd be delighted if Somers cut himself off from this toxic, gaslighting patriarch). Whereas less has been made of how Somers' life has changed as a result of being openly together with Hazard. In this arc, we've naturally gotten a lot of how Hazard's life has been turned upside down after the events of arc 1, but Somers has been primarily reactive. Here we're getting him being confronted with the fact that his social circle has decreased dramatically, and his easy, previously unquestioned place as the one everyone wants and loves is no longer valid. As Hazard points out, this is very high school -- why would you want to be friends with people who drop you because you're queer or because they still think of your partner as a bullied loser? -- but that doesn't make it less valid, because what Somers really misses isn't so much the individuals as the status. This isn't something that will be resolved over the course of one book; but insofar as there was an in-book resolution, it was a great one.

I am so curious about the article, and hope we circle back to it. I wanna know what it says!!!

I have also been curious about the redemption of Nico, who I hated in the first arc, but who I have gleaned from other sources eventually goes from horrible bf to horrible ex to actual friend. This is our first glimpse of how that might possibly happen. I am sceptical, but willing to be convinced. Maybe.

If this is really what a small town is like, consider me grateful that I didn't grow up in one and don't live in one. Nosy-ass people!

Love it when the crime is just a thinly veiled excuse to have a mental health professional absolutely flay Hazard and Somerset for their relationship dysfunction. I mean. She's not entirely wrong?

Dulac, buddy. There's a thin (practically non-existent) line between fratty bro and irredeemable asshole. You are on the wrong side of it. Get a hold of yourself, man.

On to book 5!

[Cyndi (hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slap on top of slap on top of slap! I'm so exhausted, I just can't. My investment in these characters might be unhealthy. Therapy is now at the top of my Christmas wish list. Maybe we can do a buy 4 get 1 free deal, because Hazard, Somers, Dulac and Darnell all need it too. We'll get a recommendation from Nico, who has somehow become the most well adjusted person in this series. Never saw that coming. And here we go:

Spoilers ahead because I need to vent.

1. I'm starting with Somers this time. I felt like there should have been more on the line for what he agreed to do for his dad. I thought maybe he was protecting Hazard in some way or actually repaying a debt, so when it came down to just wanting to please daddy dearest, one of those weird sounds that Hazard never knows how to describe got lodged in my throat. I'm sorry, no. I get that he was trying to bridge a gap between himself and his parents (who royally suck on so many levels and are completely undeserving), but he was creating an even bigger gap with the person who meant the world to him and hurting him really badly in the process. And when he suggested spending an hour doing PR crap with his parents BEFORE leaving town to be with Hazard's dad who was dying in hospice care...what the actual hell, Somers?

2. As much as I despised what Somers agreed to do, I was not a fan of how Hazard reacted to it either. I understood his frustration and hated the reality of what would happen to Hazard's reputation vs what would happen to Somers' because ain't that the sad truth? But he took all of that hurt out on Somers in really mean and vindictive ways, especially when it came to hanging out with Nico even though he knew it wasn't the right thing to do. I cut him a little more slack than Somers, though, because Hazard's insecurities are insecure and I'm not sure if he has ever allowed himself to truly believe that Somers won't eventually leave him. He was basically living in his own self-constructed nightmare for 2 weeks.

3. Dulac...stalker much? Holy crap. It was weird enough that he had all of those pictures, but the lengths he went to in order to get some of them were next level. I've got my eye on this guy. Don't think I didn't notice that he'd called in sick the day that note was left on Hazard's car. Darnell needs to go ahead and move on, or at the very least take out some additional life and property insurance. He has collateral damage written all over him.

4. Glenn Somerset is a tool. There is nothing worse than a bad guy that wins. I didn't like how this all worked out. Having him fake a loving relationship with his son is cruel to Somers. Sure you can say "you're going to mean it", but we all know he won't. He's way too self absorbed to change and it won't be easy to convince me otherwise.

5. I never mention Evie, so I just want to say that it's so nice to read a 3 year old who acts like a 3 year old. She doesn't read on a 4th grade level or have superior intelligence that makes her capable of speaking in complete sentences. She screams, throws fits, fights unfamiliar foods, speaks another language, is always sticky and makes huge messes. I love how soft she makes Hazard. Every moment with the two of them together is a gift.

6. This mystery was such a cluster, but in an interesting way. The moving pieces should have just accepted polyamory and lived together as one big happy (though dysfunctional) family. I'm not sure all of my questions were answered, but GA is good about coming back around to things, so I'll withhold judgement for now.

7. The last chapter ❤️❤️❤️.

End of spoilers!

Obviously these books make me emotional and when I read back through my reviews I realize that it might sound like I don't like what I'm reading, but I sooooooo do. I'm loving every torturous and beautiful moment spent with these two dummies and I can't believe I'm already starting the final book in this arc. It's finally time to find out who The Keeper of Bees is!

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the audio

4 stars for the story


That beginning though...
GA I wanted to have WORDS with you.

I knew it would all work out but dayum man. You really like to put your characters throught the wringer.

The case was interesting enough.

Evie was a breath of fresh air.

Somers was my baby who needed a hug and soup. That *grand gesture* was the cutest.

Somers' Dad can take a hike off a cliff.

Dulac and his boyfriend were cute.

Hazard.... I didn't like him in this book. He was just too mean to Somers. I know that Somers was also in the wrong here, but Hazard's jabs and actions were a bit too much for me. Although... bonus points for that list in the end. I totally had a big laugh.

All in all, a great book as always from GA.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to follow...as soon as I gather my words...cause right now I got none...or at least none that make sense...

I first stumbled across this series when some of my friends started reading it and the reviews were to say the least glowing and then I discovered that not only was it on audio but the narrator was one of my top five favs when it comes to audio books...so, needless to say I needed to check this out and now it's without a doubt I am seriously addicted to Hazard and Somerset.

Once again Tristan James has given voice to John Henry Somerset and Emery Hazard along with all the other characters we've met in the town of Wahredua creating a rich and vivid audio experience that checks all the boxes for me when it comes to what I look for in an audio book.

Here in the fourth book in the 'Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords' series the journey once again puts Emery and John Henry's relationship top the test. I spent most of the previous book frustrated beyond belief with John Henry Somerset and to be honest I'd hoped to see him get off of the hot seat this time around...well, what can I say hope springs eternal and while my frustration (interspersed with occasional bouts of rage) didn't last quite as long this time around I have to admit my loving and patient hubby was subjected to more than one suppertime diatribe about how John Henry screwed up this time.

The test begins when John Henry's father knocks on their door demanding that Emery deal with blackmail threats to his political aspirations and that John Henry move out of his and Emery's home to help further his political career. Much to Emery and my surprise and disappointment...John Henry does as his father request. Leaving things a bit strained between the two men. Add in that Emery's father is terminally ill and his health is failing fast, John Henry and Emery find themselves once again working together to solve a murder case and the fact that John Henry's partner on the force and one of Emery's Ex's is are both still trying to stir things up between these two men and it's not hard to imagine their relationship going up in flames.

For me it comes down to the fact that these are two strong willed people and it's inevitable that their wills are going to clash add in things that are beyond their control...things like family and friends whose intentions are questionable at best and you've created a relationship minefield.

I've told myself after and before each book that I'm not going to got so emotionally invested and I cannot lie I've decided that I need to pick my battles and this is one that I'm not going to win. I'm invested in these stories...in this couple in spite of the fact that at times things feel toxic between these two men, I can't help but continue to believe that ultimately these two men will find a way to make things work for them and that ultimately they'll get the happiness that they deserve.

I think the hardest stories to read are those that truly invoke the readers emotions making them feel what characters in the story are feeling, especially when those emotions aren't the kind that inspire sunshine and rainbows. I don't think any of us are immune to feelings that inspire sunshine and rainbows, but for me it's those other emotions that can truly test an author's writing skills. Not that it's impossible but it's definitely harder to make me cry or feel anger and rage when I'm reading a story because I know that at the end of it all chances are things will work out and those characters that I've come to care about so much ultimately will be ok, but sometimes even if we know the destination, it's the journey that leaves us wrecked and Gregory Ashe has once again delivered one heartbreaking and gut wrenching journey with this addition to the series.

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An audio book for "Wayward" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.75 stars

This is definitely top of my list for one of the best Hazard and Somerset books. There are a lot of books to choose from starring these men and for Ashe to keep the momentum going with detailed and in-depth character development sets this series apart. It’s Hazard and Somers that drives this series for me, and this book devoted more personal time with them. The fracture in their relationship happens early on as Somers agrees to temporarily move out. For as stoic and emotionally unavailable as Hazard is most of the time, he is a complete wreck. For as much as Hazard and Somers truly love each other, they can hurt each other every day and the cuts they inflict on each other run deep.

Hazard and Somers get pulled into more town politics as Somers’ father runs for mayor and they become the town gossip. Hazard is trying to drown some of it out and get his PI business going, which sets him on a case of a missing woman that is somewhat familiar to him. Ashe keeps the intrigue and the tension high with this case as he crosses it over with their personal lives and made a long book intense and difficult to put down.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read June 2022

Absolutely loved it! The wait for the next book is killing me!

[Em Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is definitely my least favorite in the series thus far. I’m going to get into spoiler territory so be warned…

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This book frustrated me for a number of reasons and quite frankly none of them were good. In this installment we see John-Henry’s father, Glenn, make some high demands of his son and Emery as repayment for favors they had asked of him. He first wants to hire Emery to find the incriminating evidence his opponent is blackmailing him with as part of the recent Mayoral election. And secondly, he wants John-Henry to move out and live in a local inn for 2 weeks in an effort to boost his campaign image. John-Henry agrees and as can be imagined this causes a very LARGE riff in his and Emery’s relationship. A few thoughts…

- The believability that John would agree to this jumped the shark too much for me. I know the daddy issues are DEEP with him, but this felt like a moment of contrived drama where it side-stepped characterization too much.

- Throughout the book we’re supposed to believe that Emery, to a degree, is being unreasonable with his anger about this because he also agreed to the arrangement. Um where the hell did he agree?? Like point me to the page because all remember reading was him shocked, dismayed, and silent. Absence of a no does not mean yes!

- Due to the above points, the chasm in their relationship got to a point where it felt too big. It started to make me feel like “you know what, maybe they do need time apart” which judging by the ending I don’t think was the intention.

- Lastly, the ending did not give me any warm and fuzzies. It felt too pat and like the two of them barely scratched the surface of their deeply rooted issues. I just couldn’t buy John caring that much about connecting with his family to throw a grenade like that in his relationship. It also felt like Emery was too forgiving (sorry but it’s true!) I know they are probably getting married soon, but like hmm maybe they need to hit pause? 😬

- The blackmail reveal irritated me even though I had a feeling it was coming because it was such a non-plot. Again, Emery was too forgiving!

Outside of the above, the main case was not that interesting to me. I also didn’t love the Nico and Dulac subplots mostly because they, like so many things in this book, felt contrived and pointless. I still have my suspicions on Dulac and one other person 🤨

Even though I’m complaining a lot, it definitely wasn’t all bad. I enjoyed the subplot regarding Emery’s father and parents. I think Emery’s arc in this was both sad and interesting and I really felt for him so much. I also enjoyed his interactions with Evie.

Despite my annoyance I still am highly invested in these dummies and I’m hoping future relationship angst feels a bit more rooted in reality to who these two are 😅❤️

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aaaaahhhhhhh!!!!! This book made me so angry! My poor sweet Emery just does not get a break. I wanted to throat-punch the entire Somerset family. I still kind of do. Dulac too. I really just don't get him. I really want him to be the Killer of Bees, but I’m sure he won't be, but I really do want him to be and for Darnell to find happiness with someone else. Great, helpful review, right?

[Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유 · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I love Hazard and Somerset, this was one wasn't my favorite. I was very disappointed in the way that Somers treated Hazard and how he let him be humiliated in front of the town. It didn't sit right with me at all. I know Hazard said some heinous things to Somers but that was because the pain caused him to lash out. There is no doubt that these two love each other but they are emotionally inept and they have atrocious communication skills. I wish these two would get some counseling but after what happened in this book, I can't see Hazard going for it at all.

Somers's dad is a serious piece of shit and I truly thought he was holding something over John-Henry's head to make him leave. I was sorely disappointed in the reason John-Henry made the decision.

Although I am still not a fan of Nico and it's obvious that he still holds a candle for Hazard, I didn't mind him in this book as much and he had definitely mellowed out some. I still don't think he should be hanging out with Hazard because it is inappropriate, but he WAS the only person to sit and listen to Hazard when he needed it and everyone else just shunned him.

Dulac, on the other hand, really pissed me off. It was beyond painfully obvious that he had a thing for Somers from the start and he was trying his damndest to convince Somers that he should leave Hazard. I hope after what happened here he will keep out of their business now, but I am not holding my breath. I was heartbroken for Darnell. He deserved better than Dulac but for whatever reason he really liked him. I couldn't understand why he would put up with Dulac's histrionics but whatever.

The mystery wasn't bad but it was mostly just background for the relationship issues that the guys were having.

I love these guys but Somers crossed a line that I didn't know if I could come back from. His grand gesture was sweet but it shouldn't have had to happen.

I am sure the next book will be crazy because it's called Keeper of Bees and since there hasn't been much about that I think it will be bad. I heard that there will be another series about these guys in the new year and I will be right there for it because I am invested in them, but the author wants to do some other projects and I totally understand why.