The Rational Faculty

Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords #1

by Gregory Ashe

Three months have passed since Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset faced a madman and lived to tell about it.

Three months have passed since Emery Hazard resigned from his job as a detective.

Three months can be too long and too short, all at the same time.

On Halloween, a professor at the local college is murdered in his apartment, in front of dozens of witnesses. Then the killer disappears. Somers is assigned the case—and a new partner.

While Somers investigates the murder, Hazard struggles to find purpose in his new freedom. Despite his decision to stay away, he finds himself drawn to the case. But he’s no longer police, and in the small town of Wahredua, not all of his former colleagues are happy to see him investigating another crime.

When the sheriff’s son and husband go missing, though, the case becomes more complicated than either Hazard or Somers had expected. And soon they learn that someone else is manipulating events in Wahredua.

Someone who is very interested in Emery Hazard.

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

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 27, 2019

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

“Evie, baby,” Somers said, sliding his daughter off Hazard’s shoulders and into his arms. “Are you ok?”
“Dee Dee eat all my candy.”
Somers raised an eyebrow.

Welp! These two have grown but are still just Hazard and Somers.

I have a suspicion that Greg's fav is Somers. My poor big baby giant Hazard has been put through hell. He deserves a break in Relative Justice. Please!!


************************************************
Audiobook - 4 stars

Story - 5++++ stars

I can't believe it, but i enjoyed the Audiobook.



Tristan James voice fit so well with the characters. I am happy that he did give the characters distinct voices. This time it was good and i see we are headed in a good direction. I listened to it in one sitting.



This was so enjoyable. I had missed Hazard and Somers and Gregory Ashe came back with a bang for the second chapter of their story. The writing is great as always. I was engaged from chapter one and just couldn't stop. Nerdy documentary loving Hazard is one of the best characters ever and my all time favorite. Somers and his happy go lucky attitude is the only one who can stand Hazard. These two fit so well.



The story picks up months after Criminal Past and it was nice to experience the world of Hazard and Somers after the events of Criminal Past. Everything felt realistic. I was there with them through it all. My peanut heart ached for them and rejoiced for them at the same time. The relationship development is evident and i enjoyed being part of it. To me Hazard and Somers feels like coming home. I am more than satisfied being home.

The mystery had me guessing all through. Hazard's involvement was hilarious at times. He had me loling hard.

I love, love Hazard and Evie's relationship. Makes my heart melt every-time they are on page together. They are so cute.



Overall, this was an enjoyable story with an equally enjoyable audio book performance.

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!

Dammit Ashe!!!!

Those are the words I yelled when I read the last line of this book. My heart! How can you end the book like that when my guys were having that conversation! I swiped for the next page only to realize there wasn't another one. You wound me, lol. I can honestly say I am very excited for the next book, but for now, lets talk about this one.

This was probably one of the more emotional books this author has put out about this couple. It's very raw, honest, and sometimes heartbreaking. I love that this author still has this couple working on their relationship. It keeps it relatable and real. And their relationship is truly tested in this book. They were really going through it in this one. Emery's mind is a scary place to be in this book. He is going through an internal Hell. The more he stays in his head and doesn't address his issues the darker it gets in there. He's struggling with his retirement and where he fits in this new life. John sees it and is struggling with how to help Emery. It doesn't help that he doesn't let John in. Their relationship is strained. Emery is pulling further and further away mentally and it soon starts to affect them physically. The distance between these men is almost touchable.
I have to say Somerset's new partner Gray, did bring some comic relief with his fraternity vocabulary. He likes to throw out those "bro's" and comes off as an over eager pleaser. I loved him on page with Hazard. The man was annoyed with Gray and his way of speaking that it had me in fits of giggles with how Emery reacted to the man. Plus he's young, gay, and attractive with all his freckles so Hazard might be feeling a little jealous.
The investigation was really good. I was totally interested how Emery and John would work it together with him being retired. But Ashe weaved this story and their way to interact on the investigation with each other perfectly. It was a really great mystery. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book to see Hazard work his magic to figure the rest out.

I'm thrilled these men have more books to come because I think I've gushed to just about anyone who will listen how much I love these guys and their story. I also gush about this author because his writing is my jam. I've loved every book I've read of his. If you haven't read about these men I strongly recommend you do.


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

[Mila · Rating 5 out of 5]

***5.0 rating***

“Ree. Baby. Precious brilliant Neanderthal with whom I have for some reason fallen totally in love.”

Hazard studied his boyfriend. “I can’t tell if that’s an insult or a compliment.” 🤣😂😂

This book was pure perfection. I think it is my favorite book of this series. You will see why 😉.

Summary:

Our favorite duo are back at it again, but this time around things are somewhat different.

After the nightmare that Hazard and Somers had to deal with in the Criminal Past, they are both left dealing with the aftermath. Hazard is not himself and neither is Somers. The nightmare from the last book, left even the reader traumatized, but the mains are far more traumatized than we are.

In the last book, Hazard decided that he no longer wants to work for Law Enforcement. I mean who can blame him? The shit with Mickey Grames, Jeff, Mayor Sherman Newton would leave anyone unhinged and devastated.

In this book, Hazard is unemployed and playing house with Somers. He is playing a domesticated role which we as a reader are not used to. He cooks for Somers, hangouts with Evie, and fixes anything in the house he has now bought with Somers. Yes, our babes are now living together in a house 😭🤧. Talk about growth and cuteness. But as a reader you can tell that Hazard is not himself, and is dealing with the unspoken trauma from the last book. Hazard, the big grump that he is has a huge ego. So, of course he won't admit that he needs help, professional help. He desperately needs it. His depression and trauma signify signs of PTSD. His mental health has taken a toll and it's affecting his relationship with Somers.

Somers is battling his own demons. Ever the sweetheart, Somers often masks his sadness with goofiness or attempting to be constantly positive. He no longer works with his lover/partner Hazard. They were the perfect duo, professionally. Of course, they weren't without flaws but they truly worked well together but Hazard has decided that he cannot work in the force anymore. It is understandable and you cannot help but feel sympathy for both characters.

Somers struggles at work and with his new partner, Gray Dulac who is a new hire replacing Hazard. The work dynamic for Somers is hard because Hazard from his perspective, was the one who always solved the cases. Even though Somers always contributed just as much. His co-workers always give him shit and Somers is adjusting to working without his Hazard. Working with Gray is interesting. The new character comes across as a frat bro and is not really likeable. Idk what to make of him yet.

There are weird things happening in the town. A new case. A new mayor and new suspects. Also, new murders, multiple in fact. It is not a GA book without murder and suspense.

There is a lot of romance in this book. Thank you GA. I truly loved their relationship development ( I'll talk about them in the next section).

As a reader, expect to be awed, annoyed, and on edge. This book had all of those factors. I hope you enjoy it.

Ree and John💕💕:

The romance in this book was everything. After, reading the last six books and anticipating these two getting together in the last series, this book is everything. Their relationship and romance is in my opinion, the focus and the heart of this book. There is passion, vulnerability, and relatablity. What I mean by relatablity is that these two face problems that most couples face. Communication is a huge issue with these two and they resolve it eventually. Somers is such a sweetheart in this book. His patience with Hazard just leaves you in awe. These two are the definition of lovers. They love each other deeply and there are many moments in the book that we get to see them be vulnerable with each other😍😍🤧.

There are times when they both feel insecure in the relationship and jealousy arises. Those moments were really hot. The make up scenes are to die for 🤭.

My favorite moment of these two is when Somers buys an office for Hazard, where he can pursue his new career as a private investigator. It was such a great ending. I am concerned as to what he promised his dad in order to get the loan but I guess that's a story for another day.

Overall Thoughts:

This was a very enjoyable book. I loved all the moments with Ree and John. Their relationship development was everything. I also loved the realistic portrayal of the mental health issues that Hazard was dealing with. It sucked to see him struggle but it was such a great moment when he admitted to John that he did in fact need help, professional help. I liked seeing him coming back from depression. I gather he still has a long way to go in that department. I just loved seeing such a big man like Hazard who is such a strong character with pride and ego become vulnerable. Their romance was the heart of the book. I loved every moment.

The case/mystery was ok. It didn't bore me but it was secondary to me, in terms of engagement. Many interesting characters and questions that I hope will be answered in the next book/series.

All in all, a truly 5 🌟 read. I really enjoyed this one. I cannot seem to take a break from this series 🤭 I tried and failed lol.

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

WARNING: I'm about to get mushy. You've been warned.

There aren't many authors who can craft a universe and characters to inhabit said universe that I not only enjoy reading about but also feel like I know.

Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset have become two of my favorite people and this may be my favorite H&S book so far. They are perfect in their imperfection. They are getting better though and that progression and growth shows how much time and effort Ashe has put into developing them as characters. Obviously, it goes without saying that them being crazy, stupid in love with each other does my squishy marshmallow heart all kinds of good, but the fact that they get it wrong fairly regularly is precisely what makes them "real" people to me, and the fact that they keep trying is what I love about them.

There are quite a few of those getting it wrong moments in this one and by golly when Hazard gets it wrong he gives it 💯 percent. Though to be fair, Hazard is in a really bad place for the majority of this book so I would caution anyone who struggles with depression to know yourself and your limits.

It's not all heavy though. As a matter of fact, I think I chuckled more reading this one than any of the prior books. Hazard's grouchiness is turned up to lethal levels. It was fantastic! I particularly enjoyed his interactions with Dulac. And when he made the girl squeak. And when he told Somers that he had crow's feet. 🤣😂 That whole scene was epic.

Speaking of Dulac... I really, and I do mean really, wasn't sold on his frat boy antics but I'll be damned if that joker didn't grow on me. Like a fungus, but still.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn't talk about this case which had me talking to my kindle. I think that says more than anything else I could possibly say. Though, full disclosure, it's left unfinished, so you know what that means?

Directly to Police Brutality for me! My apologies to all the books I've agreed to review but we're in the middle of a pandemic and Cupcake needs all the comfort she can get so... FUCKEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!

[alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

the installment of leaking sinks, dark spirals into a deep depression, and its chain of impact on those around us.

read on the heels of the most emotional back-to-back whipping that is Reasonable Doubt and Criminal Past, The Rational Faculty completes the emotional trifecta with directionless Hazard and that devastating mockery of human life in the last scene.

Hazard. wearing the badge meant the world to him. in the storm of abusive men eager to belittle and tear him down every which way to Sunday out of some sick self-gratification, on duty was likely the only time he was not taught to hate who he was, and instead, allowed to foster a sense of competency closing cases with the mind he’s so often ridiculed for. to have that enduring lifeline cut off cold turkey, no wonder he’s floundering.

we see it in the way he busies himself with menial tasks to skirt the true problem at hand; slips on an unruffled mask even if his hollow reality can be summed up by the number of steps between rooms; stares into the abyss until another day has gilded right on by; entertains passive fantasies of non-existence, if only to set down life’s travails for a time; allows the festering internal guilt to manifest as self-hatred, disgusted with feeling the way he does despite being blessed with warmth and comfort and love; avoids sharing any of his burden on others because he fears they will choose to leave him and that would be the final straw. but sometimes he simply can’t muster the energy and cracks break through the façade. why care? he lashes out, says words he can never take back. then the self-hatred floods his systems and they kick into overdrive and he’s so far gone in the fear that he’s steered loved ones past that final line of no return. the poisonous cycle loops around on its tenuous track time and time again, until something eventually gives.

it’s exceptional. the cream of the crop. Greg straight-out nails that lost at sea with no rudder feel.

Somers. i really felt for him as the loved one at a loss for how to “fix” things. the stomach-dropping fear of losing Hazard dictates so much of his behavior, and it's palpable to the reader every time he draws out his route home and delays opening the door so as to deny the possibility of his worst case scenario coming true. it’s crystal clear his continuous claims of handling A, B, and C are his desperate, fumbling attempts at regaining some semblance of control in a crumbling situation that he’s stumped on how to handle. what do you do when the person you love becomes an empty husk of who they once were? how do you help someone who shuts you out? the scenes where Hazard forces past the ringing distress keeping his walls up to reach out to Somers and explain how he feels (such as the business card), and then the one toward the end where Somers just breaks down because he's only known helplessness and fear for months were devastatingly well-written.

the additional angle of having to face the brunt of the criticism at work painted on another layer of discord. for golden-boy Somers, the constant mocking creates a humiliating strain on his own pride, even if he knows at heart that Hazard’s investigative choices were never made in an attempt to undermine Somers’ abilities or authority. not that they pin themselves as rivals, but regardless, there is a tinge of professional jealousy that can't be erased so easily.

the final Keeper scene. i remember being so excited for Rory and Phil to join H&S’s growing band of friends (aka group of people Hazard can somewhat tolerate), only for them to be upsettingly and gruesomely posed like playthings. i can’t describe how painful it was to read Sheriff Engels's initial breakdown. all he wanted was for his only son to see that things do indeed change, and now he has to live with the regret of moving to this godforsaken place and inviting his son and son-in-law to come visit. the sheer brutality had me bawling my eyes out the first round, and i couldn’t resist watering plants with my salty tears on take 2. what i'm trying to say is, have gallons of water beside you from Reasonable Doubt on and sippy mcsippyton your way to a life as dehydration-free as you can have.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･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 ➜ 3.9⭐
The Keeper of Bees - 4.75 ➜ 5⭐

--- original review ---

Somers was transformed in front of him. The blond man looked lit up from the inside, his perfect features radiant, a huge, dumbass smile on his face. A thousand years ago, Hazard thought in a distant corner of his mind, men had seen angels like this.

I swear Hazard’s POV has some of the most romantic lines I'm-

[4.7] Gregory Ashe has me riding a violent, almost nauseating rollercoaster of emotions, and yet as is my masochistic nature, I don’t want off.

The depiction of Hazard & Somers’ internal and interpersonal struggles here was brilliant and the visceral pain could be felt from the words on the page like knife on skin.

These insecure buffoons don’t always match up on the communication front, but in the most realistic of ways that had me hooked on their interactions. Seeing genuine progress and them coming out stronger because of it? Hits the spot, my friends 😌👌

I must say the beginning was incredibly difficult to tackle from a personal standpoint, being on the tail end of my own escape from The Pit. The depiction of Hazard’s descent into a deep depression from both his and Somers’ perspectives attacked from both angles:

- With Hazard: the false notion that you can’t feel sad because you’re blessed with a roof over your head, food on the table, and someone who loves you; how lost you feel without a sense of purpose; the necessity to put on a happy front and hide your emptiness from loved ones so they won't have to worry. Don’t forget to tack on the lingering PTSD from July’s morbid events ringing deafeningly clear in Hazard's ears (this man needs a therapist for Christmas).

- With Somers: the uncertainty of how to reach out to someone spiraling into darkness, the fear that you'll eventually lose them, the haunting sentiment that you're failing them by not knowing exactly what they need. Not to mention the guilt eating away at him in regards to Hazard's badge.

It was so captivating to watch them navigate their new dynamic, particularly after Hazard is privately hired to investigate the same murder as Somers and they clash professionally, with Somers receiving heat and jabs from coworkers that he’s nothing without Hazard's intellect. I adored this realistic tension with every cell in my body.

A (luke)warm welcome to Gray Dulac, the newest addition to the police squad who is basically the walking stereotype of frat dudebro, fist bumping his way in and out of every conversation and having no qualms sharing his extensive sexual history. It's almost kind of endearing how he fanboys over the duo, and I reluctantly admit that he's growing on me. Like a fungus. But he's not off my sus radar just yet: pick a side Dulac, and choose wisely 🤨

We also got a brief introduction to our esteemed psychotic killer of the series who comes in asking “Do you like games?” as if this were a Saw reboot 🤪🔪 (Me: Ummm that'd be a hard no.)

The Hannibal-like body posing, the torture methods, and of course the bees (really gives a new meaning to “hive mind” hah….too soon? 😬), gruesome yet disturbingly intriguing....

Lastly, hello to Bright Lights aka Ozark Volunteers 2.0 where countless cis white men continue to go “woe is me” but in a more palatable-for-the-public(?) way. On top of an incompetent police force that we can never seem to escape, the mystery had its frustrating parts but was enough to keep me engaged. Wahredua is the ultimate conglomeration of extremist radicals, and the only thing you can really think at the end of the day is this town needs an enema. A hearty one.

Putting this specific point aside, that ending….🥺 (But also *shaking Somers* WHY ARE YOU GIVING YOUR DAD SOMETHING TO HOLD OVER YOUR HEAD???)

Lemme eat ice cream straight from the carton in true Somers fashion while I continue to float in this vast ocean of H&S suffering 😔🍨

[Lisazj1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. And here I was thinking this series would be a little less fraught with angst and pain. How stupid of me. In all seriousness, I may not survive Hazard and Somers. I guess we all have to die sometime though, right? ;)

Hazard and Somers have left the events of their last case behind and moved on. They've bought a house together, Somers is back at the Wahredua PD and Hazard is adjusting to life taking care of the house, and Somers. And relaxing, finally. Except that he isn't. Everything I feared when Ree resigned, and then some, is what happens. And John knows something is wrong but he doesn't know what, and he doesn't know how to fix it.

The beginning of the book is just as dark and wrenching as anything they've gone through before, and maybe even more so. Both guys are struggling. It's pretty clear that Ree is suffering some degree of PTSD from all that happened before and for the first time, John doesn't know what to do. Then both a new partner for John and a new case comes along, and when John brings it home, it's like Ree wakes up and all of a sudden, he's interested. As the case progresses, it becomes clear that somebody is interested in Hazard too.

No matter how bad things do get, one thing that's clear is Ree and John need each other and their connection is more intense and volatile in a way it hasn't been before. And though they absolutely put each other through the wringer this time, by the end *thank God* their relationship feels even stronger. Ree was able to finally trust John with things about himself that he'd held back before and I think they both needed that.

These guys both have so many damn issues, they do & say things the wrong way and sometimes I just want to bang their heads together, see if that won't knock some sense loose. But they both never stop caring, and they always want to do what's right, even when it costs them.

And one of my favorite things? I love how excited Emery Hazard gets about his dry as dust documentaries, and how completely uninterested *but amused* Somers is over it all. <3

The writing every bit as sharp as I've come to expect from Gregory Ashe and the plot is fast paced, tense and compelling as always. I cannot put these stories down and I resent every minute I have to. As a note for the audiobook, I have to give props to Tristan James, who gave perfect voice to Hazard and Somers. He made the story live and breathe for me and I'm really looking forward to seeing where our guys go from here.

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

[L Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

"John, did you hear what I said? I need you. I am totally, inconceivably fucking dependent on you. Sometimes I need you so much that it feels like I’m being ripped apart inside.”

“Yeah, dummy. It’s called being in love.”

🤭🤭🤭

What a great way to start the second series.
5 stars

Read Count: 2

[Annery · Rating 5 out of 5]

***REREAD/RELISTEN 9/2/21 -- 9/4/21 ***

Nothing to add to my original review but that I once again went in deeper with the relationship & characters. The story was, as usual, ingenious and cleverly sets up the overarching theme & case for this arc in the H&S universe. I double loved it. Again.

***FIRST READ 8/3/20 -- 8/4/20***

There are things, places, people, food etc that, without having tried you know will be for you. When I started seeing the Hazard & Somers series pop up on my feed I got that feeling, without having read anything but a cursory glance at the blurb(s), that it was my brand of good. I was right. The first arc was all about (besides the individual mysteries and the overarching one) two very different people coming together despite the odds: a shared fraught history, individual experiences, self-doubt, and a town (representative of society at large) laced with abhorrent & venal people. Their connection is undeniable. The ride was like the best rollercoasters, scary & exhilarating. So what does Gregory Ashe do for a follow up? Going by this first installment of A Union of Swords, a gloves off examination of the real work of relationship building once the 'I Love You's' have been exchanged, after the curtain drops, and HEA is all but certain. Brilliant.

As in the previous arc we get one case and the groundwork for the overarching one. They're both fine but being honest I'm not here for that. I'm here for Hazard's brilliant mind, which somehow makes him blind to his own appeal, his thoughts & opinions, not always flattering, and oft times expressed out loud, about people, humanity, and situations. I'm here for John-Henry, so sure of everything, of his place in the world but flailing like a fish out of water when it comes to Emery. I love everything about them. I could read scenes of them just lounging at home reading the paper (Emery) and having ice cream for breakfast (John-Henry) and I'd be happy. They've crossed over onto my shortlist of fictional characters I'm sure I may encounter on any given day, maybe at the market or just walking down the street, Emery would of course be aloof and John-Henry would gift me with a smile. One can dream. Be glad GA doesn't ask me for writing advice. Instead he continues the deepening characterization of the town of Wahredua, Wroxall's academic community, their counterparts, The Ozark Volunteers, and more importantly the relationship between Hazard & Somers. Emery struggling to redefine himself after the events in Criminal Past, and Somers trying to be supportive without really knowing how. My favorite parts where the small, domestic, intimate scenes: Hazard holding Somer's hand in the park, almost in wonder, because he has to, the banter over what books Emery has on his nightstand, and his 'disdain' over the fact that John reads novels, or Hazard explaining what it feels like to love someone so completely:

"Like I'm not jus me anymore. Like I'm all tied up with him, and sometimes, being tied up with him is the only thing holding me together, holding me in place."

or John's more practical reaction:

HAZARD: "John, did you hear what I said? I need you. I am totally, inconceivably fucking dependent on you. Sometimes I need you so much that it feels like I'm being ripped apart inside."
SOMERSET: "Yeah, dummy. It's called being in love." He rolled a finger, the come on motion. "I love you too. Now, let's go."

The new additions to the cast, like Dulac (holding judgement) and seeing more of Rebeca, Noah, a their brood is all very welcome. Color me thrilled.

ps. I paired the paperback with the AB by Tristan James because I had it and he's grown on me. Women still elude him, his voice just isn't fit for that. Can't win them all.

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

Reread March 2020

So glad I reread this before plunging into books 2 and 3.
And I was left as breathless as the first time! Such amazing writing!
I was a bit more aware of the threat against Hazard this time, and knowing that the author is also eerily good at scary (the last third here shows that again!) I am already biting my nails with a view of what’s going to happen next!

Original review:

Absolutely brilliant.

I must admit I was more than wary about an ‘extension’ of the six-book ‘Hazard and Somerset’ series. With the same two MCs at the centre of action again. I’ve seen spin-offs of wonderful series gone sideways too often, and I really didn’t want to see the original in a ‘watered down’ version.

I needn’t have worried. Gregory Ashe doesn’t only give us progression, but tons of depth and further character development. When we left Hazard and Somers at the end of book 6, they'd just started building a life together. And this new series shows us what happens next.

And a lot of things happen.

There is the intense and increasingly intriguing mystery plot, with one part seemingly arcing the whole of this new series. Someone has it out for Emery Hazard in a big way. And I dread to think what’s ahead for both of our guys.

And, to my utter delight, we get tons of Hazard and Somers. Unsurprisingly, they did not set off into the sunset of easy, eternal happiness after book 6. The events of the past still throw shadows over both men, old hang-ups and insecurities rear their ugly heads, and Hazard has got his own demons to face. Losing his job in book 6 has certainly left him in a very dark place.

But the difference now is that Hazard and Somers are together, and even if they make mistakes and have (serious) fights, they draw strength from each other. Neither man would even think of letting the other go and most importantly – they talk, which isn’t easy for either and so different from what they used to be.

And that’s what I loved most. Their relationship is one in progress, and what they go through feels real and relevant. I have to take my hat off to the author yet again. This is truly awesome writing.

If you loved the first six books, this is a must.
It made me love Hazard and Somers even more, if that’s possible – and their banter is truly special!

[oshiiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ‘Ree and John’ stars ⭐️ Omg, I'm dying right now. How can I bear the sweetness and intensity between my babies? I didn't expect them to be so fucking right. They are brilliant, magnificent, and amazing. I want to say it loud. They are fucking amazing together, and I haven't seen any couple that makes my heart rate up as Somers and Hazard do. I cried. I laughed. I chuckled. I terrified. That's right. I'm an emotional wreck right now.

I abso-fucking-lutely love the last line of the book. It caused me to jump out of my chair, and I screamed. They are going to do it. Right? I'm so happy for them :)

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that Gregory Ashe has quickly become one of my favourite authors.  I first came to his Pretty Pretty Boysin a “Coming Soon” list at Audible and requested a copy to review for AudioGals… and was completely hooked on the author’s style of gritty, twisty suspense - and even more hooked on the angsty, screwed-up relationship between the two leads and the gradual revelation of their complicated history.  I continued reading and listening to the series, which went from strength to strength as Hazard and Somers worked some difficult and dangerous cases, building trust and a friendship of sorts before finally facing up to the truth; that they’ve wanted each other since they were sixteen years old but a history like theirs is far from easy to overcome.

Criminal Past, book six in the series, brought a number of interlocking story arcs to a close and ended with Hazard and Somers – who had both been through hell – pretty banged up, but alive and finally feeling as though the past had been laid to rest and ready to move forward with their lives together.  Three months after those traumatic events however, things are far from perfect.  The guys have bought a house together, they share the parenting of three-year-old Evie with her mother, Somers’ ex-wife, and Hazard knows he should be happy. But he’s struggling with the fact that he’s no longer a detective – he sacrificed his own career in order to save Somers’ at the end of the last book – and is finding it difficult to deal with his unemployed status and with the PTSD he’s experiencing as a result of the events that went down in the summer with Mikey Grames.   Hazard’s deep seated insecurities about his attractiveness and self-worth – fostered by previous boyfriends who treated him like crap – only make things worse; he’s waiting for Somers to decide he’s not worth it and walk away.  He’s desperately trying to pretend everything is fine, although Somers – of course – knows exactly what Hazard is doing but is at a loss as to what to do to help him.  He feels guilty that he’s still got his job and Hazard doesn’t, and he’s also taking quite a ribbing from his colleagues, almost all of whom make jokes about the fact that Hazard was the brains of their partnership and that Somers is all but useless without him – and he’s keeping it to himself, not wanting to rock the boat at home or make Hazard feel worse than he already does. They’re treading on eggshells around each other, not wanting to say or do something to make things worse but not knowing how to make things better, and it’s heart-breaking, especially considering what they went through in finally finding their way to one another.  It’s also brilliantly and completely in character for the two of them; although they’ve got better at communicating about the things that matter, they’ve both fallen back on their old patterns and are hiding behind façades of “it’s fine”;  although their physical scars may have healed, the mental ones have not, and they’re floundering.

Somers has been back at work for a little while, and his latest case involves a murder at Wroxall College where the victim - a professor - was stabbed to death at a Halloween costume party.  For a crime that took place in a crowded place, there are surprisingly few witnesses,  there’s little evidence and  the perpetrator escaped easily.  And those witnesses with anything to offer are reticent, hostile and uncooperative by turns, so with nothing but dead-ends on the horizon, Somers – knowing that perhaps he shouldn’t – talks things through with Hazard, the best detective he knows. As Hazard’s mind begins to work along familiar lines, finding patterns and making connections, he finds himself engaged for the first time in months, a renewed sense of purpose energising him and helping him to, at least for a little while, keep his demons at bay.  He listens to Somers, offers advice, but then, acting on his own instinct, makes an important discovery  - one which complicates his relationship with Somers (giving rise to yet more ribbing and embarrassment) and with the Wahredua PD in general.  And when Hazard is approached by one of the witnesses in the case and asked to investigate the murder separately from the police, it complicates things between Hazard and Somers even more and further threatens their already fragile relationship.

Once again, Gregory Ashe has penned a wonderfully complex and gripping murder mystery with twists, turns and red-herrings a-plenty and has very cleverly found a way to keep Hazard and Somers working a case – and together for most of the book – despite their change in circumstances.   But as with the other books in the series, the whole thing – the novel, the investigation – pivots around the ups and downs of the central relationship, characterised by Mr. Ashe’s unerring ability to zero in on what makes these guys tick and to examine, with pinpoint – and sometimes painful – accuracy, their flaws and insecurities.  He has the most amazing ability to peel back layer after layer to reveal raw truths and hurts that feel so very real – and those moments when Hazard and Somers are finally able admit to those truths and hurts are among the very finest – and favourite – moments in the book.

I’ve said elsewhere that one of the things that has made the Hazard and Somerset books so refreshing to read is the fact that this is one of only a few series I can think of that doesn’t end once the central couple gets together.  Here, we’re shown what happens after the ILYs and how, in the case of this particular couple, there’s still a lot of work to do if they’re going to make it in the long term.  So I was relieved to discover that Mr. Ashe hasn’t resorted to breaking up Hazard and Somers in order to generate some romantic tension; instead he has them working through all the shit life is throwing at them individually and as a couple while they’re also working a complicated investigation, which is a much more realistic approach, and one I greatly appreciated.

As always, there’s a colourful secondary cast, some new, like Somers’ new partner Gray Dulac, a young, hip, gay detective who thrives on fist bumps and calls everyone “bro” – Hazard’s reactions to him are frequently hilarious – and some we’ve met before, such as the creepy and insidious Ozark Volunteers, whose presence never fail to make a shiver run up and down my spine.  And cleverly and carefully planted but largely hidden amid the chaos of the investigation and Hazard and Somers’  volatile relationship are the threads of the storyline which seems likely to be the overarching one of the series – and I can’t wait to find out more.

Utterly compelling and immensely satisfying, The Rational Faculty is a real tour de force and a superb start to this second set of Hazard and Somerset stories.  Gregory Ashe’s writing is sharp, focused and laced with humour despite the grittiness of the action and the difficulties being faced by our heroes, and he seamlessly blends together the different elements of the novel to create a truly un-put-downable read.

Note: There are some gruesome scenes later in the book which some may find upsetting.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I swear I get the worst tension headaches reading Hazard and Somerset's books! I love their characters though because they're so real and relatable, but I do find myself shouting at them to open their mouths to have a conversation once in a while instead of stuffing dicks in instead 😂😂😂

The crime in this one was gruesome, like really disturbed me, so I'm kinda mad that I read this right before I'm about to sleep 😳 That said, I had no clue what was going on which is what I prefer - I don't like being able to solve things myself a few chapters in. It definitely adds to the headache though!

I'm very curious to see what comes next though, because this was definitely back to the full on angst and insecurities between Emery and John and I'm ready for them to grow past it a little more!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars!
😍😍😍😍😍/5 Heart Eyes for Ree and John.

When I finished the first Hazard and Somerset series, I was heartbroken that it was over. I had spent so much time with Ree and John and I wasn’t ready to part with them. While I had some issues with the series as a whole, one thing I never had a problem with was the two of them and their relationship. Gregory Ashe writes them so well that they come to life and feel like real people. It’s beautiful and I love them. They are way high on my favorite couples list.

I knew there was a second series out with two books available so far and already owned the first. But I didn’t want to just read two and then be waiting for more. So I told myself I’d wait until they were all out before starting or at least wait until a good amount were ready and waiting for me. Because you don’t just read a Hazard and Somerset book. Or at least I don’t. I fall into their world and their lives.

Well...yesterday I caved. I missed my guys too much!

Oops.

Full review to come. Maybe. Although it would probably be filled with babbling.

“John, did you hear what I said? I need you. I am totally, inconceivably fucking dependent on you. Sometimes I need you so much that it feels like I’m being ripped apart inside.”

“Yeah, dummy. It’s called being in love.”

He rolled a finger, the come on motion.

“I love you too. Now, let’s go.“

[Eugenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addictive!

I can’t get enough of these two men!!

Gregory Ashe has written such complex characters—they are so humanly flawed. I love seeing their daily interactions as well as their minds at work to solve murders.

His mysteries always leave me guessing—often wrong—up until the last minute. This book is a perfect example of that. He is my favorite police procedural writer out there!

This story has a very gruesome ending which sets up the thriller through-line of the series.

Although this could be read as a new series without having had the pleasure of seeing how Hazard and Somers got to this stage, I think it would be very confusing and you’d lose a year of backstory.

Exemplary narration by Tristan James.
On to the next one!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazard and Somers are the very reason why I adore reading. They captivated me (again) from word one and I loved every second!

[Gabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You think I don’t want to touch you,” Hazard growled, the dark waves of hair spilling over his eyes so they glinted out at Somers like gold fire. “You think I don’t want to touch you every fucking minute of every day, the way I’ve wanted you my whole fucking life.” 🥰🔥

****

“Ree. Baby. Precious brilliant Neanderthal with whom I have for some reason fallen totally in love.”

Hazard studied his boyfriend. “I can’t tell if that’s an insult or a compliment.” 😂

I’m still in love with these two idiots. ❤️

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Truly Amazing stars from me. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🎉🎉🎉

I think that for me, this story may well be the BEST Ree and John story I've read so far. Greg's writing? Absolutely superb. The feels are immense. Yes, there is a shedload of angst too, and yes, there are some pretty gruesome/horrific murders but finally, FINALLY a severely depressed Ree starts to feel alive and valuable again instead of a worthless, useless weight around John-Henry's neck, and John-Henry no longer has to tiptoe around, perched precariously on those rickety bloody eggshells, just in case his lover blows his top again. Ree has serious temper, sorry...make that RAGE 😡😡😡 issues in this one. Somers is also having problems with colleagues at the station who think he can't do anything without Hazard, so he isn't exactly feeling the love either. Oh, and can I just add that John-Henry's new partner Dulac constantly calling everyone 'bro' is already getting on my last nerve...grow up for heaven's sake. The Ozark Volunteers are still around together with a new band of bigoted white arses...the Bright Lights, and their leader Sackeman.

I have to say I do not have a clue...NO fricking clue as to who the latest serial killer is. I have ideas [although they're probably wrong], but he/she/they definitely need apprehending stat! The ending? Puddle of goo moment BUT I suspect there are a lot more ugly scenes to read through before we're done. Police Brutality comes out on 31st January...how will I survive?? 🤪.

John-Henry...“I can’t do this again. I love you. I love you so much that I think it might kill me. Jesus Christ, I didn’t even know I could feel this way. But I can’t do this again. Not the silence. Not the darkness. Not you going away to someplace I can’t reach you. Not knowing—” Somers cut off, choking on the words, but the images in his head were enough: knives, rope, the rat poison in the cabinet in the garage. “I can’t.” BRILLIANT.🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't mind me, I'm just over here sending up prayers that I will survive this arc because Reasonable Doubt and Criminal Past emotionally destroyed me at the end of the last one 🫠 I have a legit reason to be concerned okay 🙏🏻

I've met all of the couples in the Hazardverse at this point, and I can now say with confidence that H&S wreck me like no other. They cut me TO THE BONE. There's just something about their dynamic that is so raw and real and hurts like no other. Not just pain though, the love and connection too. How am I supposed to read things like "I want you. Only you. Forever." Hazard's voice thickened, and he looked away. "Since I was sixteen years old." and not want to climb the freaking walls??? 😭

There was so much relationship development in this book, and I was here for it. My heart broke for the boys and all they are having to deal with in the aftermath of the events in Criminal Past. It's a lot, and I know not everything is back to 100%, but I thought Greg did a fabulous job of portraying Hazard's depression and Somers response. My heart ached from beginning to end. I felt the pain radiating off the pages. I think that's what Greg gets so right about his characters. They feel like real people. It's what makes them memorable.

Beyond everything I already mentioned, the mystery was great! I was engaged the entire time and loved the introduction of the new big bad. Clearly, someone demented awaits us. Again, I am praying for my survival here 🤣

Last but not least, GRAY DULAC. I'd heard mention of him SO many times I couldn't wait to meet him. Whew boy! Now, I understand why. What a character 👏🏻 I'm not sure I even have words to explain how he makes me feel. I will say that when he leaves the page, I feel like a tornado just ripped through, so I guess that says something 😂 I cannot wait to see more of him and Hazard together. It feels like treasure waiting to be unearthed 🤌🏻

[Megan [Slump City] · Rating 4 out of 5]

MM Detective Romance
Series 2 of the H&S Universe
Don’t start with this one!! (Read Pretty, Pretty Boys first)
4 Stars ⭐️

🎵Narrated by Tristan James🎵

I absolutely love Hazard and Somers and I missed them terribly but I also wanted to strangle both of them while listening to this. They are the absolute worst at talking about their feelings but I think that’s why I love them so much because they are so real. There was an actual sex scene in this book too so thanks for that!

I still hate the town they live in because of the homophobia, white supremacy, racism, misogyny etc and it’s why I now take breaks inbetween books. This story was wild and the last 20 minutes had me teary eyed 🥹 because I wasn’t expecting the slight twist. A lot of people have died in this series and I haven’t batted an eye but this was a bit different and it hurt. I am really looking forward to learning more about this creep and H&S bringing him down eventually.

[Nelly S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 freaking great stars!

I loved the start to this new series! The depiction of Somer’s and Ree’s ever strengthening relationship, especially as Somers battles severe depression is poignant. All the usual angst, miscommunication and grumpy/sunshine banter that marks this crazy driving but lovable duo is there in spades. The mystery is also good but the plot can get a bit too complicated at times. I’ll only provide a teaser by saying only some of the crimes are solved now while another murderer still remains on the loose at the end of the book.

[Layla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Somers:

“Ree. Baby. Precious brilliant Neanderthal with whom I have for some reason fallen totally in love.”
Hazard studied his boyfriend. “I can’t tell if that’s an insult or a compliment.”

Yes... tis me, reading a GA book again after my "hiatus" from him.
Know why? Because I'm DESPERATE for a good MM book.. desperate for some quality writing and character development, after all the fluff and frankly low quality books that I've read lately.
I know that GA can deliver on both accounts even if the level of romance in his books is not for me...at least not all the time.
So I felt like I was in the right headspace to read H&S again because they were my favorite GA couple by far.

What I learned:

These two men are two of the most messed up characters I've read. Each of them have issues a mile long but they are still adorable. They are deep and nuanced and so perfectly imperfect that you want to simultaneously bash their heads in and make them kiss.... preferably at the same time.

GA's writing chops is *chef's kiss*.

Emery with Evie is too cute to handle.

These two men are so clueless sometimes that they frustrate the F out of me.

These two men are so hopeless that they needs someone to just hug them and coo at them...even if the are grown men.

Loved the realistic feel of their issues. Nothing just goes away with GA. his characters must suffer first... which is what happens IRL. I do appreciate that.


Why the 4 stars?

I took away half a star because of the case: I was frankly a bit bored by it and just kept listening for H&S and where their issues would lead the. It wasn't as engaging as I wanted it to be.

I took away another half star because truthfully Tristan James is not a really great narrator. He's just...fine. I would imagine that this series in the hands of another, more capable narrator, would be much more enjoyable. Someone with a bit less robotic performance and a lot more inflections and comedic timing. There were some scenes that were truly very funny, but fell flat because of his delivery. He's not doing this series any favors imo.

[Aricka Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Your hair isn’t yellow. It’s more like this soft gold that lightens when the sun—” Hazard stopped. His face heated. “Aww,” Somers said with a grin. “Fuck you.” “You sounded so sweet for a minute.”

4.5 ⭐


We’re back at it again with our two chaotic boyfriends in the most batshit crazy place on Earth. Seriously, this town is overflowing with the most idiotic, extremist, delusional people I’ve ever read about. I don’t know—maybe I’m sheltered? I grew up in a small town in Indiana as the only Black kid in my school surrounded by hillbillies, and even I never heard the kind of unhinged shit that comes out of these people’s mouths. Like... what kind of crack cocaine are they selling in this town?

Anyway, let’s talk about the ending—because what the actual fuck. That hurt. It genuinely broke my heart, and yes, I cried. I’ll admit it. It was a lot.

Still, I’m happy to see Hazard and Somers trying to live their best lives. (Trying being the key word here.) Their relationship is a rollercoaster. They’re clearly in love, but both of them are still insecure and scared shitless that it’s not going to work. And Hazard… my dude has anger and depression issues that are honestly hard to witness sometimes. It makes you want to hug him and shake him all at once.

But I’m here. I’m continuing the journey. I just hope I don’t sob my way through every damn book—and I pray to GOD that Nico’s bitch ass doesn’t show up again, because if I have to see his smug face, I might actually flip a lid.

[Kathleen in Oslo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Really strong start to the second arc of a series I thought I'd given up on. Solid mystery with less-exaggerated-than-I'd-like-to-acknowledge academic types, although the twist at the end took it from "yikes" to "thank you for these nightmares" territory. No surprise since Ashe likes to go dark, but this went dark hard.

The reason I was disinclined to continue with the series at the end of the first arc was the level of emotional and physical trauma these two are carrying around, especially (but not only) Hazard; and relationship dynamics where mis- and non-communication feature heavily. In this one, the bill is finally starting to come due. Hazard is struggling with depression and symptoms of PTSD following the events of book 6 and his resignation from the police, but is doggedly pretending everything is fine. Somers is struggling to get through to his partner, who resists any attempts at help. I'm glad to see Hazard eventually acknowledge that he is not doing well. But this is still Hazard and Somerset, which is to say, there is still a fair amount of dysfunction and poor/ lacking communication baked into this relationship. Ashe is giving us enough promise to not throw up our hands and give up on these two, but I have no doubt that there's still bumpy roads ahead.

Dulac, ha.

Possibly the first H&S (maybe even first Gregory Ashe?) where neither of the MCs sustained debilitating head trauma. Progress!

Thanks to Coco Canny and Leslie for the nudge to dive back into this series. On to book 2!

[h o l l i s · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoo boy, we're coming out the gate swinging with this spinoff and I am here for itttt.

I won't lie, my brain was kind of chaotic today, so this book did not keep me sucked in, there was much phone time distraction, but that's on me, not the book. When I could wrangle my disobedient attention span into line, I was in this so hard.

But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows and delight the way it was with the shorts from series one. Oh no. But, I mean, obviously. Those are shorts. Instead, in this new arc of their lives, things are a new kind of messy but it's a delicious kind of messy this time? Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself but the tone for this garbage town is still not great but so far a lot less toxic and awful right off the hop. I hope that trend continues. Which it might as I think the boys are going to be busy with a new threat (the bees, omg, horrific) that might shift things. A little, at least; I don't expect all the white supremacy nonsense to disappear overnight (and we already saw it make it's mark in this book, so, there you are) and I'm sure it'll always be a big piece of the plot but now with you-know-who being mayor now? It'll never fully go away. Also, that sucks so much. About the mayor, I mean, but, yeah, all of it.

Additionally, the relationship stuff? I just. Wow. Heart eyes. I love these jackasses. So hard.

Hopefully I'm a little more put together for reviewing book two but honestly non of my reviews for any of Ashe's books have been all that cohesive so it's a little late to worry about that now.

[Claudie ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRILLIANT.

I don’t know how GA keeps me so deeply invested in an established couple, but these boys had my heart all aflutter again, and I don’t see that changing any time soon! 💘

My heart went out to the both of them here. Hazard ended up in a really dark place after the events of Criminal Past, and seeing how his severe depression impacted their relationship, their daily lives and Somers’s work was really painful. But I'd expected nothing less from Greg, the resident angst-master.



Such realistic relationship development, too. And the way they finally got around to talking about their problems like adults. I’m so proud. 🥺🥺🥺

The mystery was a little slow in the beginning, but those last chapters were ON FIRE! 🚨 Serial killer alert!! 🚨 I love that shit. 😍 I have my suspicions, but I hope I’m wrong…

[Evelyn220 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ And the angst continues!
I’m honestly so glad I continued with this series.
Emery Hazard as an unemployed househusband, suffering from severe ptsd and depression, and John-Henry lost and not knowing how to help him… it tugged at the deepest parts of my soul.

This book had the most intimacy and the most honest communication between the pair of any of the books so far. It doesn’t come easy—these two assholes never let anything come easily—but the fight is half the fun. And this installment felt like a much better place to leave off than the last one, more closure with the promise of new beginnings as Hazard opens his own private investigation firm.

I love them so much. Emery Hazard may become my entire personality this year.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Wow, Gregory Ashe isn't making it easy for these guys to have their HEA, is he?

H&S have a long way to go, and I kinda love that. HEA's shouldn't be simple, relationships ARE HARD and take a lot of work...work they are both willing to do which makes it also worth it to read/listen.

In this installment, I felt like the case - though a prominent part of the story - took a back seat to how H&S dealt with the fall out from the last book. They're no longer work partners and losing his job was a huge blow to H's identity & self-esteem. He suffered through real depression, real obsessive behaviors and - as usual - bottled it up until the pressure got too much and he exploded. JH's well-meaning interventions, reminders, prodding and whatnot came off a little passive aggressive at times, but I'm not sure he realized all the hints about H becoming a PI, about there being a need to talk about the problems, didn't help. In some ways it made H question himself more, his role in their family, his ability to provide, to be a partner to JH and father to Evie.

And of course JH's inability to trust, to believe in H's love and dedication was equally as heart-breaking. He made too many (incorrect) assumptions and piled all the grief on himself a lot of the time, though. Seriously, we only know the man through the book but how in the world would he think that H would up and go "find himself" or whatever? How is he so wrong about H? H is the definition of steadfast and dedicated and I know fear makes you do some crazy shit but it boggled my mind that JH saw a newly shaven, finally groomed (and working on his issues) H and thought, "Oh, he's gonna leave me now."

Anywho, I was glad to see H swallow his pride and accept help from JH; being a PI - and working independently from each other - is gonna be interesting. And while I was worried them not being partners (at work) anymore would limit their together time on page, that wasn't the case. At least not yet...we'll see if that hold up in the next one.

Also, I kinda wanna smack Dulac. That Frat-Bro vibe was annoying AF and I rolled my eyes so hard, so often, I was worried they'd get stuck there. But...he's also kinda endearing? I'm not sure how GA makes that possible, but he does. And I think he's exactly the kind of partner JH needs right now. (At least until they are both PIs? *thinky face*)

Finally, having suffered from depression, I can say that this was not an easy book - I remember having some of the same thought-processes as H. It was not fun to re-live them. So, I'm offering a bit of caution if that's something you're sensitive to.

Can't wait to get to the next one in the series...which, given the title and current climate, ought to be interesting.

Audiobook provided by the author for an honest review.

[Cyndi (hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me while I sweep up the emotional wreckage this book left behind...

Quick aside - when my father-in-law was diagnosed with MS and found himself unable to work and provide for his family, he became a different person. His jokes weren't funny anymore. His patience wore thin. There were just as many full beer bottles in the refrigerator as there were empties in the trash. He wanted to support his wife's art career but felt like he was a burden. He rarely left the house and I don't even want to know where his thoughts went. Hazard reminded me so much of him and it broke my heart all over again. Hazard's job had defined him, protected him and given him purpose. Without it, he was directionless and stagnant and slowly falling apart, clinging to menial tasks as if they were life preservers and counting the number of steps between rooms. Somers saw it happening but had no idea what to do or how to help. The way he feared coming home each day...god. When I first jumped into the Hazardverse, I compressed my opinions of these two characters into shakes, slaps and hugs. I can't do that anymore. They're too real now. Their pain, their fights, the way their experiences shape and change both of them and the love that is always there no matter what they say or do...it's all so visceral. I am in constant awe of this author and everyone who helps him dig so deeply to create such amazing and flawed characters.

Speaking of characters, we have a new one! Gray Dulac is Somers' new partner and he gave off some serious Scrappy-Doo vibes. His fist bumping, frat bro persona was a bit much at first. His introduction to Somers cracked me up. After awhile I felt bad for poor Gray because he was cast in the role of third wheel throughout most of this book and that had to hurt. I get the feeling he's going to be alright, though.

I loved the mystery in this one and am super excited and worried about how dark the new story arc promises to be. I've already got suspects lined up in my head and I'm 100% sure that I'm wrong about all of them. Also, remind me to take the Ozarks off my list of potential vacation spots. Wahredua, MO is a hot mess and having my own Dateline special is not on my bucket list.

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really have a love / hate relationship with Gregory Ashe. First, it's really hard to read his books because he seems to take the pulse of the ugly in this country with these books and really expose it (I'm reading the second in this series now and I can't say that it's feeling good). Second, because he writes emotion that is deeper than angst like a gift-a painful, microscopic gift.
So while Gregory Ashe will keep me reading, he does it while continually shredding me, so yeah, I also hate his books. But he also showcases this incredible level of detail in setting, plot, and character, so much it's hard not to identify and love them a little like they love each other and that is a little bit of a witchy move. Anyway, there's a reason I took a year (?) long break from Hazard and Somers--it was a good decision. They, and Ashe's writing brought me back, but I am very glad I read some others of Ashe's in the interim. These two are particularly...

[Gerbera_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word: INTENSE.

I got caught in all that is Hazard and Somerset. The most perfectly imperfect fictional relationship. The mystery, the angst and emotional pain, the relationship woes and the ugly reality of the world are top notch. Mr Ashe tackles difficult topics, does not sugarcoat and brings the story to shattering gut-wrenching climax. The sarcastic humor and tender moments make this a total win for me.