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Hazard and Somerset: A Union of Swords #5
The Keeper of Bees
Emery Hazard has pretty much everything under control. He and his fiancé, John-Henry Somerset, are more in love than ever, despite the stress of wedding preparations hanging over them. His business as a private investigator is growing. He’s even enjoying time with his growing circle of friends. The only major problem on the horizon is whether or not he and Somers will be dancing at the wedding reception.
When Mitchell Martin shows up in his office, though, everything changes. The year before, Mitchell was abducted and tortured by a sadistic killer known only as the Keeper of Bees. Now Mitchell is convinced that the Keeper has come back, and he wants to hire Hazard to protect him.
While Hazard works to keep Mitchell safe, Somers must adjust to changes at work. A spate of new hires has disrupted the Wahredua Police Department, and Somers finds himself locked in a struggle to determine how the department will grow and evolve, with long-term consequences that will affect the town for years to come.
Then a woman is found murdered, and she has been staged and posed in a way that is eerily similar to the Keeper of Bees’former victims. As Hazard and Somers race to prevent more deaths, Hazard fears they are already too late; the Keeper of Bees has been ahead of them the whole time.
When Mitchell Martin shows up in his office, though, everything changes. The year before, Mitchell was abducted and tortured by a sadistic killer known only as the Keeper of Bees. Now Mitchell is convinced that the Keeper has come back, and he wants to hire Hazard to protect him.
While Hazard works to keep Mitchell safe, Somers must adjust to changes at work. A spate of new hires has disrupted the Wahredua Police Department, and Somers finds himself locked in a struggle to determine how the department will grow and evolve, with long-term consequences that will affect the town for years to come.
Then a woman is found murdered, and she has been staged and posed in a way that is eerily similar to the Keeper of Bees’former victims. As Hazard and Somers race to prevent more deaths, Hazard fears they are already too late; the Keeper of Bees has been ahead of them the whole time.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2020
130 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,786 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
September 11, 2021
Reread - September 2021
Freaking loved it. 😍 😍
Thank you book gods, 🤩🤩 this is not the last one. 💃💃💃
************************************
Story – Infinity Stars
Audiobook – 4 stars I have gotten used to TJ’S voice. It took a while but now that I am here, let’s just say he represents them well.
Oh Mama! It is over!!
Gushing! And more Gushing! And Gifs.
I promise to watch documentaries with you, listen to NPR with you, read statistical analyses of zip codes with you, and just about anything else you want me to do with you, because I want to do everything together.
GAAAAAHH!
This was fantastic in every single way. Book 5 in the second series of the adventures of Hazard and Somers, and I freaking loved every second of it. We have been through downs, downs and more downs. Ups, Ups and freaking fantastic Ups. Please let this not be the end of Hazard and Somers, I am not ready to say goodbye.
The Keeper of Bees was intense and interesting to listen to and read. Finally, the creep that has been haunting Hazard, Somers and Police department got what he deserved. The Investigation process was very engaging, my first guesses were wrong, Ugh! Clearly, I am not a really good detective, but I can always count on Hazard to guide me. Kudos Greg, you fooled me three times.
The best part of this series is the relationship. GAAAAAH! What a refreshing, loving relationship. These two have come so far. The growth in their relationship is so realistic and amazing to follow. They complement each other, support each other and more so, love each other to the scorching sun and back. I love Hazard so much. I love Somers too, but Hazard tops my book boyfriend list and I have a feeling he is going to be there for a very long time.
Hazard is finally working on his PTSD and let’s just say the therapy sessions are hilarious. The thing here is that it took a while to get here but finally we did. A journey that was difficult to watch but also realistic, none of the Bam! Boom! stuff here, everything at its own time. I don’t know why but I really love this approach.
Evie, Gaaaah! I love this kid, she is so well written and acts her toddler age. So sweet and her relationship with Hazard is GAAAAAAHH!!! Hazard is the best Dee Dee ever. I love that Somers and Cora let the relationship between Evie and Hazard develop naturally, without them suffocating and controlling everything. I have to acknowledge the rest of the kids too; they are kids not adults in kids’ bodies.
The humor and the banter was so on point. There were some very hard Loling moments. Especially a doped up Hazard. Damn! He is so adorable. Ans Somers? Bless heart for being the bestboyfriend opsy! Fiancé.
Riggles and your people! Ugh!
The side characters are amazing and I love that they do understand and complement our MCs. Nico has come a long way. Dulac! Dulac! Ugh! I still don’t know.
The ending. Swooooon. GAAAAAHH! I am a sappy happy being.
“I love you,” Hazard whispered. GAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
Overall, this was a great conclusion to series two of Hazard and Somers and what I am trying to say is: I loved it so much.
Lisa, this was more fun with you around.
A copy of the Audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Freaking loved it. 😍 😍
Thank you book gods, 🤩🤩 this is not the last one. 💃💃💃
************************************
Story – Infinity Stars
Audiobook – 4 stars I have gotten used to TJ’S voice. It took a while but now that I am here, let’s just say he represents them well.
Oh Mama! It is over!!
Gushing! And more Gushing! And Gifs.
I promise to watch documentaries with you, listen to NPR with you, read statistical analyses of zip codes with you, and just about anything else you want me to do with you, because I want to do everything together.
GAAAAAHH!
This was fantastic in every single way. Book 5 in the second series of the adventures of Hazard and Somers, and I freaking loved every second of it. We have been through downs, downs and more downs. Ups, Ups and freaking fantastic Ups. Please let this not be the end of Hazard and Somers, I am not ready to say goodbye.
The Keeper of Bees was intense and interesting to listen to and read. Finally, the creep that has been haunting Hazard, Somers and Police department got what he deserved. The Investigation process was very engaging, my first guesses were wrong, Ugh! Clearly, I am not a really good detective, but I can always count on Hazard to guide me. Kudos Greg, you fooled me three times.
The best part of this series is the relationship. GAAAAAH! What a refreshing, loving relationship. These two have come so far. The growth in their relationship is so realistic and amazing to follow. They complement each other, support each other and more so, love each other to the scorching sun and back. I love Hazard so much. I love Somers too, but Hazard tops my book boyfriend list and I have a feeling he is going to be there for a very long time.
Hazard is finally working on his PTSD and let’s just say the therapy sessions are hilarious. The thing here is that it took a while to get here but finally we did. A journey that was difficult to watch but also realistic, none of the Bam! Boom! stuff here, everything at its own time. I don’t know why but I really love this approach.
Evie, Gaaaah! I love this kid, she is so well written and acts her toddler age. So sweet and her relationship with Hazard is GAAAAAAHH!!! Hazard is the best Dee Dee ever. I love that Somers and Cora let the relationship between Evie and Hazard develop naturally, without them suffocating and controlling everything. I have to acknowledge the rest of the kids too; they are kids not adults in kids’ bodies.
The humor and the banter was so on point. There were some very hard Loling moments. Especially a doped up Hazard. Damn! He is so adorable. Ans Somers? Bless heart for being the best
Riggles and your people! Ugh!
The side characters are amazing and I love that they do understand and complement our MCs. Nico has come a long way. Dulac! Dulac! Ugh! I still don’t know.
The ending. Swooooon. GAAAAAHH! I am a sappy happy being.
“I love you,” Hazard whispered. GAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
Overall, this was a great conclusion to series two of Hazard and Somers and what I am trying to say is: I loved it so much.
Lisa, this was more fun with you around.
A copy of the Audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2020
5 Stars!
This one was by far my favorite in this series. It is action packed and suspenseful as hell with some really great intimate moments with these men. It was EVERYTHING I have been waiting for since this series started.
This is the ending to this series (though it's not over) and boy does GA take us through it in this one. I had my suspects and slowly but surely he proved me wrong with every one of them, lol. It took me almost to the end of the book for the light bulb to go off on who it was. I want to say so much more but this is one of those books where if you say too much you'll spoil it for everyone and I don't want to do that. But y'all! It is SO GOOD!!!
One of their friends is killed and some others have been taken or are missing and it's a race to figure out who The Keeper of Bees is and where he's holding the people he's taken and if they are still alive. The clues lead both Somers and Ree to believe it might be someone they know. So the friends that are still accounted for become possible suspects. It isn't a great spot to be in for these men. They hate that their friends are in question and terrified that the killer may have been in their inner circle this entire time. As they are dealing with this Somers is also dealing with the changes at work that come with a new Chief (lord the man is awful) and some really obnoxious new co-workers. I despised them all very quickly. One redeemed himself though. I think I know where his standing will be in the future books considering how this one ended. Oh, and the ending.... SWOON! That is all I will say about that. But just know I loved it and thought it was perfect for these men.
The writing was superb as always and his story-telling completely entrancing. I did not put this book down until I read the last sentence. It is an intense ride with so many turns that it leaves you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't read it fast enough. Somers and Ree and their relationship has grown so much and grows stronger in this book. The connection is unbreakable and you really FEEL it in this book. The fight to save and protect each other vibrates off the pages. Like I said, you can FEEL it.
So as you can see I was completely blown away again by this author. I know there is more to come and I seriously hope we get more sooner rather than later because I need it. I'm officially a junkie for this couple and this authors writing.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This one was by far my favorite in this series. It is action packed and suspenseful as hell with some really great intimate moments with these men. It was EVERYTHING I have been waiting for since this series started.
This is the ending to this series (though it's not over) and boy does GA take us through it in this one. I had my suspects and slowly but surely he proved me wrong with every one of them, lol. It took me almost to the end of the book for the light bulb to go off on who it was. I want to say so much more but this is one of those books where if you say too much you'll spoil it for everyone and I don't want to do that. But y'all! It is SO GOOD!!!
One of their friends is killed and some others have been taken or are missing and it's a race to figure out who The Keeper of Bees is and where he's holding the people he's taken and if they are still alive. The clues lead both Somers and Ree to believe it might be someone they know. So the friends that are still accounted for become possible suspects. It isn't a great spot to be in for these men. They hate that their friends are in question and terrified that the killer may have been in their inner circle this entire time. As they are dealing with this Somers is also dealing with the changes at work that come with a new Chief (lord the man is awful) and some really obnoxious new co-workers. I despised them all very quickly. One redeemed himself though. I think I know where his standing will be in the future books considering how this one ended. Oh, and the ending.... SWOON! That is all I will say about that. But just know I loved it and thought it was perfect for these men.
The writing was superb as always and his story-telling completely entrancing. I did not put this book down until I read the last sentence. It is an intense ride with so many turns that it leaves you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't read it fast enough. Somers and Ree and their relationship has grown so much and grows stronger in this book. The connection is unbreakable and you really FEEL it in this book. The fight to save and protect each other vibrates off the pages. Like I said, you can FEEL it.
So as you can see I was completely blown away again by this author. I know there is more to come and I seriously hope we get more sooner rather than later because I need it. I'm officially a junkie for this couple and this authors writing.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I was given an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2020
You know what I liked best about the (afaik) last book in this epic series?
It’s the way we witness how Hazard and Somers’s relationship has blossomed to an extent I would have never thought possible in series 1. I said in one review of an earlier book that these two are one of the longest WIPs ever, but, if you think about it, every long-term relationship is an ongoing work in progress.
Theirs certainly has been just that. And it all felt so blooming real.
The fights, the make-up sessions, the intensity between them, the chemistry, the sizzle and the laughs.
It’s deeply gratifying to see that everything, the good and the bad, these men have lived through over 11 books, leaves them in an absolutely beautiful and safe place.
I loved seeing new changes between them in this book, like Somers helping out with household chores, I loved even more how he supports and encourages Hazard with his PTSD. And yes, before you ask, Hazard finally caves in and does what’s been overdue for quite a time! I also loved Hazard for not shutting Somers out when he is feeling low, and for allowing him to help, rather than locking down in his own mind.
In short – no matter what this world throws at them, and it has some full hand-outs for both of them in this instalment, too – they are there for each other, and their love shows in so many little and big things, my little heart just swooned.
For me, they are right up there with some of the top couples in the genre: Ty and Zane, Malcolm and Seong-Jae, Joe and Ox, for example.
So, what about the Keeper of Bees then? He does have his name on the title after all?
We haven’t really heard a lot about him since book 1. But this time he is determined to have a final showdown with Emery Hazard, and playing on Hazard’s fractious, fragile mind, he pushes and pulls all his buttons, leaving me in a state of continuous tension, particularly in the second part of the book.
Was I surprised at the Keeper’s identity?
Yes and no. I would have never thought of that person earlier, but as the book goes along, and Hazard follows up various options, it does become increasingly clear who it must be. Gregory Ashe does a great job at throwing our minds off track quite a few times, though!
However, this second series has always been more about Hazard and Somers and their relationship, which has been absolutely fabulous! And that ending left me grinning so broadly a Chesshire cat would have been blinded by my smile!
Yes, I’m sappy as heck about Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset. And I'm not afraid to show it! 😂 And the little shorts, fitting between the novels, with all the laughs and hilarious shenanigans made me love them even more.
So, it’s fab news that there will be a second volume of ‘Hazard and Somers, Off Duty’ soon.
Highly recommended!
It’s the way we witness how Hazard and Somers’s relationship has blossomed to an extent I would have never thought possible in series 1. I said in one review of an earlier book that these two are one of the longest WIPs ever, but, if you think about it, every long-term relationship is an ongoing work in progress.
Theirs certainly has been just that. And it all felt so blooming real.
The fights, the make-up sessions, the intensity between them, the chemistry, the sizzle and the laughs.
It’s deeply gratifying to see that everything, the good and the bad, these men have lived through over 11 books, leaves them in an absolutely beautiful and safe place.
I loved seeing new changes between them in this book, like Somers helping out with household chores, I loved even more how he supports and encourages Hazard with his PTSD. And yes, before you ask, Hazard finally caves in and does what’s been overdue for quite a time! I also loved Hazard for not shutting Somers out when he is feeling low, and for allowing him to help, rather than locking down in his own mind.
In short – no matter what this world throws at them, and it has some full hand-outs for both of them in this instalment, too – they are there for each other, and their love shows in so many little and big things, my little heart just swooned.
For me, they are right up there with some of the top couples in the genre: Ty and Zane, Malcolm and Seong-Jae, Joe and Ox, for example.
So, what about the Keeper of Bees then? He does have his name on the title after all?
We haven’t really heard a lot about him since book 1. But this time he is determined to have a final showdown with Emery Hazard, and playing on Hazard’s fractious, fragile mind, he pushes and pulls all his buttons, leaving me in a state of continuous tension, particularly in the second part of the book.
Was I surprised at the Keeper’s identity?
Yes and no. I would have never thought of that person earlier, but as the book goes along, and Hazard follows up various options, it does become increasingly clear who it must be. Gregory Ashe does a great job at throwing our minds off track quite a few times, though!
However, this second series has always been more about Hazard and Somers and their relationship, which has been absolutely fabulous! And that ending left me grinning so broadly a Chesshire cat would have been blinded by my smile!
Yes, I’m sappy as heck about Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset. And I'm not afraid to show it! 😂 And the little shorts, fitting between the novels, with all the laughs and hilarious shenanigans made me love them even more.
So, it’s fab news that there will be a second volume of ‘Hazard and Somers, Off Duty’ soon.
Highly recommended!
August 2, 2020
Spoiler free
Back... waaaaaay back when I read Pretty Pretty Boys I never envisioned these two becoming an obsession. True, there were books in the Hazard and Somerset series wherein I wanted to center-punch one or both of them but I kept coming back for more which is telling in an of itself.
Then A Union of Swords happened.
I literally have planned my reading around release dates! Penny Reid is the only other author that holds that sort of sway over my finances. What I'm trying to say is: rarified air.
I can unequivocally say A Union of Swords has turned me into a Gregory Ashe fangirl, though I do enjoy established couples done well and Hazard and Somers are done well so bear that in mind. I prefer them together than apart but Ashe has sustained that edge that keeps them exciting where others become stale through well-crafted, multi-dimensional characterizations, engrossing adventures and a tsunami of relationship angst. Plus good secondary characters. Can't forget them.
The Keeper of Bees is the culmination of all they've been working towards both as a couple and as extraordinaire sleuths especially when they work together. It was absorbing, full or twists and turns, a surprise or two and hit me in the feels more than once.
Loved every bit of it and am now kicking myself for not savoring it more.
Can't say I enjoy waiting and I'm far from the most patient person but I'm looking forward to the next journey with these two. Seems they never get old for me.
Back... waaaaaay back when I read Pretty Pretty Boys I never envisioned these two becoming an obsession. True, there were books in the Hazard and Somerset series wherein I wanted to center-punch one or both of them but I kept coming back for more which is telling in an of itself.
Then A Union of Swords happened.
I literally have planned my reading around release dates! Penny Reid is the only other author that holds that sort of sway over my finances. What I'm trying to say is: rarified air.
I can unequivocally say A Union of Swords has turned me into a Gregory Ashe fangirl, though I do enjoy established couples done well and Hazard and Somers are done well so bear that in mind. I prefer them together than apart but Ashe has sustained that edge that keeps them exciting where others become stale through well-crafted, multi-dimensional characterizations, engrossing adventures and a tsunami of relationship angst. Plus good secondary characters. Can't forget them.
The Keeper of Bees is the culmination of all they've been working towards both as a couple and as extraordinaire sleuths especially when they work together. It was absorbing, full or twists and turns, a surprise or two and hit me in the feels more than once.
Loved every bit of it and am now kicking myself for not savoring it more.
Can't say I enjoy waiting and I'm far from the most patient person but I'm looking forward to the next journey with these two. Seems they never get old for me.
December 12, 2020
You know, it's crazy but 11 books and quite a few novellas later and I'm still not ready to let Hazard and Somers go. But at least I can be happy with where they are now, with each other. I honestly can't think of any other book people that put me through the kind of suffering that these guys did through this series but I also have loved very few like I do these two. They're absolutely maddening, hilarious, snarky and sarcastic, damn brilliant, fiercely loyal, brave and sometimes, very, very sweet. ❤️
And I did tell myself I was not going to be all gushy fangirl here. Ooops?
The Keeper of Bees is active again, and this time he makes it his business to go after both Emery and John in a way that makes it clear it's personal. Complicating this is the obnoxious new chief of police 🤬, all the little thugs he hires to help "clean up the police force" and the FBI agent who seems convinced that the Keeper is a lot closer at hand than is comfortable. What makes everything worse is that the evidence is pointing to the Keeper being one of John & Ree's friends. John is unwilling to believe it's one of those closest to them and Emery is shut out of the investigation due to the changes at the station. Then their friends *and Ree's suspects* start disappearing.
Despite all the bad things happening here, the best thing is where Emery and John have come to in their relationship. They have grown so much. They argue, they make up, they talk to each other when things are wrong. *though Hazard still has to work at it, bless him* And they always support each other, always believe in the other, always love each other. After all they have been through, it feels incredibly sweet to see them finally at this point. 😍
And the ending? *swoon* Let me tell you, as a reader, as someone who loves Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset more than is reasonable, I completely EARNED that ending! And it was almost enough to make me forgive Ashe for all the pain and suffering he made us all endure to get there. I cried, I swooned my ass off, and then I cried some more and it was beautiful. *sigh* And then I laughed, because Emery Hazard cannot help being Emery, and John will forever be perplexed. I love them so damn much! 🥰🥰
Also worth mentioning, thank you Lord, is that Ree finally saw a therapist. Refusing to face that PTSD almost cost him everything.
As always, Ashe's writing and plot were outstanding. From the minute you start reading/listening, you are pulled into the story. That's one of the things that makes his books so addictive, you don't just read them, you live them. There were moments here that my heart was literally in my throat, no lie. It goes without saying that as long as Gregory Ashe will write, I'll be reading it. I'll undoubtedly continue to berate him for making me cry, dammit. Though this time the tears were the best kind!
As a note for the audiobook, I have to admit, Tristan James had to grow on me for this series. Over the course of these books, as a narrator, I would forget that he was reading and it was just me with Hazard and Somers, which is the nicest thing I can say about any narrator. But as I was listening to the end of this, I realized I'm actually going to miss his delivery on John and Emery, because he had their personalities down perfectly, particularly Ree's dry, sarcastic snark.
Thank you Ashe, for these wonderful, lovely guys! I'll treasure them always. ❤
Disclaimer: A copy of the Audio book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
And I did tell myself I was not going to be all gushy fangirl here. Ooops?
The Keeper of Bees is active again, and this time he makes it his business to go after both Emery and John in a way that makes it clear it's personal. Complicating this is the obnoxious new chief of police 🤬, all the little thugs he hires to help "clean up the police force" and the FBI agent who seems convinced that the Keeper is a lot closer at hand than is comfortable. What makes everything worse is that the evidence is pointing to the Keeper being one of John & Ree's friends. John is unwilling to believe it's one of those closest to them and Emery is shut out of the investigation due to the changes at the station. Then their friends *and Ree's suspects* start disappearing.
Despite all the bad things happening here, the best thing is where Emery and John have come to in their relationship. They have grown so much. They argue, they make up, they talk to each other when things are wrong. *though Hazard still has to work at it, bless him* And they always support each other, always believe in the other, always love each other. After all they have been through, it feels incredibly sweet to see them finally at this point. 😍
And the ending? *swoon* Let me tell you, as a reader, as someone who loves Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset more than is reasonable, I completely EARNED that ending! And it was almost enough to make me forgive Ashe for all the pain and suffering he made us all endure to get there. I cried, I swooned my ass off, and then I cried some more and it was beautiful. *sigh* And then I laughed, because Emery Hazard cannot help being Emery, and John will forever be perplexed. I love them so damn much! 🥰🥰
Also worth mentioning, thank you Lord, is that Ree finally saw a therapist. Refusing to face that PTSD almost cost him everything.
As always, Ashe's writing and plot were outstanding. From the minute you start reading/listening, you are pulled into the story. That's one of the things that makes his books so addictive, you don't just read them, you live them. There were moments here that my heart was literally in my throat, no lie. It goes without saying that as long as Gregory Ashe will write, I'll be reading it. I'll undoubtedly continue to berate him for making me cry, dammit. Though this time the tears were the best kind!
As a note for the audiobook, I have to admit, Tristan James had to grow on me for this series. Over the course of these books, as a narrator, I would forget that he was reading and it was just me with Hazard and Somers, which is the nicest thing I can say about any narrator. But as I was listening to the end of this, I realized I'm actually going to miss his delivery on John and Emery, because he had their personalities down perfectly, particularly Ree's dry, sarcastic snark.
Thank you Ashe, for these wonderful, lovely guys! I'll treasure them always. ❤
Disclaimer: A copy of the Audio book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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June 16, 2022
“I want to take care of you,” Hazard whispered.
Somers just smiled, cocked his head, and said, “I love you.”
“I know you love me. Why are you still on the floor?”
“I love you so much that I don’t even understand it sometimes. It’s like this thing that’s bigger than me and I just get to…be part of it, I guess.”
✧ one of the few times in this series where the case had me invested, but i think it was more bc of
✧ DARNELL👏🏼DESERVES👏🏼BETTER. that’s all i’m gonna say. :)
✧ i’ve always been conflicted on how to feel about Nico but ngl, he grew on me real quick by the end of this book. his little bonding moment with Somers was also pretty cute!!
✧ i love Hazard (no bc this is literally what i have written on at least one highlight for each book ever since i picked up this series). <3
✧ EVIE/HAZARD/SOMERS FAMILY MOMENTS ARE MY SEROTONIN. 🥺💘
Somers just smiled, cocked his head, and said, “I love you.”
“I know you love me. Why are you still on the floor?”
“I love you so much that I don’t even understand it sometimes. It’s like this thing that’s bigger than me and I just get to…be part of it, I guess.”
✧ one of the few times in this series where the case had me invested, but i think it was more bc of
✧ DARNELL👏🏼DESERVES👏🏼BETTER. that’s all i’m gonna say. :)
✧ i’ve always been conflicted on how to feel about Nico but ngl, he grew on me real quick by the end of this book. his little bonding moment with Somers was also pretty cute!!
✧ i love Hazard (no bc this is literally what i have written on at least one highlight for each book ever since i picked up this series). <3
✧ EVIE/HAZARD/SOMERS FAMILY MOMENTS ARE MY SEROTONIN. 🥺💘
April 24, 2025
Dude. Bro. Dude. Easily my favourite book in the series! I did figure out who the Keeper of Bees was in book one, but it was still fun to see Emery and John figuring it out.
I was confused a bit by the fact Dulac and Darnell bought a house together because I can't recall them reconciling by the end of the last book. Really weird but I guess the moving was needed for the plot because everyone was involved.
I was also confused by John and Dulac still being partners because, again, I swear the last book ended with John saying he was asking Cravens to put him with someone else?
Other than that I really enjoyed the pacing of this story, I liked that for once John wasn't a selfish, self-indulgent douche canoe, and I liked that Emery and John actually remembered they were in a loving relationship 😂
I also really liked the new kid Yarmark? And that ending 🥹🥹🥹 ugh ridiculously cute.
This book was what I expected all of the books in this series to be like, but I'm definitely having a little break from the Gregory Ashe story universe. Mostly because with the reading order I'm following, the next two series aren't available in KU and my book budget for the next two months is already allocated to buying Garrett Leigh's Rebel Kings series 😂
I was confused a bit by the fact Dulac and Darnell bought a house together because I can't recall them reconciling by the end of the last book. Really weird but I guess the moving was needed for the plot because everyone was involved.
I was also confused by John and Dulac still being partners because, again, I swear the last book ended with John saying he was asking Cravens to put him with someone else?
Other than that I really enjoyed the pacing of this story, I liked that for once John wasn't a selfish, self-indulgent douche canoe, and I liked that Emery and John actually remembered they were in a loving relationship 😂
I also really liked the new kid Yarmark? And that ending 🥹🥹🥹 ugh ridiculously cute.
This book was what I expected all of the books in this series to be like, but I'm definitely having a little break from the Gregory Ashe story universe. Mostly because with the reading order I'm following, the next two series aren't available in KU and my book budget for the next two months is already allocated to buying Garrett Leigh's Rebel Kings series 😂
December 21, 2024
5.0 ⭐️
Perfection! ♥️
Perfection! ♥️
October 4, 2021
***RE-READ 10/1/21 -- 10/3/21***
I've been reading nothing but H&S for a good long while and I'm not mad about it. I'm actually happy that the next arc is coming out this week. I'm here for it. Obsessed? Just a smidge.
I rally have nothing to add but to say that these two really complement each other ❤️❤️ Happy sighs.
************************************
FIRST READ ***12/29/20 -- 12/30/20***
... and this is how you do it 💓💓💓...
Way back when I picked up Pretty Pretty Boys and read the first paragraph, I knew I was in for something special. All promises made, implied, inferred, or tacit have been fulfilled tenfold by Gregory Ashe. If I'm honest I had this good feeling last spring when I first started seeing this author & his books pop-up in my GR & FB feeds. His chosen trope is all my catnip. When I met him at GRL2019 he was so nice and kind as I sort of stalked him, bought the first three books in the OG H&S series (was in fact his first sale at the convention), I knew I was in good authorial hands.
If you've read this series from the beginning you'll be happy on all fronts. It's fascinating to see how GA has never lost sight of the overall story, how in hindsight you can see clues about The Beekeper being peppered throughout the individual mysteries while constantly nurturing the emotional relationship between the main MC. Frankly I feel like going back and reading each book and have those aha! moments. However what really made me smile, laugh, and cry was seeing the guys finally be on firm ground for the happiness they both deserve. Hard work and perseverance paying off is my favorite kink.
I'm reticent to mention anything because I don't want to spoil a most satisfying conclusion to this arc in the Hazard & Somerset series so I'll just say that if you enjoy smart, heartfelt, incisive, and poignant storytelling about humans and the secrets of our hearts do yourself a favor and read this starting with Pretty Pretty Boys. You won't be sorry. At the end you may be scratching your head as to why Emery & John-Henry continue to live in Wahredua but you'll be happy to have gone on the ride.
As throughout the series Tristan James did a beautiful job. I have two things which I'll spoiler tag (though only one is) that made me laugh/cry & SHM
I've been reading nothing but H&S for a good long while and I'm not mad about it. I'm actually happy that the next arc is coming out this week. I'm here for it. Obsessed? Just a smidge.
I rally have nothing to add but to say that these two really complement each other ❤️❤️ Happy sighs.
************************************
FIRST READ ***12/29/20 -- 12/30/20***
... and this is how you do it 💓💓💓...
Way back when I picked up Pretty Pretty Boys and read the first paragraph, I knew I was in for something special. All promises made, implied, inferred, or tacit have been fulfilled tenfold by Gregory Ashe. If I'm honest I had this good feeling last spring when I first started seeing this author & his books pop-up in my GR & FB feeds. His chosen trope is all my catnip. When I met him at GRL2019 he was so nice and kind as I sort of stalked him, bought the first three books in the OG H&S series (was in fact his first sale at the convention), I knew I was in good authorial hands.
If you've read this series from the beginning you'll be happy on all fronts. It's fascinating to see how GA has never lost sight of the overall story, how in hindsight you can see clues about The Beekeper being peppered throughout the individual mysteries while constantly nurturing the emotional relationship between the main MC. Frankly I feel like going back and reading each book and have those aha! moments. However what really made me smile, laugh, and cry was seeing the guys finally be on firm ground for the happiness they both deserve. Hard work and perseverance paying off is my favorite kink.
I'm reticent to mention anything because I don't want to spoil a most satisfying conclusion to this arc in the Hazard & Somerset series so I'll just say that if you enjoy smart, heartfelt, incisive, and poignant storytelling about humans and the secrets of our hearts do yourself a favor and read this starting with Pretty Pretty Boys. You won't be sorry. At the end you may be scratching your head as to why Emery & John-Henry continue to live in Wahredua but you'll be happy to have gone on the ride.
As throughout the series Tristan James did a beautiful job. I have two things which I'll spoiler tag (though only one is) that made me laugh/cry & SHM
October 12, 2021
5 stars ⭐️
The ending!!!! It's amazing. The best couple E-V-E-R!
The ending!!!! It's amazing. The best couple E-V-E-R!
December 28, 2021
These books just get better with every. single. release. And given I've 5 starred the heck out of them so far, that's saying something.
I eventually warmed to Somers though I am far from his biggest fan, it's ALL about Hazard for me.
Loved it.
I eventually warmed to Somers though I am far from his biggest fan, it's ALL about Hazard for me.
Loved it.
December 1, 2020
Tapping fingers...impatiently waiting.
Need this book...like yesterday!!!
😍🤞🏼🙏👀📚🧩🧩
Need this book...like yesterday!!!
😍🤞🏼🙏👀📚🧩🧩
January 24, 2024
4.5 stars
For once, I guessed the mystery! It was the person I suspected since the end of book 1. This never happens! I would say that it was still satisfying, but who am I kidding: the smug satisfaction I derived from being right for once made this more satisfying, even though, objectively, the motivation was pretty thin and the execution not entirely convincing. [Insert usual disclaimer that the crime stuff is, in my eyes, only there to sharpen/ nudge along the relationship stuff. I fundamentally don't care who the baddie is, so ymmv.]
While I dig all the angst and dysfunction that Hazard and Somerset dish up/ inflict on themselves and each other, I liked how this climactic arc finale dialed down the relationship drama: these two are functioning, communicating, supporting each other, and -- a couple of spats aside -- pulling in the same direction, for once. Hazard is finally at a place where he is willing to accept that living with untreated PTSD is unsustainable, even dangerous. Somers is more steady and emotionally available now that he's no longer drinking. Circumstances dictated that both men were working the case together, but apart; and while one of my favorite things about H and S is their fantastic working relationship -- the way they click, their seamless, mutual understanding -- I thought it was necessary for the story and their arcs that both characters made breakthroughs in the case based on their own strengths, insights, and resilience. Both were crucial to the outcome; both pulled their weight and showed their worth.
This arc has been characterized by a lack of balance between Hazard and Somerset: no longer police, no longer golden boy; doing too much at home, not doing enough at home; Somers struggling with Hazard's refusal to accept help and poor communication, Hazard struggling with Somers' drinking and tendency to leave. This installment felt like they were finally finding an equilibrium, emotionally and socially and professionally. It left them the strongest we've seen them, very much a united front.
Final thoughts and random observations:
I appreciated how briskly efficient this book was, presumably because the crime rather than relationship drama was driving the story. Compared to the last book of arc 1 -- which put me off this series for a long time (although thankfully not for good) -- this just whipped along, with a couple of lovely epilogue-style chapters at the end to give a bit of breathing space and good feels before arc 3.
Bemused/ befuddled at how Dulac and Nico's disappearance was (initially, and for a surprisingly long time) met with a collective shrug, despite there being a full-on serial-killer-on-the-loose-targeting-our-friend-group situation happening. Poor Nico. He's really been through it this arc.
(And poor Wesley! He's also really been through it! Befriending Hazard and Somerset is clearly bad for your health.)
(Speaking of which: both our dudes got a bit banged up in this one, but we managed an entire arc without more serious head trauma! It's a miracle! What do Tean and Jem need to do to be gifted this fate?)
I liked how the storyline never veered into Evie-in-peril territory. That was already, to some extent, mined in arc 1, and I kept expecting it to be a plot point once it was clear that the Keeper was hung up on Hazard. I appreciate that it wasn't: going after the kids is such low-hanging fruit, and while it served a purpose in arc 1 (Hazard -- who at that point only had a nascent relationship with Evie -- sacrificing his safety to save her, thus establishing her importance in his life), it would have felt like cheap emotional manipulation here.
Riggle being the worst and all the more believable for it: ugh. Glad comeuppances got swiftly comeupped, and hope we've seen the back of him and his goons.
All in all: a satisfying end to an arc that, in totality, worked better than the first one, especially in terms of Hazard and Somerset's relationship development and character arcs. Excited to see how Ashe completely fucks up their lives in arc 3!
Thanks again to Coco, Leslie and ancientreader for the nudge to dive back into this series!
ETA: The more I think about it, the more the mystery falls apart -- especially in relation to the hospital scene in book 1. I understand the logistics of how it happened, but what is the motivation for that person to follow the Keeper's plan in that (very decisive, dramatic) moment?? It makes no sense! There is just no grounding in the text for it. Motivations all-around are super-thin here; it seems implausible that the Keeper has so much sway over various people given the facts as we know them. Again: I really don't care that much. But I definitely think the mystery side wasn't horribly convincing -- if it was only mystery I cared about, this would be closer to a 2-star read.
For once, I guessed the mystery! It was the person I suspected since the end of book 1. This never happens! I would say that it was still satisfying, but who am I kidding: the smug satisfaction I derived from being right for once made this more satisfying, even though, objectively, the motivation was pretty thin and the execution not entirely convincing. [Insert usual disclaimer that the crime stuff is, in my eyes, only there to sharpen/ nudge along the relationship stuff. I fundamentally don't care who the baddie is, so ymmv.]
While I dig all the angst and dysfunction that Hazard and Somerset dish up/ inflict on themselves and each other, I liked how this climactic arc finale dialed down the relationship drama: these two are functioning, communicating, supporting each other, and -- a couple of spats aside -- pulling in the same direction, for once. Hazard is finally at a place where he is willing to accept that living with untreated PTSD is unsustainable, even dangerous. Somers is more steady and emotionally available now that he's no longer drinking. Circumstances dictated that both men were working the case together, but apart; and while one of my favorite things about H and S is their fantastic working relationship -- the way they click, their seamless, mutual understanding -- I thought it was necessary for the story and their arcs that both characters made breakthroughs in the case based on their own strengths, insights, and resilience. Both were crucial to the outcome; both pulled their weight and showed their worth.
This arc has been characterized by a lack of balance between Hazard and Somerset: no longer police, no longer golden boy; doing too much at home, not doing enough at home; Somers struggling with Hazard's refusal to accept help and poor communication, Hazard struggling with Somers' drinking and tendency to leave. This installment felt like they were finally finding an equilibrium, emotionally and socially and professionally. It left them the strongest we've seen them, very much a united front.
Final thoughts and random observations:
I appreciated how briskly efficient this book was, presumably because the crime rather than relationship drama was driving the story. Compared to the last book of arc 1 -- which put me off this series for a long time (although thankfully not for good) -- this just whipped along, with a couple of lovely epilogue-style chapters at the end to give a bit of breathing space and good feels before arc 3.
Bemused/ befuddled at how Dulac and Nico's disappearance was (initially, and for a surprisingly long time) met with a collective shrug, despite there being a full-on serial-killer-on-the-loose-targeting-our-friend-group situation happening. Poor Nico. He's really been through it this arc.
(And poor Wesley! He's also really been through it! Befriending Hazard and Somerset is clearly bad for your health.)
(Speaking of which: both our dudes got a bit banged up in this one, but we managed an entire arc without more serious head trauma! It's a miracle! What do Tean and Jem need to do to be gifted this fate?)
I liked how the storyline never veered into Evie-in-peril territory. That was already, to some extent, mined in arc 1, and I kept expecting it to be a plot point once it was clear that the Keeper was hung up on Hazard. I appreciate that it wasn't: going after the kids is such low-hanging fruit, and while it served a purpose in arc 1 (Hazard -- who at that point only had a nascent relationship with Evie -- sacrificing his safety to save her, thus establishing her importance in his life), it would have felt like cheap emotional manipulation here.
Riggle being the worst and all the more believable for it: ugh. Glad comeuppances got swiftly comeupped, and hope we've seen the back of him and his goons.
All in all: a satisfying end to an arc that, in totality, worked better than the first one, especially in terms of Hazard and Somerset's relationship development and character arcs. Excited to see how Ashe completely fucks up their lives in arc 3!
Thanks again to Coco, Leslie and ancientreader for the nudge to dive back into this series!
ETA: The more I think about it, the more the mystery falls apart -- especially in relation to the hospital scene in book 1. I understand the logistics of how it happened, but what is the motivation for that person to follow the Keeper's plan in that (very decisive, dramatic) moment?? It makes no sense! There is just no grounding in the text for it. Motivations all-around are super-thin here; it seems implausible that the Keeper has so much sway over various people given the facts as we know them. Again: I really don't care that much. But I definitely think the mystery side wasn't horribly convincing -- if it was only mystery I cared about, this would be closer to a 2-star read.
August 5, 2020
For a moment, Hazard couldn’t move. Then Somers’s hand was at the small of his back again, drawing him forward, and everything in Hazard seemed to turn liquid and flow: his hand cupping the back of Somers’s head, his other hand on Somers’s waist, the way they met, the way they kissed. “I love you,” Hazard whispered when they broke. “Good,” Somers said. “Because you’re stuck with me.” Then he smiled and said, “Oh, and in case I haven’t mentioned it, I love you too.”
This last book in the second Hazard and Somerset series did not disappoint. I've marked this review as having spoilers but I'm saying it again now. This will have spoilers. Or quotes with spoilers. So don't read this if you don't want to see them! You've now been warned. Twice! There won't be that many though and I'll just put them at the very end.
Sometimes I think I couldn't possibly love Ree and John more. Then another book comes out and proves me wrong. I sound like a broken record because I say this in every book of theirs but I adore them. I can't think of another couple that I would read so many books about. And I'd happily read about them for years to come. I would read books about them solving crime in their golden years, still griping at each other, annoying each other, but also loving each other so fiercely that my heart hurts. Or maybe a book about them after retirement. Hazard wanting to spend his time watching documentaries and reading obscure books. Somers still trying to avoid household tasks. I'd totally read that. I feel like they are real people that Gregory Ashe knows and is writing about. That's how real they are to me. Is there a support group? 😍🤣🤷🏻♀️
While the first Hazard and Somerset series ended with a nice happily for now, this second one gives us a firm happily ever after. And if this is the last we see of the two, besides the upcoming book of short stories, then I can rest knowing our guys are well and truly happy. It was a hard road but one that made the ending so much sweeter.
The Keeper of Bees is back in this final novel. The first book in the series introduced them and this brought them back to the front burner. I had my ideas about who this person was. It changed on and off. All I will say is that I had two people who I thought it might be. And early in this book, I narrowed down my guess to one of those two. And it was that person. This almost never happens to me. But there were still things I didn't anticipate. And I enjoyed the ride either way. Due to everything going on, the guys spent a lot of the book apart. But still very much in tune with each other. There was a lot going on.
And then...that ending. It. Was. Perfect. I highlighted so many parts. I may as well have just held my finger down on my iPad and simply highlighted the last twenty percent. Perfection. If this is the end, then I'll die happy. That is all.
“I’ll go first,” Somers said. “Emery, Ree, I love you more than anyone I’ve ever known. I promise to watch documentaries with you, listen to NPR with you, read statistical analyses of zip codes with you, and just about anything else you want me to do with you, because I want to do everything together. I promise to spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy, which I know includes picking up my socks and learning how to properly make brisket and, as of today, finishing the patio. I promise to love you for the rest of my life.”
“John, I’ve always tried to be a good person. I never thought I could be a great one until you loved me. Everything important in my life is tied to you: my work, my sense of family, my place in our community. I promise that I’ll learn how to be a good husband to you. I promise I’ll try every day to be better. I promise I’ll take care of you and Evie. I promise I’ll love you more and more as we move forward together, and I’ll find ways to show you that love, because you deserve to know that you’re the best, most incredible thing that has ever happened to me. I promise to show you how much you mean to me for the rest of our lives together.”
This last book in the second Hazard and Somerset series did not disappoint. I've marked this review as having spoilers but I'm saying it again now. This will have spoilers. Or quotes with spoilers. So don't read this if you don't want to see them! You've now been warned. Twice! There won't be that many though and I'll just put them at the very end.
Sometimes I think I couldn't possibly love Ree and John more. Then another book comes out and proves me wrong. I sound like a broken record because I say this in every book of theirs but I adore them. I can't think of another couple that I would read so many books about. And I'd happily read about them for years to come. I would read books about them solving crime in their golden years, still griping at each other, annoying each other, but also loving each other so fiercely that my heart hurts. Or maybe a book about them after retirement. Hazard wanting to spend his time watching documentaries and reading obscure books. Somers still trying to avoid household tasks. I'd totally read that. I feel like they are real people that Gregory Ashe knows and is writing about. That's how real they are to me. Is there a support group? 😍🤣🤷🏻♀️
While the first Hazard and Somerset series ended with a nice happily for now, this second one gives us a firm happily ever after. And if this is the last we see of the two, besides the upcoming book of short stories, then I can rest knowing our guys are well and truly happy. It was a hard road but one that made the ending so much sweeter.
The Keeper of Bees is back in this final novel. The first book in the series introduced them and this brought them back to the front burner. I had my ideas about who this person was. It changed on and off. All I will say is that I had two people who I thought it might be. And early in this book, I narrowed down my guess to one of those two. And it was that person. This almost never happens to me. But there were still things I didn't anticipate. And I enjoyed the ride either way. Due to everything going on, the guys spent a lot of the book apart. But still very much in tune with each other. There was a lot going on.
And then...that ending. It. Was. Perfect. I highlighted so many parts. I may as well have just held my finger down on my iPad and simply highlighted the last twenty percent. Perfection. If this is the end, then I'll die happy. That is all.
“I’ll go first,” Somers said. “Emery, Ree, I love you more than anyone I’ve ever known. I promise to watch documentaries with you, listen to NPR with you, read statistical analyses of zip codes with you, and just about anything else you want me to do with you, because I want to do everything together. I promise to spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy, which I know includes picking up my socks and learning how to properly make brisket and, as of today, finishing the patio. I promise to love you for the rest of my life.”
“John, I’ve always tried to be a good person. I never thought I could be a great one until you loved me. Everything important in my life is tied to you: my work, my sense of family, my place in our community. I promise that I’ll learn how to be a good husband to you. I promise I’ll try every day to be better. I promise I’ll take care of you and Evie. I promise I’ll love you more and more as we move forward together, and I’ll find ways to show you that love, because you deserve to know that you’re the best, most incredible thing that has ever happened to me. I promise to show you how much you mean to me for the rest of our lives together.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2020
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset have become two of my all-time favourite fictional characters, and in the Union of Swords series, they've been thoroughly put through the wringer. What with Hazard's increasingly problematic mental health, old resentments, relationship issues, career adjustments, family problems AND the emergence of an incredibly clever serial killer who seems to always be one step ahead, the guys have had a hell of a lot on their plate. But they've also forged new friendships, made a life as a family unit and even when things have got really tough, have never given up on each other; when things were at their most difficult (in Transactional Dynamics and Wayward) and they were on the outs, I never believed they were anything but completely devoted to each other and that they'd make it through the dark times.
But all good things must come to an end, so they say, and here we are, at the final instalment in what has been an absolutely compelling and engrossing series.
Fellow Gregory Ashe fan Em Wittmann and I devoured The Keeper of Bees and got together to discuss it in a joint review over at All About Romance .
Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset have become two of my all-time favourite fictional characters, and in the Union of Swords series, they've been thoroughly put through the wringer. What with Hazard's increasingly problematic mental health, old resentments, relationship issues, career adjustments, family problems AND the emergence of an incredibly clever serial killer who seems to always be one step ahead, the guys have had a hell of a lot on their plate. But they've also forged new friendships, made a life as a family unit and even when things have got really tough, have never given up on each other; when things were at their most difficult (in Transactional Dynamics and Wayward) and they were on the outs, I never believed they were anything but completely devoted to each other and that they'd make it through the dark times.
But all good things must come to an end, so they say, and here we are, at the final instalment in what has been an absolutely compelling and engrossing series.
Fellow Gregory Ashe fan Em Wittmann and I devoured The Keeper of Bees and got together to discuss it in a joint review over at All About Romance .
July 27, 2023
4.5 stars
“I love you so much that I don’t even understand it sometimes. It’s like this thing that’s bigger than me, and I just get to… be part of it, I guess.”
A finale that does justice to an epic arc with non-stop action, red herrings galore and the sweetest ending.
“I love you so much that I don’t even understand it sometimes. It’s like this thing that’s bigger than me, and I just get to… be part of it, I guess.”
A finale that does justice to an epic arc with non-stop action, red herrings galore and the sweetest ending.
Read
July 27, 2021So, here we are, at the end of the second series.
Full transparency, I'll admit that my main suspect for the Keeper was wrong -- but my backup suspect was right. I'm a little disappointed about this only because I didn't really believe in the rationale behind it. I would've been fine with being wrong if I had a convincing enough argument to back it up but.. I didn't feel it. I didn't vibe. Had it been the number one, there was far more groundwork laid to have made it reasonable. Yes, maybe a little obvious in some cases, but.. believable.
Having said that, I did mostly get my wish. Emery and Hazard were definitely on each other's team for this book. Maybe helped because we had a bit of a surprising separation but still. It counts.
This instalment did a lot of things so good, so right, but I'm a tad bummed about a) aforementioned villain and b) how it felt a little.. lacklustre and anticlimactic once we finally got that moment. But I think that's just how the whole ending kind of felt? We had a few rushed scenes between the showdown and the actual ending, trying to tie up loose ends, and I wish we'd had a bit more time to let those breathe (it being one of the shortest page lengths, too, might explain this feeling; why couldn't it have been longer?). But. Then we had the end. And, well. We happy.
I currently have some three star ratings for some of the books in this series and I kinda want to go back and remove them. It's hard to rate this series because while I do hate-read sometimes, this is far from that. This author writes such compelling, engaging, heartwrenching, frustrating, work and as I rate by enjoyment, well.. obviously some of this isn't enjoyable. And it frustrates me. But it's also of a caliber that I think shouldn't be dragged down by a three (at least not this series, I stand by some of the other ratings, though). It's just so complex and hard to distill into something other than words, I guess? I don't even know. What am I even saying at this point. Suffice it to say : some of these are easy to love, others are harder to love but still special. Also ratings are hard.
Speaking of easy to love, time to wrap this up with some shorts!
Full transparency, I'll admit that my main suspect for the Keeper was wrong -- but my backup suspect was right. I'm a little disappointed about this only because I didn't really believe in the rationale behind it. I would've been fine with being wrong if I had a convincing enough argument to back it up but.. I didn't feel it. I didn't vibe. Had it been the number one, there was far more groundwork laid to have made it reasonable. Yes, maybe a little obvious in some cases, but.. believable.
Having said that, I did mostly get my wish. Emery and Hazard were definitely on each other's team for this book. Maybe helped because we had a bit of a surprising separation but still. It counts.
This instalment did a lot of things so good, so right, but I'm a tad bummed about a) aforementioned villain and b) how it felt a little.. lacklustre and anticlimactic once we finally got that moment. But I think that's just how the whole ending kind of felt? We had a few rushed scenes between the showdown and the actual ending, trying to tie up loose ends, and I wish we'd had a bit more time to let those breathe (it being one of the shortest page lengths, too, might explain this feeling; why couldn't it have been longer?). But. Then we had the end. And, well. We happy.
I currently have some three star ratings for some of the books in this series and I kinda want to go back and remove them. It's hard to rate this series because while I do hate-read sometimes, this is far from that. This author writes such compelling, engaging, heartwrenching, frustrating, work and as I rate by enjoyment, well.. obviously some of this isn't enjoyable. And it frustrates me. But it's also of a caliber that I think shouldn't be dragged down by a three (at least not this series, I stand by some of the other ratings, though). It's just so complex and hard to distill into something other than words, I guess? I don't even know. What am I even saying at this point. Suffice it to say : some of these are easy to love, others are harder to love but still special. Also ratings are hard.
Speaking of easy to love, time to wrap this up with some shorts!
September 10, 2021
Couldn't wait to get it in my grubby little hands. Edge of your seat, couldn't stop reading, nail-biting tension, but I read this finale straight through. The new Chief of Police is a complete arse and his new 'officers' a right bunch of bigoted, white morons. There was some language in the story which I didn't like, but that's what happens out in the real world...not a sleepy little village in East Anglia, UK. The Keeper of Bees was exactly whom I'd thought it would be, so I did get that right [unlike the SoS killer ♠️]. Was a little puzzled to be honest as to the reason for the killings [as if an actual reason were needed 😕], but I suppose jealousy/envy just about covers it and then all sorts of other things happened just because, in the killer's warped and twisted mind, they could.
Ree and John-Henry's relationship 💕💕 moved on in leaps and bounds in this one, they were amazing!! Absolutely LOVED the ending 💜🧡💛💚💙, and dead chuffed that H & S will appear in some new stories maybe next year.
Ree and John-Henry's relationship 💕💕 moved on in leaps and bounds in this one, they were amazing!! Absolutely LOVED the ending 💜🧡💛💚💙, and dead chuffed that H & S will appear in some new stories maybe next year.
July 23, 2021
Somers smiled and shook his head. "You know what? I kind of like the sound of Hazard and Somerset."
[4.75] WE DID IT FOLKS!!!! Marathoning through these books has been a crazy ride, but boy did Gregory Ashe deliver with this finale! I got the nail-biting, white-knuckle tension I was looking for, and reflecting on how far these characters have come? I AM EMOTIONAL. This can't be the end just after they made some momentous changes in their lives..... 😭😭😭
At least I can fill the void in my heart with the next Off Duty book, if only for a short while :')
⚠️ POSSIBLE SPOILERS ⚠️
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I'm admittedly a little confused about the killer's motivations, but hey, we got some Nico & Somers bonding out of it which was something I didn't know I needed lol.
December 4, 2022
What a perfect season finale! 😍 And what nail-biting tension. I went to bed at 2AM, but kept reading for another hour. I just couldn’t put this book down! 🙈 Gregory Ashe should give some pointers to every suspense/thriller writer out there, because compared to his books, they might as well write children’s bedtime stories.
I won’t lie, I’d had my suspicions about the Keeper’s identity, but this wasn’t my first (or even second) guess, so kudos for that. 👏 Also, the way Greg told the tale, not slowing down for even one second, wow! And of course incorporating his sense of humor which I absolutely LOVE. Somers in survival mode was hilarious despite the circumstances, but as the hours passed (in the book, I mean) and the events unfolded, this one question kept popping up in the back of my mind: what about that poor man’s hair! 🤣
LOVED the ending! I can’t believe Glenn managed to redeem himself (just a little bit) in this book, but I’m so happy for Somers. 🥹 And Hazard’s progress, and the wedding… aaahhh this book was just perfect! 😭💘💃
I’m so freaking curious what shenanigans await in the next season now that the Wahredua PD has FINALLY been put to rights. Send help, I’m addicted to these guys. 🤣
I won’t lie, I’d had my suspicions about the Keeper’s identity, but this wasn’t my first (or even second) guess, so kudos for that. 👏 Also, the way Greg told the tale, not slowing down for even one second, wow! And of course incorporating his sense of humor which I absolutely LOVE. Somers in survival mode was hilarious despite the circumstances, but as the hours passed (in the book, I mean) and the events unfolded, this one question kept popping up in the back of my mind: what about that poor man’s hair! 🤣
LOVED the ending! I can’t believe Glenn managed to redeem himself (just a little bit) in this book, but I’m so happy for Somers. 🥹 And Hazard’s progress, and the wedding… aaahhh this book was just perfect! 😭💘💃
I’m so freaking curious what shenanigans await in the next season now that the Wahredua PD has FINALLY been put to rights. Send help, I’m addicted to these guys. 🤣
October 22, 2022
That feeling when all your wishes come true!❤️ I loved this entire story arc so much, but this final installment went above and beyond. Definitely my favorite of this series and the perfect way to temporarily wrap things up. Hazard and Somers' relationship felt more secure and mature than ever. My boys are growing up! Finally! And their love for each other is just so freaking big and beautiful. And the mystery of the Keeper of Bees has been solved! I suspected pretty much everyone at some point and GA did an amazing job of throwing me off at every turn.
I don't feel like I can say much of anything that won't be some kind of spoiler, so I'll just say that it is going to be so hard not to immediately dive into the next series (especially after that last Off Duty vignette - I need answers!). But I need a break. I know I need a break. My tbr is overflowing with goodies and my fomo has reached a concerning level. I'm so glad I let the reviews pressure me into diving into the Hazardverse, though. I have zero regrets and cannot recommend these books enough.
I don't feel like I can say much of anything that won't be some kind of spoiler, so I'll just say that it is going to be so hard not to immediately dive into the next series (especially after that last Off Duty vignette - I need answers!). But I need a break. I know I need a break. My tbr is overflowing with goodies and my fomo has reached a concerning level. I'm so glad I let the reviews pressure me into diving into the Hazardverse, though. I have zero regrets and cannot recommend these books enough.
August 1, 2020
Outstanding !!! Bravo for a cleverly written and extremely well planned series. I adore Ree & Somers and their relationship continues to build and grow throughout as they battle this ongoing mystery and murder crime wave. Of course not only do they have to manage their relationship but their case and the continual interference of pests such as the new Police Chief !
Really great read - loved it ❤️ easy 5 star series
Really great read - loved it ❤️ easy 5 star series
December 17, 2020
I think if I had to list 5 series that have kept me riveted from start to finish, that have taken me on the most amazing emotional roller coaster ride that this series would be at the top of that list.
My husband actually breathed a sigh of relief when I told him this was the last book... translation no more rage, rants about characters in the book and by characters in the book I mostly mean Dulac but not exclusively.
I can honestly say there are more characters in this series that I have absolutely come to abhor than any other series that I remember reading, but it also goes without saying that the ones I loved I loved without reservation. Oh, I might have occasionally become frustrated with them but that's ok. I get frustrated with my son and anyone who knows me, knows that I loved him without reservation so it's all good. And without fail they've all come together to give me the most incredible stories.
Without reservation I have no love left for Dulac...none, zip, zero, zilch, nada...NONE! I think I actually like Somerset's father more than Dulac and I don't like him at all. The other person who made me crazy in this one was the new chief of police...the man's a pig...that's it as police go he's the example that explains why so many people fear/despise and hate the police.
Surprisingly one of the characters who shone brightly for me was the lawyer...Aniya Thompson. She was to say the least marvelous. I loved her.
Evie was a piece of child perfection. We got wonderful glimpses of her in all her adorable little girlness but she never stole the story...just added to it.
When it comes to the last book of a series 'The Keeper of Bees' was a piece of perfection. There was a lot going on in this one. Questions were answered but those answers weren't given without people having to fight for them (figuratively speaking and a little bit of the literal) Hazard and Somerset have found their way to each other and they're solid. They're also not afraid of letting the banter flow. These men are solid and they trust each other without hesitation.
As for who the Keeper of Bees was...well, I knew that as soon as Hazard told me because honest I gave up after the first 2 or 3 failed guesses. The mystery and suspense was rock solid on this and I was gripping the edge of my seat until the bitter ending...as for the ending...it was perfect. Not what I would have imagined for this two but perfect none the less.
The other piece of perfection that made this series just a jewel from start to finish was the narrator. I'm a longtime fan of Tristan James and to have the consistency of not just the same narrator but of one of my favorites was definitely a bit of audio book heaven.
I'm not sure what this author has in story for us but I have little doubt it'll be an adventure that leaves me breathless and anticipation what comes next every bit as much as this Hazard and Somerset have.
**************************
An audio book of "The Keeper of Bees" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My husband actually breathed a sigh of relief when I told him this was the last book... translation no more rage, rants about characters in the book and by characters in the book I mostly mean Dulac but not exclusively.
I can honestly say there are more characters in this series that I have absolutely come to abhor than any other series that I remember reading, but it also goes without saying that the ones I loved I loved without reservation. Oh, I might have occasionally become frustrated with them but that's ok. I get frustrated with my son and anyone who knows me, knows that I loved him without reservation so it's all good. And without fail they've all come together to give me the most incredible stories.
Without reservation I have no love left for Dulac...none, zip, zero, zilch, nada...NONE! I think I actually like Somerset's father more than Dulac and I don't like him at all. The other person who made me crazy in this one was the new chief of police...the man's a pig...that's it as police go he's the example that explains why so many people fear/despise and hate the police.
Surprisingly one of the characters who shone brightly for me was the lawyer...Aniya Thompson. She was to say the least marvelous. I loved her.
Evie was a piece of child perfection. We got wonderful glimpses of her in all her adorable little girlness but she never stole the story...just added to it.
When it comes to the last book of a series 'The Keeper of Bees' was a piece of perfection. There was a lot going on in this one. Questions were answered but those answers weren't given without people having to fight for them (figuratively speaking and a little bit of the literal) Hazard and Somerset have found their way to each other and they're solid. They're also not afraid of letting the banter flow. These men are solid and they trust each other without hesitation.
As for who the Keeper of Bees was...well, I knew that as soon as Hazard told me because honest I gave up after the first 2 or 3 failed guesses. The mystery and suspense was rock solid on this and I was gripping the edge of my seat until the bitter ending...as for the ending...it was perfect. Not what I would have imagined for this two but perfect none the less.
The other piece of perfection that made this series just a jewel from start to finish was the narrator. I'm a longtime fan of Tristan James and to have the consistency of not just the same narrator but of one of my favorites was definitely a bit of audio book heaven.
I'm not sure what this author has in story for us but I have little doubt it'll be an adventure that leaves me breathless and anticipation what comes next every bit as much as this Hazard and Somerset have.
**************************
An audio book of "The Keeper of Bees" was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2025
5⭐️ Such a perfect and sweet end to the series (this installment anyways). 🥹🥹
I loved the mystery in this one, so much tension and suspense. And we finally figured out who the serial killer was and I was honestly shocked. Didn’t see it coming.
Hazard and Somerset are one of my favorite couples of all time. So many ups and downs but it kept the whole series interesting. ❤️ I will definitely be re-listening to this series in the future.
I loved the mystery in this one, so much tension and suspense. And we finally figured out who the serial killer was and I was honestly shocked. Didn’t see it coming.
Hazard and Somerset are one of my favorite couples of all time. So many ups and downs but it kept the whole series interesting. ❤️ I will definitely be re-listening to this series in the future.
January 29, 2024
Big bad was obvious.
Grand gestures don’t equal love.
But these books are crack.
The two arcs I’ve read so far are 5 stars taken as a whole.
Grand gestures don’t equal love.
But these books are crack.
The two arcs I’ve read so far are 5 stars taken as a whole.
August 8, 2020
Let's just get this out of the way: Emery and John-Henry are my two most favorite fictional characters. Their relationship is THE BEST in fiction & if Mr. Ashe ever tries to split them up and/or kill one or both of them off, it will be a PROBLEM.
Moving on.
About John and Ree. I enjoy every moment that Mr. Ashe lets us spend with them. Although the relationship has its ups and downs, the author is a master of balance - for every dip (and there are some DOOZIES), there's a lovely swoony moment, too. I love the tender affection they hold for each other and how brilliantly he captures the minutia of their everyday lives. The characterization of each man is fascinating - but the merging of their personalities/eccentricities/lifestyles is what makes this series so totally addictive. It's part train wreck, tragicomedy, and grand romance, and reader - I'M HERE FOR ALL OF IT.
And have I mentioned how thrilling and suspenseful and clever this series is, too? Yes, the mystery/suspense plots are dark and heavy and often horrifying (I mean, people are evil!), but these elements are balanced by an undercurrent of lightness that carries throughout the series. Romantic, suspenseful, often hilarious, and just brilliantly clever and smart - I never ever get tired of Hazard & Somers.
But what about The Keeper of the Bees, Em??!!
Friends, it wasn't - THANK GOD - who I guessed it would be. And Ashe does a masterful job keeping readers on their toes guessing/re-evaluating/second-guessing the villain almost to the very end of this one. I highly recommend this last book of the A Union of Swords series. But. The Keeper of Bees had some issues that kept me shouting at my Kindle, and an ending that felt a tad too familiar. It's still super entertaining, thrilling and totally addictive.
I reviewed it with my fellow Gregory Ashe fangirl Caz, & we gave it an A- at All About Romance .
Our conversation is here:
The Keeper of Bees
Moving on.
About John and Ree. I enjoy every moment that Mr. Ashe lets us spend with them. Although the relationship has its ups and downs, the author is a master of balance - for every dip (and there are some DOOZIES), there's a lovely swoony moment, too. I love the tender affection they hold for each other and how brilliantly he captures the minutia of their everyday lives. The characterization of each man is fascinating - but the merging of their personalities/eccentricities/lifestyles is what makes this series so totally addictive. It's part train wreck, tragicomedy, and grand romance, and reader - I'M HERE FOR ALL OF IT.
And have I mentioned how thrilling and suspenseful and clever this series is, too? Yes, the mystery/suspense plots are dark and heavy and often horrifying (I mean, people are evil!), but these elements are balanced by an undercurrent of lightness that carries throughout the series. Romantic, suspenseful, often hilarious, and just brilliantly clever and smart - I never ever get tired of Hazard & Somers.
But what about The Keeper of the Bees, Em??!!
Friends, it wasn't - THANK GOD - who I guessed it would be. And Ashe does a masterful job keeping readers on their toes guessing/re-evaluating/second-guessing the villain almost to the very end of this one. I highly recommend this last book of the A Union of Swords series. But. The Keeper of Bees had some issues that kept me shouting at my Kindle, and an ending that felt a tad too familiar. It's still super entertaining, thrilling and totally addictive.
I reviewed it with my fellow Gregory Ashe fangirl Caz, & we gave it an A- at All About Romance .
Our conversation is here:
The Keeper of Bees
October 4, 2022
5 +++ ⭐️ This book was everything and more!!! Gregory Ashe was absolutely brilliant in this series but he outdid himself with this last book. From the second book of. This second series it set up for the suspense and mystery of this last one, sometimes I have an idea or inkling but he completely blindsided me with this one !!! Nothing greater than that.
So much has developed over this series, so now looking at the last books and all the angst I feel what GA was working towards. This last book I felt the movement and growth so well for everyone. All the characters were coming into place emotionally, with respect to work, working in through relationship and owning up to who they are.
I powered through this and actually switched back and forth from Audio to kindle because I could not put this one down.
Thank you Gregory Ashe for another incredible and unforgettable series 😍
So much has developed over this series, so now looking at the last books and all the angst I feel what GA was working towards. This last book I felt the movement and growth so well for everyone. All the characters were coming into place emotionally, with respect to work, working in through relationship and owning up to who they are.
I powered through this and actually switched back and forth from Audio to kindle because I could not put this one down.
Thank you Gregory Ashe for another incredible and unforgettable series 😍
January 15, 2024
5 stars for this series. What a rollercoaster, funny, sad, angsty, sweet and hot. The mysteries were solid and I love these guys far more than I thought I would at the end of series 1.
July 13, 2022
perfect end
This is my 18 Gregory Ashe book in a row. I should be tired but I’m not. The writing keeps getting better and better.
This was finally a mystery that was just as important as the relationship between H&S.
Many red herrings were thrown out there BUT I guessed the killer just before Hazard. No spoilers here!
The end of this arc was just so perfect that I’m ready to start the new one in the H&S saga.
I’m hooked!
This is my 18 Gregory Ashe book in a row. I should be tired but I’m not. The writing keeps getting better and better.
This was finally a mystery that was just as important as the relationship between H&S.
Many red herrings were thrown out there BUT I guessed the killer just before Hazard. No spoilers here!
The end of this arc was just so perfect that I’m ready to start the new one in the H&S saga.
I’m hooked!
June 11, 2022
Re-read June 2022
Loved it, as always. Hopefully this is not the end.
Loved it, as always. Hopefully this is not the end.
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