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Hazard and Somerset #4
Guilt by Association
Everything in Emery Hazard’s life is finally going well: his boyfriend, Nico, is crazy about him; he has a loyal partner at work; and he has successfully closed a series of difficult murders. By all accounts, he should be happy. What he can’t figure out, then, is why he’s so damn miserable.
After a fight with Nico, Hazard needs work to take his mind off his relationship. And someone in town is happy to oblige by murdering the sheriff. The job won’t be easy; the sheriff had enemies, lots of them, and narrowing down the list of suspects will be difficult. Difficult, but routine.
The arrival of a special prosecutor, however, throws the case into turmoil, and Hazard and Somers find themselves sidelined. With an agenda of his own, the prosecutor forces the case toward his favorite suspect, while Hazard and Somers scramble to find the real killer. As the people they care about are drawn into the chaos, Hazard and Somers have to fight to keep what they love--and to keep each other. To find the killer, they will have to reveal what each has kept buried for years: their feelings for each other.
And for Hazard, that’s a hell of a lot scarier than murder.
After a fight with Nico, Hazard needs work to take his mind off his relationship. And someone in town is happy to oblige by murdering the sheriff. The job won’t be easy; the sheriff had enemies, lots of them, and narrowing down the list of suspects will be difficult. Difficult, but routine.
The arrival of a special prosecutor, however, throws the case into turmoil, and Hazard and Somers find themselves sidelined. With an agenda of his own, the prosecutor forces the case toward his favorite suspect, while Hazard and Somers scramble to find the real killer. As the people they care about are drawn into the chaos, Hazard and Somers have to fight to keep what they love--and to keep each other. To find the killer, they will have to reveal what each has kept buried for years: their feelings for each other.
And for Hazard, that’s a hell of a lot scarier than murder.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2018
223 people are currently reading
645 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,785 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 459 reviews
July 20, 2021
Reread/listen July 2021
GAAAAHH! I love these two fools.
I was ready to defend Nico but again he is just a little twat. His insecurities turned him into a whiny brat. Ugh! Anyhoo Hazard would do that to you. Only Somers can stand him. I love Somers and all his flaws.
The relationship development in this series is what makes this series one of my favs and the fact that I can clearly picture Hazard and Somers as real people.
Huh! I just realized that Hazard doesn't know how to be single. Man needs therapy and lots, lots of it.
The Tension! GAAAHH!!!!!
Loved everything about this one.
***********************************************
LOVED IT
Finally these two fools got their shit together. No more frustrations. The award for not talking MCs goes to Hazard and Somers. These guys do not talk but for some reasons i am not bothered by that at all. Huh!!
The banter is still good and the interactions between Hazard and Somers are very entertaining to read. The writing solid as the other books.
The mystery was predictable but i didn't care at all, as long as Hazard and Somers were on page, i was fine.
Four books later! Annnnnnnnddddd it finally happened Yippie!!!! Talk about an over extended slow burn.
On to the next, i can't wait to see how this will work out.
GAAAAHH! I love these two fools.
I was ready to defend Nico but again he is just a little twat. His insecurities turned him into a whiny brat. Ugh! Anyhoo Hazard would do that to you. Only Somers can stand him. I love Somers and all his flaws.
The relationship development in this series is what makes this series one of my favs and the fact that I can clearly picture Hazard and Somers as real people.
Huh! I just realized that Hazard doesn't know how to be single. Man needs therapy and lots, lots of it.
The Tension! GAAAHH!!!!!
Loved everything about this one.
***********************************************
LOVED IT
Finally these two fools got their shit together. No more frustrations. The award for not talking MCs goes to Hazard and Somers. These guys do not talk but for some reasons i am not bothered by that at all. Huh!!
The banter is still good and the interactions between Hazard and Somers are very entertaining to read. The writing solid as the other books.
The mystery was predictable but i didn't care at all, as long as Hazard and Somers were on page, i was fine.
Four books later! Annnnnnnnddddd it finally happened Yippie!!!! Talk about an over extended slow burn.
On to the next, i can't wait to see how this will work out.
January 10, 2021
I really liked this one.
I think the relationship development between Hazard and Somers was pretty great here, both on professional and personal level. Even though the mystery was only ok for me, I enjoyed watching them work together. There was a lot of teasing and banter between them.
The ending wasn't entirely what I expected, but I was still happy with it.
I think the relationship development between Hazard and Somers was pretty great here, both on professional and personal level. Even though the mystery was only ok for me, I enjoyed watching them work together. There was a lot of teasing and banter between them.
The ending wasn't entirely what I expected, but I was still happy with it.
October 1, 2020
I gotta tell you, for a small town there is some Machiavellian-like murder planning going on! I guess these people are so bored that they are playing a lot of chess and planning intricate murder plots. But, hey, we all need a hobby I guess. And, especially in these difficult times. I mean, the times are really difficult right now, right? That's what the car commercials are telling us. You know what would help us all get through the plague that has had us stuck in our houses for the past 6 months? New cars. We all need new cars we can't drive anywhere and car payments and insurance that will cost a fortune even though that new car will be nothing more than a pretty accessory for our driveway.
Well, yeah. What else are you gonna do with your old car? It's not like anyone else would want that piece of crap. I mean, duh. Now, let's get all of our old beanie babies out and try to sell them at a garage sale.
So in this one someone shot the sheriff. But, don't worry, the deputy was fine. Thank god for music from the 1970's or someone may have gotten other ideas. He dodged that bullet!
The thing about the sheriff is that he was a huge, colossal dick, so no tears were shed over his demise. The strange part of things was that the mayor had some big-shot special prosecutor come in to handle the investigation. Why? I don't know. I still don't know. Whatever, it happened. And, this guy is a bit dickish himself. Considering how big of a dick Hazard, one of the heroes, can be, and that the mayor is a corrupt dick.. there are a lot of dicks in town.
That's right, cute doggie. Hey, can you at least wear gloves while you make the sausage? I like mine hairless.
So, while the sausages are swinging, Hazard and Somers get stuck doing grunt work and angsting over each other. *sigh*
Holy shit. It would be easier to get peace in the Middle East than getting these two together. It would be easier to host a rational, calm, and completely honest presidential debate than it happening.
Ugh!
As I said about the last book, the banter has improved a lot in this series. Sometimes they even make me chuckle. But, Hazard still has the tendency to act with the calmness of a raging bull at all times. I wish he would grow out of that, because we all know how the bull ends up:
Nice buns, boys!
Does anyone want sausage on their burgers? They are a little hairy, but that's okay. Hair is just Nature's dental floss.
Anyway, not to spoil you or anything, but they get together in the last couple of pages.
Oh, I meant - Spoiler Alert.
My bad?
Before you bitch: The blurb from the next book calls them boyfriends. I didn't spoil.
Besides, I'm being nice. It drove me crazy the whole book. I'm saving you. Now, you say, "Thank you, Jilly."
You and me, Lucy.
So now that I spoiled you, I need to go read the next book.
Well, yeah. What else are you gonna do with your old car? It's not like anyone else would want that piece of crap. I mean, duh. Now, let's get all of our old beanie babies out and try to sell them at a garage sale.
So in this one someone shot the sheriff. But, don't worry, the deputy was fine. Thank god for music from the 1970's or someone may have gotten other ideas. He dodged that bullet!
The thing about the sheriff is that he was a huge, colossal dick, so no tears were shed over his demise. The strange part of things was that the mayor had some big-shot special prosecutor come in to handle the investigation. Why? I don't know. I still don't know. Whatever, it happened. And, this guy is a bit dickish himself. Considering how big of a dick Hazard, one of the heroes, can be, and that the mayor is a corrupt dick.. there are a lot of dicks in town.
That's right, cute doggie. Hey, can you at least wear gloves while you make the sausage? I like mine hairless.
So, while the sausages are swinging, Hazard and Somers get stuck doing grunt work and angsting over each other. *sigh*
Holy shit. It would be easier to get peace in the Middle East than getting these two together. It would be easier to host a rational, calm, and completely honest presidential debate than it happening.
Ugh!
As I said about the last book, the banter has improved a lot in this series. Sometimes they even make me chuckle. But, Hazard still has the tendency to act with the calmness of a raging bull at all times. I wish he would grow out of that, because we all know how the bull ends up:
Nice buns, boys!
Does anyone want sausage on their burgers? They are a little hairy, but that's okay. Hair is just Nature's dental floss.
Anyway, not to spoil you or anything, but they get together in the last couple of pages.
Oh, I meant - Spoiler Alert.
My bad?
Before you bitch: The blurb from the next book calls them boyfriends. I didn't spoil.
Besides, I'm being nice. It drove me crazy the whole book. I'm saving you. Now, you say, "Thank you, Jilly."
You and me, Lucy.
So now that I spoiled you, I need to go read the next book.
February 7, 2020
I am a bit conflicted writing my review for this one.
I really loved Somers and Hazard in the first three books and I could hardly wait for them to finally take the step that we were ALL waiting for.
However, book 4 felt like a repeat of books 2 and 3. Like literally up to the last few pages.
A murder case (that I wasn't really too invested in, being way too curious to see things develop between Somers and Hazard) and lots of diversion (albeit mostly in their minds) with Nico and Cora.
So... same as usual, right?
I felt myself worn thin a bit by that point and expected someone to FINALLY try to talk about things.
"What's going on with Cora/Nico? I care about you."
I desperately would have needed those words.
Not to mention that the whole Nico business turned ridiculous in this book. I understand why Hazard felt connected to him (his insecurities were well explained and quite intriguing), but what felt cleverly constructed in the previous books was tiring to me by book 4.
I think I understand now why not everyone is a fan of this 'slow type' of slow burn romance.
Unfortunately the last few pages (that I've literally been waiting for since the beginning of book 1) were anticlimatic for me and I was surprised to see them exchange 'I love you's as if they suddenly settled all their emotional shortcomings within the blink of an eye.
I also desperatley missed some interaction between Somers and his daughter. I would have hoped losing his dauther to a broken marriage would cause more pain for Somers, but he barely ever even thinks about her and the only scene she was even in had him end up drunk again and embarrassing himself in front of the whole town.
His alcohol problem also isn't addressed at all so far. He's fine for most of the time and then suddenly drinks himself into oblivion. Shouldn't he get help other than having Hazard carry him home and paying for the stuff he wrecks when he's drunk?!
I assume that all this will hopefully be dealt with in later books, but I just wanted to express my frustration so far, especially since this book in particular felt like a re-run of the previous books without any particular progress.
3 slightly frustrated stars!
I really loved Somers and Hazard in the first three books and I could hardly wait for them to finally take the step that we were ALL waiting for.
However, book 4 felt like a repeat of books 2 and 3. Like literally up to the last few pages.
A murder case (that I wasn't really too invested in, being way too curious to see things develop between Somers and Hazard) and lots of diversion (albeit mostly in their minds) with Nico and Cora.
So... same as usual, right?
I felt myself worn thin a bit by that point and expected someone to FINALLY try to talk about things.
"What's going on with Cora/Nico? I care about you."
I desperately would have needed those words.
Not to mention that the whole Nico business turned ridiculous in this book. I understand why Hazard felt connected to him (his insecurities were well explained and quite intriguing), but what felt cleverly constructed in the previous books was tiring to me by book 4.
I think I understand now why not everyone is a fan of this 'slow type' of slow burn romance.
Unfortunately the last few pages (that I've literally been waiting for since the beginning of book 1) were anticlimatic for me and I was surprised to see them exchange 'I love you's as if they suddenly settled all their emotional shortcomings within the blink of an eye.
I also desperatley missed some interaction between Somers and his daughter. I would have hoped losing his dauther to a broken marriage would cause more pain for Somers, but he barely ever even thinks about her and the only scene she was even in had him end up drunk again and embarrassing himself in front of the whole town.
His alcohol problem also isn't addressed at all so far. He's fine for most of the time and then suddenly drinks himself into oblivion. Shouldn't he get help other than having Hazard carry him home and paying for the stuff he wrecks when he's drunk?!
I assume that all this will hopefully be dealt with in later books, but I just wanted to express my frustration so far, especially since this book in particular felt like a re-run of the previous books without any particular progress.
3 slightly frustrated stars!
June 29, 2022
***REREAD 8/9/21 -- 8/13/21***
Yes, I'm still in love with this one. I sipped it and enjoyed every painful scene.
How each man, independently, wonders or suspects that the other has smoothed things over.
How Hazard, due to his history, desperately doesn't want to be alone and makes excuses for Nico.
How Cora has to lay out the truth for Somers, one he thinks is a secret, but it's really not.
And this scene: that just goes with the spoiler in my original review. They perfectly bookend each other. swoon
ps. I was remiss in praising Tristan James's amazing audio version. He embodies Hazard & Somers and does a fantastic job of voicing all of the characters that come into the story. Just perfect.
***********************************************
1st read ***11/24/19 - 11/27/19***
***HEART EYES***
Take all my money Gregory Ashe! After having put us, and his characters, through the literal and figurative wringer he delivers on the promise of the first book in a spectacular, and yet suitably quiet way.
Hazard & Somers once again find themselves in the midst of an investigation that made me think of Murder on the Orient Express, how the plot manages to touch on many of the characters and overarching stories in the series. I was a happy camper.
For those who are here for the romance *ahem* you can take a breath. I'm not saying that Hazard has suddenly developed observational skills or finesse, but he does comes through when it counts. As for John-Henry I just want to swaddle him in cotton batting for a spell, he's been living on tenuous ground, but that last scene? If that doesn't pierce you to the bone are you even alive?
The rest is as follows:
*Nico, please develop a personality, be a little less self-centered, and stop trying to hold on to someone who clearly isn't into you.
*Thank you Gregory Ashe for the character of Cora.
Yes, I'm still in love with this one. I sipped it and enjoyed every painful scene.
How each man, independently, wonders or suspects that the other has smoothed things over.
How Hazard, due to his history, desperately doesn't want to be alone and makes excuses for Nico.
How Cora has to lay out the truth for Somers, one he thinks is a secret, but it's really not.
And this scene: that just goes with the spoiler in my original review. They perfectly bookend each other. swoon
ps. I was remiss in praising Tristan James's amazing audio version. He embodies Hazard & Somers and does a fantastic job of voicing all of the characters that come into the story. Just perfect.
***********************************************
1st read ***11/24/19 - 11/27/19***
***HEART EYES***
Take all my money Gregory Ashe! After having put us, and his characters, through the literal and figurative wringer he delivers on the promise of the first book in a spectacular, and yet suitably quiet way.
Hazard & Somers once again find themselves in the midst of an investigation that made me think of Murder on the Orient Express, how the plot manages to touch on many of the characters and overarching stories in the series. I was a happy camper.
For those who are here for the romance *ahem* you can take a breath. I'm not saying that Hazard has suddenly developed observational skills or finesse, but he does comes through when it counts. As for John-Henry I just want to swaddle him in cotton batting for a spell, he's been living on tenuous ground, but that last scene? If that doesn't pierce you to the bone are you even alive?
The rest is as follows:
*Nico, please develop a personality, be a little less self-centered, and stop trying to hold on to someone who clearly isn't into you.
*Thank you Gregory Ashe for the character of Cora.
April 7, 2025
4**** stars
Sadly the mystery in this one couldn’t quite catch my interest and I was looking forward to the private moments instead A LOT, esp with the prospect of Hazard & Somers finally coming together. OF COURSE Gregory Ashe made me work and wait for it. *shakes head (also, please add a facepalm)
I don’t want to say I’m disappointed per se but I also haven’t quite gotten what I was hoping for.
What a fitting quote for this couple.
***********
Hazard and Somerset Series:
Book 1 - Pretty Pretty Boys - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Transposition - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Paternity Case - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Guilt by Association - 4.0 stars
Book 5 - Reasonable Doubt - 4.0 stars
Book 6 - Criminal Past
accompanying Short Story Collection - Off Duty Vol 1 - partly read
Sadly the mystery in this one couldn’t quite catch my interest and I was looking forward to the private moments instead A LOT, esp with the prospect of Hazard & Somers finally coming together. OF COURSE Gregory Ashe made me work and wait for it. *shakes head (also, please add a facepalm)
I don’t want to say I’m disappointed per se but I also haven’t quite gotten what I was hoping for.
And Somers thought maybe he was being a coward, maybe, or maybe it just wasn’t the right time. Not yet. Maybe he’d missed his chance. Maybe not.
What a fitting quote for this couple.
***********
Hazard and Somerset Series:
Book 1 - Pretty Pretty Boys - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Transposition - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - Paternity Case - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - Guilt by Association - 4.0 stars
Book 5 - Reasonable Doubt - 4.0 stars
Book 6 - Criminal Past
accompanying Short Story Collection - Off Duty Vol 1 - partly read
October 28, 2022
Are they going to almost die in every book of the series?
It’s losing its charm. You already know it’s going to happen, you already know they will end up alive in the hospital. Instead of being an exciting scene, it’s starting to feel not only ordinary, but boring. I wish some of the mysteries were a bit more down the hill because, since the possible killers keep getting murderer, I don’t get why Hazard and Somers put guards watching them to catch the assassin the easy way. It would be the fastest way to stop the madness. And they don’t even acknowledge how weird it is that they always get the fanatic ones who keep murdering each other. It’s like it’s normal.
Aside from that, I was going to point out that 99,9% of the villagers are extremely homophobic and mades me feel like I’m back in the 1900s instead of 2020s, but I have never been in USA. Is it really that bad there?
And that’s what it was, wasn’t it? Caring? Love? That’s that this feeling was, when he wanted to thread his fingers through Somers’s golden hair, when he wanted to clean him up and get him in bed, when he wanted to touch him, everywhere, all the time, when he wanted to mouth kisses across his chest, when he wanted to trace those dark lines of ink on Somers’s muscles, when he wanted him to smile, when he wanted to be the reason that Somers smiled, when he did and said things just because he knew they would get a rise out of the blond man-all those things, all the different ways Hazard moved and talked and thought differently because Somers was near, that was love. Wasn’t it?
↬ Hazard and Somerset:
1. Pretty Pretty Boys: 3.75 stars
2. Transposition: 3.5 stars
3. Paternity Case: 3 stars
4. Guilt by Association: 3 stars
5. Reasonable Doubt:2.5 stars
*ignore a bit the rating because I enjoyed the romance but I really disliked the mystery so I'm struggling to rate this
It’s losing its charm. You already know it’s going to happen, you already know they will end up alive in the hospital. Instead of being an exciting scene, it’s starting to feel not only ordinary, but boring. I wish some of the mysteries were a bit more down the hill because, since the possible killers keep getting murderer, I don’t get why Hazard and Somers put guards watching them to catch the assassin the easy way. It would be the fastest way to stop the madness. And they don’t even acknowledge how weird it is that they always get the fanatic ones who keep murdering each other. It’s like it’s normal.
Aside from that, I was going to point out that 99,9% of the villagers are extremely homophobic and mades me feel like I’m back in the 1900s instead of 2020s, but I have never been in USA. Is it really that bad there?
And that’s what it was, wasn’t it? Caring? Love? That’s that this feeling was, when he wanted to thread his fingers through Somers’s golden hair, when he wanted to clean him up and get him in bed, when he wanted to touch him, everywhere, all the time, when he wanted to mouth kisses across his chest, when he wanted to trace those dark lines of ink on Somers’s muscles, when he wanted him to smile, when he wanted to be the reason that Somers smiled, when he did and said things just because he knew they would get a rise out of the blond man-all those things, all the different ways Hazard moved and talked and thought differently because Somers was near, that was love. Wasn’t it?
↬ Hazard and Somerset:
1. Pretty Pretty Boys: 3.75 stars
2. Transposition: 3.5 stars
3. Paternity Case: 3 stars
4. Guilt by Association: 3 stars
5. Reasonable Doubt:2.5 stars
*ignore a bit the rating because I enjoyed the romance but I really disliked the mystery so I'm struggling to rate this
December 16, 2021
**4.0 rating**
“Jesus Christ, Ree, I fucking love you.” And Hazard pulled up, his mouth hot on Somers’s lips, and between kisses he said, “I know.” And then he pulled back, a smile crooked on his lips, and said, “I love you too.”
Brief Review:
My heart I tell you😩.I didn't think it would be possible to love a couple more than Jamie and Wes since Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy but this couple is right there with them. I am gonna keep this review brief because I don't have a lot of energy left in me these days thanks to school😭.
But nonetheless I love this couple. So therefore, I am obliged to write a review. Even if it's somewhat short. I love Somers and my babe Hazard. GA you are forgiven I am so sorry I doubted you 😭🙏🏻.
I cannot believe after four books which is like 4-5 months in the timeline of the book my babes finally get together 😭🤧.
What a moment.
That final chapter 😩 brief but sweet and lovely.
I never thought I would become a fan of slow burn romance but thanks to GA I am a convert.
The case in this book was not that interesting if I am being honest but I really appreciated the character development from both Ree and Somers. It was painful to see how oblivious Hazard was at times to John-Henry's feelings, but the realization that yes they both love one another was so satisfying, especially after enduring all of those moments in the previous books. The constant longings, the deep stares, inner monologus about one another, and sadly being with other people, finally paid off. Not gonna lie it was torturous to not have two people who clearly belong together to be with one another, but all the built up moments from previous books were worth it.
I did somewhat feel bad for Nico because it was always obvious Hazard longed for Somers, and Nico was a stand-in. No one wants to feel like the second option, but I am glad they are over as a couple. They were toxic together. I also really liked how civil Cora and Somers were with one another. That moment in the book where they both realize that their marriage is indeed over was sad but also beautiful. They seem like great co-parents. I really like Cora and I am glad GA didn't make her out to be a bitter ex wife.
I am not sad that Lynk died, she was a unbearable character. Goodbye you will not be missed 💁🏼♀️.
I am just happy my two favorite idiots are finally together 😍😌.
“Jesus Christ, Ree, I fucking love you.” And Hazard pulled up, his mouth hot on Somers’s lips, and between kisses he said, “I know.” And then he pulled back, a smile crooked on his lips, and said, “I love you too.”
Brief Review:
My heart I tell you😩.I didn't think it would be possible to love a couple more than Jamie and Wes since Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy but this couple is right there with them. I am gonna keep this review brief because I don't have a lot of energy left in me these days thanks to school😭.
But nonetheless I love this couple. So therefore, I am obliged to write a review. Even if it's somewhat short. I love Somers and my babe Hazard. GA you are forgiven I am so sorry I doubted you 😭🙏🏻.
I cannot believe after four books which is like 4-5 months in the timeline of the book my babes finally get together 😭🤧.
What a moment.
That final chapter 😩 brief but sweet and lovely.
I never thought I would become a fan of slow burn romance but thanks to GA I am a convert.
The case in this book was not that interesting if I am being honest but I really appreciated the character development from both Ree and Somers. It was painful to see how oblivious Hazard was at times to John-Henry's feelings, but the realization that yes they both love one another was so satisfying, especially after enduring all of those moments in the previous books. The constant longings, the deep stares, inner monologus about one another, and sadly being with other people, finally paid off. Not gonna lie it was torturous to not have two people who clearly belong together to be with one another, but all the built up moments from previous books were worth it.
I did somewhat feel bad for Nico because it was always obvious Hazard longed for Somers, and Nico was a stand-in. No one wants to feel like the second option, but I am glad they are over as a couple. They were toxic together. I also really liked how civil Cora and Somers were with one another. That moment in the book where they both realize that their marriage is indeed over was sad but also beautiful. They seem like great co-parents. I really like Cora and I am glad GA didn't make her out to be a bitter ex wife.
I am not sad that Lynk died, she was a unbearable character. Goodbye you will not be missed 💁🏼♀️.
I am just happy my two favorite idiots are finally together 😍😌.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2021
4 stars ⭐️ All waiting is worth it. Omfg, I'm literally screaming now. Of course, it has to be at the end of the book.
I love Somers. He is a moron. But I love him anyway. I was going to kill Ree because he had no clue that Somers loved him. That dummy thought that Nico was the only one who still cared about him. I wanted to smack Ree every time because of his clueless behavior. He can solve the hardest mysteries as he had got ten brains like Sherlock Holmes, but he hadn't even realized until the end that Somers loved him. What a big idiot!!
The mystery was alright for me. Not a big one. But I loved seeing Hazard and Somers together more than the mystery, tbh. They were really entertaining. Their banter!! Omg, I fucking love it.
Can't wait to see how things are going to be in the next book!!
I love Somers. He is a moron. But I love him anyway. I was going to kill Ree because he had no clue that Somers loved him. That dummy thought that Nico was the only one who still cared about him. I wanted to smack Ree every time because of his clueless behavior. He can solve the hardest mysteries as he had got ten brains like Sherlock Holmes, but he hadn't even realized until the end that Somers loved him. What a big idiot!!
The mystery was alright for me. Not a big one. But I loved seeing Hazard and Somers together more than the mystery, tbh. They were really entertaining. Their banter!! Omg, I fucking love it.
Can't wait to see how things are going to be in the next book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2018
I feel utterly aggrieved.
Deeply frustrated and sad.
I really loved this book until I hit about 70%. And then the infamous slow burn got too much for me. I was fed up hearing about Nico, seeing Hazard and Somers not communicating, and phone calls (or something else) getting in the way each time these guys finally tried to talk to each other. And as much as I love the writing ... It has been FOUR long books, guys!
I loved the banter, the teasing, the 'sub-radar flirting' and the sky-high underlying tension between the MCs, but ... (please don't read this, unless you are ok with spoilers!)
Hence me feeling gutted. Despite the excellent writing.
And to make this clear ... this is all on me. It was explained very clearly that this is m/m fiction, not m/m romance. (But why the heck do I care so much then?!)
Please read Katerina's or Shile's review to get a better idea what's going on here!
Deeply frustrated and sad.
I really loved this book until I hit about 70%. And then the infamous slow burn got too much for me. I was fed up hearing about Nico, seeing Hazard and Somers not communicating, and phone calls (or something else) getting in the way each time these guys finally tried to talk to each other. And as much as I love the writing ... It has been FOUR long books, guys!
I loved the banter, the teasing, the 'sub-radar flirting' and the sky-high underlying tension between the MCs, but ... (please don't read this, unless you are ok with spoilers!)
Hence me feeling gutted. Despite the excellent writing.
And to make this clear ... this is all on me. It was explained very clearly that this is m/m fiction, not m/m romance. (But why the heck do I care so much then?!)
Please read Katerina's or Shile's review to get a better idea what's going on here!
April 17, 2023
I feel like I should say a this or that or the other but all I really want to say is...
and do a little of this...
and this...
Maybe have a little snack.
Then a cocktail.
While staring off into the middle distance thinking about how much I enjoyed this installment. Which would in all likelihood lead me to circle back to...
Or if I'm being honest...
Because...
This right chere, boys-n-girls, were gööd.
and do a little of this...
and this...
Maybe have a little snack.
Then a cocktail.
While staring off into the middle distance thinking about how much I enjoyed this installment. Which would in all likelihood lead me to circle back to...
Or if I'm being honest...
Because...
This right chere, boys-n-girls, were gööd.
January 14, 2020
Hazard and Somerset have been in love since page one of the first book. They don't act on it, they don't talk about it, they don't even let themselves think about ... until it slips out, crashing through. They've always pushed it back. At one point, Hazard's explosive thoughts say please, let it be tonight. If you aren't chanting along with him, sexual tension is lost to you.
The murder mystery is equally bold. Hazard and Somerset work the case relentlessly, pursuing the solution as everyone else throws up distractions. Many books promise much and end flat. This book promises much and delivers more.
The murder mystery is equally bold. Hazard and Somerset work the case relentlessly, pursuing the solution as everyone else throws up distractions. Many books promise much and end flat. This book promises much and delivers more.
July 6, 2021
This installment had many funny moments! The banter was elite. Somers was becoming more and more comfortable with how he felt about Hazard and he was realizing how good he also felt around him which led to Somers feeling comfortable enough to joke around and push his buttons even more so because Hazard wasn’t going anywhere. He wasn’t going to be just one more person that left Somers. I feel like the persistent joking around really showed how safe Somers felt with Hazard. He could just be. As simple as that sounds, it’s a hard thing to come by. For context -- this quote is Somers talking about the double date he wants to have with his estranged wife, Cora, Hazard and Hazard’s boyfriend, Nico. Hazard was complaining about how he didn’t want to go anywhere expensive.
”Will the dollar menu at Taco Bell be alright? Or should I pick up some breakfast bars at Aldi? We could split them so it doesn’t get too pricey.”
Hazard threw the bird, and Somers laughed.
While I enjoyed this case more than I did the one in book two (the only other time a case in this series fell short for me), I still didn’t find it that intriguing overall. It was kinda meh. That being said though, the reveal was smart and extremely well done. I found myself thinking about how clever Gregory Ashe is!
It got extremely tense when all the action was ramping up and I found myself getting super stressed out! It was a doozy.
Luckily for me I didn’t suffer from any book fatigue with this installment. I continuously wanted to keep reading and it was difficult to put this one down despite not loving the mystery which I feel really speaks to how deeply I care about these characters.
So all that being said -- after this installment I feel very emotional and vulnerable.
💜💜💜💜
”Will the dollar menu at Taco Bell be alright? Or should I pick up some breakfast bars at Aldi? We could split them so it doesn’t get too pricey.”
Hazard threw the bird, and Somers laughed.
While I enjoyed this case more than I did the one in book two (the only other time a case in this series fell short for me), I still didn’t find it that intriguing overall. It was kinda meh. That being said though, the reveal was smart and extremely well done. I found myself thinking about how clever Gregory Ashe is!
It got extremely tense when all the action was ramping up and I found myself getting super stressed out! It was a doozy.
Luckily for me I didn’t suffer from any book fatigue with this installment. I continuously wanted to keep reading and it was difficult to put this one down despite not loving the mystery which I feel really speaks to how deeply I care about these characters.
So all that being said -- after this installment I feel very emotional and vulnerable.
💜💜💜💜
July 6, 2021
**Just an updated rating. Four to five stars. I’ve been thinking about these two a lot lately because a bunch of people are reading them. And I realized I needed to change my rating on some of them. Because nobody gets in my head and my heart like Ashe guys. And these two are, in my opinion, his best. (Sorry North and Shaw. You are a super close second.) I just love them. So it’s ok if I don’t enjoy the mysteries in this first series as much as the later ones. It’s ok to give an extra star for character love and development. I can make my own rating rules. 😂**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars
FRICKIN FINALLY!!! 🥰
These two chuckleheads finally got their acts together!
And it was perfect. Feels overload.
Yeah, yeah, yeah I know it won’t be smooth sailing, I wouldn’t want it any other way. But Ree and Somers made big progress and just about killed me in the process.
Oh yeah. The mystery was ok and I thank Ashe for finally writing a decent woman character with Cora. I had my worries about her but she’s sort of amazing.
I might write more later. I might not.
On to book five. 😍
**Just a note for all Hazard and Somerset books. They are more considered gay fiction not romance. So if you are looking for lots of sexy scenes, you might be disappointed. There are some quite steamy moments but they are not overly graphic and do not happen frequently. However, to me, they were still incredibly hot. The UST, pining and feels are through the roof. But I just wanted to put this out there in case it’s not what you are looking for. 😀**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars
FRICKIN FINALLY!!! 🥰
These two chuckleheads finally got their acts together!
And it was perfect. Feels overload.
Yeah, yeah, yeah I know it won’t be smooth sailing, I wouldn’t want it any other way. But Ree and Somers made big progress and just about killed me in the process.
Oh yeah. The mystery was ok and I thank Ashe for finally writing a decent woman character with Cora. I had my worries about her but she’s sort of amazing.
I might write more later. I might not.
On to book five. 😍
**Just a note for all Hazard and Somerset books. They are more considered gay fiction not romance. So if you are looking for lots of sexy scenes, you might be disappointed. There are some quite steamy moments but they are not overly graphic and do not happen frequently. However, to me, they were still incredibly hot. The UST, pining and feels are through the roof. But I just wanted to put this out there in case it’s not what you are looking for. 😀**
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 16, 2022
✧ Somers and Cora’s break up scene was honestly so heartbreaking… but also genuine in a way? when they both realized that, although they had loved each other, people do change, feelings can change and, if that’s the case, have no choice but to accept it. sometimes, it’s just how it is. the way they reminisced about the past, how they used to be, Cora saying she (and everyone) knows about Somers’ feelings for Hazard, except Hazard himself. everything about this scene was the type of closure i like when it comes to one of the mcs exes bc of the mutual understanding/realization and how they didn’t leave off on bad terms. it was simply bittersweet.
✧ FINALLY. Hazard officially breaking up with Nico was such a relief. in the previous book, Hazard literally admitted to Nico he was in love with Somers but, bc Somers wasn’t available, asked if Nico could still give him a chance. i understand Hazard's fear of being alone and all, but having someone as your “second choice” is one of the worst things you can do to someone—leading them on when you know, deep inside, you can never completely love them the way they love you. Nico was definitely a bit much in this book (compared to the previous ones), but even he doesn’t deserve to be a second choice. i’m just happy, by the end of this book, Hazard and Somers are finally together. 🥺
✧ FINALLY. Hazard officially breaking up with Nico was such a relief. in the previous book, Hazard literally admitted to Nico he was in love with Somers but, bc Somers wasn’t available, asked if Nico could still give him a chance. i understand Hazard's fear of being alone and all, but having someone as your “second choice” is one of the worst things you can do to someone—leading them on when you know, deep inside, you can never completely love them the way they love you. Nico was definitely a bit much in this book (compared to the previous ones), but even he doesn’t deserve to be a second choice. i’m just happy, by the end of this book, Hazard and Somers are finally together. 🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2021
i have many conflicting emotions that i’m having trouble sorting out right now. i will do my best to explain my HONEST feelings though, prepare to read a MESSY ass review!🤪 unpopular opinions incoming!
warning for possibly very ~vague~ spoilers?
first of all, the case… wasn’t a big fan once again. i don’t know what it is about the mysteries in these series, but i have a lot of trouble getting invested in them. they just mostly feel flat to me. with all of that said, the most important part while reading books, in general, for me personally, are the characters. if i absolutely adore the characters, i can read about them staring at paint dry and be happy.
so yeah, i dealt with my feelings on the case and just kept reading for hazard and somers. because i love those two. sure, they’re messy as hell, both separately and together, but i can’t help but love them even when they’re being absolute morons.
somers still got absolutely shitfaced anytime something set him off. hazard still tried to stay with nico even when he damn well knew that their relationship was just going to keep getting worse. somers kept almost confessing his feelings for hazard repeatedly, but something ALWAYS kept holding him back or interrupting ~the moment~.
somers also kept going on & on about hazard’s weight through out the whole book, what the HELL was THAT about? i get friendly ribbing, but let’s be honest, it got old after like two times.🥴
another thing i have to mention is that they both keep getting into violent altercations with people and NO ONE seems to give a shit?? like yeah, I KNOW it’s tempting to punch every homophobic suspect you run into, but y’all are COPS, you can’t just punch people and walk the fuck away like it’s no big deal???🤣 hazard also put a guy in the hospital and everyone, except nico, who was involved in THAT whole mess, barely blinks??? i just don’t know how i feel about all THAT.🙄
HOWEVER. i could easily look past the boring cases, the multiple stupid ways the mcs act… but you know what i can’t look past?
THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK.
the whole series has been building up to THIS? i don’t even understand how or why it happened or what triggered that moment to be honest. they barely even talked about anything and SUDDENLY it was love confessions galore. the whole ending was just anticlimactic as hell. these two kept going on & on about how they think that the other person doesn’t want them. there was so much pining, jealousy, tension, untold truths. but somehow all of that just disappeared and there were just love confessions thrown around with no explanations, no settling of all their emotional shortcomings, nothing. to sum up, i’m just kind of disappointed. i said what i said. 🤣
i’ll still continue with the series and just hope it gets better. they better actually start fucking talking in the next book and make up for this rushed, weak ending, but if not…🥴
warning for possibly very ~vague~ spoilers?
first of all, the case… wasn’t a big fan once again. i don’t know what it is about the mysteries in these series, but i have a lot of trouble getting invested in them. they just mostly feel flat to me. with all of that said, the most important part while reading books, in general, for me personally, are the characters. if i absolutely adore the characters, i can read about them staring at paint dry and be happy.
so yeah, i dealt with my feelings on the case and just kept reading for hazard and somers. because i love those two. sure, they’re messy as hell, both separately and together, but i can’t help but love them even when they’re being absolute morons.
somers still got absolutely shitfaced anytime something set him off. hazard still tried to stay with nico even when he damn well knew that their relationship was just going to keep getting worse. somers kept almost confessing his feelings for hazard repeatedly, but something ALWAYS kept holding him back or interrupting ~the moment~.
somers also kept going on & on about hazard’s weight through out the whole book, what the HELL was THAT about? i get friendly ribbing, but let’s be honest, it got old after like two times.🥴
another thing i have to mention is that they both keep getting into violent altercations with people and NO ONE seems to give a shit?? like yeah, I KNOW it’s tempting to punch every homophobic suspect you run into, but y’all are COPS, you can’t just punch people and walk the fuck away like it’s no big deal???🤣 hazard also put a guy in the hospital and everyone, except nico, who was involved in THAT whole mess, barely blinks??? i just don’t know how i feel about all THAT.🙄
HOWEVER. i could easily look past the boring cases, the multiple stupid ways the mcs act… but you know what i can’t look past?
THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK.
the whole series has been building up to THIS? i don’t even understand how or why it happened or what triggered that moment to be honest. they barely even talked about anything and SUDDENLY it was love confessions galore. the whole ending was just anticlimactic as hell. these two kept going on & on about how they think that the other person doesn’t want them. there was so much pining, jealousy, tension, untold truths. but somehow all of that just disappeared and there were just love confessions thrown around with no explanations, no settling of all their emotional shortcomings, nothing. to sum up, i’m just kind of disappointed. i said what i said. 🤣
i’ll still continue with the series and just hope it gets better. they better actually start fucking talking in the next book and make up for this rushed, weak ending, but if not…🥴
June 10, 2024
Thank god. Finally. FINALLY! This book should be renamed “Two idiots catch a clue”.
Things I liked:
- Hazard and Somers banter. The cheeky shit giving that Somers does gives me life.
- The way Somers relationship with Cora was handled was really lovely. I’m glad they didn’t just take the easy route and demonize her.
- The fucking fighting with Nico being over with. I felt like I was watching a friend I couldn’t talk to get back with their shitty ex and it was driving me crazy. Hazard was definitely more chill about the shit Nico pulled this book than I would be. Although I suppose, like the last book, the immature shit is meant to be the point.
I’ll admit I’m a little nervous about the next book though and where the source of drama will come from now 😂😂
Things I liked:
- Hazard and Somers banter. The cheeky shit giving that Somers does gives me life.
- The way Somers relationship with Cora was handled was really lovely. I’m glad they didn’t just take the easy route and demonize her.
- The fucking fighting with Nico being over with. I felt like I was watching a friend I couldn’t talk to get back with their shitty ex and it was driving me crazy. Hazard was definitely more chill about the shit Nico pulled this book than I would be. Although I suppose, like the last book, the immature shit is meant to be the point.
I’ll admit I’m a little nervous about the next book though and where the source of drama will come from now 😂😂
July 11, 2021
One word...
Although I will say that I wanted more of them in that last chapter. More talking, more emotion, more everything really. But again..
FINALLY
Although I will say that I wanted more of them in that last chapter. More talking, more emotion, more everything really. But again..
FINALLY
March 28, 2024
#FEELSPLOSION
June 7, 2020
Re-listen June 2020: Still amazing!! What a fabulous series that keeps getting better and better with each installment! Tristan James rocks this narration!
Original review April 2019:
One word: FINALLY!!!!
(If you’re a fan of these guys, you know what that means)!!
Original review April 2019:
One word: FINALLY!!!!
(If you’re a fan of these guys, you know what that means)!!
June 15, 2018
Having made mention of the fact that author Gregory Ashe appears to love the long arc and yet keeps this series set to eleven on the pace-o-meter, it’s a bit stunning to realize that the moment so many readers have been waiting for, the moment when Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset would finally muster the courage to admit their feelings for each other, has taken only a skosh over three months to happen. The twenty years between their first kiss and now notwithstanding…
But it has. It has finally happened.
The small town of Wahredua, Missouri is a hotbed of criminal activity, from the top all the way down to its seamy underbelly. A crooked mayor, a dirty sheriff, a cop on the take, a white supremacist organization, and a violent radical feminist have each played a part in the setting up of this series, and what Ashe had set on a slow simmer as his arc has unfolded now comes to a roiling boil in Guilt by Association.
Sheriff Morris Bingham is dead and frankly, not a lot of people seem to be sad about it. When hotshot special prosecutor Salvatore Cassella hits Wahredua and takes over the investigation, he stomps on a few toes and relegates Hazard and Somers to doing the preliminary grunt work while a hand-picked investigative team of outsiders handles the heavy lifting. And like the glad-handing politician Cassella is, he isn’t above a little lying, ass-kissing, and feather smoothing to get his way—the smarm oozes from his pores, and Ashe added it liberally. Cassella has an agenda and this high-profile case is just what he needs, this and Wahredua as the litmus test for running as an out gay candidate for the Missouri state legislature. Things also get interesting and the tension mounts when Cassella sets his sights on Hazard’s boyfriend, Nico. The one thing Cassella didn’t count on, however, was meeting his match in Detective Emery Hazard.
I liked all the little tipping points in the story that led to Emery and John-Henry solving the case. They excel at playing good cop/bad cop, because their personalities lend themselves to those roles—Somerset the consummate charmer and Hazard the prickly intimidator (apropos of nothing, I’ve often wondered if Emery might be on the Autism Spectrum)—and they are nothing if not tenacious when it comes to doing the job they’ve been hired to do. As usual, there were enough potential suspects to keep this from being an open and shut investigation, in spite of it appearing so at first blush, and consequently, there was enough to keep me guessing until the big reveal. There are red herrings and leads that go nowhere, and three more deaths complicate the investigation of Bingham’s murder all the more.
But, I loved all the little tipping points that led Hazard and Somerset to finally open up to each other. Gregory Ashe has mastered the element of relationship tension between these two characters, as we readers have been offered a voyeur’s view of each man’s inscape but have watched them outwardly swallow their feelings and give in to their fear of rejection. It was the “please” that caught my attention, to paraphrase a certain dread pirate, and that was the moment it became obvious to both of them that they were gone on each other in a big way.
It doesn’t take a super sleuth to come to the conclusion that the new direction Hazard and Somerset’s relationship is taking isn’t going to be all moonlight and roses. There’s still corruption and plenty of other criminal activity in Wahredua, more people to die, as the case may be, and now there’s the small matter of John-Henry’s ex-wife and little girl for Emery to navigate. This promises to be good.
With impeccable narrative instincts and characters I’ve grown attached to, Gregory Ashe seems incapable of a storytelling misstep. He’s served up yet another excellent installment in the Hazard and Somerset series, and fortunately the wait for the next book isn’t long.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
But it has. It has finally happened.
The small town of Wahredua, Missouri is a hotbed of criminal activity, from the top all the way down to its seamy underbelly. A crooked mayor, a dirty sheriff, a cop on the take, a white supremacist organization, and a violent radical feminist have each played a part in the setting up of this series, and what Ashe had set on a slow simmer as his arc has unfolded now comes to a roiling boil in Guilt by Association.
Sheriff Morris Bingham is dead and frankly, not a lot of people seem to be sad about it. When hotshot special prosecutor Salvatore Cassella hits Wahredua and takes over the investigation, he stomps on a few toes and relegates Hazard and Somers to doing the preliminary grunt work while a hand-picked investigative team of outsiders handles the heavy lifting. And like the glad-handing politician Cassella is, he isn’t above a little lying, ass-kissing, and feather smoothing to get his way—the smarm oozes from his pores, and Ashe added it liberally. Cassella has an agenda and this high-profile case is just what he needs, this and Wahredua as the litmus test for running as an out gay candidate for the Missouri state legislature. Things also get interesting and the tension mounts when Cassella sets his sights on Hazard’s boyfriend, Nico. The one thing Cassella didn’t count on, however, was meeting his match in Detective Emery Hazard.
I liked all the little tipping points in the story that led to Emery and John-Henry solving the case. They excel at playing good cop/bad cop, because their personalities lend themselves to those roles—Somerset the consummate charmer and Hazard the prickly intimidator (apropos of nothing, I’ve often wondered if Emery might be on the Autism Spectrum)—and they are nothing if not tenacious when it comes to doing the job they’ve been hired to do. As usual, there were enough potential suspects to keep this from being an open and shut investigation, in spite of it appearing so at first blush, and consequently, there was enough to keep me guessing until the big reveal. There are red herrings and leads that go nowhere, and three more deaths complicate the investigation of Bingham’s murder all the more.
But, I loved all the little tipping points that led Hazard and Somerset to finally open up to each other. Gregory Ashe has mastered the element of relationship tension between these two characters, as we readers have been offered a voyeur’s view of each man’s inscape but have watched them outwardly swallow their feelings and give in to their fear of rejection. It was the “please” that caught my attention, to paraphrase a certain dread pirate, and that was the moment it became obvious to both of them that they were gone on each other in a big way.
It doesn’t take a super sleuth to come to the conclusion that the new direction Hazard and Somerset’s relationship is taking isn’t going to be all moonlight and roses. There’s still corruption and plenty of other criminal activity in Wahredua, more people to die, as the case may be, and now there’s the small matter of John-Henry’s ex-wife and little girl for Emery to navigate. This promises to be good.
With impeccable narrative instincts and characters I’ve grown attached to, Gregory Ashe seems incapable of a storytelling misstep. He’s served up yet another excellent installment in the Hazard and Somerset series, and fortunately the wait for the next book isn’t long.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
February 17, 2020
Finally. Though I've got to say that after 1700+ pages of bull-headedness and UST, I would have loved it if their finally coming together was more...yeah, more. Still, I'm glad they finally made it.
September 21, 2021
At last these two got their damn acts together, though it was well worth the wait. I think I've forgiven Somers!
Loved it!
Loved it!
May 30, 2020
4.5 stars. Finally! And then GA still manages to make me nuts by making it the last few pages in the book. 😒
Honestly, the writing is still excellent and the investigation was better but if I didn’t love Hazard & Somers as much as I do, I swear I’d never pick up this series again. It’s a testament to the characters that I intend to read every damn book they’re in. At least I intend it now. We’ll see. Despite the fact that I’ve never read any two MCs with their heads further up their asses than these, they’re incredibly appealing to me. I can’t tell you how damn grumpy this makes me. 😏 Their interactions either make me laugh or twist my heart inside out. The chemistry and emotion that comes from them does me in every time. It’ll be interesting to see them now that they’ve admitted what they feel. Because I’ve got questions.
And thank you for one thing at least, Gregory Ashe!
Honestly, the writing is still excellent and the investigation was better but if I didn’t love Hazard & Somers as much as I do, I swear I’d never pick up this series again. It’s a testament to the characters that I intend to read every damn book they’re in. At least I intend it now. We’ll see. Despite the fact that I’ve never read any two MCs with their heads further up their asses than these, they’re incredibly appealing to me. I can’t tell you how damn grumpy this makes me. 😏 Their interactions either make me laugh or twist my heart inside out. The chemistry and emotion that comes from them does me in every time. It’ll be interesting to see them now that they’ve admitted what they feel. Because I’ve got questions.
And thank you for one thing at least, Gregory Ashe!
January 29, 2022
I adore Tristan James' performance in this series!
Ashe always includes a good mystery in the continuing development of the romance between Emery and John-Henry. There are some nice twists in this one, but the slow burn of the love affair is why we're all in this one for the long haul.
Ashe always includes a good mystery in the continuing development of the romance between Emery and John-Henry. There are some nice twists in this one, but the slow burn of the love affair is why we're all in this one for the long haul.
November 21, 2018
Absolutely heart melting and swoon worthy scene in the end, but after ALL this build up I expected something...longer maybe. Or something less abrupt. Still enjoyable though.
March 7, 2024
FINALLY!! THE SLOWBURN FINALLY BURNED!
And there was a “quick, kiss me” to avoid the bad guys seeing us scene. What a literary moment. What a classic.
TWO THINGS:
1. The banter between these two is everything.
2. I can’t believe I was 75% of the way through book four when I realised this is (basically?) Sherlock x Watson fanfic. His name is literally John ffs. No wonder I love it.
4.5⭐️ 0.5-1🌶️
And there was a “quick, kiss me” to avoid the bad guys seeing us scene. What a literary moment. What a classic.
TWO THINGS:
1. The banter between these two is everything.
2. I can’t believe I was 75% of the way through book four when I realised this is (basically?) Sherlock x Watson fanfic. His name is literally John ffs. No wonder I love it.
4.5⭐️ 0.5-1🌶️
January 19, 2023
The sheriff has been shot while on his property shooting clay pigeons, with a group of influential people from town. Shady stuff the sheriff has done has been coming to light, so he gathered the group to get support and for publicity; to keep his job secure. However, the sheriff has many enemies so that means many suspects for Hazard and Somers to question. But Hazard has been having problems with his boyfriend, Nico, so he's glad for the distraction.
To make this more complicated a special prosecutor has been brought on to the case. And in typical blunt Hazard fashion, the two clash.
On the personal side, Somers has now accepted his feeling for Hazard. Unfortunately, Hazard is still with Nico, and when the two begin having troubles Somers offers to help Hazard get Nico back. Hazard knows he should break up with Nico, but past relationships have left him scarred and he doesn't want to be alone.
Hazard in this book is close to a breaking point. Left bruised and battered from the past case and with his relationship issues, how he feels about Somers, and the new case leaves him even more argumentative.
To make this more complicated a special prosecutor has been brought on to the case. And in typical blunt Hazard fashion, the two clash.
On the personal side, Somers has now accepted his feeling for Hazard. Unfortunately, Hazard is still with Nico, and when the two begin having troubles Somers offers to help Hazard get Nico back. Hazard knows he should break up with Nico, but past relationships have left him scarred and he doesn't want to be alone.
Hazard in this book is close to a breaking point. Left bruised and battered from the past case and with his relationship issues, how he feels about Somers, and the new case leaves him even more argumentative.
June 27, 2024
3.5 stars
The crime plot was fucking boring. 🙄
But finally, finally, after four books these two idiots (I love them) got their shit together. 💞
He hadn’t known that he would, against his best judgment, fall deeper and deeper in love with the boy who had haunted his dreams since high school. He hadn’t known he could care so much for anyone, let alone John-Henry Somerset.
And that’s what it was, wasn’t it? Caring? Love? That’s what this feeling was, when he wanted to thread his fingers through Somers’s golden hair, when he wanted to clean him up and get him in bed, when he wanted to touch him, everywhere, all the time, when he wanted to mouth kisses across his chest, when he wanted to trace those dark lines of ink on Somers’s muscles, when he wanted him to smile, when he wanted to be the reason that Somers smiled, when he did and said things just because he knew they would get a rise out of the blond man—all those things, all the different ways Hazard moved and talked and thought differently because Somers was near, that was love. Wasn’t it?
The crime plot was fucking boring. 🙄
But finally, finally, after four books these two idiots (I love them) got their shit together. 💞
He hadn’t known that he would, against his best judgment, fall deeper and deeper in love with the boy who had haunted his dreams since high school. He hadn’t known he could care so much for anyone, let alone John-Henry Somerset.
And that’s what it was, wasn’t it? Caring? Love? That’s what this feeling was, when he wanted to thread his fingers through Somers’s golden hair, when he wanted to clean him up and get him in bed, when he wanted to touch him, everywhere, all the time, when he wanted to mouth kisses across his chest, when he wanted to trace those dark lines of ink on Somers’s muscles, when he wanted him to smile, when he wanted to be the reason that Somers smiled, when he did and said things just because he knew they would get a rise out of the blond man—all those things, all the different ways Hazard moved and talked and thought differently because Somers was near, that was love. Wasn’t it?
June 17, 2020
Audio review
OMG!!! The whole time I was waiting for them to get together. There is a moment before the MOMENT but it's the last 15 or so minutes that we see them together. The suspense was killing me, lol. And on top of all that I kept seeing updates on my GR feed about H&S in the 2nd series as an established couple and I do love an established couple!
The mystery, eh. I'll have better luck paying attention next time. I won't be so tense waiting for the ending. 😀😀
Nico though, yeesh. I knew his time wasn't going to be forever, but I didn't expect him to get dragged in to a murder mystery. I'm not really sure what Nico's goal was with Hazard, but he had to have known they didn't have anything in common beyond sex and that H had feelings for S. Where were they going as a couple? Nowhere.
I didn't love everything here, I think some of the story could have been cut, but overall this is another great installment and I am going to jump right in to book 5. So giddy to see what happens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG!!! The whole time I was waiting for them to get together. There is a moment before the MOMENT but it's the last 15 or so minutes that we see them together. The suspense was killing me, lol. And on top of all that I kept seeing updates on my GR feed about H&S in the 2nd series as an established couple and I do love an established couple!
The mystery, eh. I'll have better luck paying attention next time. I won't be so tense waiting for the ending. 😀😀
Nico though, yeesh. I knew his time wasn't going to be forever, but I didn't expect him to get dragged in to a murder mystery. I'm not really sure what Nico's goal was with Hazard, but he had to have known they didn't have anything in common beyond sex and that H had feelings for S. Where were they going as a couple? Nowhere.
I didn't love everything here, I think some of the story could have been cut, but overall this is another great installment and I am going to jump right in to book 5. So giddy to see what happens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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