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Hazard and Somerset #6
Criminal Past
It all starts to go wrong at the shooting gallery. Emery Hazard and his boyfriend, John-Henry Somerset, just want to enjoy the day at the Dore County Independence Fair. At the shooting gallery, though, Hazard comes face to face with one of his old bullies: Mikey Grames. Even as a drugged-out wreck, Mikey is a reminder of all the ugliness in Hazard’s past. Worse, Mikey seems to know something Hazard doesn’t—something about the fresh tension brewing in town.
When the Chief of Police interrupts Hazard’s day at the fair, she has a strange request. She doesn’t want Hazard and Somers to solve a murder. She wants them to prevent one. The future victim? Mayor Sherman Newton—a man who has tried to have Hazard and Somers killed at least once.
Hazard and Somers try to work out the motive of the man threatening Newton, and the trail leads them into a conspiracy of corrupt law enforcement, white supremacists, and local politicians. As Hazard and Somers dig into the case, their search takes them into the past, where secrets have lain buried for twenty years.
Determined to get to the truth, Hazard finds himself racing for answers, but he discovers that sometimes the past isn’t buried very deep. Sometimes, it isn’t dead. Sometimes, it isn’t even past. And almost always, it’s better left alone.
When the Chief of Police interrupts Hazard’s day at the fair, she has a strange request. She doesn’t want Hazard and Somers to solve a murder. She wants them to prevent one. The future victim? Mayor Sherman Newton—a man who has tried to have Hazard and Somers killed at least once.
Hazard and Somers try to work out the motive of the man threatening Newton, and the trail leads them into a conspiracy of corrupt law enforcement, white supremacists, and local politicians. As Hazard and Somers dig into the case, their search takes them into the past, where secrets have lain buried for twenty years.
Determined to get to the truth, Hazard finds himself racing for answers, but he discovers that sometimes the past isn’t buried very deep. Sometimes, it isn’t dead. Sometimes, it isn’t even past. And almost always, it’s better left alone.
597 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2018
243 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
129 books1,757 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 335 reviews
November 17, 2018
5++++++++ stars for this series
I love this series......
MC1- Emery Hazard- A documentary watching junkie, big brooding teddy bear, local detective, Somers partner and boyfriend. I love this guy, he is just the best.
MC2- John- Henry Somerset - Sweet, quick with a smile and has a sharp dry sense of humor, The town's golden boy, Hazard’s ex bully and current boyfriend. I love him too.
These two opposites, flawed, complicated characters make this series the best and a satisfying read.
We get all the answers to the questions that we have been asking throughout the series. The other books were a build up to this one. It is intense, It has all the triggers but so much worth it.
The writing is amazing; It is lyrical without being over flowery, the mystery in this book is complex, fucked up and intriguing, the type that keeps you on the edge of your seat. One minute you think you know, then the next minute Bam! something is revealed and you are like wait, huh?what?
Have the lambs stopped screaming Somers?
In the dream, his hands had been shaking too. In the dream, he had been sixteen again. Sixteen and perfect. At least, that was how everyone had seen him. But he hadn’t been perfect. He had been sixteen years old, and the weight of everyone thinking he was perfect had crushed him. It made him think of the pressurized chambers that scientists had used, of how one wrong calculation could shoot the pressure up to the danger zone, and how organs would crumple under that invisible force. That’s what it had been like, being sixteen and perfect: feeling like his insides were being squeezed, feeling like his lungs were compressed, feeling like he could never take a full breath, not ever, not when anyone was watching.
The relationship between Hazard and Somers is a complicated one, it is toxic, unhealthy, loving, consuming but dear Lawd! These two frustrating characters fit so perfectly together. Their love is epic, after all they have loved each other for 2 decades. That is true love. Right?
The banter is on point as always, Mr. Ashe’s sense of humor is amazing.
Love! Love! this series so much.
Highly recommended to the mystery/ suspense/ police procedural lovers.
Hazard and Somers, I am going to miss you for now.
And we get 589 pages for $ 2.99, that is an amazing deal. Thank you to the person who determines these prices. This series is amazing and not expensive. Double deal.
I love this series......
MC1- Emery Hazard- A documentary watching junkie, big brooding teddy bear, local detective, Somers partner and boyfriend. I love this guy, he is just the best.
MC2- John- Henry Somerset - Sweet, quick with a smile and has a sharp dry sense of humor, The town's golden boy, Hazard’s ex bully and current boyfriend. I love him too.
These two opposites, flawed, complicated characters make this series the best and a satisfying read.
We get all the answers to the questions that we have been asking throughout the series. The other books were a build up to this one. It is intense, It has all the triggers but so much worth it.
The writing is amazing; It is lyrical without being over flowery, the mystery in this book is complex, fucked up and intriguing, the type that keeps you on the edge of your seat. One minute you think you know, then the next minute Bam! something is revealed and you are like wait, huh?what?
Have the lambs stopped screaming Somers?
In the dream, his hands had been shaking too. In the dream, he had been sixteen again. Sixteen and perfect. At least, that was how everyone had seen him. But he hadn’t been perfect. He had been sixteen years old, and the weight of everyone thinking he was perfect had crushed him. It made him think of the pressurized chambers that scientists had used, of how one wrong calculation could shoot the pressure up to the danger zone, and how organs would crumple under that invisible force. That’s what it had been like, being sixteen and perfect: feeling like his insides were being squeezed, feeling like his lungs were compressed, feeling like he could never take a full breath, not ever, not when anyone was watching.
The relationship between Hazard and Somers is a complicated one, it is toxic, unhealthy, loving, consuming but dear Lawd! These two frustrating characters fit so perfectly together. Their love is epic, after all they have loved each other for 2 decades. That is true love. Right?
The banter is on point as always, Mr. Ashe’s sense of humor is amazing.
Love! Love! this series so much.
Highly recommended to the mystery/ suspense/ police procedural lovers.
Hazard and Somers, I am going to miss you for now.
And we get 589 pages for $ 2.99, that is an amazing deal. Thank you to the person who determines these prices. This series is amazing and not expensive. Double deal.
October 6, 2020
I was ready for that to end. I mean, it's nice that we got all of that closure on the past, but did it need to take sooooo damn long? Seriously. We have heard over and over (and over) again about the bullying and crap that happened in these guys' past, and they seem to put it behind them. Every book. But, now we get an overly long book to dredge it all back up again and analyze it until even a shrink would say "move on, already! I don't even want your money anymore. Just get over it and live your life!" Hahaha, just kidding. No shrink would say that.
That's true. Only the rich can afford to be mentally ill. Lucky bastards!
The other thing I hated about this book, aside from the loooongness, was that there was torture that also went on forever. I mean, that was torture of its own. I'm not a fan of torture, but if you're going to do it, can you at least make it fast?
Yeah, like that. He lost an appendage and got on with his life. Also, where can I find this magical work of art? Netflix?
And then there was the angst.
I was hoping for more torture more than more angst. I mean, if I had to choose.
Yes, we know. We all know. Now go dress like a big girl, with those big girl panties, and get over it.
Anyway, it's over.
Thank you, Jesus.
Yeah, that, and thank you for ending this series.
That's true. Only the rich can afford to be mentally ill. Lucky bastards!
The other thing I hated about this book, aside from the loooongness, was that there was torture that also went on forever. I mean, that was torture of its own. I'm not a fan of torture, but if you're going to do it, can you at least make it fast?
Yeah, like that. He lost an appendage and got on with his life. Also, where can I find this magical work of art? Netflix?
And then there was the angst.
I was hoping for more torture more than more angst. I mean, if I had to choose.
Yes, we know. We all know. Now go dress like a big girl, with those big girl panties, and get over it.
Anyway, it's over.
Thank you, Jesus.
Yeah, that, and thank you for ending this series.
January 9, 2022
***3.75 rating***
“For fuck’s sake, I love you John-Henry Somerset. You. The one right here, right now. You want me to say I forgive you? I forgive you. Everything. Anything. It’s gone. I love you. I love you, John."
“Fuck me because I’m yours. Fuck me like I’m yours, Ree. I’m yours, yours, I’m only yours, so please, for the love of God, fuck me.” 😏😍
Well, I have finally finished what I call the first season of this series. What a crazy ride it has been.
When I first picked up this series, I had no idea what to expect. I was vaguely familiar with Gregory Ashe because my GR friends read his books, and I only heard great things about the series and the author.
So, naturally I was curious.
Prior to reading this series, I was not really fan of slow burn romance. I didn't mind it but it was not a trope I picked up because of interest. If it was included great, if not whatever. But boy was I in for a surprise with this series haha😂. I thought it was gonna be MM romance with a hint of mystery but nope that was not it at all. The series is gay fiction with romance but it is not the focus, the focus is usually the mystery and the cases.
The romance and character development in this series was top notch. I guess you could classify this as an enemies to lovers series, idk. The mains (in the beginning of the series), especially Hazard did not like Somers, I would say he even hated him. His reasons were valid. They became friends, work partners and hallelujah eventually lovers. The journey to being lovers, was really hard because as a reader I was not used to this style of super slow burn romance. And while it was difficult to endure these two idiots not being together yet, the slow burn romance was very much worth it. My GR friends kept telling me that lol, but when you read the book at that moment, all you can think about is "why are these idiots not together yet?" haha.
I do not regret the torture and suffering, it gave us this beautiful couple, that I have come to very much adore. Hazard and Somers, their complexities, friendship and romance (to me), is the heart of the series. I enjoyed the mysteries to an extent, but I kept reading the series for these two and I do not regret it.
Gregory Ashe has indeed become one of my favorite authors. The man is very talented and can write characters you either love with passion or hate with all your might. The plot twists were also interesting. I cannot say anything bad about this author, only great things. I loved the series and Hazard and Somers.
Thoughts on the final book of the "first season":
If you have seen my annoying updates for this book, you would know that I have mixed feelings about this last book. It was in my opinion, the most difficult book to read of the series. The length, the violence, the trauma, and the overall angst was all a bit much. When I began reading this one, the page numbers freaked me out lol. GR says 505 pages but on kindle it was 596 pages peeps. Almost, 600 pages *internally sobs*. But I still wanted to know what happened in the last book. So, I read it.
The book is essentially the conclusion to the first book and the characters that are introduced throughout the series. Mikey Grames (whom I hate with absolute passion 🤬), Mayor Sherman Newton; whom I knew was sketch af since the first book, and Hollace Walker (an absolute psycho) make an appearance. The usual suspects are all an integral part of this book, and what happened to Jeff (Hazard's "first love").
I really did not enjoy the parts with Mikey Grames, he is one evil SOB that is obsessed with Hazard and Somers. I am not sad that he died. He was a cat with nine lives, and I am happy he is gone. GOOD RIDDANCE! The chapters with him were too long and the violence was a bit much. He was portrayed as an idiot most of the series, so I am surprised that he managed to kill so many people and torture two well trained detectives. And just when you think he is killed, he comes back with a knife to kill Hazard. lol. That was just very unrealistic.
Its also a miracle that our boys are alive after everything GA has put them through since the first book. You would think they also have nine lives as well. I also regret saying in my last review that it seems Hazard is the only character that suffers in this series. I take back my words lol. I mean neither he or Somers, needed to be tortured almost to death by that psycho. Somers is like a golden retriever, he must be protected at all costs.
Let's not forget about the pedophile that is Sherman Newman, the true villain in this book. I knew he was sketch but I did not see that coming. He is one sick evil bastard. Thank you, Lender, for killing him and eventually himself. Swinney deserved better! R.I.P.
I was really sad about Jeff's death, out of all the deaths and murders in this series, his is by far the saddest one. I am glad Hazard found out the truth about his death. He needed that closure to move on.
One character who really confused me in this book was Hollace Walker. He was almost a ghost in the series but he suddenly comes back in the final book. His contribution or psycho tendencies was confusing to me. I did not understand his obsession and hatred towards Hazard. We could have done without him.
All in all, this book was a crazy ride. I felt overwhelmed by the length, the violence and Jeff's death. It was a heavy and definitely an emotional read. I will be taking a break before I start "season 2" because I know that one will also be a crazy ride lol. This series should come with a warning but regardless I still loved it. Hazard, Somers and Evie have come so far as a family. So many changes but well deserved ones. I am excited to see what is next for my favorite couple.
It's been a wild ride. See you in my next review ! 😘✌🏻
“For fuck’s sake, I love you John-Henry Somerset. You. The one right here, right now. You want me to say I forgive you? I forgive you. Everything. Anything. It’s gone. I love you. I love you, John."
“Fuck me because I’m yours. Fuck me like I’m yours, Ree. I’m yours, yours, I’m only yours, so please, for the love of God, fuck me.” 😏😍
Well, I have finally finished what I call the first season of this series. What a crazy ride it has been.
When I first picked up this series, I had no idea what to expect. I was vaguely familiar with Gregory Ashe because my GR friends read his books, and I only heard great things about the series and the author.
So, naturally I was curious.
Prior to reading this series, I was not really fan of slow burn romance. I didn't mind it but it was not a trope I picked up because of interest. If it was included great, if not whatever. But boy was I in for a surprise with this series haha😂. I thought it was gonna be MM romance with a hint of mystery but nope that was not it at all. The series is gay fiction with romance but it is not the focus, the focus is usually the mystery and the cases.
The romance and character development in this series was top notch. I guess you could classify this as an enemies to lovers series, idk. The mains (in the beginning of the series), especially Hazard did not like Somers, I would say he even hated him. His reasons were valid. They became friends, work partners and hallelujah eventually lovers. The journey to being lovers, was really hard because as a reader I was not used to this style of super slow burn romance. And while it was difficult to endure these two idiots not being together yet, the slow burn romance was very much worth it. My GR friends kept telling me that lol, but when you read the book at that moment, all you can think about is "why are these idiots not together yet?" haha.
I do not regret the torture and suffering, it gave us this beautiful couple, that I have come to very much adore. Hazard and Somers, their complexities, friendship and romance (to me), is the heart of the series. I enjoyed the mysteries to an extent, but I kept reading the series for these two and I do not regret it.
Gregory Ashe has indeed become one of my favorite authors. The man is very talented and can write characters you either love with passion or hate with all your might. The plot twists were also interesting. I cannot say anything bad about this author, only great things. I loved the series and Hazard and Somers.
Thoughts on the final book of the "first season":
If you have seen my annoying updates for this book, you would know that I have mixed feelings about this last book. It was in my opinion, the most difficult book to read of the series. The length, the violence, the trauma, and the overall angst was all a bit much. When I began reading this one, the page numbers freaked me out lol. GR says 505 pages but on kindle it was 596 pages peeps. Almost, 600 pages *internally sobs*. But I still wanted to know what happened in the last book. So, I read it.
The book is essentially the conclusion to the first book and the characters that are introduced throughout the series. Mikey Grames (whom I hate with absolute passion 🤬), Mayor Sherman Newton; whom I knew was sketch af since the first book, and Hollace Walker (an absolute psycho) make an appearance. The usual suspects are all an integral part of this book, and what happened to Jeff (Hazard's "first love").
I really did not enjoy the parts with Mikey Grames, he is one evil SOB that is obsessed with Hazard and Somers. I am not sad that he died. He was a cat with nine lives, and I am happy he is gone. GOOD RIDDANCE! The chapters with him were too long and the violence was a bit much. He was portrayed as an idiot most of the series, so I am surprised that he managed to kill so many people and torture two well trained detectives. And just when you think he is killed, he comes back with a knife to kill Hazard. lol. That was just very unrealistic.
Its also a miracle that our boys are alive after everything GA has put them through since the first book. You would think they also have nine lives as well. I also regret saying in my last review that it seems Hazard is the only character that suffers in this series. I take back my words lol. I mean neither he or Somers, needed to be tortured almost to death by that psycho. Somers is like a golden retriever, he must be protected at all costs.
Let's not forget about the pedophile that is Sherman Newman, the true villain in this book. I knew he was sketch but I did not see that coming. He is one sick evil bastard. Thank you, Lender, for killing him and eventually himself. Swinney deserved better! R.I.P.
I was really sad about Jeff's death, out of all the deaths and murders in this series, his is by far the saddest one. I am glad Hazard found out the truth about his death. He needed that closure to move on.
One character who really confused me in this book was Hollace Walker. He was almost a ghost in the series but he suddenly comes back in the final book. His contribution or psycho tendencies was confusing to me. I did not understand his obsession and hatred towards Hazard. We could have done without him.
All in all, this book was a crazy ride. I felt overwhelmed by the length, the violence and Jeff's death. It was a heavy and definitely an emotional read. I will be taking a break before I start "season 2" because I know that one will also be a crazy ride lol. This series should come with a warning but regardless I still loved it. Hazard, Somers and Evie have come so far as a family. So many changes but well deserved ones. I am excited to see what is next for my favorite couple.
It's been a wild ride. See you in my next review ! 😘✌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 16, 2022
one of the things i really love (and appreciate) about Hazard and Somers’ relationship is how real it feels. the constant fights, the fears, insecurities but, deep beneath it all, the love. no relationship is perfect and, although i understand how the fights can be frustrating or tiring to some people, i personally love reading about them bc it makes me feel so much for the mcs. considering they’ve already made their way into my top fav couples list in just a span of a few books, their fights hurt me but i also can’t complain bc, as i said, their relationship has this realistic aspect to it that i’m glad was written as part of them—who they are as individuals, as well as a couple. <3
December 5, 2018
I won't lie to you - this was a very very tough read for me.
And rating it took quite a bit of pondering.
Before you get the wrong idea I would like to point out that everything I said before about this series still stands - solidly and firmly.
Mr. Ashe's writing is stellar:
Hazard and Somers are deeply complex men with a huge amount of pain and hurt in the past. Both are flawed in their own way and these flaws tug and rip at the fragile bond they have between them. As is the past and the trauma that comes with it - for both of them.
I don't think I have ever seen any characters working through such fundamental issues as they have ON PAGE. Sometimes it's like watching psycho-analysis from the inside. And it is intense, raw and painful.
Thinking back over the six books I can appreciate how all those microscopic steps these guys take to be able to be with each other are necessary. Because what they went through in the past has done such a lot of damage. I love that, in the end, the strength to face these horrors comes from the way they feel about each other. That they hold each other up, mentally and well, physically (coming to that part).
I thoroughly appreciated the imagery and the eloquent and imaginative way Gregory Ashe describes things, feelings, places ... Beautiful!
The story itself, running over six books is brilliantly crafted and it was amazing to see it all come together in this finale. All loose ends are tied up in neat little packages and it was stunning to find how all the puzzle pieces suddenly fit.
This finale ... well, I said already, it was tough. Tough as nails. No, tougher than nails.
That is down to a couple of things.
1. Mikey Grames.
Never have I hated a character more than him (and that includes Vivienne from ICoS. I kind of had them in a tie for first place for the vilest character ever, but the fact that Mikey lives in this world and feels so much more real, gave him the edge to push past that mega b*** of a woman). If you have read ICoS, you know what I mean.
If you haven't, all you need to know is that Gregory Ashe writes the most evil and vile villains you could imagine.
Mikey's homophobic rants made me feel physically sick, not even talking about the rest.
2. The physical pain both guys have to suffer.
It was excruciating, to say the least. This is where I wished that Mr. Ashe's detailed imagery and meticulous descriptions were exactly not that. Tbh it got to me. I'm really not great with on page violence, so be warned, there is quite a bit of that. And at one point it goes on and on and, well, I got actually angry at the author for putting my guys through all that.
And to be honest, I could not quite understand
I also felt that both men seem to get past pretty bad injuries in the blink of an eye. A bit like superhumans actually.
But then we get closure, and Hazard and Somers, too, and it is truly awesome.
It ripped my heart into thousands little pieces and, yes, I did cry. Hazard's much needed three little words (and they are not ILY!) to Somers, the whole symbolism about Somers holding Hazard's wrist, the way they finally, finally put a full stop behind the past.
So, you might see where my dilemma with rating this book lies.
It's the violence that makes me hesitate. It really hit me like a train truck. But can I really knock off points for that? I think in the big scheme of things it would be almost petty. Hence ... five stars!
It is a truly extra-ordinary series.
And rating it took quite a bit of pondering.
Before you get the wrong idea I would like to point out that everything I said before about this series still stands - solidly and firmly.
Mr. Ashe's writing is stellar:
Hazard and Somers are deeply complex men with a huge amount of pain and hurt in the past. Both are flawed in their own way and these flaws tug and rip at the fragile bond they have between them. As is the past and the trauma that comes with it - for both of them.
I don't think I have ever seen any characters working through such fundamental issues as they have ON PAGE. Sometimes it's like watching psycho-analysis from the inside. And it is intense, raw and painful.
Thinking back over the six books I can appreciate how all those microscopic steps these guys take to be able to be with each other are necessary. Because what they went through in the past has done such a lot of damage. I love that, in the end, the strength to face these horrors comes from the way they feel about each other. That they hold each other up, mentally and well, physically (coming to that part).
I thoroughly appreciated the imagery and the eloquent and imaginative way Gregory Ashe describes things, feelings, places ... Beautiful!
The story itself, running over six books is brilliantly crafted and it was amazing to see it all come together in this finale. All loose ends are tied up in neat little packages and it was stunning to find how all the puzzle pieces suddenly fit.
This finale ... well, I said already, it was tough. Tough as nails. No, tougher than nails.
That is down to a couple of things.
1. Mikey Grames.
Never have I hated a character more than him (and that includes Vivienne from ICoS. I kind of had them in a tie for first place for the vilest character ever, but the fact that Mikey lives in this world and feels so much more real, gave him the edge to push past that mega b*** of a woman). If you have read ICoS, you know what I mean.
If you haven't, all you need to know is that Gregory Ashe writes the most evil and vile villains you could imagine.
Mikey's homophobic rants made me feel physically sick, not even talking about the rest.
2. The physical pain both guys have to suffer.
It was excruciating, to say the least. This is where I wished that Mr. Ashe's detailed imagery and meticulous descriptions were exactly not that. Tbh it got to me. I'm really not great with on page violence, so be warned, there is quite a bit of that. And at one point it goes on and on and, well, I got actually angry at the author for putting my guys through all that.
And to be honest, I could not quite understand
I also felt that both men seem to get past pretty bad injuries in the blink of an eye. A bit like superhumans actually.
But then we get closure, and Hazard and Somers, too, and it is truly awesome.
It ripped my heart into thousands little pieces and, yes, I did cry. Hazard's much needed three little words (and they are not ILY!) to Somers, the whole symbolism about Somers holding Hazard's wrist, the way they finally, finally put a full stop behind the past.
So, you might see where my dilemma with rating this book lies.
It's the violence that makes me hesitate. It really hit me like a train truck. But can I really knock off points for that? I think in the big scheme of things it would be almost petty. Hence ... five stars!
It is a truly extra-ordinary series.
June 5, 2024
2024
I still love it but if I took a shot for every f-slur I’d end up in the ICU.
I LOVE HAZARD AND SOMERS 🥰😍😘
This is one of the greatest series ever and Tristan James narration is perfect. I would fight and lay down my life for Hazard, he is just so damn great.
June 6, 2020
4.5 stars. My love for Somers & Hazard is undiminished but this was my least favorite of the series. Not because it’s dark, brutal and wrenchingly painful, though it is all that and more. Hand to God, there were places where I literally thought I was having a damn heart attack. But the reason it’s not my favorite is because I’m pissed. 🤬
Despite that, I truly do love Ree & John! They’re fast becoming one of my very favorite couples and Gregory Ashe’s writing is absolutely phenomenal. I’m going to take a very short break for a couple of much anticipated novellas and then it’s directly on to The Rational Faculty! 😍
Despite that, I truly do love Ree & John! They’re fast becoming one of my very favorite couples and Gregory Ashe’s writing is absolutely phenomenal. I’m going to take a very short break for a couple of much anticipated novellas and then it’s directly on to The Rational Faculty! 😍
January 19, 2020
I was sad to read this final book in the journey of Emery and John-Henry. I think I fell in love with Ree from the beginning, although I took a bit longer to warm up to John as I just wasn't sure if he was being sincere. I like the fact that Gregory didn't push his characters together too soon in the arc and that is wasn't really until book 4 that they made a commitment to each other. Poor Ree certainly went through the wringer physically in all the books. I can't complain too much though as I tend to do that to my own characters at times. Loose ends were tied up but others appeared out of the blue...Naomi for mayor? That's not a nice thought. Should Gregory feel the need to bring back Ree and John, I think that there are still ways to progress and I for one, will be chomping at the bit to read more should this happen.
January 19, 2020
The past was always there, in the blood, in the bone, in the flesh. In the scars they carried.
All roads led to this conclusion and I think that's what I liked best about this series: how all the books are loosely interconnected.
InnovateMidwest
Jeff
Mikey FUCKING Grames
It all had to come to a head for Hazard and Somers to move forward in not only their careers but their relationship. They've been dancing around their past for quite some time and carrying that baggage has created this wall between them that needed to be razed.
This is the book for all of that and here's what I liked:
✸ The way the case comes together largely worked for me. I still don't quite understand who's heading up the other side, the side that dispatched Hollace, but I'm guessing that's part of the spinoff series.
✸ Hazard and Somers. I just love them to pieces. They are knuckleheads but how much they love each other touches my squishy marshmallow center.
✸ The breakneck pace is sort of the tipping point between what I liked and what I didn't. Because while, yes, it is well-paced the action/torture went on far too long, IMO.
✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥ SPOILERISH ✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥
✸ How a tweaked out meth-head could get the jump on seasoned detectives time and time and time again was ludicrous to me. Farfetched. Inconceivable. The number of times I said aloud 'oh-come-the-fuck-on' or some derivative thereof... let's just say it was more than once.
✸ Somers' ability to power through a concussion. A pretty severe concussion at that. Then proceeded to hang in there after getting hit in the head again and again and again?
Yeah, no. That was little too much suspend disbelief for my tiny brain to take.
However, at the end of the day these two knuckleheads outweighed my dislikes and I landed somewhere between 3-4 stars but will round up. Because squishy marshmallow knuckleheads.
Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please.
TRIGGERS: torture, violence, sexual assault
December 3, 2023
*Dec 3, 2023: ever dreamed of becoming a patron of our favorite wordsmith, Gregory Ashe?
happy holidays because that dream is now reality! by joining certain tiers, you can get exclusive first looks at upcoming novels & serializations, precious Watson & Nash doggo updates, the ability to suggest and vote on future content, and bonus material that won’t be available in retail editions - all the things!
GA’s patronage site "Advanced Ashochism": https://patrons.gregoryashe.com/
if you're a member of his Facebook or Discord group, you have access to an exclusive 30-day trial link that lasts until the end of December. otherwise, sign up for the standard 7-day trial at whichever tier your heart desires to join in on this month’s short story action: say hello to a new PI in St. Louis who's ready to be North and Shaw’s next “biggest headache” 🤭
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ: 2023 H&S Rereadathon :･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ (spoilers littered throughout)
the installment of inescapable pasts, ugly truths reaching a fever pitch in the present, and the long-awaited thawing of frozen internal clocks.
[4.5] crippling anxiety was the only thing standing in my way to unadulterated enjoyment that first readthrough - it's not too far off to say CP was one of the most physically and mentally taxing experiences of an already fraught 2021 for me. while the violence can feel gratuitous at times in isolation, what i’ve realized is that it’s never aimless. it digs and digs and digs before laying you down in a deep pit of helplessness that a gentle, reserved application would never be able to replicate. our main characters will undoubtedly live to see tomorrow - there are two more complete arcs to their story just waiting to play out - but it’s a matter of stakes and survival and the big how. the thrill is incomparable.
Somers’s portrayal in this book is one of my favorites. i love how the sex scenes played such a pivotal role in translating his desperate need for Hazard to hurt him to atone, to pay for actions permanently etched in the fabric of their connection. those striking moments of self-flagellation speak for his remorse so viscerally, his internal torment scrapes you down to your bones. their independent maneuverings also gave Somers the space to flex his competency muscles and refute any claims that he's easy pickings, as he persistently toils in the fight to protect those he loves and survive by the skin of his teeth.
my appreciation for this grand finale grows bigger and better with each iteration. the restarting of Hazard’s internal clock, of course, but also Somers’s all-consuming guilt of the past, for holding down Hazard’s wrist back in high school as an act of restraint, later paralleled with the final scene in the Haverford of Somers grabbing Hazard’s wrist, but this time to save him. the call backs to their origin in past and present were a thing of art.
i love these two so much.
----------
[3.3-3.4] After the series-long allusion to the pervasive treachery in this godforsaken town and the hidden truths of the past, it’s only fitting for the final book of this half of H&S shenanigans to take a deep dive into their trauma for real answers. The past catches up to them but things are not quite what they seem 👀
~600 gruesome, dark, and admittedly long-winded pages of physical & mental turmoil for everyone!!
No spoils but...
...there are a few notably icky bits.
Disregarding how superhuman our MCs are (somehow still able to fight despite the lack of blood & abundance of non-functioning limbs, concussions, drugs in the system, etc.), I was hoping for more closure to make up for all the torment (*cough*mikeygrames*cough*) so the miniscule scraps we got with the outcome were pretty dissatisfying 😩
Not to mention their reverse shift back into keeping secrets, avoiding proper communication, lashing out—the same old routine. After the whole trust spiel we ended off on in the last book, I was optimistic in thinking these two often-infuriating-yet-endearing dummies were ready to turn over a new leaf, but right off the bat, they decide to throw their choice to believe in each other out the window and do their own thing??? Okay, guess it was all a fever dream 🤡
To be frank, these two need to learn to be honest and not just after a near-death experience because that's not a very sustainable way to maintain a relationship 😅
Hazard’s social skills continue to be absolutely brutal, and I’d say take a shot every time Somers tries to stop Hazard from opening his mouth, but I don’t want to cause a spike in alcohol poisoning hospitalizations so please don’t 😂 Also, is it just me or does Somers constantly joke about Hazard's weight? Because I'm way over it and hope it doesn't continue....
A rocky finish for me, but hey, at least this set the stage for more development now that they’ve begun addressing head-on certain issues that were blatantly avoided like landmines for the last five books. Hazard’s self-destructive tendencies & Somers’s punishment-seeking behavior both reared their ugly heads here in an equally intriguing and disturbing manner, and I'm hoping we get to delve into this more!
After six books of sheer madness, my main takeaway is: stay away from the small town of Wahredua because everyone there is truly batshit craY (and yet I’ll still be reading A Union of Swords anyway because the sunk cost fallacy dictates my life).
Wary of the continuation but also praying to the literary gods to be pleasantly surprised (don’t betray my trust, new chief 🙏)
happy holidays because that dream is now reality! by joining certain tiers, you can get exclusive first looks at upcoming novels & serializations, precious Watson & Nash doggo updates, the ability to suggest and vote on future content, and bonus material that won’t be available in retail editions - all the things!
GA’s patronage site "Advanced Ashochism": https://patrons.gregoryashe.com/
if you're a member of his Facebook or Discord group, you have access to an exclusive 30-day trial link that lasts until the end of December. otherwise, sign up for the standard 7-day trial at whichever tier your heart desires to join in on this month’s short story action: say hello to a new PI in St. Louis who's ready to be North and Shaw’s next “biggest headache” 🤭
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ: 2023 H&S Rereadathon :･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ (spoilers littered throughout)
the installment of inescapable pasts, ugly truths reaching a fever pitch in the present, and the long-awaited thawing of frozen internal clocks.
[4.5] crippling anxiety was the only thing standing in my way to unadulterated enjoyment that first readthrough - it's not too far off to say CP was one of the most physically and mentally taxing experiences of an already fraught 2021 for me. while the violence can feel gratuitous at times in isolation, what i’ve realized is that it’s never aimless. it digs and digs and digs before laying you down in a deep pit of helplessness that a gentle, reserved application would never be able to replicate. our main characters will undoubtedly live to see tomorrow - there are two more complete arcs to their story just waiting to play out - but it’s a matter of stakes and survival and the big how. the thrill is incomparable.
Somers’s portrayal in this book is one of my favorites. i love how the sex scenes played such a pivotal role in translating his desperate need for Hazard to hurt him to atone, to pay for actions permanently etched in the fabric of their connection. those striking moments of self-flagellation speak for his remorse so viscerally, his internal torment scrapes you down to your bones. their independent maneuverings also gave Somers the space to flex his competency muscles and refute any claims that he's easy pickings, as he persistently toils in the fight to protect those he loves and survive by the skin of his teeth.
my appreciation for this grand finale grows bigger and better with each iteration. the restarting of Hazard’s internal clock, of course, but also Somers’s all-consuming guilt of the past, for holding down Hazard’s wrist back in high school as an act of restraint, later paralleled with the final scene in the Haverford of Somers grabbing Hazard’s wrist, but this time to save him. the call backs to their origin in past and present were a thing of art.
i love these two so much.
----------
[3.3-3.4] After the series-long allusion to the pervasive treachery in this godforsaken town and the hidden truths of the past, it’s only fitting for the final book of this half of H&S shenanigans to take a deep dive into their trauma for real answers. The past catches up to them but things are not quite what they seem 👀
~600 gruesome, dark, and admittedly long-winded pages of physical & mental turmoil for everyone!!
No spoils but...
...there are a few notably icky bits.
Disregarding how superhuman our MCs are (somehow still able to fight despite the lack of blood & abundance of non-functioning limbs, concussions, drugs in the system, etc.), I was hoping for more closure to make up for all the torment (*cough*mikeygrames*cough*) so the miniscule scraps we got with the outcome were pretty dissatisfying 😩
Not to mention their reverse shift back into keeping secrets, avoiding proper communication, lashing out—the same old routine. After the whole trust spiel we ended off on in the last book, I was optimistic in thinking these two often-infuriating-yet-endearing dummies were ready to turn over a new leaf, but right off the bat, they decide to throw their choice to believe in each other out the window and do their own thing??? Okay, guess it was all a fever dream 🤡
To be frank, these two need to learn to be honest and not just after a near-death experience because that's not a very sustainable way to maintain a relationship 😅
Hazard’s social skills continue to be absolutely brutal, and I’d say take a shot every time Somers tries to stop Hazard from opening his mouth, but I don’t want to cause a spike in alcohol poisoning hospitalizations so please don’t 😂 Also, is it just me or does Somers constantly joke about Hazard's weight? Because I'm way over it and hope it doesn't continue....
A rocky finish for me, but hey, at least this set the stage for more development now that they’ve begun addressing head-on certain issues that were blatantly avoided like landmines for the last five books. Hazard’s self-destructive tendencies & Somers’s punishment-seeking behavior both reared their ugly heads here in an equally intriguing and disturbing manner, and I'm hoping we get to delve into this more!
After six books of sheer madness, my main takeaway is: stay away from the small town of Wahredua because everyone there is truly batshit craY (and yet I’ll still be reading A Union of Swords anyway because the sunk cost fallacy dictates my life).
Wary of the continuation but also praying to the literary gods to be pleasantly surprised (don’t betray my trust, new chief 🙏)
February 2, 2025
I think this is more a 4.5 than a 5, purely because it felt a bit overlong and repetitive at times - there's a lot of recaps about previous events, and maybe if I was reading these as they were released I would need more reminders, but it's very noticeable how much it happens when you're binge reading a series.
I still love Emery and it was definitely hard to learn more about Jeff and have his memories tainted/skewed with what he found out - JH is literally the only man he's been in a relationship with that hasn't been a complete twat and that made me sad for him. I'm also concerned how often the poor man is in the hospital! I mean all I know about US hospitals is that you don't get free healthcare?? It feels like an air miles situation where the more he's there, the less he should have to pay and at this point they should really be paying him to be treated there 😂😂
The crime storyline felt a little unfinished for me also, like there was all of that fuss with the drugs etc. but it was pushed aside in the end. I imagine it will be in a future book in the series, but it took up so much of this one and then felt a little redundant. I understand it had to be here to make certain deaths make sense, but yeah that was a little frustrating to not get a resolution. I also was not in the least bit surprised at what the Mayor had been up to, he's been a sketchy dude since book one so to get confirmation on what he was actually doing was nice, and for me it explained a whole lot about his hostility towards Emery.
JH and his bloody self-doubt... I hope this is the end of that now, but I imagine it isn't! Sometimes I want to knock their heads together a lot!
For me, the torture scenes and the sheer amount of violence/violent behaviour were definitely the most extreme in the series and it was maybe a little too far to fit the tone of the rest of these books, but also I have been slowly working my way through the Fallocaust series by Quil Carter... I feel like if I didn't usually read pretty dark books, and if I wasn't familiar with Fallocaust, then I may have found this more shocking/disturbing/unpleasant - that said I also spent almost all of my teens watching every crime drama there was so I'm probably too desensitised to a lot of violence and gore in my books!
I'm looking forward to getting to the next round of Hazard and Somerset stories after I read North & Shaw's first series though. I want all the family content, I want to see JH and Emery starting to trust their relationship and not keep lingering in the past too.
I still love Emery and it was definitely hard to learn more about Jeff and have his memories tainted/skewed with what he found out - JH is literally the only man he's been in a relationship with that hasn't been a complete twat and that made me sad for him. I'm also concerned how often the poor man is in the hospital! I mean all I know about US hospitals is that you don't get free healthcare?? It feels like an air miles situation where the more he's there, the less he should have to pay and at this point they should really be paying him to be treated there 😂😂
The crime storyline felt a little unfinished for me also, like there was all of that fuss with the drugs etc. but it was pushed aside in the end. I imagine it will be in a future book in the series, but it took up so much of this one and then felt a little redundant. I understand it had to be here to make certain deaths make sense, but yeah that was a little frustrating to not get a resolution. I also was not in the least bit surprised at what the Mayor had been up to, he's been a sketchy dude since book one so to get confirmation on what he was actually doing was nice, and for me it explained a whole lot about his hostility towards Emery.
JH and his bloody self-doubt... I hope this is the end of that now, but I imagine it isn't! Sometimes I want to knock their heads together a lot!
For me, the torture scenes and the sheer amount of violence/violent behaviour were definitely the most extreme in the series and it was maybe a little too far to fit the tone of the rest of these books, but also I have been slowly working my way through the Fallocaust series by Quil Carter... I feel like if I didn't usually read pretty dark books, and if I wasn't familiar with Fallocaust, then I may have found this more shocking/disturbing/unpleasant - that said I also spent almost all of my teens watching every crime drama there was so I'm probably too desensitised to a lot of violence and gore in my books!
I'm looking forward to getting to the next round of Hazard and Somerset stories after I read North & Shaw's first series though. I want all the family content, I want to see JH and Emery starting to trust their relationship and not keep lingering in the past too.
June 14, 2024
Okay. I get it. I totally get why people are so ride or die for this series and for Hazard and Somers in general. This whole thing was just such an awesome reading experience.
I think about how far Hazard and Somers have come together from book 1 and it makes me so emotional for them cause those boys are a fucking mess from start to finish.
This was a fantastic climax to this series of books. My biggest gripe in the earlier installments had been that I felt like elements of their history and backgrounds weren’t sufficiently addressed so the fact we got so many of the answers we wanted was super satisfying.
I binged all 6 audiobooks in this series in like a week and a half, and I truly think it’s the best way to consume this story cause the tension and the mystery really snow balls, but I made the mistake of checking and that’s like 2500 pages, which is kind of a bit unhinged of me- oops. But I’ll be damned if I wasn’t on the edge of my seat having a blast the whole time.
This was a fantastic crime thriller series (I think of it as a thriller with a romantic subplot cause I feel like if you went into this exclusively for the romance you wouldn’t have the greatest time). It’s worth noting that this series is dark and addresses a number of triggering themes throughout and features some pretty graphic material, there was a few times in this book especially that made me want to gag a little and I still maintain that I could have done with a few less f-slurs.
Finally, the thing that makes this whole series even better and more exciting it’s that (when I am ready) there is a whole ass second series of 5 books with these idiots 🎉
I think about how far Hazard and Somers have come together from book 1 and it makes me so emotional for them cause those boys are a fucking mess from start to finish.
This was a fantastic climax to this series of books. My biggest gripe in the earlier installments had been that I felt like elements of their history and backgrounds weren’t sufficiently addressed so the fact we got so many of the answers we wanted was super satisfying.
I binged all 6 audiobooks in this series in like a week and a half, and I truly think it’s the best way to consume this story cause the tension and the mystery really snow balls, but I made the mistake of checking and that’s like 2500 pages, which is kind of a bit unhinged of me- oops. But I’ll be damned if I wasn’t on the edge of my seat having a blast the whole time.
This was a fantastic crime thriller series (I think of it as a thriller with a romantic subplot cause I feel like if you went into this exclusively for the romance you wouldn’t have the greatest time). It’s worth noting that this series is dark and addresses a number of triggering themes throughout and features some pretty graphic material, there was a few times in this book especially that made me want to gag a little and I still maintain that I could have done with a few less f-slurs.
Finally, the thing that makes this whole series even better and more exciting it’s that (when I am ready) there is a whole ass second series of 5 books with these idiots 🎉
April 27, 2025
4.5***** stars
Damn, I’m so happy I took the plunge into this last one, it was amazing. I probably appreciated the most that this case was once again so personal for Hazard and Somers, even if it was a hard one to deal with for the most parts.
Although, I don’t know if I somehow missed it, but I thought I would learn a bit more about how Hazard was feeling about the whole what happened to Jeff thing besides relief that he now knows what happened to him. I would’ve loved to know how he felt about finding out that the boy he first loved kept such a big secret even if it all happened 20 years ago.
Anyhow, great finale to this first arc. I have a feeling I will return to them way sooner than I expect.
***********
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 - 4.5 stars
accompanying Short Story Collection - Off Duty Vol 1 - partly read
Damn, I’m so happy I took the plunge into this last one, it was amazing. I probably appreciated the most that this case was once again so personal for Hazard and Somers, even if it was a hard one to deal with for the most parts.
Although, I don’t know if I somehow missed it, but I thought I would learn a bit more about how Hazard was feeling about the whole what happened to Jeff thing besides relief that he now knows what happened to him. I would’ve loved to know how he felt about finding out that the boy he first loved kept such a big secret even if it all happened 20 years ago.
Anyhow, great finale to this first arc. I have a feeling I will return to them way sooner than I expect.
***********
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 - 4.5 stars
accompanying Short Story Collection - Off Duty Vol 1 - partly read
August 4, 2024
…..god, this book was a tough read! please ask for trigger warnings first, there’s a lot.
first of all, I want to apologize to my gr friends who still love H&S after book five for my strong opinions 🫢😂 just remember that I was obsessed with them in the beginning, to the degree of getting ALL the damned books. I still might read them sometime in the future….. but this author is not for me, his writing style is worse in this book; the nasty language, a lot of what ifs, too many and long action scenes, saying the same thing differently three times in a row, flirting at inappropriate times and THE WORST? telling me how ‘later’ they discussed the the highly suspenseful thing happening RIGHT THE FREAK NOW!
second, it’s getting harder to read these books mainly because of the side characters, they are too much and they are the same. AHOLES. and if they’re nice? they’re just horny flirts. when they’re asked a question this is how they reply: name-call, belittle and shame H&S, how dare you talk to me? do you know who I am? go into a tangent there too, then back to name calling. if you blindly choose different pages and read the interactions, you would think they’re speaking to the same person. HAVE SOME EXAMPLES with the least amount of ’nasty’ in them:
third, if H&S were a couple in real life , their relationship would never work longer than a few months. PERIOD. there are anger issues, bad communication, lying, bone deep self insecurity, childishly interrupting each other 70% of the time, holding back the aggressive partner in meetings with people whether it’s warranted or not and that can’t go on forever for either of them. even their ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY aren’t helping them thrive, hazard is becoming an ahole like the rest of them.
fourth, what I enjoyed about this book was the killing off people portion, many aholes live but a satisfying amount were bumped off. personally, I see death as the easy way out for criminals and they don’t deserve it after all they did.
first of all, I want to apologize to my gr friends who still love H&S after book five for my strong opinions 🫢😂 just remember that I was obsessed with them in the beginning, to the degree of getting ALL the damned books. I still might read them sometime in the future….. but this author is not for me, his writing style is worse in this book; the nasty language, a lot of what ifs, too many and long action scenes, saying the same thing differently three times in a row, flirting at inappropriate times and THE WORST? telling me how ‘later’ they discussed the the highly suspenseful thing happening RIGHT THE FREAK NOW!
second, it’s getting harder to read these books mainly because of the side characters, they are too much and they are the same. AHOLES. and if they’re nice? they’re just horny flirts. when they’re asked a question this is how they reply: name-call, belittle and shame H&S, how dare you talk to me? do you know who I am? go into a tangent there too, then back to name calling. if you blindly choose different pages and read the interactions, you would think they’re speaking to the same person. HAVE SOME EXAMPLES with the least amount of ’nasty’ in them:
1. “I can’t believe that you would use that kind of language around children. You need to leave, mister. Right now. My brother works for the city, and I’ll—”
—a random karen at a carnival.
2. “Step right up, ladies and gentlemen. Step right up and see two world-class f*****s. We’ve scoured the globe, searched high and low, and we never found a pair of ass-eating pussies to match the two you see before you. That’s right, folks, you’re looking at bona fide, genuine, grade A f*****s. Two dollars a ticket, no children under the age of ten for propriety’s sake.”
— old bully trash.
3. ”That’s enough, Detective. This is an order. If you don’t like it, you can sweep Truant Park for six months and I’ll see if Officer Moraes wants to try his hand at a detective’s job.”
— their chief bitch.
4. “Why not? You want me to call you f****t? You want me to talk about that boy pussy you’ve got?”
— friend in hs.
5. “You’re an asshole. Where’s the other one? They told me the other one is the only reason you’re still on the force.” — a new ME.
third, if H&S were a couple in real life , their relationship would never work longer than a few months. PERIOD. there are anger issues, bad communication, lying, bone deep self insecurity, childishly interrupting each other 70% of the time, holding back the aggressive partner in meetings with people whether it’s warranted or not and that can’t go on forever for either of them. even their ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY aren’t helping them thrive, hazard is becoming an ahole like the rest of them.
fourth, what I enjoyed about this book was the killing off people portion, many aholes live but a satisfying amount were bumped off. personally, I see death as the easy way out for criminals and they don’t deserve it after all they did.
July 31, 2021
Wow!!!! OMG! 😱❤️😱❤️😱
What a way to end a series!
A nail biter! This one made me squirm, and not in good ways.
Once the action got going, it NEVER LET UP!! NEVER!
This book just about slayed me!
This is the most gruesome book of the series.
It’s also the most revealing: we finally find out about Jeff—Hazard’s first love & the reason he came back to Wahreuda.
As always, the dialogue and interaction between these two is amazing. The narration by Tristan James is spectacular.
And while I’m sad this series is over, I’m happy to know that I can dive into Emery & John-Henry’s second act in the next series, A Union of Swords.
What a way to end a series!
A nail biter! This one made me squirm, and not in good ways.
Once the action got going, it NEVER LET UP!! NEVER!
This book just about slayed me!
This is the most gruesome book of the series.
It’s also the most revealing: we finally find out about Jeff—Hazard’s first love & the reason he came back to Wahreuda.
As always, the dialogue and interaction between these two is amazing. The narration by Tristan James is spectacular.
And while I’m sad this series is over, I’m happy to know that I can dive into Emery & John-Henry’s second act in the next series, A Union of Swords.
July 4, 2022
***RE-READ/RE-LISTEN 8/25/21 -- 8/28/21***
I can't believe I did it. This is a hard one physically and emotionally for the MC and I confess I skimmed some parts. My heart couldn't take it. Having said that I'm glad I didn't skip this one in my re-red and I think I understand why the author had to take Emery & JH on this harrowing episode.
For Hazard it's the logical, if unexpected, conclusion to the journey begun on Pretty Pretty Boys. As for Somers, this sojourn in Hell, very much aligns with a Judeo-Christian sense of crime and punishment, which wouldn't be an alien concept to him and perhaps unconsciously welcome, atoning for the past, wearing the hair shirt, doing the penance. He can now move on.
********** FIRST READ/LISTEN 1/23/20 --- 1/26/20 **********
Whew, what a ride!
The long and short of it is that I loved this arc in the Hazard & Somers story. Is it perfect? Not exactly, but this isn't The Paris Review, just what I enjoy, and enjoy it I did. Even when I was shuddering from sympathetic pain.
Criminal Past delivers on the promise made at the very beginning of Pretty Pretty Boys. Emery Hazard has returned to his hometown of Wahredua, MO ostensibly to get justice and putting the past to rest. It won't go quietly or as William Faulkner wrote: "The past is never dead. It's not even past.". This is an idea that suffuses the whole arc. In every volume Gregory Ashe has laid out a case that to some degree propels forward not only Hazard & Somers's relationship, but the overarching case of corruption in the upper echelons of Wahredua society. In this book it all comes together.
IMO the strongest part of this series has always been the development of the relationship between the MC. Emery and John-Henry are fully formed and distinct individuals, with rich back stories, histories, quirks, and interests. Their behavior, past and present, is logically motivated, and I loved that though they've become a couple, they're still themselves, their histories still mark them. Somers overtly, believes/fears that his past actions are unforgivable and Hazard has tried to use the shield of reason & logic to protect himself to the extent that he's almost frozen in time. Fear not. GA, for all that he seems like a bit of sadist with all that he puts these guys through, is also big hearted enough to allow them to start to heal and love each other in the way they probably always would have if we didn't live in a f**ked-up world. Their interactions with each other, Hazard with Evie, Somers trying to ease the way with honey, Hazard stubbornly refusing to play the game, all of it seeped under my skin. Emery & JH are characters that I think of as existing in the real world, I might run into one of them at the market. I'm happy to know them.
*********************
The imperfect part?
I can't believe I did it. This is a hard one physically and emotionally for the MC and I confess I skimmed some parts. My heart couldn't take it. Having said that I'm glad I didn't skip this one in my re-red and I think I understand why the author had to take Emery & JH on this harrowing episode.
For Hazard it's the logical, if unexpected, conclusion to the journey begun on Pretty Pretty Boys. As for Somers, this sojourn in Hell, very much aligns with a Judeo-Christian sense of crime and punishment, which wouldn't be an alien concept to him and perhaps unconsciously welcome, atoning for the past, wearing the hair shirt, doing the penance. He can now move on.
********** FIRST READ/LISTEN 1/23/20 --- 1/26/20 **********
Whew, what a ride!
The long and short of it is that I loved this arc in the Hazard & Somers story. Is it perfect? Not exactly, but this isn't The Paris Review, just what I enjoy, and enjoy it I did. Even when I was shuddering from sympathetic pain.
Criminal Past delivers on the promise made at the very beginning of Pretty Pretty Boys. Emery Hazard has returned to his hometown of Wahredua, MO ostensibly to get justice and putting the past to rest. It won't go quietly or as William Faulkner wrote: "The past is never dead. It's not even past.". This is an idea that suffuses the whole arc. In every volume Gregory Ashe has laid out a case that to some degree propels forward not only Hazard & Somers's relationship, but the overarching case of corruption in the upper echelons of Wahredua society. In this book it all comes together.
IMO the strongest part of this series has always been the development of the relationship between the MC. Emery and John-Henry are fully formed and distinct individuals, with rich back stories, histories, quirks, and interests. Their behavior, past and present, is logically motivated, and I loved that though they've become a couple, they're still themselves, their histories still mark them. Somers overtly, believes/fears that his past actions are unforgivable and Hazard has tried to use the shield of reason & logic to protect himself to the extent that he's almost frozen in time. Fear not. GA, for all that he seems like a bit of sadist with all that he puts these guys through, is also big hearted enough to allow them to start to heal and love each other in the way they probably always would have if we didn't live in a f**ked-up world. Their interactions with each other, Hazard with Evie, Somers trying to ease the way with honey, Hazard stubbornly refusing to play the game, all of it seeped under my skin. Emery & JH are characters that I think of as existing in the real world, I might run into one of them at the market. I'm happy to know them.
*********************
The imperfect part?
November 3, 2018
I was so fortunate to get my hands on this one early, I have been addicted to Hazard & Somers from the beginning. Off subject I have to comment on Gregory Ashe's covers....are they not amazing, simple yet intriguing and so original. The two detectives are drawn into another case, this one hits home. The story gives some more of the growing up history and town politics. I enjoyed reading the suspense and trying to figure out what was going to happen as well as the dynamic between the two M/C's.
September 29, 2021
I uhhh ..... I don't ..... I can't ..... Mind. Blown.
What a finish to a series, and cue the mother of all book hangovers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a finish to a series, and cue the mother of all book hangovers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 23, 2025
What a ride this series has been. 😹 I read book one on a whim, got hooked, and then couldn't stop reading until I finished the entire series. It was that addictive. Hazard and Somers are that addictive. Watching their relationship grow from one of anger, mistrust, guilt, and regret to this all-encompassing "I love you. You are everything, and I refuse to live without you" level of devotion was what kept me hooked and coming back for more. Imagine my delight to find out that their story continues in two more arcs. 😄
As for the case, the one in this story was more personal to Hazard since it was somehow related to his first love (and reason for returning to Wahredua in the first place), Jeff. It still blows my mind that such a small town could have so many blatantly corrupted individuals in positions of power. There was a lot of violence in this one, as well as a few scenes of torture to one of the MCs. It was the most emotionally draining story in the series, but seeing all those psychos and murderers either killed or exposed for who they are made it worth it. I'm also glad that Hazard got the closure that he needed to move forward with his life. He deserves to be happy, and he deserves to be happy with Somers. I'm going to read the collection of short stories that accompany this arc, and then I'll be moving on to A Union of Swords. I'm curious to see what's next for Hazrad as well as who the next mayor will be. 5 stars
Read Count: 2
As for the case, the one in this story was more personal to Hazard since it was somehow related to his first love (and reason for returning to Wahredua in the first place), Jeff. It still blows my mind that such a small town could have so many blatantly corrupted individuals in positions of power. There was a lot of violence in this one, as well as a few scenes of torture to one of the MCs. It was the most emotionally draining story in the series, but seeing all those psychos and murderers either killed or exposed for who they are made it worth it. I'm also glad that Hazard got the closure that he needed to move forward with his life. He deserves to be happy, and he deserves to be happy with Somers. I'm going to read the collection of short stories that accompany this arc, and then I'll be moving on to A Union of Swords. I'm curious to see what's next for Hazrad as well as who the next mayor will be. 5 stars
Read Count: 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2021
All the stars in the sky!! ⭐️
I fucking love this series. I hope Gregory Ashe would never stop writing about the journey of Hazard and Somerset. I'm addicted to this series. Omg, I want to print out every sentence that leaves from Hazard’s mouth and hang them on my wall so that I can read them whenever I have a shitty day. They are hilarious, amusing, and so Hazard.
This is by far my favorite one. The case is really really intense and raw. This book kept me at the edge. I want to give a big hug to Somers and Hazard because they are so brave, smart and I love them sooooooo much. They're the best couple I've ever met in a book. Hazard and Somers argue like an old married couple, and that is the best thing in the book. I wish if they were real ❤️
“John.” Hazard paused. He was still trying to figure out where everything had changed. “Baby—”
Somers hiccupped, the sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob. “Baby? Have you ever called me that before?”
“Baby—”
“I like that. I like hearing you call me that.”
“Baby, you’re being a goddamn moron."
On to the next one!!
I fucking love this series. I hope Gregory Ashe would never stop writing about the journey of Hazard and Somerset. I'm addicted to this series. Omg, I want to print out every sentence that leaves from Hazard’s mouth and hang them on my wall so that I can read them whenever I have a shitty day. They are hilarious, amusing, and so Hazard.
This is by far my favorite one. The case is really really intense and raw. This book kept me at the edge. I want to give a big hug to Somers and Hazard because they are so brave, smart and I love them sooooooo much. They're the best couple I've ever met in a book. Hazard and Somers argue like an old married couple, and that is the best thing in the book. I wish if they were real ❤️
“John.” Hazard paused. He was still trying to figure out where everything had changed. “Baby—”
Somers hiccupped, the sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob. “Baby? Have you ever called me that before?”
“Baby—”
“I like that. I like hearing you call me that.”
“Baby, you’re being a goddamn moron."
On to the next one!!
November 11, 2018
As always, Gregory Ashe's prose is phenomenal. This last installment had by far the best characterization. Somers and Hazard's relationship kept me on edge until the last freaking page. The case was amazingly done since it kind of wraps up the whole series. It also hit very close to home for both of heroes. I felt so much for them. I just wish we had a few more pages at the end. I know there will be other H&S books in the future and from how it all ended, there's plenty of material to work with. I still hope we will get a little novella with just some good old Hazard and Somers banter (and maybe that promise Hazard made to Somers's dad?) to mark this wrap up. 💕
August 3, 2021
3.5 stars
1. Fingers crossed Tristan James doesnt narrate any more H&S books. No offense, but with this calibre of books, they needed a narrator who would do bustice to the books and the characters. TJ was ok..but not a good fit.
2. I didn't like that the final installement of this series arc was kind of stingy with H&S together. The most crucial things in the book happened when they were apart where i would have liked to see them fight everything and everyone together.
3. This book toooooo looooong. It dragged quite a bit and I felt as if it could have been either condensed or made into two books.
4. This is directly related to the length of the book... too much thinking and internal dialogue. Not enough conversations.
5. I loved John and Ree together, in their own little bubble, talking it out and airing out everything.
6. I loved the mystery and all the threads that were woven into it.
7. Excited to read more of these guys, hopefully with more on-page relationship though. And i dont mean the sex... I've understood the natire of these books. I mean them together, building a life outside of the cases.
1. Fingers crossed Tristan James doesnt narrate any more H&S books. No offense, but with this calibre of books, they needed a narrator who would do bustice to the books and the characters. TJ was ok..but not a good fit.
2. I didn't like that the final installement of this series arc was kind of stingy with H&S together. The most crucial things in the book happened when they were apart where i would have liked to see them fight everything and everyone together.
3. This book toooooo looooong. It dragged quite a bit and I felt as if it could have been either condensed or made into two books.
4. This is directly related to the length of the book... too much thinking and internal dialogue. Not enough conversations.
5. I loved John and Ree together, in their own little bubble, talking it out and airing out everything.
6. I loved the mystery and all the threads that were woven into it.
7. Excited to read more of these guys, hopefully with more on-page relationship though. And i dont mean the sex... I've understood the natire of these books. I mean them together, building a life outside of the cases.
March 8, 2020
I did it! I finished this series. Believe me there were times, especially with this book, that I questioned whether I'd make it to the end or not. Criminal Past was not an easy read.
It really isn't often I read a series where I like the writing, the genre, and the MCs, while not actually enjoying the journey, but that's what happened with H&S. Now that I've finished, I can say that while I liked it, I didn't love it, unlike most of my friends who did. Honestly, I'm just so tired. This series exhausted me.
It was good to see all the plot points resolve, though I do question some of it.
I don't know if I'll continue with the spin off series or not. If I do, it probably won't be for a while.
Book 6 rating: 4 stars
Overall series rating: 3.5 Stars.
It really isn't often I read a series where I like the writing, the genre, and the MCs, while not actually enjoying the journey, but that's what happened with H&S. Now that I've finished, I can say that while I liked it, I didn't love it, unlike most of my friends who did. Honestly, I'm just so tired. This series exhausted me.
It was good to see all the plot points resolve, though I do question some of it.
I don't know if I'll continue with the spin off series or not. If I do, it probably won't be for a while.
Book 6 rating: 4 stars
Overall series rating: 3.5 Stars.
May 23, 2025
“Fuck me because I’m yours. Fuck me like I’m yours, Ree. I’m yours, yours, I’m only yours, so please, for the love of God, fuck me.”
4.75 ⭐
Okay, I’m just going to talk out my ass right now.
This series is so emotionally draining for me. This book wasn’t as bad as the last one—at least for me personally—in terms of the emotional wreckage, but still. It fucking sucked me dry and spit me out.
The top emotion I’m feeling right now? Anger.
Okay, I guess I’m a bad person, because fuck—I need Mikey to suffer more. That dumb fucking piece of white trash. I needed the Mayor to get called out publicly before his brains were blown out. And most of all?
I NEED CRAVEN NOT TO BE THE CHIEF OF POLICE.
Because what in the goddamn fucking bullshit is that? How the hell is Hazard supposed to trust she’ll be better? I don’t. I think she’s a fucking snake. A dumb cunt I’ve hated since book one. I want her rotting in jail because she fucking sucks.
Anyway, if you look at it, I guess everything but Naomi got wrapped up—which is okay, I guess. But now we’re going to have to deal with Naomi and all these Ozark redneck KKK Nazi bullshit waste-of-space humans in the next series, aren’t we? Fuck me sideways. I hate that for me. And I hate that for Hazard and Somers.
Also: it’s really sad what happened to Jeff. Super fucked up. And at the end of the day, I didn’t know Jeff—he wasn’t alive when I started reading these books—but I feel bad for Hazard, most of all, having to find out that shit. Still, his parents deserve to know the truth. Even if it fucks them up. They need to know that the Mayor killed their son and was taking advantage of an underage boy.
I don’t give a fuck if Jeff was in love with him, or liked it, or wanted it—it was still illegal, and it was sick as fuck. And not in the good way.
Anyway. I’m skipping the other series with the other people and continuing the Hazard and Somers saga till the bitter fucking end. I mean, yeah, we met Shaw. He got run over by cows. He sucked major dick. And I don’t think I want to read about him. At least not right now.
So fuck it.
4.75 ⭐
Okay, I’m just going to talk out my ass right now.
This series is so emotionally draining for me. This book wasn’t as bad as the last one—at least for me personally—in terms of the emotional wreckage, but still. It fucking sucked me dry and spit me out.
The top emotion I’m feeling right now? Anger.
Okay, I guess I’m a bad person, because fuck—I need Mikey to suffer more. That dumb fucking piece of white trash. I needed the Mayor to get called out publicly before his brains were blown out. And most of all?
I NEED CRAVEN NOT TO BE THE CHIEF OF POLICE.
Because what in the goddamn fucking bullshit is that? How the hell is Hazard supposed to trust she’ll be better? I don’t. I think she’s a fucking snake. A dumb cunt I’ve hated since book one. I want her rotting in jail because she fucking sucks.
Anyway, if you look at it, I guess everything but Naomi got wrapped up—which is okay, I guess. But now we’re going to have to deal with Naomi and all these Ozark redneck KKK Nazi bullshit waste-of-space humans in the next series, aren’t we? Fuck me sideways. I hate that for me. And I hate that for Hazard and Somers.
Also: it’s really sad what happened to Jeff. Super fucked up. And at the end of the day, I didn’t know Jeff—he wasn’t alive when I started reading these books—but I feel bad for Hazard, most of all, having to find out that shit. Still, his parents deserve to know the truth. Even if it fucks them up. They need to know that the Mayor killed their son and was taking advantage of an underage boy.
I don’t give a fuck if Jeff was in love with him, or liked it, or wanted it—it was still illegal, and it was sick as fuck. And not in the good way.
Anyway. I’m skipping the other series with the other people and continuing the Hazard and Somers saga till the bitter fucking end. I mean, yeah, we met Shaw. He got run over by cows. He sucked major dick. And I don’t think I want to read about him. At least not right now.
So fuck it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 9, 2023
MM Romance
Romantic Suspense
5 Stars ⭐️
Audiobook Narrator: Tristan James: 5 Stars ⭐️
This book took me forever to listen to because it was SO BRUTAL! I usually listen to audiobooks while I cook dinner but there were so many disgusting things happening in this book that I just couldn’t stomach listening to it if I wanted to eat afterwards. I don’t consider myself a squeamish person but fuck, after 5 books, I’ve become super attached to H&S and the suffering both men go through in this one was awful. It makes all the other books in this series seem easy breezy when they were anything but. However, I absolutely loved this case and when all the twists and turns led to what happened in the past? I was dumbfounded in the best of ways. The storyline that wove these 6 books together was wrapped up in the best of ways. Once I got into out of the ick, I couldn’t stop listening to it. It was so good.
Andddd after 6 fucking books, there was finally a proper sex scene in this. It was such a sweet tender moment between H&S but also hot af to see how needy Somers was for Hazard. After everything they went through in this book, it felt like a reward of the best kind for me! I loved how this wrapped up and plan to read the next series but I need a break first because this one nearly killed me and I completely understand now why my friends chose to skip this one when doing a reread of the series because as much as I loved this, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to listen to it again. 💔
Romantic Suspense
5 Stars ⭐️
Audiobook Narrator: Tristan James: 5 Stars ⭐️
This book took me forever to listen to because it was SO BRUTAL! I usually listen to audiobooks while I cook dinner but there were so many disgusting things happening in this book that I just couldn’t stomach listening to it if I wanted to eat afterwards. I don’t consider myself a squeamish person but fuck, after 5 books, I’ve become super attached to H&S and the suffering both men go through in this one was awful. It makes all the other books in this series seem easy breezy when they were anything but. However, I absolutely loved this case and when all the twists and turns led to what happened in the past? I was dumbfounded in the best of ways. The storyline that wove these 6 books together was wrapped up in the best of ways. Once I got into out of the ick, I couldn’t stop listening to it. It was so good.
Andddd after 6 fucking books, there was finally a proper sex scene in this. It was such a sweet tender moment between H&S but also hot af to see how needy Somers was for Hazard. After everything they went through in this book, it felt like a reward of the best kind for me! I loved how this wrapped up and plan to read the next series but I need a break first because this one nearly killed me and I completely understand now why my friends chose to skip this one when doing a reread of the series because as much as I loved this, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to listen to it again. 💔
July 23, 2019
Brilliantly written. All the pieces from the prior 5 books came together masterfully. But super intense, stressful, gory, and violent. Way beyond what I like. If this were book 1 or 2 and not 6, I probably would have stopped. But I was too invested in the series to stop. Also, I was hoping this would be the book where Hazard and Somers would find an easy happiness together. And it seemed to start that way, but the world was conspiring against them. So yes, they are a real couple now, but nothing is ever easy for them. I hear there is a book 7 in the works. Maybe that one will be sweet and happy. Or maybe Ashe is going to torture me some more.
December 9, 2021
This one doesn't have much of mystery, we always knew who was the bad guy and he's going to get his comeuppance. We also always knew there was more to Hazard's "first love".
It was good. I like the dynamic between Hazard and Somers. But I wouldn't continue with their new series, 1. bc it costs money (not on KU) and 2. bc I've always found the lack of hot sex an area of discontent (personally) in this series. That's totally just me. Others like this series for this very reason. Just not me.
It was good. I like the dynamic between Hazard and Somers. But I wouldn't continue with their new series, 1. bc it costs money (not on KU) and 2. bc I've always found the lack of hot sex an area of discontent (personally) in this series. That's totally just me. Others like this series for this very reason. Just not me.
October 3, 2022
4.5 stars - Whew, that was a brutal and long ride. I have to admit that when I saw the page count, my thoughts immediately went the way of a petulant child with an exaggerated "aw, do I have to?". To which my heart answered, "yes you do, because Hazard and Somers are worth it". And, of course, my heart was right.
I loved that so many pieces of lingering storylines got scooped up and settled in this book. It felt like a season of a TV show, where each episode addressed a new case while slowly unveiling something bigger happening in the background. And while all of that was going on, the author also managed to create two of the most compelling, complicated and amazing characters I've ever had the pleasure of getting to know. This book readdressed Hazard and Somers' painful pasts, but in a completely new perspective since their relationship was so different from where it was (or wasn't) in the first book. Their insecurities and silent assumptions and misunderstandings made it hard to ignore the shaky foundation they'd been building their life together on. But through it all, they loved each other so damn much. This may sound weird, but I loved the way they acted when they were mad at each other. They would get angry and need space and want to walk away, but then they'd soften the moment by doing something so caring and thoughtful and protective that it brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait to see how their relationship continues to develop.
The mystery in this book was very intricate due to a lot of moving parts and a bunch of characters, new and old. If there were holes, I didn't notice them and I was thoroughly engrossed in every step Hazard and Somers took, no matter how painful. Poor Somers, though. He got off easy in the first 5 books, but not in this one. I agree with other reviews that the violence and torture in this book may have been a bit much, but I found myself consistently impressed by how well the author knows his characters. Somers was used to being able to charm his way out of sticky situations. He didn't have to think or strategize when it came to navigating other humans, he just followed his intuition. It was interesting to see him in a situation where his biggest strengths couldn't help him. I was hoping it meant that Hazard wouldn't be taking any blows this time around, but that dude can't catch a break. Thank goodness they bounce back like they're a part of the Marvel universe.
I have to take a breather before I start the next series. It's not going to be easy and it probably won't last long, but there are other couples begging me for attention and my tbr is getting out of control.
I loved that so many pieces of lingering storylines got scooped up and settled in this book. It felt like a season of a TV show, where each episode addressed a new case while slowly unveiling something bigger happening in the background. And while all of that was going on, the author also managed to create two of the most compelling, complicated and amazing characters I've ever had the pleasure of getting to know. This book readdressed Hazard and Somers' painful pasts, but in a completely new perspective since their relationship was so different from where it was (or wasn't) in the first book. Their insecurities and silent assumptions and misunderstandings made it hard to ignore the shaky foundation they'd been building their life together on. But through it all, they loved each other so damn much. This may sound weird, but I loved the way they acted when they were mad at each other. They would get angry and need space and want to walk away, but then they'd soften the moment by doing something so caring and thoughtful and protective that it brought tears to my eyes. I can't wait to see how their relationship continues to develop.
The mystery in this book was very intricate due to a lot of moving parts and a bunch of characters, new and old. If there were holes, I didn't notice them and I was thoroughly engrossed in every step Hazard and Somers took, no matter how painful. Poor Somers, though. He got off easy in the first 5 books, but not in this one. I agree with other reviews that the violence and torture in this book may have been a bit much, but I found myself consistently impressed by how well the author knows his characters. Somers was used to being able to charm his way out of sticky situations. He didn't have to think or strategize when it came to navigating other humans, he just followed his intuition. It was interesting to see him in a situation where his biggest strengths couldn't help him. I was hoping it meant that Hazard wouldn't be taking any blows this time around, but that dude can't catch a break. Thank goodness they bounce back like they're a part of the Marvel universe.
I have to take a breather before I start the next series. It's not going to be easy and it probably won't last long, but there are other couples begging me for attention and my tbr is getting out of control.
Read
July 8, 2021I don't think I can rate this one. Mostly because I sorta hated this one.
How many books now have I waxed on about how great it was that these two had finally worked through their sordid, awful, history and come out the other side? And how many times did we then rehash it all in the next book as they agonized about one thing or another? What a clown I am.
Not only that but this book dialled literally everything up to eleven. The violence, the awfulness, the angst.. everything. It was a lot. Stressful, uncomfortable, awful, ugh. Which is why I don't think I liked it. I want to say we've finally closed a chapter on this stuff, which would make sense as this wraps this particular series, but I've already made myself out to be a fool thinking that had happened before so just gonna zip it this time.
Also, I felt kinda bad about wishing harm would befall Somers because he definitely got this in this book (but so did Emery, ffs, again). How many lives do they have left? Not many.
That said, all the stress and awfulness made it hard to stay glued to this one. I took a lot of breaks. It was slower going than usual. Obviously a sign of great, but brutal, writing but.. it was a lot. I've heard from friends that the next series, as per reading order, is gentler and hoo boy I think that was maybe a very conscious decision. How else would we survive all this.
I don't remotely regret starting this journey with this author and his world but it's definitely been more emotionally taxing than I expected. Because I'm an idiot who has barely taken a breath in days. So that's on me.
This series overall is compelling, additive, and well written, but there are definitely some instalments that are better than others. And as much as I've loved being with these characters, I need to get the fuck out of this town for a while and meet some new ones. I'm even holding off on the shorts, for now, I think. I want to imagine they are fluffier but honestly I can't take the risk! Don't worry though, Wahredua (how does one pronounce that, anyway? help a Canadian out), I'll be back. Probably sooner than I think, haha.
How many books now have I waxed on about how great it was that these two had finally worked through their sordid, awful, history and come out the other side? And how many times did we then rehash it all in the next book as they agonized about one thing or another? What a clown I am.
Not only that but this book dialled literally everything up to eleven. The violence, the awfulness, the angst.. everything. It was a lot. Stressful, uncomfortable, awful, ugh. Which is why I don't think I liked it. I want to say we've finally closed a chapter on this stuff, which would make sense as this wraps this particular series, but I've already made myself out to be a fool thinking that had happened before so just gonna zip it this time.
Also, I felt kinda bad about wishing harm would befall Somers because he definitely got this in this book (but so did Emery, ffs, again). How many lives do they have left? Not many.
That said, all the stress and awfulness made it hard to stay glued to this one. I took a lot of breaks. It was slower going than usual. Obviously a sign of great, but brutal, writing but.. it was a lot. I've heard from friends that the next series, as per reading order, is gentler and hoo boy I think that was maybe a very conscious decision. How else would we survive all this.
I don't remotely regret starting this journey with this author and his world but it's definitely been more emotionally taxing than I expected. Because I'm an idiot who has barely taken a breath in days. So that's on me.
This series overall is compelling, additive, and well written, but there are definitely some instalments that are better than others. And as much as I've loved being with these characters, I need to get the fuck out of this town for a while and meet some new ones. I'm even holding off on the shorts, for now, I think. I want to imagine they are fluffier but honestly I can't take the risk! Don't worry though, Wahredua (how does one pronounce that, anyway? help a Canadian out), I'll be back. Probably sooner than I think, haha.
May 19, 2024
Breakneck pace, violence,
unpacked trauma, desperate need--
this book has it all.
Challenge re-read
unpacked trauma, desperate need--
this book has it all.
Challenge re-read
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