What do you think?
Rate this book
Hazard and Somerset: Arrows in the Hand #2
Custody Battles
Some parents would die for their children. Others will do a whole lot worse.
Emery Hazard and his husband, John-Henry Somerset, are settling into their new normal—at home, with the latest addition to their family, and at work, as Somers adapts to his new role and Hazard manages his expanding agency. The only thing Hazard is worried about is getting through dinner with his in-laws.
When his father-in-law requests that Hazard and Somers join him for a weekend deer hunting, it sounds simple enough: spend a night camping, give their foster son a chance to spend time with his friend, and—possibly—prevent a parental kidnapping. But nothing is ever as simple as it sounds. At deer camp, Hazard and Somers find themselves drawn into a toxic family feud between parents battling for custody.
After the husband is shot and killed deep in the forest, detectives from the Sheriff’s Department are convinced that the killer is a local extremist—a member of the neo-Nazi Ozark Volunteers. Hazard and Somers, though, aren’t so sure, and as they probe deeper into the killing, they find that many people had a reason to want the victim dead, and the killing itself might not be what it seems.
Then a drive-by shooting almost claims the lives of Hazard, Somers, and the victim’s wife. The killer’s work isn’t done, and Hazard and Somers must race to find the truth before the killer strikes again.
Emery Hazard and his husband, John-Henry Somerset, are settling into their new normal—at home, with the latest addition to their family, and at work, as Somers adapts to his new role and Hazard manages his expanding agency. The only thing Hazard is worried about is getting through dinner with his in-laws.
When his father-in-law requests that Hazard and Somers join him for a weekend deer hunting, it sounds simple enough: spend a night camping, give their foster son a chance to spend time with his friend, and—possibly—prevent a parental kidnapping. But nothing is ever as simple as it sounds. At deer camp, Hazard and Somers find themselves drawn into a toxic family feud between parents battling for custody.
After the husband is shot and killed deep in the forest, detectives from the Sheriff’s Department are convinced that the killer is a local extremist—a member of the neo-Nazi Ozark Volunteers. Hazard and Somers, though, aren’t so sure, and as they probe deeper into the killing, they find that many people had a reason to want the victim dead, and the killing itself might not be what it seems.
Then a drive-by shooting almost claims the lives of Hazard, Somers, and the victim’s wife. The killer’s work isn’t done, and Hazard and Somers must race to find the truth before the killer strikes again.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2021
84 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
130 books1,763 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 13, 2022
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story 3.37 stars
Hmmm! This was so-so. I was about to give up but decided to just give it a chance. This was because I went into this one with low expectations.
The writing
It is still amazing, gritty and in your face., Signature GA. This is why I keep coming back for more. 17 books later and I can't help but feel excited when there is a new book coming out.
The characters and The relationship
This is where everything went haywire. This series and most of GA series are character driven. I felt let down by both Hazard and Somers. I felt like we are going back to the beginning of the series, with all the secrets, the unnecessary rage, come to think of it the first series was angsty not ragey.
Hazard is still Hazard, I feel like I didn't get more of him in this book and every time he appeared on page he was a bit hulky. That threw me off balance a bit. I still love him when he becomes all sweet and lovey dovey.
Somers - Oh boy what was that. Somers was reduced to an unrecognized version of himself. I understand that he was the one who was left to keep the hulk down but the way it was done ended up not working for me. His insecurities came to light, he was just afraid of losing Hazard, completely understandable, but... buuut.. we are way past that. Hazard is not going anywhere. He loves you Somers! He always has always will.
I loved their tender moments, the tiny bit ones that I got a glimpse of. These two will always melt my heart.
The Mystery
Loved it! I wanted to slap some stupid parents though. Not everyone should be allowed to have kids. Ugghh! But it was interesting.
Colt!!! Ugh! I don't care about his past, I don't care that he is a teenager, he is a shitty kid.
Okay, that said, I will still read his spinoff book for Ash. I feel like there is going to be a spinoff.
Auggie and Theo .. Squuueeee!!!
Overall, it was an okay book, I liked some parts, some parts not so much.
A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Story 3.37 stars
Hmmm! This was so-so. I was about to give up but decided to just give it a chance. This was because I went into this one with low expectations.
The writing
It is still amazing, gritty and in your face., Signature GA. This is why I keep coming back for more. 17 books later and I can't help but feel excited when there is a new book coming out.
The characters and The relationship
This is where everything went haywire. This series and most of GA series are character driven. I felt let down by both Hazard and Somers. I felt like we are going back to the beginning of the series, with all the secrets, the unnecessary rage, come to think of it the first series was angsty not ragey.
Hazard is still Hazard, I feel like I didn't get more of him in this book and every time he appeared on page he was a bit hulky. That threw me off balance a bit. I still love him when he becomes all sweet and lovey dovey.
Somers - Oh boy what was that. Somers was reduced to an unrecognized version of himself. I understand that he was the one who was left to keep the hulk down but the way it was done ended up not working for me. His insecurities came to light, he was just afraid of losing Hazard, completely understandable, but... buuut.. we are way past that. Hazard is not going anywhere. He loves you Somers! He always has always will.
I loved their tender moments, the tiny bit ones that I got a glimpse of. These two will always melt my heart.
The Mystery
Loved it! I wanted to slap some stupid parents though. Not everyone should be allowed to have kids. Ugghh! But it was interesting.
Colt!!! Ugh! I don't care about his past, I don't care that he is a teenager, he is a shitty kid.
Okay, that said, I will still read his spinoff book for Ash. I feel like there is going to be a spinoff.
Auggie and Theo .. Squuueeee!!!
Overall, it was an okay book, I liked some parts, some parts not so much.
A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2022
3,5 stars
It was time to face the music.
After my DNF in December I finally caved in (I was getting very curious) to see how this develops and ends.
And yes, it is true, as I was assured by some readers before, many of my points of contention - see below- are dealt with later on in the book.
Points 1 and 2:
Somers does have a revelation about his parenting style, and so does Hazard, and they are working on it, together. *fist-bump in the air*. I have no doubt that more problems will pop up on that front, as it does happen in any family, but it looks like that these two guys are going to face them together now.
As for Somer’s ‘secret’ and how things turn out in the end: I’m still baffled why he acts as he does, why he allows someone to abuse him like that when clearly, he could have the upper hand so easily. I assume that I don’t understand the psychology here.
Point 3:
Yes, there is an explanation for Colt’s OTT aggressive behaviour, and while I do understand it, I only get it to a certain point. I was thoroughly relieved, however when he changed his attitude towards Somers after said events towards the end, and he had an eye-opener who Somers really is.
As for Hazard and Somers as a couple:
I’d been waiting for THAT vital conversation they really needed to have, and it happened at 65%. And Thank God!!! for it.
Things improve vastly after that. On all fronts. That one sex scene in the second half of the book, is really moving (and hot).
I’m happy that I returned to finish this book because Hazard and Somers are characters I really love, but I hope Mr. Ashe is going to spare me a similar emotional break-down like this again. (Ha! And if I believe this ….🤣 I believe anything!)
Off to read book three!
Original review:
No rating.
DNF at 52%. (for the moment at least)
I simply can't take any more. I'm half way through this book, and it feels there has been nothing but negativity, meanness and people behaving like a*****es.
My main points of contention are very much the same as Leslie's. see Leslie's fab review
.) I hate the way Somers deals with Colt. I hate that he undermines Hazard. I hate that he keeps major secrets from Hazard. I have no clue, why, as the Chief of Police and (supposedly) a first class cop, he behaves like a rabbit in front of a snake when dealing with the afore-mentioned secret. Even his unbearable dad gets it more right than him!
.) I really don't like how Hazard has turned into this super grumpy, mega irritable guy who overreacts constantly for no reason. We know he can be abrupt and unsociable, but we have never seen it to this level.
.) and as for Colt - I'm sick to death with his attitude towards Somers. I know teenagers are teenagers (and I've had my share of teenage angst and problems), but I really can't stand the boy, just now. What makes it worse is that Somers feels compelled to 'suck up' to him all the time. Nope.
At this moment I have to admit , that - despite my love of Gregory Ashe's writing and my love for these two characters - I really do not care for where the author is taking them in this new series. I thought that things might settle better after book 1, but so far I have seen no signs of it.
I miss the pull and push between John and Ree, I miss the heat and the passion, I miss them being them.
And yes, I will most likely return to this book at a later time and maybe even find some answers to my questions, but at the moment, I'm just sad. And angry. And I don't want to be.
It was time to face the music.
After my DNF in December I finally caved in (I was getting very curious) to see how this develops and ends.
And yes, it is true, as I was assured by some readers before, many of my points of contention - see below- are dealt with later on in the book.
Points 1 and 2:
Somers does have a revelation about his parenting style, and so does Hazard, and they are working on it, together. *fist-bump in the air*. I have no doubt that more problems will pop up on that front, as it does happen in any family, but it looks like that these two guys are going to face them together now.
As for Somer’s ‘secret’ and how things turn out in the end: I’m still baffled why he acts as he does, why he allows someone to abuse him like that when clearly, he could have the upper hand so easily. I assume that I don’t understand the psychology here.
Point 3:
Yes, there is an explanation for Colt’s OTT aggressive behaviour, and while I do understand it, I only get it to a certain point. I was thoroughly relieved, however when he changed his attitude towards Somers after said events towards the end, and he had an eye-opener who Somers really is.
As for Hazard and Somers as a couple:
I’d been waiting for THAT vital conversation they really needed to have, and it happened at 65%. And Thank God!!! for it.
Things improve vastly after that. On all fronts. That one sex scene in the second half of the book, is really moving (and hot).
I’m happy that I returned to finish this book because Hazard and Somers are characters I really love, but I hope Mr. Ashe is going to spare me a similar emotional break-down like this again. (Ha! And if I believe this ….🤣 I believe anything!)
Off to read book three!
Original review:
No rating.
DNF at 52%. (for the moment at least)
I simply can't take any more. I'm half way through this book, and it feels there has been nothing but negativity, meanness and people behaving like a*****es.
My main points of contention are very much the same as Leslie's. see Leslie's fab review
.) I hate the way Somers deals with Colt. I hate that he undermines Hazard. I hate that he keeps major secrets from Hazard. I have no clue, why, as the Chief of Police and (supposedly) a first class cop, he behaves like a rabbit in front of a snake when dealing with the afore-mentioned secret. Even his unbearable dad gets it more right than him!
.) I really don't like how Hazard has turned into this super grumpy, mega irritable guy who overreacts constantly for no reason. We know he can be abrupt and unsociable, but we have never seen it to this level.
.) and as for Colt - I'm sick to death with his attitude towards Somers. I know teenagers are teenagers (and I've had my share of teenage angst and problems), but I really can't stand the boy, just now. What makes it worse is that Somers feels compelled to 'suck up' to him all the time. Nope.
At this moment I have to admit , that - despite my love of Gregory Ashe's writing and my love for these two characters - I really do not care for where the author is taking them in this new series. I thought that things might settle better after book 1, but so far I have seen no signs of it.
I miss the pull and push between John and Ree, I miss the heat and the passion, I miss them being them.
And yes, I will most likely return to this book at a later time and maybe even find some answers to my questions, but at the moment, I'm just sad. And angry. And I don't want to be.
June 30, 2023
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ: 2023 H&S Rereadathon :･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ (spoilers littered throughout)
the installment of familial drama in tsunami waves, hunting with Wahredua's finest trash to ever trash, and the teenage proclivity for disregarding common sense and self-preservation.
[3.8? rating pending] who woulda thunk rather than bottling up my feelings while traversing this doozy of a read, releasing them into the loving arms of my two favorite GA buddy readers would make for a much smoother, cathartic experience? revolutionary, i tell you.
--- original review ---
when the next book is already out and you still haven’t written a proper review for the previous one 💀
(i’m working purely off my goldfish memory so excuse me for mistakes/gaps in my memory 🙇🏻♀️)
[2.9] look, i adore this series and these dumdums in love, but this book…..was not it with these stakes 😭
*i tried to be vague with any spoils (and used spoiler tags when deemed necessary) but beware nonetheless!*
Somers was such an easy doormat to step on - and not the endearing type - for the sake of contrived drama. and i say contrived, because as much as i can understand its formative role in Somers's character arc, the level of threat he detected from Danny never quite struck home considering the other party barely had any ground to stand on. i also didn't know why he kept it a secret from Hazard after all they’ve been through. i can’t claim to be an expert in the slightest regarding how the system works so it could be my ignorance/naïveté at play here, but they wouldn’t give an incompetent person that many second chances, would they? plus Colt is older now, and while he is easily manipulated / brainwashed by his dad, would he genuinely choose Danny over Hazard if given a say?
i had to take multiple breaks with the way Somers would let Colt stomp all over him while he simultaneously undermined any of Hazard’s attempts at discipline. i was under the impression they’d found some common ground, even if only a single square cm, but evidently that was not the case.
Colt, Colt, Colt…. let me at him with my duster so i can whack some sense into him 😤🧹 i get he’s a teenager, testing boundaries, engaging in questionable activities, but please try to space out your brainless actions before Hazard succumbs to a heart attack. he’d make a mistake. get yelled at. cry. make another mistake. get yelled at. cry again. rinse and repeat. at the very least he’s good with Evie, because otherwise i would’ve long thrown him into boot camp to whip him up to shape.
i also want to document that fact that i agreed with Glenn twice. what is this world coming to??
of course there were scenes i did enjoy, like Hazard’s inner Somers voice guiding him through “normal” social interactions, the show of his usual quirky mannerisms, his comedic interactions with Nico, but i wish we had more of them considering the list of suspects and victims was already filled to the brim with the rankest trash 😮💨
also, did anyone else think of mythbusters when it came to the scene? it makes me wish Hazard had shown that episode to Somers so he wouldn't have had to struggle as much under the most unfortunate circumstances. it's actually fascinating - take a look at the results here (https://mythresults.com/episode72). in summary,
alrighty, off to the new release! wish me luck 🍀
****initial reaction****
Leslie was right, i can't even begin to count the number of times i was frustrated out of my MIND *runs in circles to expel excess energy*
i honestly hated some parts and loved others so idk how to rate this 🤣
RTC once i'm not so ~heated~
the installment of familial drama in tsunami waves, hunting with Wahredua's finest trash to ever trash, and the teenage proclivity for disregarding common sense and self-preservation.
[3.8? rating pending] who woulda thunk rather than bottling up my feelings while traversing this doozy of a read, releasing them into the loving arms of my two favorite GA buddy readers would make for a much smoother, cathartic experience? revolutionary, i tell you.
--- original review ---
when the next book is already out and you still haven’t written a proper review for the previous one 💀
(i’m working purely off my goldfish memory so excuse me for mistakes/gaps in my memory 🙇🏻♀️)
[2.9] look, i adore this series and these dumdums in love, but this book…..was not it with these stakes 😭
*i tried to be vague with any spoils (and used spoiler tags when deemed necessary) but beware nonetheless!*
Somers was such an easy doormat to step on - and not the endearing type - for the sake of contrived drama. and i say contrived, because as much as i can understand its formative role in Somers's character arc, the level of threat he detected from Danny never quite struck home considering the other party barely had any ground to stand on. i also didn't know why he kept it a secret from Hazard after all they’ve been through. i can’t claim to be an expert in the slightest regarding how the system works so it could be my ignorance/naïveté at play here, but they wouldn’t give an incompetent person that many second chances, would they? plus Colt is older now, and while he is easily manipulated / brainwashed by his dad, would he genuinely choose Danny over Hazard if given a say?
i had to take multiple breaks with the way Somers would let Colt stomp all over him while he simultaneously undermined any of Hazard’s attempts at discipline. i was under the impression they’d found some common ground, even if only a single square cm, but evidently that was not the case.
Colt, Colt, Colt…. let me at him with my duster so i can whack some sense into him 😤🧹 i get he’s a teenager, testing boundaries, engaging in questionable activities, but please try to space out your brainless actions before Hazard succumbs to a heart attack. he’d make a mistake. get yelled at. cry. make another mistake. get yelled at. cry again. rinse and repeat. at the very least he’s good with Evie, because otherwise i would’ve long thrown him into boot camp to whip him up to shape.
i also want to document that fact that i agreed with Glenn twice. what is this world coming to??
of course there were scenes i did enjoy, like Hazard’s inner Somers voice guiding him through “normal” social interactions, the show of his usual quirky mannerisms, his comedic interactions with Nico, but i wish we had more of them considering the list of suspects and victims was already filled to the brim with the rankest trash 😮💨
also, did anyone else think of mythbusters when it came to the scene? it makes me wish Hazard had shown that episode to Somers so he wouldn't have had to struggle as much under the most unfortunate circumstances. it's actually fascinating - take a look at the results here (https://mythresults.com/episode72). in summary,
alrighty, off to the new release! wish me luck 🍀
****initial reaction****
Leslie was right, i can't even begin to count the number of times i was frustrated out of my MIND *runs in circles to expel excess energy*
i honestly hated some parts and loved others so idk how to rate this 🤣
RTC once i'm not so ~heated~
December 20, 2021
Welcome to my review of the newest Hazard and Somerset book. Where I'll try to cobble together new ways to write the same thing about my favorite couple. Although, actually, I do have some new thoughts on this one. While I try to keep my reviews as spoiler free as possible, there will be references to the last book. So if you aren't caught up, you may want to steer clear. You have been warned! I have given this book four stars. For reference, I gave book one five stars. I find it damn near impossible to give a Greg book less than four stars. I have given a few of them three stars. But it is rare. No matter my issues, I love the worlds he creates and his characters are so real to me that I long to put their names on my Christmas card list. I don't think Hazard would appreciate a card but Somers would love it. 😬
Anyway. My long winded point is that while I didn't like this as much as the previous book, it was still a strong read. Also, I would read about these two dummies until they are old and grey and fighting crime in a nursing home. Because you know with this town, those nursing homes are going to be shady! I imagine them like those old Muppet men in human form.
So. I know you inquiring minds want to know... What were my issues? I'll do those first. Put simply, I STRUGGLED with Hazard's rage, John's secrets and Colt's treatment of Somers. Now the third one was resolved in a way that made sense at the end and I understand now. But it still hurt my heart to read. The other two things?
I
WAS
FRUSTRATED
I had just said in my review of the last book, that these two had finally started to communicate better. Well that came back and bit me in the ass. I feel like they took a step backwards here and I wanted to scream.
The thing is, I can kind of get Somer's secrets on some level. He's trying to stop Hazard from going full Hulk. Which brings me to Hazard's rage. Look, grumpy Hazard is LIFE. But there's grumpy and there's Hulk. And I thought by this point in the series, we would see less of Hulk Hazard. So this felt like a step back for me too. 😭
And yet? All of my time spent yelling at my iPad and cat made me think. That's some good writing to make me so invested that I'm angry. Props to Greg there.
AND. There was so much to love. The humor. The tenderness. The found family which keeps growing. My heart grew three sizes at the end. Hazard's mom is more precious than words. (Don't you dare hurt a hair on her head Greg!)
"I want to worry about it. I want to be mad about the turkey. I want it to be dry. I want to be grumpy." "That's all right, muffin." Aileen patted his arm absently as she dug out a pan. "You can be grumpy while we make the gravy."
The mystery held my interest and there was limited Dulac content which is a good thing. Nico somehow continues to worm his way into my heart. How did that even happen? Was I brainwashed? Who even knows at this point. I ended the book feeling content, despite my niggles, already ready for the next one.
Ree and John?
December 10, 2021
4.25 stars ⭐️ YESYESYESYESYESSS!! I miss my babies so much! Their lives are complicated, and I'm exhausted by reading it! In a good way though because I love this series so damn much it hurts!
God, I was afraid of what would happen in this book since I read the last book, and not to mention, this was my second attempt at starting to read this one. But I finally put on my big girl panties and jumped into the book. It was so worth it.
“Shrugging, Hazard opened the car door. “You’re my husband. I prefer you out of prison.”
“Always the charmer.”
“Sixty percent for the sex, John. Forty percent for the home improvement projects.”
I cannot explain how much I love these dumbs. They are my babies!! 😭😭♥️ The banter and the relationship are still so good!!!
A few things happened...
At first, I was so angry at Colt because of his behavior toward John. Who wouldn't even dislike our baby John? I wanted to smack Colt so hard for being so hard on John. But I finally understood his reasons for being such a jerk. Oh my god, did I say that I hate teenagers?
I want Nico to find someone who cares about him. He is such a good person! Is that really me?? Because at the beginning of the series, I wanted to rip his head off.
And the mystery was interesting enough to hold my attention. But it was predictable and I didn't care!
But the thing is that I don't understand why Somers kept that thing which was Colt’s biological father’s threat from Ree. It was a stupid choice to make. But I liked how things resolved at the end.
Man, I need some hot smexy scenes. I'm dying here!!!!!
God, I was afraid of what would happen in this book since I read the last book, and not to mention, this was my second attempt at starting to read this one. But I finally put on my big girl panties and jumped into the book. It was so worth it.
“Shrugging, Hazard opened the car door. “You’re my husband. I prefer you out of prison.”
“Always the charmer.”
“Sixty percent for the sex, John. Forty percent for the home improvement projects.”
I cannot explain how much I love these dumbs. They are my babies!! 😭😭♥️ The banter and the relationship are still so good!!!
A few things happened...
At first, I was so angry at Colt because of his behavior toward John. Who wouldn't even dislike our baby John? I wanted to smack Colt so hard for being so hard on John. But I finally understood his reasons for being such a jerk. Oh my god, did I say that I hate teenagers?
I want Nico to find someone who cares about him. He is such a good person! Is that really me?? Because at the beginning of the series, I wanted to rip his head off.
And the mystery was interesting enough to hold my attention. But it was predictable and I didn't care!
But the thing is that I don't understand why Somers kept that thing which was Colt’s biological father’s threat from Ree. It was a stupid choice to make. But I liked how things resolved at the end.
Man, I need some hot smexy scenes. I'm dying here!!!!!
December 22, 2021
I enjoyed this one more than the last. I don't know. I think I might need to ditch this series. I used to really love it but I hate the addition of Colt's character. Absolutely hate it and don't think I want to deal with all his drama anymore. I always hate breaking up with a series but I think it's time.
February 12, 2022
More than anything, this is John Henry’s story. It was amazing seeing him struggle internally and how it showed externally.
Vague description? Why, yes. And that’s on purpose.
But if you really want a recap: John Henry and his foster son are not getting on well. Hazard is Hazard. There is a murder. And some seriously messed up people.
Enjoy!
Oh, and a FANTABULOUS NARRATION!!
Vague description? Why, yes. And that’s on purpose.
But if you really want a recap: John Henry and his foster son are not getting on well. Hazard is Hazard. There is a murder. And some seriously messed up people.
Enjoy!
Oh, and a FANTABULOUS NARRATION!!
December 19, 2021
I've given this an A at AAR.
I think, if I had to write a one-word review of Gregory Ashe’s Custody Battles, it would be OUCH. I spent most of the time reading it with my insides tied up in knots, and even when they were able to unknot a little, I knew that wouldn’t be the end of it.
Things are already fraught when the book begins, as Hazard and Somers are getting ready to host dinner for friends and family – the family including Somers’ parents, neither of whom is shy about making known their disappointment in him. Adding to Somers’ already heightened tension is the fact that Cole – the teen he and Hazard are now fostering (see Relative Justice) – absolutely hates him, for no reason that Somers can fathom. Somers has been friendly and reasonable, but no matter what he says or does, Colt is completely hostile – and while Somers recognises that Colt has had a crappy time of it and that he’s a vulnerable kid, he can’t help feeling bewildered, hurt and, sometimes, resentful. The quiet evenings watching TV and eating takeout with his husband he’d been looking forward to have gone out the window, and Somers can’t help but feel – at times – as though he’s being pushed aside. He knows it’s ridiculous to feel that way – he’s a grown man and can be adult about the situation, but… those feelings are there nonetheless.
Things go from bad to worse later that evening, when Colt’s deadbeat dad Danny Ballantyne shows up and confronts Somers, threatening to petition to get get custody of Cole back unless Somers pays him to go away. Somers knows – he knows – it’s dumb to think he’ll go and stay away – but on top of everything else – Colt’s hatred, his parents’ condescending disapproval, his feeling that things are slowly spinning out of control – Somers decides that here’s something he can do for Colt and for Hazard (he knows losing Colt would devastate him) and decides to handle it himself so as not to worry them. He agrees to find the money to pay Ballantyne off, even though they really don’t have it – and not to tell Hazard what’s going on.
Okay, so at this point, I was mentally screaming – ‘Somers, you idiot, you know better than to keep this from Hazard!’ – but before that disaster is allowed to unfold, another looms in the form of Somers’ dad’s ‘invitation’ (insistence) that Hazard and Somers accompany him on an overnight hunting trip. Neither is keen and both are suspicious; Somerset Sr. eventually tells them he’s heard rumours of a potential parental kidnapping and that he thinks Somers just being around will be enough to prevent it. Reluctantly, Hazard and Somers agree to go, and when they arrive the next day, they find themselves in the middle of the most awful group of people imaginable, (quite honestly, I would have been quite happy had they ALL been bumped off!), which includes the couple they’d heard about, who are engaged in a very acrimonious divorce and fighting for custody of their completely obnoxious son.
When the husband is killed somewhere out in the forest, suspicion immediately falls on the Boone’s neighbour Dunkie Newcomb, a member of the right-wing extremist Ozark Volunteers, with whom the Boones have had frequent disputes about property boundaries, but Hazard and Somers aren’t convinced, and start to dig a little deeper. The fact that the victim was a lying, violent, bullying piece of shit means there’s no shortage of people who would have liked to have seen the back of him, and the sudden appearance at Hazard’s office of Naomi Malsho – Somers’ former sister-in-law and someone with strong connections to the Volunteers – complicates matters still further. She insists Newcomb has a cast-iron alibi, but that she can’t reveal it for fear of endangering others. Hazard knows Naomi is clever and devious, and even though he’s extremely suspicious, he agrees to take the job she’s offering – to prove Newcomb innocent of the murder.
Oh, what a tangled web…
As I said at the beginning, this is one of those books that will tie you up in knots. As well as another clever, gripping and suspenseful mystery (including some seriously edge-of-your-seat moments!) Custody Battles takes a long, hard look at parenthood in all its various forms, both good and (very, very) bad – a look which includes Somers’ own parents, whose approval he still craves even though he knows it shouldn’t matter. Although Hazard and Somers always get equal billing in these novels, this one is most definitely a’ Somers book’, focusing on his struggle to adapt to his new roles as Chief of Police and as parent of a difficult teenager – and it’s not going at all well. He’s aware of his deep-seated need to be liked, but hasn’t yet realised he can’t continue to be everyone’s friend at work, and Colt’s open hostility is wearing him down even further and causing massive amounts of tension between him and Hazard, especially when they clash over discipline issues. Wanting to find a way to get Colt to like him, Somers always steps in and tries to smooth things over when he thinks Hazard is being too hard on the boy, without recognising he’s doing precisely what his parents did whenever he screwed up; making excuses for his behaviour and trivialising whatever it was he did, telling him it wasn’t his fault and generally making it seem as though he could do no wrong. It takes him a while to realise this, of course – although he – and we – are very clearly shown what’s at the end of that particular path through the character of Junior, a deeply, deeply unpleasant and damaged young man thanks to exactly that sort of behaviour on the part of his parents.
Custody Battles is absolutely brilliant in its focus and level of insight, and it packs one hell of an emotional punch, but it’s a tough read with several moments of uncompromising, brutal honesty along the way. That Hazard and Somers love each other deeply is never in question, but knowing each other so very well means they each know exactly how to twist the knife – and when they do, it’s not pretty. Yet for all the difficult discussions and arguments, there’s still plenty of humour to be had, as well as some lovely tender moments between our heroes – and that ending. Gah!
The secondary characters are all superbly crafted; we’ve met many of them before, and of all of them, it’s Nico who really shines. (The way he deals with Naomi is priceless). I’ve never been in the ‘I hate Nico’ camp (I know some H&S fans dislike him), and I’m really enjoying watching him grow as a character and into someone Hazard has come to call a friend (not that he’d ever admit as much!)
Custody Battles isn’t always an easy read, but it’s utterly compelling and completely un-put-down-able nonetheless. The characterisation and relationship development are superb, the mystery is well-crafted and Hazard and Somers are as captivating now as they ever were – possibly moreso. They love and they fight and they screw up, but they’re never any less than human as they navigate their way through work, life, marriage, and parenthood, making it up as they go along – just as we all have to, most of the time.
Fans of Hazard and Somers won’t be disappointed in this latest Arrows in the Hand book (although they might gnash their teeth and shout a bit!), and Gregory Ashe proves that thirteen isn’t always an unlucky number and chalks up yet another DIK.
I think, if I had to write a one-word review of Gregory Ashe’s Custody Battles, it would be OUCH. I spent most of the time reading it with my insides tied up in knots, and even when they were able to unknot a little, I knew that wouldn’t be the end of it.
Things are already fraught when the book begins, as Hazard and Somers are getting ready to host dinner for friends and family – the family including Somers’ parents, neither of whom is shy about making known their disappointment in him. Adding to Somers’ already heightened tension is the fact that Cole – the teen he and Hazard are now fostering (see Relative Justice) – absolutely hates him, for no reason that Somers can fathom. Somers has been friendly and reasonable, but no matter what he says or does, Colt is completely hostile – and while Somers recognises that Colt has had a crappy time of it and that he’s a vulnerable kid, he can’t help feeling bewildered, hurt and, sometimes, resentful. The quiet evenings watching TV and eating takeout with his husband he’d been looking forward to have gone out the window, and Somers can’t help but feel – at times – as though he’s being pushed aside. He knows it’s ridiculous to feel that way – he’s a grown man and can be adult about the situation, but… those feelings are there nonetheless.
Things go from bad to worse later that evening, when Colt’s deadbeat dad Danny Ballantyne shows up and confronts Somers, threatening to petition to get get custody of Cole back unless Somers pays him to go away. Somers knows – he knows – it’s dumb to think he’ll go and stay away – but on top of everything else – Colt’s hatred, his parents’ condescending disapproval, his feeling that things are slowly spinning out of control – Somers decides that here’s something he can do for Colt and for Hazard (he knows losing Colt would devastate him) and decides to handle it himself so as not to worry them. He agrees to find the money to pay Ballantyne off, even though they really don’t have it – and not to tell Hazard what’s going on.
Okay, so at this point, I was mentally screaming – ‘Somers, you idiot, you know better than to keep this from Hazard!’ – but before that disaster is allowed to unfold, another looms in the form of Somers’ dad’s ‘invitation’ (insistence) that Hazard and Somers accompany him on an overnight hunting trip. Neither is keen and both are suspicious; Somerset Sr. eventually tells them he’s heard rumours of a potential parental kidnapping and that he thinks Somers just being around will be enough to prevent it. Reluctantly, Hazard and Somers agree to go, and when they arrive the next day, they find themselves in the middle of the most awful group of people imaginable, (quite honestly, I would have been quite happy had they ALL been bumped off!), which includes the couple they’d heard about, who are engaged in a very acrimonious divorce and fighting for custody of their completely obnoxious son.
When the husband is killed somewhere out in the forest, suspicion immediately falls on the Boone’s neighbour Dunkie Newcomb, a member of the right-wing extremist Ozark Volunteers, with whom the Boones have had frequent disputes about property boundaries, but Hazard and Somers aren’t convinced, and start to dig a little deeper. The fact that the victim was a lying, violent, bullying piece of shit means there’s no shortage of people who would have liked to have seen the back of him, and the sudden appearance at Hazard’s office of Naomi Malsho – Somers’ former sister-in-law and someone with strong connections to the Volunteers – complicates matters still further. She insists Newcomb has a cast-iron alibi, but that she can’t reveal it for fear of endangering others. Hazard knows Naomi is clever and devious, and even though he’s extremely suspicious, he agrees to take the job she’s offering – to prove Newcomb innocent of the murder.
Oh, what a tangled web…
As I said at the beginning, this is one of those books that will tie you up in knots. As well as another clever, gripping and suspenseful mystery (including some seriously edge-of-your-seat moments!) Custody Battles takes a long, hard look at parenthood in all its various forms, both good and (very, very) bad – a look which includes Somers’ own parents, whose approval he still craves even though he knows it shouldn’t matter. Although Hazard and Somers always get equal billing in these novels, this one is most definitely a’ Somers book’, focusing on his struggle to adapt to his new roles as Chief of Police and as parent of a difficult teenager – and it’s not going at all well. He’s aware of his deep-seated need to be liked, but hasn’t yet realised he can’t continue to be everyone’s friend at work, and Colt’s open hostility is wearing him down even further and causing massive amounts of tension between him and Hazard, especially when they clash over discipline issues. Wanting to find a way to get Colt to like him, Somers always steps in and tries to smooth things over when he thinks Hazard is being too hard on the boy, without recognising he’s doing precisely what his parents did whenever he screwed up; making excuses for his behaviour and trivialising whatever it was he did, telling him it wasn’t his fault and generally making it seem as though he could do no wrong. It takes him a while to realise this, of course – although he – and we – are very clearly shown what’s at the end of that particular path through the character of Junior, a deeply, deeply unpleasant and damaged young man thanks to exactly that sort of behaviour on the part of his parents.
Custody Battles is absolutely brilliant in its focus and level of insight, and it packs one hell of an emotional punch, but it’s a tough read with several moments of uncompromising, brutal honesty along the way. That Hazard and Somers love each other deeply is never in question, but knowing each other so very well means they each know exactly how to twist the knife – and when they do, it’s not pretty. Yet for all the difficult discussions and arguments, there’s still plenty of humour to be had, as well as some lovely tender moments between our heroes – and that ending. Gah!
The secondary characters are all superbly crafted; we’ve met many of them before, and of all of them, it’s Nico who really shines. (The way he deals with Naomi is priceless). I’ve never been in the ‘I hate Nico’ camp (I know some H&S fans dislike him), and I’m really enjoying watching him grow as a character and into someone Hazard has come to call a friend (not that he’d ever admit as much!)
Custody Battles isn’t always an easy read, but it’s utterly compelling and completely un-put-down-able nonetheless. The characterisation and relationship development are superb, the mystery is well-crafted and Hazard and Somers are as captivating now as they ever were – possibly moreso. They love and they fight and they screw up, but they’re never any less than human as they navigate their way through work, life, marriage, and parenthood, making it up as they go along – just as we all have to, most of the time.
Fans of Hazard and Somers won’t be disappointed in this latest Arrows in the Hand book (although they might gnash their teeth and shout a bit!), and Gregory Ashe proves that thirteen isn’t always an unlucky number and chalks up yet another DIK.
January 27, 2022
Hazard was always my favourite till this book, now Somers is giving him a run for his money.
Loved it
Loved it
February 18, 2023
I'm binging this series so I figured I need to review the ones I've read before they turn into a one continuous story.
Not really, but fuck if wittle Dory ain't the cutest!
So this story was rough. It annoyed me and Somers is kind of a train wreck. They both fall back to their classic H&S style complete with shiterific communication skills which I keep thinking they're past but then get handed an MMA style reminder that NOPE, in fact we are not past this dumbassery.
Lookit, I get wanting to protect your loved ones and whatnot from the big bad but when you're cooked like a Christmas goose you should throw the towel in and ask your super logical husband what he thinks the two of you should do. Sorry, I think I mixed a metaphor or something there.
He eventually does which is great but then both drop the ball when they forget about the meth addict who wants his money!
How that happens I'll never know. He does manage to leave an impression though so hopefully some people named John Henry and Emery learned their lesson?
Don't get me wrong, H&S are usually struggling with something so it wasn't that unexpected and I do actually feel like this is what Ashe does best with his established couples in portraying their coupletry. Overall they work well together on this case, as they always do. But I just wasn't really into it for some reason, probably because both the mom's were essentially doormats.
Yee gods, I hate when that happens.
What I was amused then bemused by was Colt. Now, I've never been a teenage boy but if they all destroy as much stuff as Colt does including food and are this monumentally stupid when it comes to their own safety, I'm not sure how any of them make it to adulthood. Perhaps he won't and that's how the series will end with Hazard having to cover up his own filicide.
I'll give it a 3.5 and recommend it to romantic suspense and thriller readers or fans of H&S.
Not really, but fuck if wittle Dory ain't the cutest!
So this story was rough. It annoyed me and Somers is kind of a train wreck. They both fall back to their classic H&S style complete with shiterific communication skills which I keep thinking they're past but then get handed an MMA style reminder that NOPE, in fact we are not past this dumbassery.
Lookit, I get wanting to protect your loved ones and whatnot from the big bad but when you're cooked like a Christmas goose you should throw the towel in and ask your super logical husband what he thinks the two of you should do. Sorry, I think I mixed a metaphor or something there.
He eventually does which is great but then both drop the ball when they forget about the meth addict who wants his money!
How that happens I'll never know. He does manage to leave an impression though so hopefully some people named John Henry and Emery learned their lesson?
Don't get me wrong, H&S are usually struggling with something so it wasn't that unexpected and I do actually feel like this is what Ashe does best with his established couples in portraying their coupletry. Overall they work well together on this case, as they always do. But I just wasn't really into it for some reason, probably because both the mom's were essentially doormats.
Yee gods, I hate when that happens.
What I was amused then bemused by was Colt. Now, I've never been a teenage boy but if they all destroy as much stuff as Colt does including food and are this monumentally stupid when it comes to their own safety, I'm not sure how any of them make it to adulthood. Perhaps he won't and that's how the series will end with Hazard having to cover up his own filicide.
I'll give it a 3.5 and recommend it to romantic suspense and thriller readers or fans of H&S.
March 22, 2025
4.5⭐️ I really liked the mystery in this one, it was very suspenseful. But Somers made some very questionable decisions, especially at the end, that felt very off character for him, especially as the chief of police. I sort of understand that the author was going for the emotional punch, but it didn’t really work for me. I still enjoyed the book but I really wish Somers hadn’t been such a doormat to the villain. But I have a feeling his character arc will resolve in the next book.
December 18, 2021
Another excellent book in this series! I always think while I’m reading this series that the characters are so messed up, the town is full of crazy people and why do I just love this so much? Emery & John have so many issues with work, family and their jobs. They seem to not be happy at most times. The reason I love these characters and their stories so much is because they are perfectly imperfect. Life is messy and even though a lot of the side characters are ridiculous I still enjoy every mystery and case and getting into the minds of Hazard & Somerset.
I really felt bad for Somers and the way Colt treated him. Colt is such a typical teenage boy. I have 3 and I understand the talking back and eating everything in sight. Colt though gets in even more trouble though and the return of his father causes major headaches for Somers.
Hazard and his temper are still alive and well. I think Hazard needs anger management courses stat. He actually seems even more angry than he ever was. Or maybe I just can’t remember back to the first books that well….🤷🏻♀️
Above all else these men love each other and the family they have created and that always shines through. We just also get an angst ridden, temper inducing, messed up mysteries to go with that. And I am here for each and every second!
I really felt bad for Somers and the way Colt treated him. Colt is such a typical teenage boy. I have 3 and I understand the talking back and eating everything in sight. Colt though gets in even more trouble though and the return of his father causes major headaches for Somers.
Hazard and his temper are still alive and well. I think Hazard needs anger management courses stat. He actually seems even more angry than he ever was. Or maybe I just can’t remember back to the first books that well….🤷🏻♀️
Above all else these men love each other and the family they have created and that always shines through. We just also get an angst ridden, temper inducing, messed up mysteries to go with that. And I am here for each and every second!
November 10, 2022
Gregory Ashe googles new ways to hurt his readers. He probably sets aside an hour each day for collecting nefarious thoughts and sharpening them into painful points that will pierce our hearts. I bet he has his evil laugh perfected. I don't want to go so far as to say he's sadistic, but if the shoe fits...
Spoilers are probable, so proceed with caution.
This is obviously the teenager arc. Hormones, acne, fragile emotional constitutions and buckets of angst spilled across the pages of the first book, but this one cranked the complexities of parent/child relationships up a notch and then some. God it was frustrating. I wanted to scream at so many characters that I eventually got confused about who I thought was wrong in each situation. Apparently there are roughly a bazillion ways to parent badly and this book showcased quite a few of them. I felt horrible for Hazard and Somers because they had really been thrown into the deep end with Colt. Never had the differences in the way they were raised been more apparent than when those parenting styles came face to face with a prickly 15 year old. Talk about good cop, bad cop. Hazard went full disciplinarian while Somers tried to keep the peace by turning into a doormat who used terms of endearment like "pal" and "bubs". I was honestly embarrassed on his behalf. GA does an amazing job of weaving the past into the present and, as exhausting as it was at times, I loved the way it was handled in this book. To some degree Hazard will always be that bullied boy and Somers will always feel guilty about his part in creating him. I'm just glad that it's beginning to bring them closer rather than constantly tearing them apart.
Now for my rando thoughts:
The villains - There were a lot of them with varying degrees of villainy. Some beyond redemption. Some beyond remorse. A few with the chance to turn things around. The mystery in this book had so many moving parts and suspects. I've gotten to where I don't even try to solve these things anymore. It's more fun to just watch it all play out. I'm holding onto my theory about the water in Wahredua, though. Something ain't right in that town.
Nico's acting skills - I could not stop laughing! Nico has definitely grown on me, yet I still bristle every time Hazard talks to him. I keep looking at Somers like, you're okay with this? And when he seems to be okay with it, I shrug and decide that I guess I'm okay with it too. But maybe I'm not okay with it because I'm still bristling. It's all very confusing.
Colt - I think this kid is going to grow up to be an amazing person, but good god is he a handful. Trouble does not find him. He actively seeks it out, taunts it and then lets it sweep him off his feet. Then he cries about it, lashes out at Somers and apologizes to Hazard. I hugged my teenager after finishing this book. Yes he wrecked my car, but at least he's nice to me.
AUGGIE AND THEO!!!!
On to book #3!
Spoilers are probable, so proceed with caution.
This is obviously the teenager arc. Hormones, acne, fragile emotional constitutions and buckets of angst spilled across the pages of the first book, but this one cranked the complexities of parent/child relationships up a notch and then some. God it was frustrating. I wanted to scream at so many characters that I eventually got confused about who I thought was wrong in each situation. Apparently there are roughly a bazillion ways to parent badly and this book showcased quite a few of them. I felt horrible for Hazard and Somers because they had really been thrown into the deep end with Colt. Never had the differences in the way they were raised been more apparent than when those parenting styles came face to face with a prickly 15 year old. Talk about good cop, bad cop. Hazard went full disciplinarian while Somers tried to keep the peace by turning into a doormat who used terms of endearment like "pal" and "bubs". I was honestly embarrassed on his behalf. GA does an amazing job of weaving the past into the present and, as exhausting as it was at times, I loved the way it was handled in this book. To some degree Hazard will always be that bullied boy and Somers will always feel guilty about his part in creating him. I'm just glad that it's beginning to bring them closer rather than constantly tearing them apart.
Now for my rando thoughts:
The villains - There were a lot of them with varying degrees of villainy. Some beyond redemption. Some beyond remorse. A few with the chance to turn things around. The mystery in this book had so many moving parts and suspects. I've gotten to where I don't even try to solve these things anymore. It's more fun to just watch it all play out. I'm holding onto my theory about the water in Wahredua, though. Something ain't right in that town.
Nico's acting skills - I could not stop laughing! Nico has definitely grown on me, yet I still bristle every time Hazard talks to him. I keep looking at Somers like, you're okay with this? And when he seems to be okay with it, I shrug and decide that I guess I'm okay with it too. But maybe I'm not okay with it because I'm still bristling. It's all very confusing.
Colt - I think this kid is going to grow up to be an amazing person, but good god is he a handful. Trouble does not find him. He actively seeks it out, taunts it and then lets it sweep him off his feet. Then he cries about it, lashes out at Somers and apologizes to Hazard. I hugged my teenager after finishing this book. Yes he wrecked my car, but at least he's nice to me.
AUGGIE AND THEO!!!!
On to book #3!
July 16, 2022
***4.5***
My ratings for these books tend to reflect how each advances or furthers Hazard & Somers's story, them as a couple, the series as a whole. The mysteries are usually secondary or only consequential insofar as they inform the relationship between the MC. I would definitely not recommend picking these up randomly. Chronological reading is advised.
In this outing the author circles around the idea of parents, good ones, evil ones, the ones who are monstrous in their love. The things parents will do to their children, for their children. The dead man, the suspects, those who surrounded them were just opportunities to present types of parents. I was on board with that.
Emery & John-Henry continue on this trip called life, with all that entails. I like how the author doesn't shy away or gloss over economic realities, the banality of dirty dishes, a messy house, the exhaustion of daily work. That's life too.
What I didn't work so well for me was that, like in Criminal Past, the author indulges in an almost baroque bout of violence towards . Intellectually I know it's meant to show what kind of parent he is, demonstrate what he'll endure for his children, how deep his love for runs. I get it. I just didn't believe that the whole story was the way to go. Perhaps it just demonstrates that my moral compass is murkier. 🤷🏻♀️
Regardless of these pebble on the road my love continues unabated ❤️❤️
My ratings for these books tend to reflect how each advances or furthers Hazard & Somers's story, them as a couple, the series as a whole. The mysteries are usually secondary or only consequential insofar as they inform the relationship between the MC. I would definitely not recommend picking these up randomly. Chronological reading is advised.
In this outing the author circles around the idea of parents, good ones, evil ones, the ones who are monstrous in their love. The things parents will do to their children, for their children. The dead man, the suspects, those who surrounded them were just opportunities to present types of parents. I was on board with that.
Emery & John-Henry continue on this trip called life, with all that entails. I like how the author doesn't shy away or gloss over economic realities, the banality of dirty dishes, a messy house, the exhaustion of daily work. That's life too.
What I didn't work so well for me was that, like in Criminal Past, the author indulges in an almost baroque bout of violence towards . Intellectually I know it's meant to show what kind of parent he is, demonstrate what he'll endure for his children, how deep his love for runs. I get it. I just didn't believe that the whole story was the way to go. Perhaps it just demonstrates that my moral compass is murkier. 🤷🏻♀️
Regardless of these pebble on the road my love continues unabated ❤️❤️
December 27, 2021
** 4.5 stars **
I really liked the mystery of the case and the complexity of relationships that the author introduced and untangled in the end. I must say that the intensity only increased. I loved how both Emery and John-Henry matured and resolved their new issues. Colt. Well, I got where he was coming from in the end but he sometimes behaved atrociously and I wondered why he was brought in in the first place. Maybe to be a new challenge for both men as being parents to an unruly teenager. Everything sorted itself in the end as it always does. Clever edgy mystery, suspense and emotional intensity galore and plenty sarcasm kept me interested. I am looking forward to the next one.
I really liked the mystery of the case and the complexity of relationships that the author introduced and untangled in the end. I must say that the intensity only increased. I loved how both Emery and John-Henry matured and resolved their new issues. Colt. Well, I got where he was coming from in the end but he sometimes behaved atrociously and I wondered why he was brought in in the first place. Maybe to be a new challenge for both men as being parents to an unruly teenager. Everything sorted itself in the end as it always does. Clever edgy mystery, suspense and emotional intensity galore and plenty sarcasm kept me interested. I am looking forward to the next one.
December 12, 2021
3 1/2 stars. I still love the main characters, John Henry and Emery but the addition of Colt is just annoying. I’ll keep reading the series but I really hope that Colt grows out of his super stereotypical teenage characteristics.
March 16, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Such a nuanced world
that I almost don't mind dull
mysteries. Ugh, teens.
Such a nuanced world
that I almost don't mind dull
mysteries. Ugh, teens.
July 24, 2024
I don't know how to explain how I felt while reading this book. Yes, there were moments that were fantastically funny
But there were others, most of them, when I wanted to scream... to everybody, TBH. And yes, I get it, I get why Somers keep quiet about Danny Lee; I get why he tries to run interference between Emery and Colt when Emery is angry. I also get why Emery is so hard with Colt, and, after meeting Danny Lee, I get why Colt hates Somers so much. And there lies the reason why this wrenched my guts: because I know that all what they are doing will explode in their faces, but I can't blame them.
They are doing what they can to protect themselves and the ones they love. And it's heart-wrenching. Argh!!!!
And the case? Well, this time I was sure I knew who was the culprit. Not because I had hard evidence; as a matter of fact, I only had what someone said that got me thinking: ah! that is! S/he (not giving you any clue!) is the culprit. Alas, I was wrong. Again ~sigh~
But the people involved in this case? Well... let's say they aren't really good people. They are not evil (except for one who, I agreed with Emery, is a total psychopath), they are just weak, selfish people who don't know better and keep repeating their parents' mistakes.
Oh, and there is so much about parents and parenting on this book! Custody Battles, after all, is the title of the book, and there are three going on here. But there is another underling theme, too: how we may forgive someone, but forgetting is not always easy.
Somers is really, really struggling here. He can't understand Colt's hate, and no matter what he does, Colt keeps rejecting him; he keeps getting in fights with Emery about how to deal with Colt (and finding himself repeating his parents patterns without even notice it... until he does); Danny Lee's repulsive threats; his father, telling him that he needs "...to resolve this situation. Quickly. And quietly.”
By the end of the book I hated the phrase: Let’s see what we can do about that
And we have two endings here: the one regarding the case, and the one regarding their personal lives. Spoiler alert: they both are heart-stoping. One, because is so full of danger, suspense and adrenaline that you feel breathless; the other, because, at least I, wanted to physically separate myself from the story and scream. I never loved John-Henry more than here.
So, yes, another Gregory Ashe's book: smart, stuningly written and, of course, an emotional roller coaster. Did you expect anything different? :P
Shrugging, Hazard opened the car door. “You’re my husband. I prefer you out of prison.”
“Always the charmer.”
“Sixty percent for the sex, John. Forty percent for the home improvement projects.”
But there were others, most of them, when I wanted to scream... to everybody, TBH. And yes, I get it, I get why Somers keep quiet about Danny Lee; I get why he tries to run interference between Emery and Colt when Emery is angry. I also get why Emery is so hard with Colt, and, after meeting Danny Lee, I get why Colt hates Somers so much. And there lies the reason why this wrenched my guts: because I know that all what they are doing will explode in their faces, but I can't blame them.
They are doing what they can to protect themselves and the ones they love. And it's heart-wrenching. Argh!!!!
And the case? Well, this time I was sure I knew who was the culprit. Not because I had hard evidence; as a matter of fact, I only had what someone said that got me thinking: ah! that is! S/he (not giving you any clue!) is the culprit. Alas, I was wrong. Again ~sigh~
But the people involved in this case? Well... let's say they aren't really good people. They are not evil (except for one who, I agreed with Emery, is a total psychopath), they are just weak, selfish people who don't know better and keep repeating their parents' mistakes.
Oh, and there is so much about parents and parenting on this book! Custody Battles, after all, is the title of the book, and there are three going on here. But there is another underling theme, too: how we may forgive someone, but forgetting is not always easy.
"...Selective attention. Finding patterns. My brain picking things out in what you do and say because I looked for those things—that stuff about you, about your parents—for so long.”
Somers is really, really struggling here. He can't understand Colt's hate, and no matter what he does, Colt keeps rejecting him; he keeps getting in fights with Emery about how to deal with Colt (and finding himself repeating his parents patterns without even notice it... until he does); Danny Lee's repulsive threats; his father, telling him that he needs "...to resolve this situation. Quickly. And quietly.”
By the end of the book I hated the phrase: Let’s see what we can do about that
And we have two endings here: the one regarding the case, and the one regarding their personal lives. Spoiler alert: they both are heart-stoping. One, because is so full of danger, suspense and adrenaline that you feel breathless; the other, because, at least I, wanted to physically separate myself from the story and scream. I never loved John-Henry more than here.
So, yes, another Gregory Ashe's book: smart, stuningly written and, of course, an emotional roller coaster. Did you expect anything different? :P
December 4, 2021
This was a chaotic mess. I would have given it 2* but I m going with 3 bc I ve been following this series since forever. I can t describe John in this installment, he was literally the world s dumbest person, I can t believe he is the chief of police. He lets himself be blackmailed, his argument for it was so ridiculous, then he let s Colt get beat up and accepts a beating from an unarmed guy although the attack was in his home and John had a gun. He had every right to shoot the SOB but he decides to play they hero by doing nothing 😃 He got the beating so that Danny would sign away his parent rights which would have been possible bc apparently John had a notary and everything on standby. The writing and execution of that whole scene was absolutely ridiculous. Ree was his usual aggressive, yelling self..he flies out of handle at any minute. John taking Colt s abuse and disrespect and apologizing to that kid was annoying and frustrating. It feels like these 2 characters are so static, they don t grow or evolve. John is still a dormant for everyone around him, Ree yells and thinks he knows everything better than anyone else and don t get me started on Colt. I can t stand the kid, his explanation at the end meant nothing after a whole book of unexplained attitude towards John. I would have shipped him out to his father 😃 I don t like ungrateful people and Colt acted like a punk the whole book and was easy to cry anytime he needed sympathy.
October 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this one, I was a bit nervous before reading this so many reviewers were on the fence with this one and the next. The progression from where the last story ended and now everyone trying to understand and be part of each others lives. This is an especially difficult trying situation, circumstances along with personalities and each other’s baggage- it’s rough on everyone.
For me this book the topic of parenting hits home hard. I can relate on the issues, arguments, POV’s and see both sides So this was a great plot for me. I have lived so many of these arguments. There was a conversation where Somers and Hazard talk it out and really begin to understand how to work together going forward. I have BEEN THERE!!!! Gregory Ashe again entwined so much of real life, love, anger and understanding into his action/mystery
One issue…Colt 😩 I don’t get him. He should be so grateful, I get it he has his issues but the way he acts is so bad. He has to change ASAP!!
On to book 3🤞
For me this book the topic of parenting hits home hard. I can relate on the issues, arguments, POV’s and see both sides So this was a great plot for me. I have lived so many of these arguments. There was a conversation where Somers and Hazard talk it out and really begin to understand how to work together going forward. I have BEEN THERE!!!! Gregory Ashe again entwined so much of real life, love, anger and understanding into his action/mystery
One issue…Colt 😩 I don’t get him. He should be so grateful, I get it he has his issues but the way he acts is so bad. He has to change ASAP!!
On to book 3🤞
September 19, 2025
2023: 4.0
2024: 4.0
Average: 4.0
Bi-M/M
2023: I have feelings about this
Conflicted
I’m really disappointed in the backwards character development
Colt is very frustrating
I don’t understand why Somers didn’t just report the Dad, or try to do things legally. Everything he did was stupid as shit.
2024: I f***ing hate teenagers
2024: 4.0
Average: 4.0
Bi-M/M
2023: I have feelings about this
Conflicted
I’m really disappointed in the backwards character development
Colt is very frustrating
I don’t understand why Somers didn’t just report the Dad, or try to do things legally. Everything he did was stupid as shit.
2024: I f***ing hate teenagers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2021
Full review to come.
However a brief summary of my face whilst reading this book;
🙂🙂🙂😆😆😐😯😯🤔😰😰😣😤😤😤🤬🙂🙂🤨🤨🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️🔥🔥😉😉🥰…😣🤬🤬🥺🥺😢🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️😵💫😵💫😮😮😰😨😥🙂🙂..😐😐..😧😱😱😱😱😱🙈🙉🤬😥..🥰😍..
However a brief summary of my face whilst reading this book;
🙂🙂🙂😆😆😐😯😯🤔😰😰😣😤😤😤🤬🙂🙂🤨🤨🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️🔥🔥😉😉🥰…😣🤬🤬🥺🥺😢🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️🕵️♀️🤷🏼♀️😵💫😵💫😮😮😰😨😥🙂🙂..😐😐..😧😱😱😱😱😱🙈🙉🤬😥..🥰😍..
January 27, 2022
RANCH. MURDER.
I love when all the characters are together and there's a murder while they're all isolated in one place together. I mean, this isn't a repeat of Transposition, because anyone can just drive off whenever they want? Weather's fine. Everyone has cars. BUT STILL. We have Hazard, Somers, their foster son Colt, Ashley (Colt's best friend), Somers's FATHER, and a whole host of new characters. It's like a game of Clue. Love it.
Content notes include sexual harassment, homomisia, attempted murder, actual murder, violence, blackmail, and racism.
This story goes back to the root of WHY I love these Hazard and Somerset books and why I'm still here at book 13 wanting more. We are back to relationship angst but Gregory Ashe manages to spin this differently? There's NEW angst between Hazard and Somers and I don't even know how that's possible. It's like we've all been through enough, but there is always more.
In this book, we have come to a head with parenting style and we see Hazard and Somers attitude towards Colt to be a reflection of how they grew up. In the last story arc, we saw the frayed relationship Hazard had with his father and we know Hazard was raised with discipline and a lot of yelling. There's one end of the spectrum. Then, there's how Somers was raised - a rich, white boy who got everything he wanted and how others perceive you is EVERYTHING. This is the opposite of the Emery Hazard childhood. So, I think this story arc can be summed up with a slow burn on Hazard and Somers being parents. All they've had to deal with so far is Evie, who is a literal child. They haven't figured out the teenage years yet. And when Colt drops on their doorstep out of the blue and they wind up taking him in as their son, it's a huge learning curve for everyone.
I don't necessarily agree with reviews that have said Hazard and Somers feels far removed from the characters they were in earlier story arcs. I just think that this story arc requires a lot more patience to understand WHY Hazard and Somers are the way they are in these past 2 books, and I do get that people aren't happy and would want to drop the story. But we've already made it this far! Why not finish the story arc out? I admit I have been slower at reading these books this time around, but thank god Tristan James is back with audiobooks and putting them out so fast after the ebooks are published! The wait time between ebooks and audio is not long at all. He IS Hazard and Somers for me at this point, and I think it really helped speed the book along by hearing the story in audiobook vs. reading it with my eyes.
I did make a comment in my last review for Relative Justice that there were a lot of audio mistakes as to who was who, and I am happy to report there's way less of that in this audiobook. If there were any bumps or mishaps, it was not noticeable at all.
It is interesting how I keep coming back to this series, because I've soured on reading cop books since I started this series a few years ago. But thankfully, there are changes to the series and to the characters themselves that still make it...okay? Hazard is a private investigator and we definitely still see more of him investigating and solving cases while the rest of the police force just gets in the way. These past two books we've dealt more with the county police, which is interesting. Like, I'm surprised Sheriff Engles is still at the job considering everything that happened with his son in the last story arc. All these run-ins with the county cops is going somewhere? But I can't quite tell where that is yet from this book.
Then there's Somers as Police Chief. Which is...eh. Don't love it. I wonder how long he's going to keep at it. Why can't he be a PI with Hazard? I'm worried for Somers since his dynamic with his detectives and the rest of the cops has been weird since he became Chief. Where is this going? This is hinting at something. It's probably nowhere good once you add in the fact that Somers has been remarkably restrained and sober so far this story arc? I have a feeling something bad is going to come crashing at their door soon.
The mystery aspect of this book, while very fun to see them untangle, is confusing. Mostly because we're introduced to a LOT of characters in a very short amount of time and I just couldn't keep them straight for the longest time in my head. I think it's because I was listening to the book in audiobook at a pace that doesn't allow for pauses unless I hit the pause button like every 10 seconds or something, as if I were reading a book to piece together who was who? I don't know. That's just me and big casts of characters that get introduced all at once. This mystery here is related to custody battle for a child like the title suggests, but it also works to address the custody battle Hazard and Somers has to keep Colt from his abusive birth father. This book is intense.
I wonder what we'll see by the end of this story arc. Is this the last or will there be more? How many books will there be? I want Colt to find his HEA with Ash. Will we get that? They just SAY they're friends but everyone else is convinced they're going to wind up together. And Ash is adorable! And I love Colt. They're just teenage boys who maybe need to stop getting into situations that get them into so much trouble? Two braincells between them, I swear. Colt's emotions in this book is all over the place, and sometimes it does feel like a bit much? I love him, I know he's a teenager and he's been through a lot. But I wish Colt's characterization in this series was dialed down a tad bit.
Then, what's the deal with Nico? I know he has a therapist but maybe he needs a new one. I feel bad for him and it's so funny how Hazard mothers him now too. I like that Nico and Hazard are basically friends now with no hard feelings between them. I want Nico happy and to eventually find love too. Spin-off for Nico? Except with WHO? I don't know.
There's weirdly not a lot of Dulac and Darnell this story arc, after seeing Dulac so much in the last one. I know Dulac is no longer Somers's partner but it's weird. I miss his frat bro attitude and would love to see more of him where I'm not suspicious anymore that he's the murderer (sorry, Dulac. You were super suspect and definitely my top pick for the Keeper of Bees for the longest time).
Shaw, from the Borealis books, did get a mention (though not by name). But I can recognize the St. Louis fax machine resume fiend when mentioned. Only Shaw can work up Hazard up so much while not even being in the same city as him.
And for more guest appearances, we see Theo and Auggie!!! This was VERY interesting. Their books are part of a newsletter serial by the author and we've only gotten 2 of their 4 books so far. Their stories take place BEFORE Hazard arrives in Wahredua in Pretty Pretty Boys. So obviously they're together. BUT I NEED TO KNOW MORE. Anyways, it's funny to see that everyone answers Hazard's calls (eventually and under threat), and somehow Hazard always gets the answers he was searching for.
What's to come in the next book? I have no idea. Something wild and angsty, I'm sure. I haven't even brought up Naomi and whatever her deal is with her neo-Nazi group in Wahredua. This story throws the whole thing out of whack and I'm sure it's going to come back on everyone later. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
***Thanks to the author for giving me an e-ARC and audiobook to read and review!***
I love when all the characters are together and there's a murder while they're all isolated in one place together. I mean, this isn't a repeat of Transposition, because anyone can just drive off whenever they want? Weather's fine. Everyone has cars. BUT STILL. We have Hazard, Somers, their foster son Colt, Ashley (Colt's best friend), Somers's FATHER, and a whole host of new characters. It's like a game of Clue. Love it.
Content notes include sexual harassment, homomisia, attempted murder, actual murder, violence, blackmail, and racism.
This story goes back to the root of WHY I love these Hazard and Somerset books and why I'm still here at book 13 wanting more. We are back to relationship angst but Gregory Ashe manages to spin this differently? There's NEW angst between Hazard and Somers and I don't even know how that's possible. It's like we've all been through enough, but there is always more.
In this book, we have come to a head with parenting style and we see Hazard and Somers attitude towards Colt to be a reflection of how they grew up. In the last story arc, we saw the frayed relationship Hazard had with his father and we know Hazard was raised with discipline and a lot of yelling. There's one end of the spectrum. Then, there's how Somers was raised - a rich, white boy who got everything he wanted and how others perceive you is EVERYTHING. This is the opposite of the Emery Hazard childhood. So, I think this story arc can be summed up with a slow burn on Hazard and Somers being parents. All they've had to deal with so far is Evie, who is a literal child. They haven't figured out the teenage years yet. And when Colt drops on their doorstep out of the blue and they wind up taking him in as their son, it's a huge learning curve for everyone.
I don't necessarily agree with reviews that have said Hazard and Somers feels far removed from the characters they were in earlier story arcs. I just think that this story arc requires a lot more patience to understand WHY Hazard and Somers are the way they are in these past 2 books, and I do get that people aren't happy and would want to drop the story. But we've already made it this far! Why not finish the story arc out? I admit I have been slower at reading these books this time around, but thank god Tristan James is back with audiobooks and putting them out so fast after the ebooks are published! The wait time between ebooks and audio is not long at all. He IS Hazard and Somers for me at this point, and I think it really helped speed the book along by hearing the story in audiobook vs. reading it with my eyes.
I did make a comment in my last review for Relative Justice that there were a lot of audio mistakes as to who was who, and I am happy to report there's way less of that in this audiobook. If there were any bumps or mishaps, it was not noticeable at all.
It is interesting how I keep coming back to this series, because I've soured on reading cop books since I started this series a few years ago. But thankfully, there are changes to the series and to the characters themselves that still make it...okay? Hazard is a private investigator and we definitely still see more of him investigating and solving cases while the rest of the police force just gets in the way. These past two books we've dealt more with the county police, which is interesting. Like, I'm surprised Sheriff Engles is still at the job considering everything that happened with his son in the last story arc. All these run-ins with the county cops is going somewhere? But I can't quite tell where that is yet from this book.
Then there's Somers as Police Chief. Which is...eh. Don't love it. I wonder how long he's going to keep at it. Why can't he be a PI with Hazard? I'm worried for Somers since his dynamic with his detectives and the rest of the cops has been weird since he became Chief. Where is this going? This is hinting at something. It's probably nowhere good once you add in the fact that Somers has been remarkably restrained and sober so far this story arc? I have a feeling something bad is going to come crashing at their door soon.
The mystery aspect of this book, while very fun to see them untangle, is confusing. Mostly because we're introduced to a LOT of characters in a very short amount of time and I just couldn't keep them straight for the longest time in my head. I think it's because I was listening to the book in audiobook at a pace that doesn't allow for pauses unless I hit the pause button like every 10 seconds or something, as if I were reading a book to piece together who was who? I don't know. That's just me and big casts of characters that get introduced all at once. This mystery here is related to custody battle for a child like the title suggests, but it also works to address the custody battle Hazard and Somers has to keep Colt from his abusive birth father. This book is intense.
I wonder what we'll see by the end of this story arc. Is this the last or will there be more? How many books will there be? I want Colt to find his HEA with Ash. Will we get that? They just SAY they're friends but everyone else is convinced they're going to wind up together. And Ash is adorable! And I love Colt. They're just teenage boys who maybe need to stop getting into situations that get them into so much trouble? Two braincells between them, I swear. Colt's emotions in this book is all over the place, and sometimes it does feel like a bit much? I love him, I know he's a teenager and he's been through a lot. But I wish Colt's characterization in this series was dialed down a tad bit.
Then, what's the deal with Nico? I know he has a therapist but maybe he needs a new one. I feel bad for him and it's so funny how Hazard mothers him now too. I like that Nico and Hazard are basically friends now with no hard feelings between them. I want Nico happy and to eventually find love too. Spin-off for Nico? Except with WHO? I don't know.
There's weirdly not a lot of Dulac and Darnell this story arc, after seeing Dulac so much in the last one. I know Dulac is no longer Somers's partner but it's weird. I miss his frat bro attitude and would love to see more of him where I'm not suspicious anymore that he's the murderer (sorry, Dulac. You were super suspect and definitely my top pick for the Keeper of Bees for the longest time).
Shaw, from the Borealis books, did get a mention (though not by name). But I can recognize the St. Louis fax machine resume fiend when mentioned. Only Shaw can work up Hazard up so much while not even being in the same city as him.
And for more guest appearances, we see Theo and Auggie!!! This was VERY interesting. Their books are part of a newsletter serial by the author and we've only gotten 2 of their 4 books so far. Their stories take place BEFORE Hazard arrives in Wahredua in Pretty Pretty Boys. So obviously they're together. BUT I NEED TO KNOW MORE. Anyways, it's funny to see that everyone answers Hazard's calls (eventually and under threat), and somehow Hazard always gets the answers he was searching for.
What's to come in the next book? I have no idea. Something wild and angsty, I'm sure. I haven't even brought up Naomi and whatever her deal is with her neo-Nazi group in Wahredua. This story throws the whole thing out of whack and I'm sure it's going to come back on everyone later. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
***Thanks to the author for giving me an e-ARC and audiobook to read and review!***
April 18, 2022
Story 3.7 Stars
Audio 4 Stars
This series is seriously giving me grey hair. I should invoice my hairdresser bill to GA.
That being said I wouldn't care or still read about Hazard and Somers if I didn't love them. I like the weirdness that is Hazard and I like Somers charm. The whole series lives from how well these two main characters have been drawn. But. After how many books? 15? 17? It still seems like there is no growth in them. They keep going back to their old mistakes. That is very frustrating and really most of the reason of points deducted.
The suspense plot was good. The struggle with Colt - while painful and not exactly a joy to read - seems very real to me as I suddenly felt that my three children resembled a terrorist army that had invaded my house once they hit puberty.
I really want to read to the next book of the series, but I also feel kinda no hope. If they haven't shown any development so far than they probably won't in the next few books.
Audio 4 Stars
This series is seriously giving me grey hair. I should invoice my hairdresser bill to GA.
That being said I wouldn't care or still read about Hazard and Somers if I didn't love them. I like the weirdness that is Hazard and I like Somers charm. The whole series lives from how well these two main characters have been drawn. But. After how many books? 15? 17? It still seems like there is no growth in them. They keep going back to their old mistakes. That is very frustrating and really most of the reason of points deducted.
The suspense plot was good. The struggle with Colt - while painful and not exactly a joy to read - seems very real to me as I suddenly felt that my three children resembled a terrorist army that had invaded my house once they hit puberty.
I really want to read to the next book of the series, but I also feel kinda no hope. If they haven't shown any development so far than they probably won't in the next few books.
Read
April 11, 20233.5 stars
Moving on to the next one!
Not really, a review but I'm really concerned about the dynamics between Hazard, Somers and Colt. Like these guys need big-time counseling. I'm seeing some regression for both MCs and I need to jump into the next book now!
Moving on to the next one!
Not really, a review but I'm really concerned about the dynamics between Hazard, Somers and Colt. Like these guys need big-time counseling. I'm seeing some regression for both MCs and I need to jump into the next book now!
December 10, 2022
my eloquent review: john-henry somerset 😭😭😭
March 12, 2024
Whereas book 1 of this arc was 4 stars in the rounded-down sense, this one is 4 stars in the rounded-up sense. WHY ARE YOU SO DUMB, SOMERS????? Also, shut up, Colt.
Kudos, really, to the book for recovering after I put my kindle down in disgust in order to rant on discord at the 7 percent mark. It did not go as poorly as I feared. This backhanded compliment brought to you by: high expectations and passive aggression.
Seriously, tho, GA, why you gotta give Somers such shitty arcs? Is it because he's so pretty?
Kudos, really, to the book for recovering after I put my kindle down in disgust in order to rant on discord at the 7 percent mark. It did not go as poorly as I feared. This backhanded compliment brought to you by: high expectations and passive aggression.
Seriously, tho, GA, why you gotta give Somers such shitty arcs? Is it because he's so pretty?
July 18, 2022
[insert "womp, there it is" gif here]
Welp, the nostalgia fun-times party was shortlived. I should've known better. Here was that wringer that I expected from book one.
This instalment was exhausting in every aspect. With the mystery (introducing a whole host of new awful characters), with the personal drama (Colt was infuriating but I knew we'd get a reason, even if I had to restrain myself from throwing the iPad across the room every other minute), and then.. well. Hazard just seemed reduced to a Shouty McShouterson and that wasn't really helping anything -- the one exception might have been a certain intimate scene that harkened back to something else.. and, weirdly, I liked how that was handled. Oddly, I liked the bleak spirals that Somers was cycling through in this one, though, because they felt authentic to the character. We saw into his weak vulnerable underbelly, including the parts of him he himself loathes, and I really appreciated that.
So this wasn't a great time. But I'm hoping it was the growing pain to get somewhere good. Because I'll be real mad if we regress in future books after all this exhaustive emotional progress.
Also, if I never see the words "it's not fair", it'll be too soon. IYKYK.
I won't say this was a disappointing part of the series but more like an expected and unlikeable tangle. I think I've left more Ashe books unrated because of instalments like this, where it's a whole medley of things I feel a lot about, but instead this is getting slapped hard with a 2.5. My feelings are far less complicated when it comes to CUSTODY BATTLES.
TL;DR : pretty much everyone, except Somers, sucked in this one.
Welp, the nostalgia fun-times party was shortlived. I should've known better. Here was that wringer that I expected from book one.
This instalment was exhausting in every aspect. With the mystery (introducing a whole host of new awful characters), with the personal drama (Colt was infuriating but I knew we'd get a reason, even if I had to restrain myself from throwing the iPad across the room every other minute), and then.. well. Hazard just seemed reduced to a Shouty McShouterson and that wasn't really helping anything -- the one exception might have been a certain intimate scene that harkened back to something else.. and, weirdly, I liked how that was handled. Oddly, I liked the bleak spirals that Somers was cycling through in this one, though, because they felt authentic to the character. We saw into his weak vulnerable underbelly, including the parts of him he himself loathes, and I really appreciated that.
So this wasn't a great time. But I'm hoping it was the growing pain to get somewhere good. Because I'll be real mad if we regress in future books after all this exhaustive emotional progress.
Also, if I never see the words "it's not fair", it'll be too soon. IYKYK.
I won't say this was a disappointing part of the series but more like an expected and unlikeable tangle. I think I've left more Ashe books unrated because of instalments like this, where it's a whole medley of things I feel a lot about, but instead this is getting slapped hard with a 2.5. My feelings are far less complicated when it comes to CUSTODY BATTLES.
TL;DR : pretty much everyone, except Somers, sucked in this one.
July 18, 2022
Extremely baroque storytelling
Writing this review as I read….
I’m 8% in and I’m already annoyed with the stupidity of Somerset like for real 😵💫
Also,teenagers are a nightmare. This book definitely makes me SO happy I do not have kids. Blech 🤢
If Colt is going to bring out the worst in Hazard, I’d just as soon as have him gone.
Somerset and Hazard fighting and yelling gets OLD fast, ugh. Same arguments, different day and I’m like enough already.
The murder victim in this installment is a loathsome figure. They should give the murderer a medal 🏅. The mystery is wrapped up but I’m left not very satisfied by the conclusion. Meh.
Colt’s dad was worse than I feared. That whole section I could have done without. Somerset was a sacrifice and that was painful.
I know Colt is a plot device but if he were to disappear in the next book I wouldn’t be sad about it, ngl.
The fraying of H&S is starting and I’m worried about future books. Maybe they are better off not with each other tbh. I might need a GA break. This is my 18 book in a row. It’s too much.
Writing this review as I read….
I’m 8% in and I’m already annoyed with the stupidity of Somerset like for real 😵💫
Also,teenagers are a nightmare. This book definitely makes me SO happy I do not have kids. Blech 🤢
If Colt is going to bring out the worst in Hazard, I’d just as soon as have him gone.
Somerset and Hazard fighting and yelling gets OLD fast, ugh. Same arguments, different day and I’m like enough already.
The murder victim in this installment is a loathsome figure. They should give the murderer a medal 🏅. The mystery is wrapped up but I’m left not very satisfied by the conclusion. Meh.
Colt’s dad was worse than I feared. That whole section I could have done without. Somerset was a sacrifice and that was painful.
I know Colt is a plot device but if he were to disappear in the next book I wouldn’t be sad about it, ngl.
The fraying of H&S is starting and I’m worried about future books. Maybe they are better off not with each other tbh. I might need a GA break. This is my 18 book in a row. It’s too much.
October 5, 2025
(っ- ‸ - ς) anticonceptivo pero viva la familia feliz, besito para mi pobre Somers (ɔˆ ³(ˆ⌣ˆc)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews