•probably spoilers, read at your own risk!• 

Tean and Jem attend a wildlife conference in Missouri where one of Tean's old friends has asked him to be a guest on a panel. When the friend is accused of murder, Jem and Tean try to prove her innocence, getting caught up in a tangled web of crime with the most unlikely crew of questionable allies. 

It's here! Many books later and I finally get to experience the great and perfect chaos that is the Hazardverse crossover series. Each book is from the POV of each of Ashe's Hazardverse couples, and we kick things off with Jem and Tean. I feel like that worked the  best because they are the outsiders of the group and we needed that introduction from their point of view to begin with.

Jem and Tean are living their best life in Utah with their foster daughters (they have the best Patron shorts in my opinion, and you meet their daughters then). At this conference though, some old insecurities arise. Jem is intimidated by the academics that surround him and it makes it easier to revert back to his old ways, which Tean isn't comfortable with. When everything is exposed, they have to face some realities they haven't for a while. But it does nothing but make them stronger. They've been together for years, and their love and devotion to one another is still so apparent even with these minor hiccups. 

Emery said it best - "Resolving things is all well and good, but if you think you’re going to resolve everything, forever, then you need to be in a relationship with a body pillow.” That's how all of these relationships are. They are happy couples, but there is always something that's going to need work or reassurance when you're together for as long as they are and go through as much crazy shit as they do. I love the reality of the relationships and how everyone always works to better for their partners, it's such a true testament to their love.

It's always going to be difficult to have these big personalities on page together, but I thought Ashe managed to pull it off. If you haven't read these characters' books (why would you even read this then, but I digress), it could seem like a lot but I feel like I know them so well it was so easy to keep up. 

Emery and John-Henry are their usual selves, and I love how Emery is a little obsessed with Tean. Emery finally has someone he can argue facts and discuss his documentaries with even if Tean isn't nearly as intense about it (but who is?). 

North and Shaw are just North and Shaw. Shaw always comes across as a naive, weirdo but knowing his point of view, you know how much he does it just to give other people shit. He is a genuinely good person at heart but he's also a bit of a brat, and yeah he's also a weirdo but I love him. Jem and Tean don't even know what to do with them. 

Theo and Auggie, how I've missed you so. I'm really curious for their book next. There's some tension with Theo not wanting Auggie to get involved in anything dangerous (which is extremely fair), and Auggie wanting to prove his worth. I love Auggie and Jem becoming fast friends, Auggie needs another troublemaker on his side. 

I won't lie, the first part I didn't even care about the mystery because I was basking in the joy of all my favorites in on place. However as the book went on, things got pretty intense. I didn't really have a clue who the suspect was, but that final showdown was wild. Also, there has to be Tiger King inspiration but I'm not even mad about it because the wildlife aspect was the perfect tie-in for Tean and Jem to the group. I'm just as lost as they are when it comes to the big picture of the mystery and why they are targeting Jem and Tean, but I can't wait to figure it all out. 

I've been looking forward to this series since I learned of it's existence and I wasn't disappointed. I loved this start, but there wasn't any doubt I wouldn't honestly. I basically highlighted the entire first chapter where they all met. I'm really intrigued to see where it goes from here. It definitely ends on a cliffhanger and I'm so excited to see everyone back in Wahredua. 

Read if you like: 

• mystery/suspense 

• Hazardverse crossover series             

• opposites attract                    

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Things to note: 

You will not enjoy this series if you have not read all of Ashe's series and couples from the Hazardverse - and why would you read an epic crossover series without first being introduced to the characters and their own backstories anyways? This is not a series you can just jump into and appreciate it, it's all the little details about the characters we know from their own books that makes it so special. I've been reading this universe on and off for a year, know all the characters, and didn't find it overwhelming in the least. It's truly a gift to those who love this world, and I'm so appreciative of Ashe for taking on this challenge!