mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)

Larkin is called into strange murder when a mummified body is found in the walls of a Broadway souvenir shop with a sordid past. The case is further complicated when that night he also receives a VHS from his mysterious sender. Larkin and Ira dig deep into NYC's gritty past and the history of death and mourning rituals again as they work to solve the complex decades old crime. 

Larkin is such an interesting character. He's smart enough to know he's struggling with his addiction and associations from his HSAM, but it doesn't make it any easier to work through. No level of self-awareness and higher level thinking helps, but he also knows he can depend on Doyle when things get hard. He actively works to be a better partner for Doyle, admits his mistakes, but always makes sure Ira knows how much he cares for him. Larkin knows he's a work in progress but takes on the challenge to be what they both deserve. Doyle is literally the most perfect man. I say this every review, but he's so patient and understanding. He takes being an empathetic, caring partner to the next level. We did get a little more information about cryptic past, but I really want to hear it from him rather than Larkin using his super brain to figure it out. They have some really endearing moments and fit together perfectly as partners. 

While I I do enjoy these books, this one just felt like more of the same without any real development. Larkin and Doyle are moving forward with their relationship and they have really sweet moments, but I'm still feeling a bit of a disconnect. There's not one big thing making me feel big emotions. The case was also more on the okay side. It was interesting but I did guess two of the big twists and that rarely happens for me, so it kind of took the wind out of the mystery sails. Larkin's existentialism talk also tends to go over my head at times, which is more of a me issue I will admit. 

One thing I'm really liking about this series is the NYC history. It's so grungy and dirty, a type of history they almost try to gloss over nowadays because it was decades ago but helped build the city into what it is today. While I have no desire to live in New York, reading about the different people and eras the city has gone through is so intriguing. 

I'm hoping in the next book we get more information about this mysterious sender! I feel like Larkin isn't looking into it enough almost, which fair because he's solving murders, but I'm super curious about it. I do love Larkin and Doyle as characters and the mysteries never fail to have many twists and turns. It'll be exciting to see what they get up to next. 

Read if you like:

• hurt/comfort

• romantic suspense

• opposites attract  

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A dead body is found in a subway station with a note specifically for Larkin. When he begins investigating, he finds it ties back to one of his more emotional cold cases. As clues in the form of photographs start piling up, Larkin reaches out to Doyle for his expertise. Working together once again, their intimacy grows as they try to sort out their burgeoning relationship and stop the murderer from striking again. 

The slow burn is still slow burning with these two, but there's definitely a lot of character development happening. Having Doyle in his life has shown Larkin the toxicity of his marriage, and now he's in the process of trying to move on from the dark place he's found himself. He is still struggling with the effects of his HSAM, but knowing he has the support of Ira gives him that boost he's needed. It's slow goings, but he's standing up for himself and becoming more aware of how he can be a better partner in return for Ira. Ira is kind, respectful, and knows exactly how to help Larkin while not making him feel useless. He couldn't be a more perfect partner for Larkin. He also has a bit of a mysterious past himself. We know a little of Abigail, but now we also learn about his rough childhood. He seems like he could be such an intriguing character, and I just want a bit more of him. 

What stops these books from being closer to 5 stars is the lack of connection between the characters and Doyle falling a bit flat at times (though this could just be my increased reliance of dual povs). Something about how their relationship is moving forward just doesn't seem as authentic to me. I can't make the jump from the endearing moments they share to the deep feelings. There's definitely something there, but I'm just missing the big spark of chemistry. 

I felt this was a bit more case heavy, but in a good way because the mystery was interesting. I like how it tied back into something Larkin was struggling with in this first book and how he was able to find justice for these victims. There is definitely nothing slow about these books and I love that it feels like every chapter has another turn in the case (probably not very realistic but makes for a good read). Yet again I couldn't even guess who the killer was, but loved how it all played out. 

•spoilers below• 

One very specific thing that bugged me was Larkin saying Hernadez's claim he got an anonymous letter about where the find the killer was bogus, because hello? Larkin, you're also finding anonymous letters. How is this any different? I wonder if that's just me overthinking or if it'll come back somehow. I think the whole letter part was overlooked as we got closer to the end and finding out who the killer was, and while I realize that's a mystery for another time it felt like it maybe should've been more relevant than it was. 

•end of spoilers• 

In all, another solid story! I'm really enjoying the mystery and plot of these books. While I do love the characters I wish we got a bit more from their relationship development. I'm really curious about the letters and notes that Larkin has been receiving, and can't wait to try to figure out the next case and how it all ties together. 

Read if you like:
• opposites attract
• romantic suspense
• slow burn 

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For my Gregory Ashe fans, I do feel like Larkin and Doyle are a bit of an AU Hazard and Somers. Slightly neurotic detective with tragic ex lover and past, and charismatic, beautiful detective who can charm that pants off anyone with his own tragedy. Maybe that's a reach and I've just read so much Gregory Ashe recently I'm drawing my own conclusions, but it's interesting food for thought!

When a skeleton in a crate is uncovered in Madison Square with a unique memento, Cold Case Detective Everett Larkin enlists the help of Forensic Artist Unit detective Ira Doyle to solve the mystery of the death mask. Tensions rise the closer they get to solving the case, but Doyle's sweet and unapologetic flirting may be Larkin's own undoing. 

Larkin is a really intriguing character. I've never heard of HSAM before, so it's interesting to read a POV with this kind of condition. Even though he can be awkward and brutal in his honesty, he's not socially inept. He has no problem giving as good as he gets from others on the force and is (rightfully) a bit arrogant. But underneath his confident work exterior, he struggles on a personal level to cope with the feelings and trauma his memory makes him relive time and time again. Even with his therapist and his husband, he feels alone and unheard. That is, until he meets Ira Doyle. Doyle is a complete sweetheart. He's patient and genuine, the perfect foil for Larkin's brusque demeanor. Though we don't get his point of view, he does have a bit of a past of his own that we get glimpses of. I hope we get more of Doyle and their relationship in the next book, because that's really the only thing lacking in this one. 

I love the setting of the series. I've read one other series by Poe - the co-authored series with Gregory Ashe - and I thought the same thing. When I read mystery/suspense, having a gritty kind of backdrop like the reality of New York City adds a layer of darkness that really helps the story. The case was really interesting too. I love reading about fictional cold cases because it's so satisfying having justice for these long forgotten victims. The case was fast paced with lots of different clues, and I didn't have any idea who the murderer was. It didn't end on a cliffhanger, but there is definitely some intrigue going into the next book. 

I was a little wary of starting the series because the only other books I've read by CS Poe I didn't love. I'm so glad I gave this a chance though because I had a good time. The setting was interesting and the characters endearing with an action packed plot. Looking forward to what's next for Larkin and Doyle. 

Read if you like:

• opposites attract

• romantic suspense

• slow burn 

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All the Feels 

I Can't Even

Add Me Back 

Adulting is Hard 

Good Vibes Only 

"Go ahead and kiss, you dummies. This is officially your happily ever after." 

The Luka Meer shorts introduce us to a new and interesting character in the Hazardverse. Luka is a young private investigator living in St. Louis. In this set of shorts we get glimpses of his tragic backstory, complicated relationships with his family, and toxic friendships. He's a total sweetheart with a bit of an antisocial, nerdy side. Let's just say I absolutely adore him. These shorts were the perfect tease for his character, surprisingly fast paced with no lack of action. Plus a little cameo from some other St. Louis investigators we know and love. Really curious to see where Gregory Ashe takes these stories!

The Eye of the Crow: Surprisingly interesting and fast paced for a 30 minute read! I'm very intrigued. And already love Luka and don't like Kris. 

The Hundred Times: wow Luka's sister is the worst, and it's so sad to see the concessions he has to make for his family. He's so sweet. 

The Dog that Barks: Another impressive fast paced story! Also everyone wants some Luka, get it. 

A New Ocean:  Gah Luka, you little nerd. I love you. I'm pretty sure I'm just a mix of Luka and Dash. Plus getting one over on North will always entertaining. 

Loved all of these. I feel like every story is this new layer, but I have no idea how it all is supposed to connect together, but I still like it. Luka has so much going on and such complicated relationships, I just want to read whatever I can about him! 

Team Building: Living for North & Shaw and Jason & Nico - as usual I love Shaw 

Date Night: Emery's need to be all up in other people's love lives will never not be entertaining  

The First Annual Leon Family Reunion: How are Jem and Tean so precious! Also love that Jem bedazzled the t-shirts 

Pride: I love Shaw! He's so good with kids, surprisingly, because he's a kid himself and so stinking nice. "This, little bro, is what we call found family, and it's the fucking shit." 

Haunted House Hazards: Colt & Emery bonding! AndHazard's ability to have no chill is finally appreciated

New Roommate: I'm past this point in their series but this was still so stinking cute, Dash + Bobby 4 ever 

Bug Brother: Aw, I need more Colt & Ash ASAP! But they also need to grow up, but also I don't want anything traumatic to happen to them. Can they have a Fer like story? More contemporary? Please? 

A Favor: 

To start - title alone - ominous AF. If this is about JH's dad again I'll roll my eyes right out of my head.  

Oh! Is this when he asks Shaw for help? Maybe I should just read. 

I love the Emery sees who Shaw is underneath, it's probably why he's been nicer to him this series. Shaw chooses what he wants people to see, mainly just hides his ruthless edge. 

Read if you like:
• short stories 
• Hazardverse crossover
• found family

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•spoilers•

Things have been quiet for months, leads have gone cold, and there's nothing but dead ends as the guys continue to try to uncover the organization working out of the Cottonmouth Club. All that changes when John-Henry gets arrested for a heinous crime. The group comes back together to support their friends and help Emery prove John-Henry's innocence by finding the real criminals. 

The entire time I was reading this I just felt nothing but dread. John-Henry gets arrested for a crime (I won't write details because I'm sure it'll flag something) and it's literally life changing. Ashe typically writes things that are really realistic, so realistically, it's so hard to live your life after being accused of these crimes. The whole time I had no clue how it was going to work out. 

John-Henry (now forever JH in my head) is and has always been a pillar of the community, but this accusation turns his entire world upside down. People are actively violent towards him, passive aggressive, and he comes close to leaving altogether, because how do you come back from this? But Wahredua is his and Emery's home and they've worked hard to make it a happy, loving place for their family, especially after their painful childhoods. 

John-Henry is still reconciling who he was and his past actions with who he is today. The public of Wahredua turning against him so easily exacerbates his struggles. Growing up, he was the golden boy, everyone was charmed by him, and he could do not wrong. He also had never felt more alone and scared, and he now despises how he acted then because of those feelings. However, this public respect was his safety blanket, and now that it's gone he has to be openly vulnerable. It's not easy, at times he wants to just give up - whether by leaving town or through the bottle - but he comes into his own confidence with Emery loving him every step of the way and the strength of his new friendships. He owns who he is today, a gay chief of police with more happiness than he ever knew was possible. He has an amazing family, has a love that he could have never imagined, and can be his honest messy, lovable self. Those are things that matter, and while it's not easy, it gives JH the strength to be the better person he knows he is, being true to himself while rising above the backlash from the town. 

The book seems very JH focused, but we do get a lot of what Emery is having to deal with on his side of things. While JH is going through this, Emery has to be the one holding it together and being empathetic - not his strongest trait. But he's not alone, and the group of guys help them work through the hardest parts by reminding them of the light and love that exists outside of their bubble. It really shows how far they've come as a couple that even with these debilitating circumstances, the inevitable fighting, they are able to talk to each other and find themselves through it all. 

I loved this book for its character development and found family vibes. JH and Emery have been through so much and their relationship has become this strong partnership full of respect and love. They are with each other through everything, and will do anything for one another. The group of guys is there for them when they need it the most. Tean and Emery's friendship is so perfect, Tean just gets Emery and his calm, empathetic soul is exactly what Emery needs when his anger takes over. Jem always keeps things interesting, surprising them at every turn. North and Shaw become the people they can rely on to get the job done, even if their methods are questionable. Theo and Auggie are there for whatever they need, whether it's supporting their family or scouring the internet for backgrounds on people. But through it all, there's nothing but love and steady support for everyone, creating a family they can resolutely rely on. 

The case kind of had a bit of an anticlimatic end - which wasn't the worse because by this point I need these guys to have a break from all the trauma, and I especially don't want Colt to have any. I was too caught up in the emotional aspect of what was happening to really get a good guess at who was behind everything. But I never understood why JH was a target of this crime - was it just because they just happened to stumble upon this? And how was this guy able to work through the government in Wahredua and set JH so thoroughly? The details of how and why it happened just kind of lost me. But I did love the justice at the end. Emery going to Shaw of all people, who we know isn't afraid to do what needs to be done, shows just how much their relationship specifically has grown. Emery chose him because he sees beneath Shaw's personality to the determined, resourceful man who would do anything for those he loved. It was one of the most satisfying parts of the book just for that. It'll be interesting to see how everyone moves on from the events of this book. 

I can't believe the crossover is over. Ever since I started these books I've been looking forward to this series. It lived up to all the expectations I had, full of laughter, heartbreak, and love. All these couples have gone through so many ups and downs but now they have each other's backs through thick and thin. I'm so thankful that we have more Hazardverse to look forward to through the short stories, sidetracks books, and hopefully more series for these couples. Their stories definitely aren't over, and I know these characters have so much left to experience in their happily ever afters. 

Read if you like:
• mystery/suspense
• Hazardverse crossover series 
• found family 

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To keep it short, it started cute enough but I didn't love it. I liked Carter, but I felt he was kind of weird about Isaac's blindness sometimes - always amazed he could get around and act normal. I wasn't a fan of Isaac, he was pretty immature and just a walking red flag to me. And he wouldn't pet his dog! Carter was good about calling him out on his attitude and making Isaac own up to his feelings, but it just seemed like a lot of work for a relationship I wasn't quite sold on. 

There were some good parts. I thought the set up was interesting, I'm a big fan of dogs and there's lots of cute puppies, and when Isaac and Carter were good they were pretty cute together. Plus it was a short and easy audiobook listen. 

I probably won't continue with the series. Isaac and Carter have another book next and I don't think I'm invested enough. And the third book is about Carter's friend Mark, who bordered on creepily inappropriate most of the book, and I'm not interested in reading more of him. I love some of NR Walker's books, this one was just a bit of a miss for me! 

Read if you like:
• hurt/comfort
• disability rep
• short & sweet  

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•spoilery-ish•

Nico, trying to get serious about his career and PhD, attends a conference in St. Louis where he runs into Jadon. Jadon is coping with his past trauma by running himself into the ground at work. When he's sent to a symposium at the same campus where Nico is, their chance encounter brings up old feelings, good and bad. But when Nico becomes the target of a stalker, they have to stay together to keep safe and catch the offender. 

We see Nico and Jadon in their meet cute short story ("Meet (Not Cute)", Tangents: Volume 1), but what we don't know until this book is that they started a texting friendship that ended when Jadon ghosted Nico. Jadon is going through it, rightfully so because he really has some trauma.  He stopped texting Nico because he has convinced himself he was so distracted by Shaw before that he missed the fact his partner was so evil, and he doesn't want that to happen again. He's running from his problems by burying himself in work and hoping everything goes away. When Nico comes back into his life, it's the wake up call that he needs. Nico sees how Jadon is worn down and pushes him to take care of himself and take the time to heal. Jadon is a sweet and patient man, and Nico is the spark of life he's been missing. I feel like I should've known more about Jadon's background, but I'm glad we get to a more rounded version of his character here and that he finally starts to recover from what he went through. 

Nico is just Nico. Bar the one scene from H&S: Union of Swords, I've always liked him even though he can be exasperating. He doesn't know exactly what he wants, he's always trying to impress other people, and copes with his insecurities by making everything a bit dramatic. Jadon ghosting him ramped up these insecurities even more but Jadon is so calm and cool that he has no problem calling Nico out on his shit. Jadon is truly interested in who Nico is as a person and wins him over by seeing through the shiny veneer to the nerdy and passionate guy underneath. He gives Nico a space where he's allowed to be his authentic, messy self, and Nico loves him for it. 

I'm so happy they found each other. They are good guys who were in love with people who couldn't love them back, but really they couldn't be more perfect for each other. The picnic date was all I needed to be sold on these two, but I do wish we got more of their texting relationship and how they went from two strangers on a couch to who they are in this book. It ends on a strong happy for now which work perfect for where they are at. 

The case was interesting but you could kind of tell what was going to happen. Poor Nico stuck in another traumatizing situation, but of course superhero Jadon is there to save the day. I loved the real talk scene with North and Shaw too, and I'm excited for more crossover shorts with Nico/Jadon and the whole gang. I'm so glad Ashe does these Sidetracks stories for our favorite side characters, hopefully there's more to come!

Read if you like:
• romantic suspense 
• Hazardverse 
• opposites attract  

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•spoilers!• 

When two key witnesses are found dead inside the Wahredua jail, Somers hires North and Shaw to help them figure out how it happened. As North and Shaw dig deeper into the many suspects, all seemingly relating back to the Cottonmouth Club, they get caught in the killer's crosshairs. With more of their group becoming targets, North and Shaw rush to find who's behind the killings. 

This was very much a North-centric book. North has been an asshole basically to everyone since the beginning of this series. He is very much an unfinished character in that he's still struggling with vulnerability and having to grow up. North has always had trouble cultivating healthy relationships, especially with the men in his life, so when presented with a group like this his first reaction is to throw up a wall of combative snark to protect himself. As the guys show up for him and Shaw time and time again, North slowly starts to realize that he can trust and rely on them. He works to right his wrongs, opening up and allowing himself to form bonds (the Pretty Pretty night will live in my memory forever as such wholesome fun). North lets himself change from the standoffish, almost mean, guy to considering this group of men as family, a support system that he and Shaw have needed outside of one another. 

I have always been a huge Shaw fan. He is so genuine, empathetic, and kind. Yes he's over the top, can come across as naive, and maybe too much for some people but that's also a bit of his own defense mechanisms, the shield he has from the world. I just love how he is always himself, and he eventually breaks down everyone's defenses. His character arc was a bit on the back burner in this book, but we are reminded of his unchecked empathy and unwavering support for those he loves (everyone, but mostly Emery). North and Shaw are still figuring out their friendship turned relationship, I personally never felt like their last series did anything to help them on that, and while they love each other immensely, like all the other couples they are a work in progress. 

North was always especially aggressive towards Auggie and Theo, which his ironic since they are so similar. North and Theo both have a blue collar, outside looking in, toxic masculinity upbringing. Their biggest concern is keeping their partners safe, and everything they do and say comes from that place. When North is struggling with how to help Shaw when he's fighting his own demons, he finds unlikely support with Theo. Auggie and Shaw both fight to be taken seriously in spite of these protectors in their lives. They are able to bond over their twink deaths (sorry Auggie) and form a quick and easy friendship. I loved seeing them work through their issues and come to realize that their similarities give them a unique kind of support and understanding of one another.

Tean and Jem are kind of just along for the ride for this book, though I love seeing how they integrate into the group. Everyone is a little obsessed with them, Tean who is so calm and knowledgable and Jem who can charm a rock. Hazard and Somers - or as they are known in this series, Emery and John-Henry, are stronger than ever but are going through it with this case. It's putting so much stress on them, especially JH, but their relationship isn't faltering in the least. I can't wait for their story next. 

What I love about reading North and Shaw books is how different they come across as side characters versus main characters. They are ridiculous, a bit immature, but it's really just how they cope with the stress of their jobs, trauma, and how they show they care. There's so much depth to them that you don't see when they have cameos in other books. I've noticed this with other characters as well, Ashe does such an interesting job of having characters appear one way but there's so much more to them that from different perspectives you don't get to see. It makes me curious about every character because you know there's more than meets the eye - and is probably why I'm always suspicious of every new character. 

While the last two books in this series focused on the introducing the case and exploring the evolving relationship dynamics between the two MCs, this installment was a lot more case/plot heavy (maybe because North and Shaw just had a recent series and are in a stable place for the moment?). The case gets even more complex after the jailhouse murders, and there were so many suspects it was a bit of a tangle to sort everything out. Even then there's still so much still left open, which makes sense because the series isn't over. You can just feel the disappointment of the group because while they solved one crime, the people who are pulling the strings are still out there. Side note - I'm actually real upset over Sheriff Engels because Rory's death hit me so hard, not a good time. 

I have a feeling the next one is going to really intense. On top of being the final crossover book (sad), it's Hazard and Somers and they always have next level angst. Reading some short stories in the meantime, but so nervous and intrigued to see how it all works out!

Read if you like:

• mystery/suspense

• Hazardverse crossover series

• found family  

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I'll say it again - this is not a series of standalones, and you really can't pick and choose what books to read and expect to follow the case.