mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)

•spoilers, read at your own risk!• 

Auggie and Theo are back in Wahredua with the gang, trying to keep their involvement in the increasingly dangerous case to a minimum. But when two students go missing Theo can't let it go, making him and Auggie new targets for the killers. In order to keep their family safe, Auggie and Theo have to find answers, and fast. 

Auggie and Theo are one couple who I really wanted to have another series (didn't Auggie's dad show up at the end of their shorts? What happened there?). They have so much story left to tell, so I was really looking forward to more of them. Their books take place even before the first Hazard and Somers, so it's been a while since we've seen them, outside of Hazard and Somers' books. 

For the most part they've been happy, living in Wahredua with Theo teaching, Auggie working on his social media management agency, and raising Lana in their quiet home.  But now they are going through a bit of a rough patch, not made any better with all the recent extenuating circumstances. Theo's anxiety and fear have been steadily increasing, making him act more volatile and angry, and Auggie isn't sure how to handle his ever-shifting moods. Theo is trying his hardest to avoid the feelings from the "bad old days" that he doesn't see how he's already reverted back to this mentality. When things hit a breaking point, Theo has to reconcile that how he's handling his fears is straining his relationship with Auggie. It's a little frustrating to read after all they've been through, but the one constant is that Theo adores Auggie. He has so much love and affection for him, and when he's faced with reality of how much he's hurting them, he's able to pull himself from the brink and to give Auggie the reassurance and love he needs. 

Auggie has grown so much from the young, flashy college kid to the mature, caring man he is now, but he still has the same self-doubt at times. He's so good with Lana and wants to not only officially be apart of her and Theo's family but build their own together, though knows Theo is more hesitant. Auggie's own insecurities grow the more Theo ignores the hints and his attitude regresses. When Theo realizes how he's hurting the most important person in his life and confesses his worries to Auggie, Auggie shows how deeply he loves Theo with unwavering patience and support. While they started a little rough, I really liked where they ended up. They still have a bit to go but they were able to communicate and work through their problems. Relationships are about growth and change and I loved seeing them go through these changes together and come out stronger on the other side, more in love than ever. 

The case was a bit off a bummer, I can totally empathize with how Theo felt so helpless and frustrated with how these kids were treated. The case was a bit of a mirror for Theo's own uncertainty with growing their family, more of his fears and anxieties made real. While I didn't know ultimately who the killer was, the ties to the Cottonmouth Club were obvious. I was so content at the end, all set up for the next book and happy for Auggie and Theo, but then those last few sentences literally made me gasp out loud. I'm actually a bit upset over one part of it, but it takes the case to a whole other level. 

This book was a complete 180 in the tone from the first book. While I was all giddy and happy seeing my favorites all together, this was a dose of reality back to how their books normally go. It was a lot more serious, not nearly as many light-hearted moments, but there was some really sweet times that broke the growing tension. There was definitely more of a focus on the case and Auggie and Theo's relationship troubles versus the group as a whole, but there were still plenty of shenanigans. I'm still loving watching all these friendships unfold, especially for Auggie who really thrives with that kind of acceptance from his peers. Immediately jumping into the next after that ending, and I'm ready for North and Shaw's time to shine! 

Read if you like: 

• mystery/suspense 

• Hazardverse crossover series             

• hurt/comfort                     

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

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•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! 

Rhett is the oldest Swift brother and is trying to figure out who he actually is after finally walking away from his abusive father. As his brothers move on and heal, Rhett meets Tripp, a single father who extends his kindness to Rhett. Tripp is wary of falling for anyone after his wife left years ago, but he can't help but be intrigued by Rhett. He's nothing like Tripp imagined and as they grow close, they find what's been missing from their lives all along. 

Rhett is a perfectionist who's trying to find himself and recover from his dad's abuse. He's stoic, a bit quirky, and at first appears closed off, but underneath it all he's a kind man who actively tries to do the best by his family, even if it is difficult. Tripp and his daughter Meadow open up their lives to Rhett, and he couldn't fit more perfectly. Tripp genuinely cares about Rhett's interests and thoughts, taking care of him in a way he's never had before. Tripp is an amazing human, the perfect, accepting dad for Meadow and partner for Rhett. Rhett brings his own care and compassion for Tripp, and together they create a sweet, loving family. 

There wasn't anything wrong with this book, I just wasn't very invested or captivated. I think if I read this series all at once instead of months between each, reading them as they came out, they would've had more impact. They're all sweet, emotional stories about finding yourself and deciding you deserve love and happiness. It was heartwarming to watch all the brothers move on from their childhood trauma to make the happy family they always wanted. The epilogue did have me tearing up a bit, it was an endearing and satisfying happily ever after for everyone. 

Read if you like: 

• hurt/comfort

• friends to lovers             

• single parent                    

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•spoilers•

Henri has been happy, working hard in classes to get a job in the States when he graduates and hanging with his dearest friends. But he can't help but feel longing when he sees how happy they are in their relationships. Atlas doesn't want love, relationships, or anything resembling the two. But he can't help but be charmed by the sweet, adorable Henri. They slowly build a tentative friendship which could turn into something wonderful, if only Atlas could get past his fears. 

Henri is an absolute sweetheart. He's so genuine and honest it's hard not to love him. Even with his people pleasing tendencies he's aware of when he needs help and isn't afraid to say how he feels, which is perfect for prickly Atlas. Atlas isn't afraid to not be nice, and it's immediately distrustful of the ever friendly Henri. The first part of this book you just want to yell at Atlas to be nice to sweet baby Henri, but even Atlas succumbs to his heartfelt charms eventually. Henri gives Atlas the unconditional love that's been missing from his life, while Atlas accepts Henri for all that he is and never pushes for more. Even though they had a slow start, they have such an easy and accepting love for one another. 

I didn't totally love some of Atlas's actions in the later part of the book. I wasn't sold on a third act breakup when literally nothing was going wrong. Yes, Atlas does have his issues with his inability to love and accept love. It comes up a a lot in his internal monologue, but once he accepts his feelings and lets himself fall for Henri it's smooth sailing for the most part. There are a few bumps with his growing anxiety, but he jumped straight to cutting things off so quickly and harshly. I just wasn't crazy about the execution or reasoning. Everything worked out quickly at least, and Henri of course was perfect about it all. 

I wish there was a bit more of a communication between Henri and Atlas about Henri's (implied) asexuality. Atlas is amazingly respectful of Henri's wants and needs, but he was pretty sexually active before. I feel like this would be a bit of a shift in his expectations, not in a bad way but definitely a change from what he was thinking and how he was acting at the beginning of the book. I would've loved to seen a conversation from Atlas's POV on acknowledging the changes in his lifestyle. Or just maybe talking more about the Henri's limits. There's not a huge explanation of his sexuality, which is fine because not everyone needs labels, but as a reader I wanted to know a little more about this side of him because everything seemed really vague. 

There were also some loose ends I wish were tied up a bit - like Atlas's mom - but overall I really enjoyed the story. I'm always a fan of JJ's writing and this time there was a legitimate epilogue! I was so happy to see Henri and Atlas all loved up even years later. I've said it once and I'll say it again, these two are an adorable couple - the apple gifts, the German cooking! I also really loved the seeing all the other MCs in the series again. Henri loves his friends, and it's just so stinking cute. Really excited about a certain rancher/hockey player and his "mysterious" baseball beau next! 

Read if you like: 
• opposites attract
• slow burn             
• ace rep                   

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Chase has a plan - keep his sexuality from his family to gain his inheritance so he can finally live the life he wants. However things go awry when he meets Bowen, a hardworking farm boy just trying to keep his family afloat. They can't fight their connection, but a secret relationship can't stay hidden forever.

Chase has hidden who is most of his life, playing his family's politics games. Though in all other aspects of his life he's confident and assured, he's drawn to Bowen's authenticity and genuine, honest nature. Bowen and his siblings are trying to do their best to carry on their family's legacy after their parents have passed. He's been burned before with dating in secret but he can't help but fall for the smart and sexy Chase. They have such a natural relationship, bonding over music and being able to communicate their needs and feelings without judgement. Even when they have challenges, they still try to help each and share the burden. Not only do they have undeniable chemistry from the first moment they meet, but they truly respect and value one another for who they are.

I didn't really have any expectations going into this and was pleasantly surprised! It was an interesting plot with all the small town politics and family drama but wrapped up very nicely. Chase and Bowen have such a real connection and are enjoyable characters. I loved Bowen's relationship with his siblings too. They could've fallen apart after their parent's deaths but stayed together to support one another and grow their family's farm. It was also fun to revisit  with a handful of other V&V characters mentioned throughout the story. This is the final, final book of these series and I'm really happy that it ended on such a good note. 

Read if you like: 

• opposites attract

• small town politics             

• secret relationship                   

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