mollyreadsandcrafts's Reviews (978)

Rufus is a confidential informant living in the underbelly of NYC when his friend and police contact, Jake, is murdered. Sam is an old friend who served with Jake in the army. When he hears that Jake's death is ruled a suicide, he goes to NYC looking for answers. The more they learn about his death the more they get caught up dangerous secrets until they become targets themselves. 

Rufus was so endearing and I'm a big fan (for Ashe readers - he reminds me of a Jem/Shaw mix). He's been alone most of his life and is a bit lost when the one constant person he had is killed. He's quirky, touch starved, but is such a kind soul. Sam slowly grew on me. He's more the brash, stubborn macho type which made it all the sweeter when he gets so protective over Rufus. He has his own issues he's dealing with and I hope we get a bit more backstory on him (and Rufus) in future books. 

The relationship happened kind of quickly even though they had a little zing from the first moment they met. They know exactly how to push each other's buttons but also take the time to understand all the little quirks. When they finally give into their emotions they are so cute and you can tell they really care about each other. There's a lot more for them to learn about one another and with that ending it'll be interesting to see where they go from here. 

I'm not sure overall if it was particularly good, but I liked it? Both of the characters had endearing moments and I wanted to know more about them. The pace kicked off on page 1 and kept moving, being pretty consistent throughout the whole book. The case was really relevant to their characters and introducing everything into the story so every aspect kept my attention. It just all felt a bit superficial, and as much as I enjoyed the characters and plot it didn't really give me any big emotions. I've been to New York City twice in my adult life so some of the places they mention just flew right over my head, but I could still get the gist of what was happening. It surprisingly ended on a little bit of a cliffhanger, and I'm immediately diving into the next!

Read if you like: 

• romantic suspense         

• opposites attract       

• slow burn             

•••••••••••••••••••••

When Dash's parents turn up to Hastings Rock at the same time a valuable book goes missing, Dash has to help solve the case while trying not to commit his own familial murder. 

I love reading about Dash and whatever shenanigans he gets up to, but this wasn't my favorite of The Last Picks series. The focus of this installment was on Dash and his relationship with his parents more than anything. And I did not like his parents. Dash has some abandonment issues because they were pretty crappy parents when he was growing up, and I don't really think they really acknowledged that enough. They realized they made mistakes in the present, but didn't really touch what happened before. But maybe I'm just not an evolved enough human to forgive and move on, and they aren't my parents. The whole situation did show how much Dash has grown since the beginning of the series, more ready to face his issues head on than run away and bury the problems. Yay progress! 

The case was okay, but it seemed a bit irrelevant. Just a bit of background noise. I'm so happy that Bobby and Dash are finally together but I really wish we got more of their relationship now that it's in a good place! However, they did have some great moments of communication. I also wish we had a bit more of the Last Picks. It seems this book left me wanting, but overall I did like it. I like how Ashe writes his cozy series - the humor is always a good time and character development is always great to read. I say this every review but I love the setting and how all the side characters, no matter how small, round out the story so well. And that bonus epilogue? Absolutely adorable. I hope we get more of those types of moments in the next book!

Read if you like: 

• small town        

• cozy mystery     

• found family      

• friends to lovers     

•••••••••••••••••••••

Luke moves to Mackenzie Country in the hopes that it'll help heal him from his loss the same way it helped his ex-husband. After being rejected my the man he thought he loved and leaving his family's station, Zach is trying to figure out his next steps. Zach has never liked Luke on principle, but soon realizes that he may have been too quick to judge. 

Zach and Luke get off to a rocky start but their attraction to one another is undeniable. Zach is cautious about giving his heart out again, but Luke is so patient and caring. He was willing to fight for them because Zach makes him feel something for the first time since his loss. Even though both been hurt in the past, they support one another as they take the time to heal and move forward with their lives. Luke has unwavering support for all of Zach's hopes and dreams, and Zach is the rock Luke can lean on when he's grieving. They have some of the sweetest moments but also some frustrating ones. It makes sense why they take it slow with all the issues they need to work out, but when they are together it's a perfect mix of swoony and spicy. 

I liked the story and characters, it was just long and slow paced so it took me forever to get through. I think Hogan's writing can be a bit more dense than what I usually read so even though I like the book, I did struggle of getting through the slower parts. That being said, it's a sweet, emotional read and I did tear up a time or two. I loved seeing Holden and Gil again, as well as more of the Mackenzie Country scenery. I know a few more characters have stories, and I'm looking forward to seeing how their happily ever afters unfold! 

Read if you like: 

• small town romance       

• hurt/comfort    

• dislike/hate to love     

•••••••••••••••••••••

•spoilers•

Fer is about to take off on a well deserved break when Chuy leaves a surprise in his kitchen. Now that he's caring for a newborn, working full time, and trying to keep his family afloat, Fer is desperate for help. He hires Zé as his new nanny. The more time they spend living together and raising Igz, the more Fer falls for the mysterious surfer boy. But being with Zé means Fer can't always be there for his family, and breaking that habit proves to be almost impossible. 

I was a little nervous about Fer's book. I absolutely love Theo and Auggie, and Fer, while highly entertaining, seemed like a very big personality to read a whole book from his point of view. However, I adored Fer and Zé. Fer is the support system for his entire family, taking on all of their issues while putting his life and dreams on hold. He's had to care for Auggie from a young age, shielding him from their mother's emotional and mental instability and abuse, all the while also trying to keep Chuy safe from his addiction. When everything hits the fan, he's saved by sweet and patient Zé.

Zé becomes a steady presence that Fer can lean on. He never expects anything from Fer, but is there to give him unwavering support and help with Igz. They both push each other to put themselves and their own happiness first. Zé has his own stubborn independence and trauma he's recovering from. Of course with Fer there's no beating around the bush, and he makes Zé confront some of his issues and gives him a safe space to land as he recovers. They had to face some harsh realities but both came out the other side better for it. 

It was kind of refreshing reading a Gregory Ashe contemporary romance without all the murder and mayhem (well, there's still some mayhem). He creates such loving, funny, endearing characters that you can't help but to root for. Fer and his Fer-isms are hilarious but don't overtake his kind, emotional side. I loved seeing Fer's huge heart and am so happy he was able to grab some happiness for himself. I also loved that Auggie was able to be there for him after Fer's been there for Auggie his whole life. It's a five star read for the vibes, but I do wish the ending was a little stronger. I would've liked to get a little more about Zé and what he was going through and their reconciliation. My hope is that one day we are lucky enough for another Fer and Zé story! 

Read if you like: 

• sexual awakening      

• hurt/comfort    

• opposites attract     

•••••••••••••••••••••

•possible spoilers for previous books•

I do like Gray, I think he's adorable and fun. I just think this book overall was pretty tame. I didn't feel like a ton happened. As always, I loved the characters and the overall plot of the series. 

Gray is the Nephilim brother who represents Sloth. Mason became a monster/supernatural hunter after seeing ghouls take down his team in a mission while he was a Marine. They meet when Gray and his brothers save Mason from a monster attack. It was an instant connection and instead of going to his next hunt, Mason stays in Echo's Bay to see Gray again and ends up getting drawn into the demon/angel war. 

Mason and Gray have more of an infatuation at first sight before falling hard and fast. Mason struggles with understanding that not all supernatural beings are evil because he's still processing the grief of losing his closest friend to monsters. Gray's sin is sloth, which makes his life difficult on a daily basis let alone when they're trying to fight a war. He's also one of the Nephilim brothers that has a complicated relationship with his dad, who's still out there causing mayhem. They both deal with feelings of inadequacy, but together give the support they need. They're a really cute couple with a sweet relationship full of nap cuddles and laughs. 

I feel like the overall plot didn't really have a ton of stuff happen. Maybe it'll be relevant later, but it felt a bit anticlimactic compared to the previous books. The insta-love stuff also felt a little cheesy for me in this book. It could've been because of Gray's character being more cutesy in general. Also, and this is very picky, but I'm not sure what the author has against the word "motorcycle". This is the fourth book that she's only referred to them as "crotch rockets". 

Now I've been excited for Bellamy's book for two books already. His moment with his (probable) mate in this book? But also the fact they are the epitome of enemies to lovers?? I'm really intrigued to see how his brothers deal with this, as he's tried to kill them multiple times. Ready to see how this all plays out! 

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy 
• grumpy/sunshine 
• fated mates 
• insta love

This was pretty alright overall. I liked the mystery aspect, but there was almost no romance between the two MCs. Charlie was cute, except for that weird moment where he was being a creeper and checking out Declan when was sleeping. Declan was fine but I wasn't convinced in the least that he was attracted to Charlie, especially being with someone else the entire book. They worked well together on the whole mystery part though. I didn't love all the writing style of multiple POVs. There are a few random paragraphs from random side character's views, which didn't really flow all that well. It was a quick and easy read, plus there's a follow up where I assume there's more of their romance. It's not at the top of my TBR but I might pick it up when I need something quick! 

What's not to love about another set of Hazard and Somers short stories? The more I read about all the drama they go through, the more I appreciate all these little lowkey slice of life moments. I love Hazard being a little kid dad and how he spoils Evie. And of course there's plenty of shenanigans as Colt settles into life with Hazard and Somers. Even if these stories are more casual, some are pretty action packed because trouble tends to follow these two everywhere. As always I can't wait for more of them, and thankfully Gregory Ashe is constantly blessing us with short stories, flash fiction, and more books! 

Hazard is hired to protect a visiting controversial author. When his client ends up dead, he and Somers have to wade through "concerned" parents, death threats, and entitled kids to figure out who would want her gone enough to actually go through with it. 

Another one done for Hazard and Somers. The main plot arc through this series focused on Hazard and Somers creating a family together and how it brought up different issues and unresolved emotions from their own childhoods. After struggling the last few books Hazard is finally learning, thank goodness. At least 50% less yelling and outrage and a lot of deep breaths and counting, and it paid off. I'm always getting emotional during Hazard's and Colt bonding moments, but it's just so endearing when they're vulnerable with one another. Hazard is such a softie with a huge heart, underneath all that scowling.

And just when we thought Somers had worked through his trauma, even more of his past issues rise to the surface. Somers and Hazard have come to terms with their shared past, but Somers hasn't really focused as much individually on what he went through hiding and being terrified for so long. He's forced to face those feelings right when he thought he was better and moving forward. Unlike in the past, and even though it takes a while, he does open up to Hazard. Nothing is perfect but he is able to recognize that old hurt and pain, grieving for his past self even if it's decades later. Hazard gives him a safe space to finally accept and start to work through it, and I have a feeling it's going to be a process we'll see more of. 

Honestly this case was really hard to read about with the current political climate. All of Hazard and Somers stories take place in small town Missouri, and this one is set right in the middle of 2020/2021. They have to deal with homophobia, book bans, religious zealots, neo-Nazis, and how all of it affects their children. Outside of the depressing parallels to reality, the case was pretty interesting and fast paced. There's not one big case that's been building up over the series, but there are rising tensions that have been left like little breadcrumbs - especially with Somers and the police force. Even if it wasn't a very complicated case there were plenty of action scenes and dramatic moments to keep me intrigued. 

I know Colt is a teen with his own many unresolved issues but man, is he pushing everyone's buttons, including mine. I do think he's a good kid under it all but it hurts to see how some of his choices unintentionally hurt those he loves. But I do think he and Ash are just adorable teenage idiots, so it kinda makes up for it. The ending was so sweet, and I'm really looking forward to more of him. 

Oh Dulac..I won't lie, I was looking on Ashe's patron and saw a SFW picture of him and was like "Oh hey! This will be fine", and saw he had scars and was like, "Oh, woops". But of course I didn't know the specifics. It hurts that it was such a simple yet horrific thing. We know he and Darnell are going through a big rough patch, and then this on top of it all? I never thought I'd miss when he was an annoying frat boy. It makes me even more intrigued to read his book though.

Nico, just you wait. His man is coming and it's one of my most anticipated reads of the series. And last but not least, Theo and Auggie! It's so weird to see them from this other POV, but I love that we are getting more of them. Auggie and Nico could easily be bffs and I'm hoping that friendship happens. (Now we are just missing Jem and Tean to join the gang). 

I can't believe I've finished all the main couple series and the crossover!! is next!! I'm catching up on all of the short stories, patron flash fictions, The Last Picks, and finally Fer's book before I dive into the crossover. I'm so excited but also don't want it to end. 

Read if you like: 

• romantic suspense     

• private investigator/police      

• family drama     

•••••••••••••••••••••

Two men who are enemies are gunned down in a hotel room. The pressure is on for Hazard and Somers to find the killer and what the killer seems to be searching for before there are more victims - even if it means tangling with religious cults, the Ozark Volunteers, and other political figures. If that wasn't enough, Colt's dad has reached out, leaving Hazard feeling crushed and helpless on how to protect his family and keep them together. 

Oh boy. Remember how I said the last few books seem very Somers oriented? Well that's fixed because this was all Hazard, unfortunately. We've seen how Hazard is struggling with raising a teen without really knowing where all his reactions are coming from, until now. He's a protector at heart with a lot of trauma from his own childhood, and he is willing to do anything to protect his children from the same fate. But kids are their own beings and it's impossible to micromanage their entire lives without push back. Hazard feels absolutely helpless and scared and it comes across as angry and strict. As a result his relationship with Colt is very rocky throughout most of the book. Some lessons Colt has to learn on his own, and Hazard needs to give him the freedom to do that. I loved seeing Hazard go back to his parent's house and share some of his upbringing and with Colt, showing why he feels the way he does. This vulnerability from both of them just brings them that much closer, and maybe I cried a little.  

Hazard and Somers, the dynamic duo, are back in action. I love them working as a team because after so much time together, first as work partners and now married, they are on a level all their own. Somers knows Hazard and what he needs and gives him that support and love when he is flailing in his loss of control. They are imperfect but they are unconditionally there for one another through thick and thin. 

The case had a lot of moving parts which kept it somewhat intriguing. Though if Hazard and Somers were women, they would've figured out about Naomi a lot sooner given all the clues. I don't feel sorry for her because she's a neo-Nazi and horrible person, but I do feel sorry for 20 year old Naomi who didn't find what she was looking for. I feel like something is building with Somers and his work, because even though he's managing there is still a lot of difficulties he's sorting through. 

Okay the best part - North and Shaw. Just everything about them (mostly Shaw, sorry North but you will continue to be on my shit list) brings so much fun to the story. Shaw's quest to make Hazard his best friend is probably my favorite random sub, sub plot of the entire Hazardverse. Dulac is still going through a vague something, Nico is still going through a less vague something, and Theo and Auggie are slowly working their way into Hazard and Somers hearts. 

"Daddy Issues" should be the subtitle of everything Hazard and Somers. The actual book title, Father Complex, is very fitting as all the issues in the book stem from these relationships. I'm not sure where the series will take us in the finale, but I'm hoping by the end we have one big happy family (please Ashe, I'm begging you). 

Read if you like: 

• romantic suspense     

• private investigator/police      

• family drama     

•••••••••••••••••••••

•spoilers• 

Hazard is hired by a man to find a teenager that the he says robbed him. When his missing teen connects to Somers's murder case, they have to work fast to find who the killer is before more bodies start piling up. 

So far the series in general seems very Somers-focused compared to last series where it was more concentrated on Hazard. Somers is being crushed under the weight of his job and his responsibilities at home. He's running himself into the ground and taking out his emotions on those around him. I got so frustrated with him because he and Hazard had been doing so well and this, once again, felt like a few steps back. However when things finally hit a breaking point, Hazard is right there to pick him back up. If there's one thing they have, it's an unconditional support for one another when the other needs it most  

I can only imagine the frustration of raising a teen but I don't think Hazard handles it particularly well, contributing to Somers stress. He and Colt are so similar that it's just constant yelling and irrationality. But as always Somers brings Hazard back to earth, helping by being the facilitator and a shoulder to lean on. That's why, with everything they've been through, they work so well together. They are able to get through to each other on a deeper level and challenge one another to be better. 

It seems like their relationship falls back into similar patterns, but the change is really how they handle the aftermath. It's not perfect, but they're still learning the art of being vulnerable. Even though they both have their ups and downs, it's hilarious to see how much of an old married couple they already are. Just the banter back and forth, the little jokes. I love how whenever something happens when they're apart, their first thought is how the other would react. One of my favorite parts of these laters series is seeing Hazard bloom into his true neurotic self. He's never been in a relationship where he felt safe enough to be who he truly is, so whenever he does something insane it makes me groan but it's also heartwarming that he felt comfortable enough to do what makes him happy. 

The case was more interesting but only because it was so tangled with their lives. Lots of lying, deceit, and bad people. Colt is going through a teenage angst moment and honestly it's was a lot, but I think everything worked out well by the end. They're still figuring out the boundaries and rules that Colt insists on pushing, but you can tell he really appreciates Somers and Hazard, and knows (deep, deep down) how lucky he is. I also just want to give Nico a hug, we don't get a lot of him but he's going through some stuff! Gray though - I know we aren't getting the full story but he needs to pull himself together. And Theo and Auggie! I love Hazard but he's such an asshole to everyone else. Still, his critique of Theo's grades and teaching makes me laugh so much. Theo and Auggie just want a stress free life but now as Hazard and Somer's probationary friends, let's see how long that lasts. 

Some things might be settled, but of course it's never that easy and I just know there are going to be other problems that arise for Hazard and Somers. 

Read if you like: 

• romantic suspense     

• private investigator/police      

• family drama     

•••••••••••••••••••••