Custody Battles

Hazard and Somerset: Arrows in the Hand, Book 2

De: Gregory Ashe

Narrado por: Tristan James

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.

©2021 Gregory Ashe (P)2022 Gregory Ashe

excellent series

I swear this author is trying to break me with the conflicts he is inflicting on his already established couples. Hazard and Somerset have already weathered a lot of storms in their relationship and in business, and the hits just keep on coming. Some new changes for the couple came in the last book, when a teenage boy showed up on their doorstep claiming Hazard was his father. Whatever the truth of that claim, Hazard feels an affinity with the struggling teen and the two men take the kid in to their home.

Colt has become a big part of the story at this point. His idolization of Hazard and his blatant dislike of Somers puts a strain on their relationship. Hazard doesn’t accommodate Colt’s bad behavior is often “bad guy” when it comes to parenting. The last thing Somers wants is another reason for Colt to hate him, so he tries to be the “good guy,” which means taking all the insults and disrespect. Somers is damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t in Colt’s eyes. I feel for the guy, but that doesn’t stop me shaking my head at his decision to keep a blackmailer secret from his husband. As for Hazard, I found him to be drier and crankier than ever. Some of his comments may have been meant as sarcasm, but it is getting harder to tell. Still, somehow when it’s just Hazard and Somers, I can still feel their love for one another, so I’m really hoping that they will make it through their new challenges.

While they are trying to find some sort of harmony in their personal lives, Somers’ dad asks Somers and Hazard to go on a weekend hunting trip to keep an eye on a soon to be divorced couple and their son to make sure one parent doesn’t try to kidnap their kid. On this trip, Colt gets to spend some time with his good friend Ash (bonus), until the soon to be divorced dad is found dead and there is a mystery to be solved. Immediately, there is a suspect in the crazy Ozark Volunteer neighbor, and Hazard is hired as a PI to clear the suspect’s name.

The case is out of Somers jurisdiction as a Wahredua police chief, but he works with Hazard anyway. There is no end to the amount of people who wanted to see the victim dead, though, he wasn’t a nice guy. Following in his footsteps, is his son Junior. I mention Junior because he is a suspect and he has already had a conflict with Colt in the first book, and some of the things he does in this book are sociopathic and scary. I foresee him being a problem in the future books of this series. Colt’s biological dad also shows up in this book, and he is just a horrible guy. To my relief, he ends up in jail at the end of this book, as does the possible killer in the main mystery. I feel like there are a few questions whether the actual killer was brought to justice, but since the person arrested deserved to be for other reasons, I’m not losing sleep over the result.

The underlining theme of this story, the things a parent will do for their child. Whether it be allowing and making excuses for bad behavior, wrecking the car of the coach who cut your child from a sport, or possibly committing murder. It also explores the entitlement that results. At the end of this book, things do seem to be a bit better for Hazard, Somers, and Colt, but with this author, I am not sure what they will be put through in the next book. I want to bring up a few side characters that are worming their way into my heart. I said it in my review for book one, but I really want to see Hazard’s ex, Nico, get his chance at satisfying life and a romantic interest as well. Ash is a little stupid for Colt in this book, but there is a real sincerity to him, and I look forward to seeing if there is a possible connection for those two boys.

It’s no secret that Hazard and Somerset are my favorite couple written by Gregory Ashe. They were my first and hold a special place in my heart. I absolutely recommend this book, as well as the previous books and series, if you haven’t yet. The audiobooks narrated by Tristan James are even more awesome. His narration brings the story to life.

Great new series

This is the second book of the 3rd H & S series These are not stand alone books, so you really need to read the first book to understand what is happening in this one. When we last left our dynamic duo, they had decided to become foster parents to a troubled young man. This left us all feeling good. But it is apparent in this book that somebody needs parenting classes. IMO (and I have teenagers) Hazard comes off as WAY to strict and John Henry is WAY to lenient. But they are not alone. Apparently, most of the parents in this story are horrible and it gets one of them killed. So the investigation begins.

Although there is a murder mystery, this is really John Henry’s story of learning what it is to be a husband and parent to someone who doesn’t like him; and the lengths he will go to protect his family. It is also the story of what happens after the “happily ever after.” There is major conflict between the couple and at times I was worried they wouldn’t make it. John Henry does some truly stupid things that almost get him killed. Colt comes off as a really horrible teenager at times and the whole family probably needs counseling after this adventure. It is a wild but great ride with a ratifying ending.

Tristan James once again hits it out of the park. There was a lot of emotion in this story and he gave a wonderful performance.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review

Outstanding!

I could listen to Tristan James recite the phone book. He does an outstanding job of bringing Custody Battles to life.
I know every time I get my hands on a new Gregory Ashe book I am in for a great read!
His stories are always so multi faceted. It's so easy to go down the rabbit hole and binge the entire book in one sitting!
No matter what trouble will always find Somers and Hazard. The mystery in this story is told with intrigue, attention to detail and all the questions you could want as a reader.
The emotional aspects of this book are many. I loved seeing all the different examples of parenting, the good the bad and the ugly.
Custody Battles is a great addition the the Somers and Hazard world and I can't wait for whatever comes our way next!

I honestly think. . .

. . . that this might be the best H & S novel yet. The story really kept me riveted to my air buds the entire time. Frequently in stories that follow the same couple, the relationship becomes anticlimactic after they’ve gotten together. Dull, even. Mr. Ashe has amazingly kept the glimpses into their relationship fresh. Like we’re still getting to know these men and still have lots to learn. I always thought of kids as a “jump the shark” move, but parenting in these books has added a dimension that really fleshes out their relationship. And, the mystery: a perfect setting for all the above.

Tristan James, as always, nails it.

Amazing!

“And you get this look on your face when you’re considering body disposal sites.”

To say I’m obsessed would be an understatement. Somers really pulled through in this one, and man did he have a lot set against him. I’m loving how this little family grows.