A review by mollyreadsandcrafts
Wayward by Gregory Ashe

4.25

•spoilers•

Somers's father is running for mayor and with the election drawing close, he cashes in on his favors that Somers and Hazard owe him. This doesn't help Hazard and Somer's already rocky relationship and on top of it all, Hazard's father is admitted to the hospital. They both throw themselves into their work as a distraction and as they work the same case, they are reminded how good they can be together. 

A lot of what I said about the last book applies here, just add in a bunch more daddy issues. I know both Hazard and Somers are in Somers's dad's debt, but I'm team Hazard - as always - in this book. I want to wrap him up in bubble wrap forever. He just wants someone to choose him and love him. I think by the end Somers finally got his head out of his ass and saw how his actions hurt Hazard, even if he didn't see another way out of the situation. I will concede that they were both hurting, but I think facing all those feelings combined with Hazard's dad's situation gave them the perspective they needed. I like where they ended, both opening up to one another and accepting responsibility, and I hope it continues through the next book. 

Dulac is still annoying and I still don't know if I like him. If he had better intentions then I would find him more amusing but he's the first one to bad mouth Hazard when they're fighting on top of the whole thing with Somers. I just can't trust him yet. I thought the case was a messy but intriguing, mostly because the drama of the suspects didn't have a lot of impact on Hazard and Somers. It gave them a chance to remember how well they work together, personally and professionally. They worked the case but they weren't personally tied to it or anything, all the angst in the book came from their relationship. 

Even with all the drama surround Hazard and Somers with their parents and upbringing, seeing Hazard with his mom and dad was pretty emotional. His dad wasn't a great dad to him growing up but the fact they were able to have a little connection there at the end, and with Somers and Evie, it just was a good moment for their family and I'm really glad that they got it. 

The Keeper is still out there causing anxiety and I'm nervous but finally ready to see how it all ends. Looking forward to closing out this series - hopefully with less emotional damage than it started and happier days for Hazard and Somers ahead! 

Read if you like: 

• romantic suspense                              

• private investigator/detective            

• small town politics             

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