A review by mollyreadsandcrafts
Domestic Animals by Gregory Ashe

4.25

•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     

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