Scan barcode
A review by mollyreadsandcrafts
Transactional Dynamics by Gregory Ashe
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
•spoilers!!•
Hazard and Somers are in for a surprise when Hazard's ex shows up to town, claiming to need protection. Hazard takes him on as a client, but is led right to the murder case that Somers is currently working. Somers and Hazard are still figuring out the dynamics of their relationship, but faces from the past bring up old feelings and shine light on their struggles.
My heart hurt for Hazard for this whole book. You know his exes were bad, but the true depth of how much they hurt him doesn't really hit until they show back up. He really wants to be his best for those he loves and tries to be whatever they want, but he can't let go of who he is at his core. He tries but I really think some therapy is needed there, though I can only imagine his response to that kind of conversation. He loves Somers more than anything, but his insecurity constantly makes him feel like an outsider and that he'll be left behind. I want him to really come into his own mental strength, but I know that there are so many outside factors waiting to knock him back down. I love how much he is devoted to his family - Somers and Evie (they have the cutest relationship) - hope he devotes the same kind of love to himself eventually.
I know Somers has his own issues but he reverted back to the Somers from series 1 that I really didn't like. Even if Hazard is moving on, I'm still not over that one scene at the bar. The Valentine's dinner was cute but it's not going to fix such a big problem. I'm hoping he gets his shit together after this and it becomes more of a turning point rather than a problem that causes more cracks in their relationship. He truly loves Hazard and I think would be lost without him, but I wish he just made better choices. They both have the ability and love to understand the other better, they just need a little push in the right direction.
In the first series one of my little complaints was that I wanted Billy to have a more justified ending after everything he put Hazard through. After seeing how much worse he was than I even imagined, I'm so glad karma caught up with him in the end. Plus the North and Shaw cameos were everything! I'm here for an unexpected friendship with Somers and Shaw (that I'm basing off one hug). The case Somers was working on also had a really satisfying ending even if it wasn't too intense of a mystery. While the book had a lot of relationship struggles with Somers and Hazard, there were still some laugh out loud moments and I really enjoyed the story as a whole.
Every book that's closer to the end increases my anxiety. The Keeper plot line is so creepy, kinda giving Criminal Minds vibes of just a psychopath on the loose. What makes it worse is I have no idea who or what it could be! Something has to happen soon, and I'm hoping it won't be too difficult for our guys. (Maybe for Somers because I'm still mad at him)
Read if you like:
• romantic suspense
• private investigator/detective
• hurt/comfort
•••••••••••••••••••••
Hazard and Somers are in for a surprise when Hazard's ex shows up to town, claiming to need protection. Hazard takes him on as a client, but is led right to the murder case that Somers is currently working. Somers and Hazard are still figuring out the dynamics of their relationship, but faces from the past bring up old feelings and shine light on their struggles.
My heart hurt for Hazard for this whole book. You know his exes were bad, but the true depth of how much they hurt him doesn't really hit until they show back up. He really wants to be his best for those he loves and tries to be whatever they want, but he can't let go of who he is at his core. He tries but I really think some therapy is needed there, though I can only imagine his response to that kind of conversation. He loves Somers more than anything, but his insecurity constantly makes him feel like an outsider and that he'll be left behind. I want him to really come into his own mental strength, but I know that there are so many outside factors waiting to knock him back down. I love how much he is devoted to his family - Somers and Evie (they have the cutest relationship) - hope he devotes the same kind of love to himself eventually.
I know Somers has his own issues but he reverted back to the Somers from series 1 that I really didn't like. Even if Hazard is moving on, I'm still not over that one scene at the bar. The Valentine's dinner was cute but it's not going to fix such a big problem. I'm hoping he gets his shit together after this and it becomes more of a turning point rather than a problem that causes more cracks in their relationship. He truly loves Hazard and I think would be lost without him, but I wish he just made better choices. They both have the ability and love to understand the other better, they just need a little push in the right direction.
In the first series one of my little complaints was that I wanted Billy to have a more justified ending after everything he put Hazard through. After seeing how much worse he was than I even imagined, I'm so glad karma caught up with him in the end. Plus the North and Shaw cameos were everything! I'm here for an unexpected friendship with Somers and Shaw (that I'm basing off one hug). The case Somers was working on also had a really satisfying ending even if it wasn't too intense of a mystery. While the book had a lot of relationship struggles with Somers and Hazard, there were still some laugh out loud moments and I really enjoyed the story as a whole.
Every book that's closer to the end increases my anxiety. The Keeper plot line is so creepy, kinda giving Criminal Minds vibes of just a psychopath on the loose. What makes it worse is I have no idea who or what it could be! Something has to happen soon, and I'm hoping it won't be too difficult for our guys. (Maybe for Somers because I'm still mad at him)
Read if you like:
• romantic suspense
• private investigator/detective
• hurt/comfort
•••••••••••••••••••••