The Paternity Puzzle, the third series and another important evolutionary step in Sawyer Keys and Royce Lockeâs relationship and marriage.
This well written book is about families, from many emotional aspects and from different perspectives. Itâs Sawyer and Royce embarking on their own journey through prospective fatherhood, a murder case involving a fertility doctor that hits home for them, and Royceâs strained dynamic with his father gets a thoughtful storyline thatâs moving and realistic.
While this investigation is complete, the story sets up a larger narrative with a different darker story going forward.
Excellent character development, and itâs wonderful to see all my favorites here, including those podcasters from Sinister in Savannah.
Really looking forward to seeing the next in the series.
Royce Locke and Sawyer Key are back and better than ever with new mysteries and hilarious shenanigans as they tackle their greatest challenge yet: fatherhood.
A perfect holiday weekend takes a twisted turn when Royce investigates a suspicious death involving Dr. Jean Claude Matisse, a retired pioneer in fertility medicine. What first looks like an accidental overdose quickly turns into something more sinister when explosive allegations reveal hundreds of reasons why someone would want the doctor dead.
This investigation hits close to home, exposing the vulnerabilities of relying on science and a doctorâs ethics to have a family, especially when the hopeful husbands are only a positive pregnancy test away from parenthood.
The Paternity Puzzle is book one in the Felonies and Fatherhood trilogy, the third story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour and Matrimony and Mayhem trilogies before reading Felonies and Fatherhood. ** The Paternity Puzzle continues Royce and Sawyerâs happily ever after as they move into the most anticipated phase of their lives. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned. 18+
After leaving the deep south of Savannah for the mountains of Colorado, author Aimee Nicole Walkerâs brings us her book two in her series about a ranch offering redemption and a second chances .
In The Fortunate Son , Walker introduces Rory Snyder, son of a politician running for governor, whoâs in need of sanctuary and a place to renew himself. That his first impression of himself is less than stellar has its roots inside a troubled family relationship and self image.
Rory is a complicated character, one that starts out with one persona then consistently reveals his real identity and true personality as his interactions within the ranch, particularly those with Ivan Gallagher , allow trust and growth. And love.
Ivan Gallagher is a lovely character, a resident of Redemption Ranch weâve met before. Now we get in-depth Ivan as well as additional ranch stories, like those from Harry and Dylan , which will help light the way towards happiness for our main couple.
Ivanâs redemption includes learning to let go of his past and reconnecting with his family. This is a believable and important element. It inspires a similar one to happen with another person. Both moments are very different yet emotional and powerful.
As always with Walker there so many great scenes and intriguing side storylines. Most swirl around Ivan. His three cats are amazing. Yes, Iâm a sucker for wonderful animals in a story, especially if theyâre layered in and realistic, as they are here. Brava.
Also the honey and beekeeper aspect to Ivanâs personality. Itâs his passion. My only wish is that it had been more fully integrated as regards to the actual work, the bees themselves. Much is made of an incoming new queen bee but that scenario vanishes. Then a tour for Rory is given of Ivanâs honeyland but instead of bees we get a feeling of a weird gnome garden. Itâs a missed narrative opportunity , one that rarely happens with this author.
The romance between Ivan and Rory ends up encompassing everyone on the ranch and itâs a found family celebration of warmth, acceptance, and love full of friendship, hilarity, support and deep emotions.
I really love this series and book. Next up is the founding head of the ranch and Roryâs brother, Nick. Should be fabulous. I canât wait.
Iâm highly recommending this but read the entire series in the order they are written.
Ivan Gallagherâs first and only attempt at love nearly cost him everythingâhis reputation, family, and even his freedom. Needing an outlet for his pent-up passion, the gruff foreman turns his beekeeping hobby into a successful business. Just when heâs on the verge of taking his liquid gold to the next level, a granted favor transforms his orderly life into a sticky mess.
Rory Snyder was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but wealth couldnât spare him from loss and heartache. Finding himself at the center of a dangerous media storm, the social media influencer seeks refuge at Redemption Ridge. Too bad the Viking-sized Ivan seems impervious to Roryâs charms because he could use a sexy distraction from the chaos threatening to ruin his life.
Predawn collisions in the hallway lead to revelations, explorations, and something far sweeter than honey. Soon, living in the moment becomes living for the moment. But for how long? A future seems impossible for the humble foreman and the fortunate son until a common nemesis makes Ivan and Rory realize what they truly stand to lose.
The Fortunate Son is book two in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. The Fortunate Son contains mature themes and is intended for adults.
Content Warning: homophobia, underage alcohol addiction, and intentional overdosing are briefly discussed in this book, though no graphic descriptions are used.
I have to admit I was not ready for Walker to leave behind her characters and series set in Savannah, Georgia. The minute I started into one of those stories, I felt like I was coming home. Just narrative perfection.
But authors must move on. And so too the readers.
Now we end up In Colorado, near Colorado Springs. Land of the Rockies and Pikeâs Peak. Places Iâm pretty familiar with. And a ranch called Redemption Ridge, a working ranch that offers second chances for humans and animals alike.
Honestly, it didnât take me long to fall in love with this new series. It had me at the element of horse and dog rescues. The horses and care here is detailed and beautifully done, right down to the need for a clean stall.
I canât tell you how much I appreciate seeing accurate information woven into a storyline, and without feeling like a lecture.
The other aspect of the series and book is the personal recovery/redemption of the men who are the main characters.
Employees have seen their lives changed by incarceration, they are ex convicts, or people who have been convicted of crimes and been sentenced to time in jail. Whether they did the crime or not. Thereâs a distinction.
Kieran Sullivan arrives at Redemption Ridge fresh out of jail, having served time for a crime he didnât commit. Heâs looking for answers, revenge, and hopes to clear his name.
Finley Ashe runs the equestrian program, training other peopleâs horses to the horses he rescues and helps to recover. Heâs also got the worst choice of boyfriends, each one recently being more horrible than the last.
Walker has created a community of completely different personalities that live on or near the ranch. From Cash, the ex-convict owner of the ranch, to all the ranch hands, to Finleyâs mom and dad, sister Harry, and extends to the animals like Nellie, the severely abused horse afraid to trust. This is a great new place to be able to explore and experience through their lives and relationships.
Finley and Kieran have a wonderful, sexy , stumbling journey together that includes an investigation, a mutual understanding and love of their animals, and a new found family.
Walkerâs dialogues are funny, lively, engaging, and perfect for each character sheâs created. Even the snippet for the next story in the series had me laughing because sheâd laid out her characters and relationships in just a paragraph because her characterizations are so great.
This is a book and series to grab up and dive into immediately. They wonât be standalones. So read each one starting from the beginning.
If youâre a fan of Walkerâs, of contemporary romance, of broken hearts and broken men getting their HEA, then youâll will find that this story is a book for you.
Kieran Sullivan is broken when he arrives at Redemption Ridge. A wrongful conviction and twenty months in lockup will do that to a man. The ranch is a place for second chances and fresh starts, but for him, itâs an opportunity to discover who set him up. Get in, get answers, and get out. The plan sounds easy enough until Kieran meets an equine specialist whose sunny smile could warm the coldest heart.
Finley Ashe is a sucker for bruised spirits and sad eyes. The horse whisperer and broken-boy magnet is six months into a hiatus from love when Kieran, the king of emotionally unavailable men, gets assigned to work under his supervision. Mutual attraction is gasoline on proximityâs flame, testing Finleyâs resistance in new ways.
Priorities shift, shields come down, and truths get exposed. Will the inevitable combustion redeem Kieran and Finley or consume them?
Guys Like Him is book one in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Guys Like Him contains mature themes and is intended for adults.
I have been waiting for Chief Mendozaâs story since Walker started her teasers and hints throughout all the rest of the Savannah series about Mendozaâs attraction to his longtime friend, Sheriff Abraham Beecham.
Chief Mendozaâs been a rock solid presence at the Savannah PD , a favored , strong personality thatâs as much a part of the family and lives of all the main characters we love . He is a central figure in the foundation of this ongoing series universe.
No surprise that Beecham started to work his way up and into the same role , via his relationship with Mendoza and that of Sgt. Royce Locke (of the partnership in every way of Locke and Key).
Just Say When finally pulls back the curtains on their long relationship, their friendship, and the passion for each other thatâs finally gone from hidden to unrestrained.
I love that Mendozaâs back history includes a great mixed modern family dynamics. His combined family includes his teenage son, Alex, who he shares with his ex. In a totally appreciated departure from the norm in other stories, his ex wife , a well rounded character, is still very much a friend. Also in law enforcement, sheâs strong, great at her job , smart and loving, has a terrific marriage with her husband. Their family includes Mendoza and Uncle Abe Beecham, whoâs known everyone for years.
This quartet of personalities and relationships drives the multiple storylines forward with a narrative heft that includes compelling acceptance of sexuality, bigotry within a family framework, and a healthy modern mixed family culture.
Walkerâs characters flow through a mystery and dramatic setup thatâs got its own twists to satisfy any reader.
I love her Savannah universe and all the characters and stories that have come out of it. Just Say When is simply one more in that rich line of storytelling that you will never tire of and always be sorry to leave.
Iâm highly recommending it and all the books around it.
Someone wants Police Chief Emilio Mendoza dead. And if his unknown assailant doesnât kill him, pining for Sheriff Abraham Beecham just might.
Abe and Lioâs thirty-year journey has taken them from heated rivals to best friends with countless labels and pit stops along the way. Romance is the only avenue left unexplored but not from lack of love or desire.
Abe pushes people away before they can get too close, and Lio doesnât engage in situations he canât control. Theyâve reached an impasse, and neither are willing to risk their friendship until fate intervenes, forcing them to reassess their priorities.
But when an unhinged enemy targets Lio, will their gamble be too little too late, or will their love truly conquer all?
Just Say When is a standalone romantic suspense novel within the authorâs Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is attended for adults.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer
Thereâs something so soothing and wonderful about reading a contemporary romance thatâs about an emotionally healthy, adult relationship.
About Last Night by Aimee Nicole Walker is a perfect example of that. The novel, one whoâs characters are part of the authorâs Savannah, Georgia universe (Sinister in Savannah, Sawyer and Royce series), are people weâve met and become extremely fond of through prior stories.
Detective Christopher âTopherâ Carnegie, whoâs previous relationships havenât been a success, has slowly become aware heâs attracted on many levels to a man his family has all but adopted. One he considers a close friend.
Thatâs Julian Fine, clothing designer (he of the corsets Sawyer loves), and best friend to Harper, one of Topherâs sisters.
This joyous journey begins at their first meeting and moves through the passage of time as Julian and the Carnegie family becomes a wonderful, heartwarming unit that stabilizes Julianâs life and anchors both men to each other.
Itâs low angst and includes a bisexual awakening thatâs mature, and realistically portrayed. Thereâs support from friends and family for them, adult communication, as well as a sexy, fun, loving exploration as they realize they are willing to take the next step towards everything they both want.
I laughed, sighed, and throughly love this couple and their path to romance.
I believe you will too.
You donât have to have read the other series and books to read this one but it certainly gives the reader a richness in terms of foundation and universe if you have.
Plus I adore those stories.
And highly recommend this and all of those! Excellently written, outstanding characters, and a beautifully crafted storyline. Sink into it and this coupleâs journey to HEA and enjoy!
Detective Christopher âTopherâ Carnegie is unlucky in love. He either tries too hard, doesnât try hard enough, or hasnât found the right person yet. But recently, heâs started seeing Julian Fine, his sisterâs best friend, in a new light. If thereâs one thing a fabulous tailor knows, itâs how to take a personâs measure. Julian recognizes a straight man when he sees one, but that doesnât stop him from falling head over heels for the unattainable man.
Just a few short days and one shared bedâŠ
When a white lie backs Julian into a corner, Topher steps in to save the day. Heâs worked plenty of undercover assignments before, but pretending to be Julianâs boyfriend during a family wedding might be his most dangerous mission yet. Julian challenges everything Christopher knows about himself, and soon, reaching for each other feels as natural as breathing. But can their newfound feelings survive the real-world challenges they face? Thereâs only one way to find out.
About Last Night is a low-angst standalone romance within the authorâs Savannah universe. This book contains mature content and is intended for adults.
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Killer Honeymoon wraps up the second series for the detective couple of Sawyer Key and Royce Locke. Their story starts with the wonderful Zero Hour trilogy and now, temporarily at least, concludes with their wedding and a honeymoon almost to die for in this last story of the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy arc.
What a truly entertaining story Killer Honeymoon proves to be. Walker incorporates all the elements that we expect from the coupleâs relationship, humor, thoughtful introspection, respect, and deep abiding love as well as a heathy sex life, and weaves a tale of murder carried out in a tiny resort town. One that theyâre honeymooning in.
We get a moving wedding, a hilarious jaunt to their destination, and then a lakeside mystery and murder worthy of any fabulous cozy!
Walker never lets our focus off of the fact that itâs Sawyer and Royceâs honeymoon, with all the resplendent joy and happiness they have in the fact they are each otherâs husbands, with a new future and family ahead of them. We get to revel in that along with them.
Whether they are investigating a element of the murder, or a break in, some aspect of the fact they are newly married threads into the picture. Itâs lovely. Plus the manner in which they establish a pattern to investigate just says partners in every way. Walkerâs writing is so amazing here pulling all the elements together on so many levels.
As always, the surrounding cast is a solid aspect of the story. They are well defined and just plain terrific characters. From the cranky Frank to the spiraling Evan, each is believable.
Itâs a neat mystery and is wrapped up in a suspenseful, edgy climax. Outstanding.
The ending is so good. And leaves us and them in a great place with the ability to make a return sometime in the future. Honestly, we need now to see more of Dolly.
Walker has two more books in the works that relates to this universe, one specific to the end of this story.
The next will be Topher Carnegieâs story (and Julian Fineâs) in About Last Night. Expect to see that September 20, 2022.
Then finally Emilio Mendoza and Abe Beecham get their romance in Just Say When. Thatâs out on December 20, 2022. Be still my heart!
Thatâs two novels to look forward to!
And I expect Walkerâs not done with these guys just yet.
Iâm highly recommending this and all the series novels.
Read them in the order they are written for the full character relationship development!
â€ïžSawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem series:
Newlyweds, Royce Locke and Sawyer Key, embark on a honeymoon road trip where their biggest threat should be dodging drunk tourists on golf carts. But their arrival on South Bass Island lands them in the middle of a contentious battle between lifelong islanders and a property developer who wonât accept no for an answer. Tempers soar as the barometric pressure drops, signaling a dangerous storm brewing on the horizon and across the street. Minding their own business becomes impossible when a homicide wrecks their vacation and puts Royce and Sawyer in the path of a twisted killer.
Will their honeymoon be two tickets to paradise or a one-way trip to the morgue?
Killer Honeymoon is book three in the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy, the second story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour trilogy before reading Matrimony and Mayhem. ** Killer Honeymoon is a continuation of Royce and Sawyerâs happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their livesâprofessionally and personally. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned. 18+
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Itâs that halfway time , Sawyer and Royce have committed to each other through proposals, but they havenât set a date, or done much else to further getting married.
First up is Jayce (Royceâs brother) and Hols, Royceâs close friend and police coworker. Sawyerâs too. They are getting married soon if they can manage to keep a wedding planner.
In the meantime, thereâs a masked armed robbery team thatâs giving the SPD trouble, a murder victim with a arrow through the heart, and old troubles for Sawyer.
Good times.
The twisty turns of the murder case is marvelous. It may have given Royce and company headaches, but I enjoyed that aspect of this story completely! Thereâs so many unexpected elements and new twists in the investigation that do get neatly resolved that youâre positively gleeful along with the detectives when they solve it.
Past history continues to cause issues for Royce and Sawyer just as both men work together to make their own way to a marriage and future family . Itâs Royceâs stress over his troubled family members and their effects upon those he loves. With Sawyer, itâs the Sheriff whoâs homophobic actions and outright hatred caused him to leave his old job for his mental health.
This aspect of their relationship that works with both of these storylines is one I thoroughly believe in and applaud. They work through what they see as potential problem areas, in their relationship/or job or both, by thoughtful communication, picking apart arguments calmly, and respectfully. Itâs a joy to read about adults having a working, loving, relationship that grows deeper with each story. With great sex too.
There are threads of heartbreak and ones of realistic âit is what it is â endings, especially when working on cold cases. Not everyone gets a happy ending.
But we get enough glimpses of past people , getting along, doing ok, that itâs believable, and satisfying. It feels real.
I love all the characters within this universe. Savannah is the perfect place for all these perfectly imperfect people. I canât wait for the next installment.
This was so incredible. How horrifyingly wonderful can their wedding be?
Iâm highly recommending this and all the connecting series. What a gift.
â€ïžSawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem series:
Spring is in full bloom, love is in the air, and Cupid has taken deadly aim in Savannah.
Newly engaged, Royce Locke and Sawyer Key are ready to set the date and charge full-steam ahead into their happily ever after, but homicides and unresolved conflicts keep getting in their way. Neither detective has met a case they couldnât solve, but their latest investigations will push their limits and challenge their faith when the line between friend and foe becomes blurred. And if that werenât enough, a random encounter with a stranger will trigger a series of events that could either make or break the couple.
Loveâoften a thriller, sometimes a killer, but always worth the battle.
Marriage is Murder is book two in the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy, the second story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour trilogy before reading Matrimony and Mayhem. ** Marriage is Murder is a continuation of Royce and Sawyerâs happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their livesâprofessionally and personally. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned.
At the end of the fabulous Sinister in Savannah trilogy Walker let us know that she planned to write further stories in this universe. Specifically, oneâs for some of our favorite secondary characters that deserved a HEA and full out storyline.
Mentioned were Kendall Blakemore, aka Sugar, who was Jonahâs ex and renter. Kendall got his HEA in a marvelous novel, Bad at Love! Now a favorite of mine.
Next on Walkerâs list was Jimmy Alsop. We met Jimmy as an aspiring, but insecure journalist just starting at the newspaper where grumpy investigative reporter Felix Franklin (Mr. Perfect #2) lives to write, report and occasionally terrorize those around him. Felix took him on as a intern, then put him into a sort of Felix boot camp to build up his self image and ability to become a better reporter. Yes, we fell into love with the sweet, blushing Jimmy there. And it carries over into his story here.
Invisible Strings is Jimmyâs romance. By now, Jimmy has become a stronger reporter, bit more able to stand up for himself and his ideas then the younger Jimmy we originally were introduced to. Although it still helps to have Felix mentoring him as well as his backup.
Although older here, Jimmyâs innocence and exuberance is so adorable yet never overdone. Walker feeds us the type of adolescence and family history that led into Jimmy becoming the type of sheltered person he is without being someone whoâs totally withdrawn and shy.
The stories Jimmy is seeking to do for his newspaper is the perfect format for the author to show the characterâs interactions with others. Whether itâs someone whoâs personality is fascinating or a person whoâs situation seems troubling, itâs Jimmyâs humanity that the author gets to shine out in every occasion.
Nova, the astronomer, whoâs mother is part of Jimmyâs series of stories, is equally fascinating. Heâs divorced, single dad, with issues heâs dealing with, and a overwhelming attraction to a innocent journalist that is the last thing he expects or thinks he needs.
The invisible strings of the title are those that connect people whether we see them or feel them at first. Itâs those strings that just keep pulling people back together, time after time.
Fate, stars⊠whatever you might call it.
Or a list that someone makes up to get done over a two week time frame.
This is a wonderful love story, made better by those characters that surround the two men and support them with their love. Itâs family, or co- workers, and friends. We get to know them all.
My only slight issue is with the drama at the end thatâs a âcrisis â element. That felt a tad forced given the two men, how well they communicated, and how easily it was resolved.
Overall, I adore Jimmy and Novaâs romance. Such a winner!
I believe we have another story/ romance to come. A bartender? Following the pattern it should come or be tied to Pretty Poison #3, from the Sinister in Savannah series. Hmm maybe Iâll just have to reread those. Sigh!
Iâm highly recommending this, Bad at Love and the original series. The author, obviously, as well. Enjoy!
Note: love that cover and the watercolor lighthouse at the top of every chapter! Beautiful.
Jimmy Alsop, a vivacious journalist, longs to trade his sheltered life for a summer of adventure but lacks the confidence to launch his stellar plan.
Lonely as the Moon
Nova Skye, an aloof scientist, wants to resuscitate his dead love life but hasnât found the right man to kickstart his guarded heart. Eclipse of the HeartSparks fly when a chance encounter drops Jimmy and Nova into the same orbit. Though their approach to life and love couldnât be more different, theyâre inexplicably drawn together as if connected by an invisible string.
With nothing to lose but their inhibitions, Jimmy and Nova embark on an epic adventure of discovery. Passions soar with the sultry Savannah temperatures, and soon, their carefree summer becomes something more profound and beautiful than either man bargained for. But are the ties that bind sturdy enough to withstand a lifetime, or will they fray after a season?
Invisible Strings is a standalone novel within the Sinister in Savannah universe. Jimmy was introduced in Mr. Perfect, but it is not necessary to read that book first. Invisible Strings is a contemporary romance, where the other Savannah books are romantic suspense. We have heat, humor, and heart, but there are no homicides in this book, yâall. Invisible Strings contains mature content and is intended for adults eighteen and older.
The Magnolia Murders is the start of a second series that revolves around the romantic and professional lives of Sawyer Key and Royce Locke. At the beginning the couple is still partners at the MCU at Savannahâs PD but their unit has recently gotten a new chief. Up to now , every minute has been spent together. They live together, they work together, they love together. But fraternization rules work against them as partners.
So they knew their time together as partners on the job is about to end, as they knew it would.
Chief Mendoza decides to split the couple apart by having each head new divisions heâs creating within the Department. Sawyer to head the new Cold Case unit, and Royce to work with a new Unit for to engage with teenagers who want to work in law enforcement.
But first thereâs a cold case murder thatâs hitting close to home for both men. The murder of several beauty pageant queens from years past is echoed in a murder that happens now. Is it the same killer or a copycat?
Walker pulls out all the emotional baggage here for both men. Itâs all family elements, the damage from Royceâs awful childhood and the pain itâs inflicted on his relationships with his sister and her children thatâs in the spotlight here. Contrasted, of course, with the way Royce has been folded into Sawyerâs family and the feelings he still has of inadequacy because of Vic.
Sawyer, too, is waiting. Heâs feeling insecure because of the scars left by the fire and the fact that he made a discovery that Royce hasnât acted on.
In between complicated relationship dynamics and the fact they are experiencing being apart from each other at work, the long hours and devious criminals are confounding them.
This is an excellent murder investigation. I loved how the research and investigation slowly unraveled the truth behind the murders. So satisfying.
I have to say I was as frustrated as Sawyer over Royceâs inability to propose but I absolutely got why he was having such a bad time of it.
Walker gets us so totally inside these men that we understand them , feel their emotions, get their actions, and love it when they win! Both professionally and romantically.
So I really need that next book! It should be a wild roller coaster ride! I canât wait!
I highly recommend this book and the series that precedes it. The Zero Hour Trilogy! Thatâs the series that tells how they met and fell in love over many murders. Donât miss out on that either!
â€ïžSawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem series:
Work together, live together, and play together is the name of the game for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. But one of those things changes when Chief Mendoza taps Sawyer to lead the newly formed cold case unit. His first task: solve the Magnolia Murders that spanned three decades and suddenly stopped in 2000.
Chaos ensues when a fourth Magnolia Queen contender is murdered during a preliminary round. With the pageantâs one hundredth anniversary looming, the pressure is on to produce results. Royce and Sawyer, along with their new partners, have to team up to solve the Magnolia Murdersâold and new.
As the investigation continues, a surprise visitor and an unexpected phone call force the men to face painful things from their pasts. The future Royce and Sawyer dream of is within their grasp, but first, theyâll need to uproot the seeds of discontent theyâve buried deep.
The Magnolia Murders is the first book in the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy, the second story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour trilogy before reading Matrimony and Mayhem. ** The Magnolia Murders is a continuation of Royce and Sawyerâs happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their livesâprofessionally and personally. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned.
This is my first time reading a trilogy compilation on Kindle and Iâm absolutely sold on the format. It especially suits me as someone who loves to binge read a series.
The trilogy , which consists of Ground Zero, Devilâs Hour, and Zero Divergence , is well suited for this format in that the stories flow almost seamlessly, one into another. Had it not been for the title and brief description inserted between the books, it would read like one huge novel. A fantastic one at that.
Iâm not going to rate individual stories. One doesnât excel or deserve a lesser rating than another. They are all exceptional.
The trilogy tracks the relationship, both professionally and personally, of Detectives Sawyer Key and Royce Locke, starting from the moment Sawyer Key joins the MCU of the Savannah PD and becomes the unwanted partner of Royce Locke.
Locke, is still grieving the loss of
a partner who was his best friend , and who committed suicide. A tragedy thatâs still having major ramifications for Locke and his partnerâs family.
They meet on the crime scene of a sensational murder with little time to adjust to the new situation or each other.
Walker immediately gives us an intense situation and two incredibly complicated men. And letâs the sparks fly. For three books.
Each man has a realness to him. Sawyer is a widower who is still coming to terms with the loss of a beloved husband to cancer. His grief is visceral. And yet very private. It works so well to pair him with Royce who has not come to terms with his grief and confusion over the death of his friend and partner. That issue will take him three books to work through.
Neither man stands alone. They are surrounded by incredible family members, dynamic characters from their precinct, and people we will come to know and love even more dearly in the series Sinister in Savannah.
Here we see Royce and Sawyer meet and introduce Rocky, Jonah, and Felix to each other. We meet Kendall Blakemore for the first time as well as Avery and see how he was pulled into Jonahâs orbit. Even the Marshals make their appearances here. This trilogy is our roadmap to all the series and single stories that come afterwards.
But the best and heart of the books is the growing relationship between Sawyer and Royce. The developing feelings, the situation about their relationship on the job, Royceâs closeted status, so much that evolves over the course of three complex cases and engrossing storylines.
Walkerâs got the police procedural down, the hard work, the questions and paperwork. The long hours and the excitement when it looks like it might pay off. The author had me on the edge so many times here , the suspense was overwhelming!
However the joy of reading all the books right through is that you get your payoffs . You see the characters evolve, the relationship grow and deepen. And then become utterly gratified when at the end, youâre as happy as they are when the author writes The End.
Plus you have the added satisfaction of knowing thereâs a second trilogy called Matrimony to come.
Be still my heart.
Are you a binge reader like me? Or just like to have all your books ready to go? This is a must have, must read! Iâm definitely recommending this trilogy! And the author if you havenât found her already!
Ground zero, noun: the center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity or change.Heat, humidity, and homicide are things veteran detective Sawyer Key expects to encounter on his first day with the Savannah Police Department, but the hostile reception from his new partner catches him by surprise. Sawyer isnât a stranger to heartache and recognizes that Royce Locke is a wounded man whoâs reeling from a devastating loss. Relentless and patient in all things, Sawyer is determined to make the new partnership work. Savannah, Georgia is known for her quirky people, oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and antebellum architecture. Beneath the Southern charm and hospitality, festering hatred and violence is soaring with the summer temperatures. Locke and Key find themselves at the epicenter when their first case involves the death of a former shock jock who appears to be the victim of vigilante justice. Opposites in nearly every way, the two detectives set aside their differences to take back their city and restore law and order. From this reluctant truce, an intense attraction grows that will either tighten or shatter their tenuous bond. Falling for his partner spells inevitable disaster, but Sawyerâs always been a sucker for wounded things. Sawyer could be the key to the life Royce has always wanted, if heâs brave enough to trust him. The fuse is lit, the clock is running, and the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock. Ground Zero is the first book in the Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Keyâs investigations and evolving relationship.
Ground Zero has a happy-for-now ending with no cliffhanger. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older.
Devilâs hour, noun: the hour when the demon or devil who leads hell is at its strongest. Born on the wrong side of the tracks, Royce Locke is no stranger to scrapping and fighting for the things he wants. What he desires most is Sawyer Keyâhis partner on the force and the man heâs falling in love with. After asking Sawyer to take a chance on him, Royce will need to back up his pretty words with fearless action instead of being his own worst enemy. Someone is harassing the mayor of Savannah, and Locke and Key are tasked with finding out who. The investigation quickly takes a twisted turn, leading them to an enemy who thinks purification by fire is the only way to save the city. Scarier than The Puristsâ elusiveness is their ability to turn public opinion in their favor, creating unrest and threatening anarchy by fanning flames and fear. When you play with fire, someone is bound to get burned. When menace becomes murder, the two detectives will race the clock against the devil to save their beloved city from becoming a raging inferno. Royce will need to draw on his grit now more than ever if he hopes to realize the dreams that are finally within reach. The rag is lit, the Molotov cocktail is tossed, and the zero hour is upon them. Challenge received and accepted.
Devilâs Hour is the second book in the Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Keyâs investigations and evolving relationship. This is a series that must be read in order.
Devilâs Hour has a happy-for-now ending with no cliffhanger. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older. Trigger warning: Part of the storyline involves coming to terms with a friendâs suicide, which may be difficult for some people to read.
Zero Divergence, noun: no deviation from a course or standard.After a key piece of evidence goes missing, a suspected serial rapist and killer evades prosecution. More than Royce Locke’s reputation is on the line when his investigation into the failed chain of custody suggests Franco Humphries might’ve had inside help. There’s no one Royce trusts more than Sawyer Key to help him right a wrong and uncover the traitor in their midst, but can they do it before the Savannah Strangler strikes again?Relentless plus fearless equals flawless. Sawyer and Royce have come full circle-from hostile strangers to best friends and lovers. Neither a sniper’s bullet nor an arsonist’s fire could keep them apart, but what about a psychopath hell-bent on revenge? The stakes are high, and there’s no turning back now because the zero hour is upon them. Tick tock.
Zero Divergence is the conclusion to the best-selling Zero Hour series, which follows Locke and Key’s investigations and evolving relationship. This is a series you MUST read in order. It contains mature language and sexual content intended for adults 18 and older.
Trigger warning: Part of the storyline involves coming to terms with a friend’s suicide, which may be difficult for some people to read.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 