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Zero Hour #3
Zero Divergence
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.
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.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2020
155 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Aimee Nicole Walker
70 books1,989 followersI'm a wife and mother of three teenage kids. I've been married to the same wonderful man for twenty years. I've decided that if I can survive raising three kids then I can survive anything!! I haven't uttered the Mama's curse yet, but it could happen any day now. You know the one..."I hope you have a child just like you someday."
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
I'm an avid reader and lover of all things romance. I've spent my entire adult life waiting to follow my dreams of becoming a writer. One day this past summer, I decided to just do it. No more wishing and hoping. I haven't quit my day job, but that is my ultimate goal...make a living telling stories of love.
I write contemporary gay fiction. I hope you will love reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
March 22, 2020
I am a big fan of the whole "two alpha men loving on each other" and this series has drawn my attention right from the start. I di have to say that it was a bit of a wobbly start with the slow burn insta-love vibe I got ...but it turned out great ...at least for me ;)
Sawyer and Royce are head over heels in love while also enjoying being partners on the job. They have been through plenty in a very short amount of time and I do feel that they deserve their happy ever after. But there is still some unfinished business lurking and so they will have to buckle up...
I love the combination of romance and suspense in this series and this final book definitely brought me to the edge of my seat.
I really enjoyed seeing Locke and Key getting closer and closer, but I also loved all the awesome secondary characters. I can't wait for the promised spin-off. Which of course will also give us some insight into how these two are doing ;)
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
October 16, 2024
I would have liked more romance in the third book.
This one is very plot-driven, which is good, but the relationship falls a bit by the wayside.
Some boyfriends bring home flowers and wine. Not my guy. He brings home murder files. 🤭
I think a little more alone time between Royce and Saywer would have given it a better balance.
Well, nonetheless, things are moving in the right direction and as there are more books featuring these two, hopefully there will be more romance to come.
Oooo, and it would be so great if they didn't get hurt in every book ... just a little wish.
“Everything does change when you meet the person meant for you,” Royce said. “I crave things I never realized I wanted before, and I find myself suddenly impatient to have them. Blanket forts and glitter slime were things I had planned to experience only as a favorite, honorary uncle, but never as a father, until I met you, and now I can’t wait. Someday, I’m going to make you mine in every possible way, and we’re going to raise some hellions.” 🥰
This one is very plot-driven, which is good, but the relationship falls a bit by the wayside.
Some boyfriends bring home flowers and wine. Not my guy. He brings home murder files. 🤭
I think a little more alone time between Royce and Saywer would have given it a better balance.
Well, nonetheless, things are moving in the right direction and as there are more books featuring these two, hopefully there will be more romance to come.
Oooo, and it would be so great if they didn't get hurt in every book ... just a little wish.
“Everything does change when you meet the person meant for you,” Royce said. “I crave things I never realized I wanted before, and I find myself suddenly impatient to have them. Blanket forts and glitter slime were things I had planned to experience only as a favorite, honorary uncle, but never as a father, until I met you, and now I can’t wait. Someday, I’m going to make you mine in every possible way, and we’re going to raise some hellions.” 🥰
November 10, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the final book in the Zero Hour trilogy. The growth of Locke and Key’s relationship was enjoyable to read as well as their own growth individually. Royce had to come to terms with his former partner as Sawyer worked on his own past.
The mystery part of the story had me intrigued as well. The author did a good job of throwing curve balls within the story that had me second guessing. The side characters were also fun and we get a peak of the characters in the spin off Sinister in Savannah.
This cannot be read as a standalone.
The mystery part of the story had me intrigued as well. The author did a good job of throwing curve balls within the story that had me second guessing. The side characters were also fun and we get a peak of the characters in the spin off Sinister in Savannah.
This cannot be read as a standalone.
April 9, 2020
Third and "supposedly" the last part of the “Zero Hour” trilogy.
I previously enjoyed following the tribulations of Royce and Sawyer, two opposite-in-characters policemen, appointed work partners and entering into a loving relationship while solving crimes. Sadly, this last part didn’t do it for me.
Granted, they are still very hot, sexy, and the banter between them and with the others characters is still there aplenty. The whole cast of cast of secondary characters is also there, and quite complementary.
However, I assumed, because it's the last part of this trilogy, that I would witness Royce and Sawyer's path to an HEA and get closure about what happened to Royce’s partner and best friend, Marcus. But…no.
I was not interested by their cooking, their living habits, nor their police interviews. After a while, their banter, that I liked a lot in the first two books, became tedious for me.
At the end of the trilogy, relationships wise, nothing really happened, their last time together is making plan for the evening while on the parking lot of a grocery store. It seems that there will be some BIG moments in another book or in a spin-off. Plot-wise, the investigation around a serial rapist didn’t hold my interest but for a few moments toward the end, but everything was wrapped up in a few paragraphs.
So, no specific complaints, it’s just that this last part of this trilogy didn’t make me escape.
ARC of “Zero Divergence” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I previously enjoyed following the tribulations of Royce and Sawyer, two opposite-in-characters policemen, appointed work partners and entering into a loving relationship while solving crimes. Sadly, this last part didn’t do it for me.
Granted, they are still very hot, sexy, and the banter between them and with the others characters is still there aplenty. The whole cast of cast of secondary characters is also there, and quite complementary.
However, I assumed, because it's the last part of this trilogy, that I would witness Royce and Sawyer's path to an HEA and get closure about what happened to Royce’s partner and best friend, Marcus. But…no.
I was not interested by their cooking, their living habits, nor their police interviews. After a while, their banter, that I liked a lot in the first two books, became tedious for me.
At the end of the trilogy, relationships wise, nothing really happened, their last time together is making plan for the evening while on the parking lot of a grocery store. It seems that there will be some BIG moments in another book or in a spin-off. Plot-wise, the investigation around a serial rapist didn’t hold my interest but for a few moments toward the end, but everything was wrapped up in a few paragraphs.
So, no specific complaints, it’s just that this last part of this trilogy didn’t make me escape.
ARC of “Zero Divergence” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2020
5 ‘’The Grand Adventures of Dickhead and Asshole’’ stars
’’Everything does change when you meet the person meant for you,” Royce said. “I crave things I never realized I wanted before, and I find myself suddenly impatient to have them. Blanket forts and glitter slime were things I had planned to experience only as a favorite, honorary uncle, but never as a father, until I met you, and now I can’t wait. Someday, I’m going to make you mine in every possible way, and we’re going to raise some hellions.”
I don’t have much to say except gloat about how fucking much I adore Sawyer and Royce. Holy shit. These two have become two of my favourite book characters of all time. Like always, I adore Sawyer’s tenderness and calm compared to Royce’s recklessness, they make the perfect foil for each other. They’re so perfect for each other, both as partners during their detective work and as life partners.
The murder case we were following in this one was really damn interesting and I really enjoyed all that went on with that. The previous two books in this series were really fast passed and fascinating to read and it was the case here too. But this one was the most interesting one to me. It just had something about it that pulled me in and didn’t want to let me go.
But lets be honest, as much as I enjoyed following the case, what I loved the most, as always, was the relationship between Sawyer and Royce. I fucking adore how much these two communicate, they always talk about their problems and not once do they not communicate about their issues. Every time an issue arrived, they stayed calm and talked to the other about it and I loved that so so much. And I adored how they had no secrets, they shared everything with the other and it was so damn nice to see. Them already being in a very established and commited relationship could have been the perfect moment for them to start not communicating, but thankfully that didn’t happen. They communicated perfectly about everything and were as much in love as always, which was so fucking nice to see. I loved reading about them doing their job and about them being madly in love with each other. I had such a good time while reading this book. I kept swooning because Locke and Key are just the best together.
A couple of things I adored that deserve a special mention are jealous Royce, god that was so great, the way these two tease each other, I have always loved how their pet names for each are Asshole and Dickhead and I loved how comfortable they are with each other. These two didn’t hide anything from the other and I just adore their communication so so much.
A couple examples of how swoony these two are:
Exhibit A:
“In case you haven’t figured it out yet, you’re my prize. I fucking love you.”
Exhibit B:
. . . but Sawyer was his key to everything he’d ever wanted, plus the things he’d never allowed himself to wish for when he blew out birthday candles as a kid. Sawyer was his everything.
Exhibit C:
“Of course, I believe you,” Royce said, reaching over to cup the back of Sawyer’s neck. “I’m the second half of this whole, so I know damn well what we have is precious and rare.”
I don’t have anything else to say, this series is fucking brillant and Royce Locke and Sawyer Key are two of my favourite book characters ever, I love them so damn much. But mostly, I just love them together, they’re so fucking perfect for each other.
’’Everything does change when you meet the person meant for you,” Royce said. “I crave things I never realized I wanted before, and I find myself suddenly impatient to have them. Blanket forts and glitter slime were things I had planned to experience only as a favorite, honorary uncle, but never as a father, until I met you, and now I can’t wait. Someday, I’m going to make you mine in every possible way, and we’re going to raise some hellions.”
I don’t have much to say except gloat about how fucking much I adore Sawyer and Royce. Holy shit. These two have become two of my favourite book characters of all time. Like always, I adore Sawyer’s tenderness and calm compared to Royce’s recklessness, they make the perfect foil for each other. They’re so perfect for each other, both as partners during their detective work and as life partners.
The murder case we were following in this one was really damn interesting and I really enjoyed all that went on with that. The previous two books in this series were really fast passed and fascinating to read and it was the case here too. But this one was the most interesting one to me. It just had something about it that pulled me in and didn’t want to let me go.
But lets be honest, as much as I enjoyed following the case, what I loved the most, as always, was the relationship between Sawyer and Royce. I fucking adore how much these two communicate, they always talk about their problems and not once do they not communicate about their issues. Every time an issue arrived, they stayed calm and talked to the other about it and I loved that so so much. And I adored how they had no secrets, they shared everything with the other and it was so damn nice to see. Them already being in a very established and commited relationship could have been the perfect moment for them to start not communicating, but thankfully that didn’t happen. They communicated perfectly about everything and were as much in love as always, which was so fucking nice to see. I loved reading about them doing their job and about them being madly in love with each other. I had such a good time while reading this book. I kept swooning because Locke and Key are just the best together.
A couple of things I adored that deserve a special mention are jealous Royce, god that was so great, the way these two tease each other, I have always loved how their pet names for each are Asshole and Dickhead and I loved how comfortable they are with each other. These two didn’t hide anything from the other and I just adore their communication so so much.
A couple examples of how swoony these two are:
Exhibit A:
“In case you haven’t figured it out yet, you’re my prize. I fucking love you.”
Exhibit B:
. . . but Sawyer was his key to everything he’d ever wanted, plus the things he’d never allowed himself to wish for when he blew out birthday candles as a kid. Sawyer was his everything.
Exhibit C:
“Of course, I believe you,” Royce said, reaching over to cup the back of Sawyer’s neck. “I’m the second half of this whole, so I know damn well what we have is precious and rare.”
I don’t have anything else to say, this series is fucking brillant and Royce Locke and Sawyer Key are two of my favourite book characters ever, I love them so damn much. But mostly, I just love them together, they’re so fucking perfect for each other.
July 27, 2021
[3.8] and this concludes the adventures of Dickhead and Asshole! (how's that for an endearing pet name lmao) i found the mystery to be lacking that extra punch i was hoping for, but this lovely pair made up for it with their banter and connection--i especially love how their mutual respect for each other shines throughout the story!
the ending was rather abrupt and i'm sad we're missing an epilogue to wrap everything up in a nice, pretty bow, but could this perhaps hint at more locke and key content?? 👀
the ending was rather abrupt and i'm sad we're missing an epilogue to wrap everything up in a nice, pretty bow, but could this perhaps hint at more locke and key content?? 👀
April 12, 2023
Loved this - another great book in this series. I think the crime/mystery in this one was my favorite out of all three. Loved the operation venus fly trap and all of their meetings.
If I hadn't known there is another spin off series about Sawyer & Royce I probably would have been disappointed in the ending/lack of epilogue - but since we get another series with them I enjoyed the ending as it was.
I switched back & forth and read about 75% on ebook & about 25% as an audiobook and I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator. For the most part he was fine, but he tried to give every single character their own distinct voice and some of them were just way too much and too over the top. It took me out of the book a bit because I would find myself laughing at the weird voices the narrator was doing instead of listening to the book. Other than that I found the audiobook fine.
If I hadn't known there is another spin off series about Sawyer & Royce I probably would have been disappointed in the ending/lack of epilogue - but since we get another series with them I enjoyed the ending as it was.
I switched back & forth and read about 75% on ebook & about 25% as an audiobook and I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator. For the most part he was fine, but he tried to give every single character their own distinct voice and some of them were just way too much and too over the top. It took me out of the book a bit because I would find myself laughing at the weird voices the narrator was doing instead of listening to the book. Other than that I found the audiobook fine.
February 9, 2021
This third and last installment in the Zero Hour series was by far the best one. I'm so happy I gave this series another shot after not being sold on the first book because they kept on getting better and better.
This book ties everything together in the best possible way and finally gives the reader some information on the things going on in the previous books.
I won't say much more than that, afraid I'll spoil things I don't want to spoil. Just read this series and then the spin-off, Sinister in Savannah starting with Ride the Lightning. They are too good to miss out on.
This book ties everything together in the best possible way and finally gives the reader some information on the things going on in the previous books.
I won't say much more than that, afraid I'll spoil things I don't want to spoil. Just read this series and then the spin-off, Sinister in Savannah starting with Ride the Lightning. They are too good to miss out on.
March 17, 2020
An excellent conclusion to this wonderful series from Aimee.
Romantic suspense, cop/law enforcement/ex-military types are among my absolute favourite genre of book to read and this series has been on fire.
Each stands alone but with a nebulous connection running through them surrounding the suicide of Royce's former partner.
I loved how not all the loise ends were neatly wrapped up, there's still room to manoeuvre and I was very happy to hear there will be future appearances from Locke and Key in the spinoff series.
This one had exceptional pacing, building up the tension as the noose tightened around the prime suspect who the reader already knows is guilty.
I didn't see the plot twist coming and it was very well played. I also never found events to be too coincidental or convenient for the plot journey, they were linked into believable scenarios.
I absolutely adore Sawyer and Royce, I can't say which is my favourite but they work so beautifully together, not only as work partners but as romantic ones.
Their chemistry is off the charts, but their friendship and support of each other, after a shaky start, is what makes this narrative sing.
Aimee's best books yet imho.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Romantic suspense, cop/law enforcement/ex-military types are among my absolute favourite genre of book to read and this series has been on fire.
Each stands alone but with a nebulous connection running through them surrounding the suicide of Royce's former partner.
I loved how not all the loise ends were neatly wrapped up, there's still room to manoeuvre and I was very happy to hear there will be future appearances from Locke and Key in the spinoff series.
This one had exceptional pacing, building up the tension as the noose tightened around the prime suspect who the reader already knows is guilty.
I didn't see the plot twist coming and it was very well played. I also never found events to be too coincidental or convenient for the plot journey, they were linked into believable scenarios.
I absolutely adore Sawyer and Royce, I can't say which is my favourite but they work so beautifully together, not only as work partners but as romantic ones.
Their chemistry is off the charts, but their friendship and support of each other, after a shaky start, is what makes this narrative sing.
Aimee's best books yet imho.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
January 29, 2022
Wow - what a finale ! This was clever and well put together- a conclusion that really sucked me in from beginning to end. I adore Locke & Key, their sass, snark and total devotion to each other. Hope to see them in future cameos ❤️ really enjoyed this !
March 26, 2020
4.5 Stars!! 🤩 Perfect ending to a wonderful series!! Loved it!!😍
March 8, 2024
3.5 Stars ⭐️
A SUPER strong finish to the trilogy!
“Crazy” drives the bus here
Murders
Affairs
Kidnappings
VIP lounges
And chicken wings
It was a fun ride
Lots of sexy time action
Lots of detective time action
Lots of side characters popping in
I read this series after reading the spin-off
(The spin-offs are much stronger IMHO)
And enjoyed finally meeting all the characters that I came to know and love.
The sex to plot ratio was better than in the second book in the series, but I still prefers a bit less sex when I’m deep in “plot-land.” This installment could have done with a little less since I felt it interrupted the action sometimes.
My rec? It’s not without its faults, but I enjoyed this couple very much.
A SUPER strong finish to the trilogy!
“Crazy” drives the bus here
Murders
Affairs
Kidnappings
VIP lounges
And chicken wings
It was a fun ride
Lots of sexy time action
Lots of detective time action
Lots of side characters popping in
I read this series after reading the spin-off
(The spin-offs are much stronger IMHO)
And enjoyed finally meeting all the characters that I came to know and love.
The sex to plot ratio was better than in the second book in the series, but I still prefers a bit less sex when I’m deep in “plot-land.” This installment could have done with a little less since I felt it interrupted the action sometimes.
My rec? It’s not without its faults, but I enjoyed this couple very much.
November 4, 2022
This is by far my absolute favourite 😃
RTC
RTC
March 20, 2020
Fantastic finale for Royce and Sawyer's story! Told from both men's POV it was fast paced, suspenseful, s*exy and so much fun. With Sawyer on the mend after the events of the previous book and Royce's promotion in effect both men face life challenges and help each other through tough times. There was enough angst for both of them to make me root for them so hard.
I enjoyed the case and the cat and mouse game Royce and Sawyer had to play with the known killer to catch them in the act. New and old side characters brought in made for entertaining read since they added a bit of sarcastic humor and showed different sides of both Royce and Sawyer.
The book wrapped up all loose ends and left no stone unturned when it came to the future both Royce and Sawyer planned and deserved as well as their future on the police force. It was everything I expected. Ms Walker delivered a wonderful story of love and suspense.
I enjoyed the case and the cat and mouse game Royce and Sawyer had to play with the known killer to catch them in the act. New and old side characters brought in made for entertaining read since they added a bit of sarcastic humor and showed different sides of both Royce and Sawyer.
The book wrapped up all loose ends and left no stone unturned when it came to the future both Royce and Sawyer planned and deserved as well as their future on the police force. It was everything I expected. Ms Walker delivered a wonderful story of love and suspense.
August 17, 2025
Best book from the trilogy that is the Story of Dickhead and Asshole (their words, not mine 🤷♀️)
Often enough, you have a new series start off with a bang, with a REALLY good book, and have books that follow copy the recipe that was successful. That’s not the case here - I wasn’t a huge fan of book 1, especially the crime cases were… random. Not overly memorable. And the relationship between Sawyer Key aka “golden boy” and Royce Locke, the angry, closeted cop who lost his best friend (and first unrequited love) to suicide - it felt rushed, and not fleshed out very well.
While books 2 and 3 aren’t 5 stars reads, they were highly enjoyable and kept me on my toes mystery-wise. Sawyer and Royce are an established, fully committed couple without any relationship drama, and I loved how this final book left them in a good place (ready for the follow-up series).
One thing I loved about them: Sawyer’s obsession with mm audiobooks 😬 I feel you, buddy…
Back to this book: it picks up right where the previous one stopped - Sawyer is released from hospital, still struggling with the aftermath of the severe burns he suffered. And itching to get back to work - a wish Royce fulfills by making him read everything they’ve got about a case of serial rape/murder, where the culprit is about to walk away because one of the main pieces of evidence went missing.
The case was solid, and it made me happy to see the bad guy getting what he deserved.
What I struggled with again: there are SO MANY side characters that don’t really add to the story, and who just pop in, sometimes even making you curious enough about their background - only to pop out without a trace afterwards. Like the genius hacker kid from book 2, who’s mentioned here again for doing some digging, only to never make an appearance. Or the blond “twinky guy” who hooked up with Jonah, who has an interesting back story - only to disappear again. Or Sawyer’s siblings and their offspring. Levi and Diego. The new chief and his maybe-love interest. Jonah and Rocky the PI. Or even Sawyers PTSD after the fire incident.
Why introduce so many potential subplots, only to let them fizzle out?
All in all, I liked it well enough though. The audiobook is ok, too, even though I switched to reading now and then when I felt like skimming.
4 stars - I’ll probably return and pick up books from this author again 🥰
Sawyer’s lips curved into a slow smile. “You’re such a dickhead.”
Royce’s playful wink said, “True, but I’m your dickhead.”
Often enough, you have a new series start off with a bang, with a REALLY good book, and have books that follow copy the recipe that was successful. That’s not the case here - I wasn’t a huge fan of book 1, especially the crime cases were… random. Not overly memorable. And the relationship between Sawyer Key aka “golden boy” and Royce Locke, the angry, closeted cop who lost his best friend (and first unrequited love) to suicide - it felt rushed, and not fleshed out very well.
While books 2 and 3 aren’t 5 stars reads, they were highly enjoyable and kept me on my toes mystery-wise. Sawyer and Royce are an established, fully committed couple without any relationship drama, and I loved how this final book left them in a good place (ready for the follow-up series).
One thing I loved about them: Sawyer’s obsession with mm audiobooks 😬 I feel you, buddy…
Back to this book: it picks up right where the previous one stopped - Sawyer is released from hospital, still struggling with the aftermath of the severe burns he suffered. And itching to get back to work - a wish Royce fulfills by making him read everything they’ve got about a case of serial rape/murder, where the culprit is about to walk away because one of the main pieces of evidence went missing.
The case was solid, and it made me happy to see the bad guy getting what he deserved.
What I struggled with again: there are SO MANY side characters that don’t really add to the story, and who just pop in, sometimes even making you curious enough about their background - only to pop out without a trace afterwards. Like the genius hacker kid from book 2, who’s mentioned here again for doing some digging, only to never make an appearance. Or the blond “twinky guy” who hooked up with Jonah, who has an interesting back story - only to disappear again. Or Sawyer’s siblings and their offspring. Levi and Diego. The new chief and his maybe-love interest. Jonah and Rocky the PI. Or even Sawyers PTSD after the fire incident.
Why introduce so many potential subplots, only to let them fizzle out?
All in all, I liked it well enough though. The audiobook is ok, too, even though I switched to reading now and then when I felt like skimming.
4 stars - I’ll probably return and pick up books from this author again 🥰
Sawyer’s lips curved into a slow smile. “You’re such a dickhead.”
Royce’s playful wink said, “True, but I’m your dickhead.”
April 13, 2023
Really enjoyed this third book in the series. The mystery would probably be my favourite of them all, I enjoyed the pacing and felt invested the whole time. Loved how the whole gang got together in this one. I like how the the mcs are romantic but not overly sappy and the little scatterings of humour are funny and not too OTT. Very happy to know there is a whole spin off series with the side characters and then another series with these main guys to look forward to.
December 24, 2021
Not a review, but I just saw on Kindle that there's a whole new
trilogy
featuring these two coming next year 🥲 colour me excited!!
August 15, 2025
"Us against the world. Royce slid his fingers between Sawyer’s and stood up. Using their joined hands to pull him closer, Royce placed a kiss on Sawyer’s lips. “Me and you, GB.” Sawyer nodded. “You and me, Ro.”
3.75⭐
Zero Divergence is the third and final book in the Zero Hour Trilogy as we follow Key and Loce as they investigate a serial rapist called the Savannah Strangler. Now, if I am being totally transparent, I forget all the gory details of this book. I remember the outline, but it’s been a week or two since I read it and never got around to writing my review. I always put them off, and then I forget everything I read. But I am just going by my feelings — my gut feelings I had about the book that still sit with me.
Just like the other books in this series, and the entire group of books that highlight/star Locke and Key, I feel like the mystery and crime are fun — nothing too out of the ordinary or over the top — but keep you entertained, and that’s all I can ask for.
The reason these books never leave the 3.75-star rating and can’t hit the 4 stars is because, even though they are in an intense, loving relationship, it’s so sex-forward it takes away from any type of romantic moments between the two. I feel like they can’t go 10 seconds without wanting to swallow each other’s dick, and the book lets us know. I mean, I get being sexually attracted to your partner — that’s a given — but the constant tiniest thing making the book have to bring up how much they want to rut like dogs in heat is a little overly done in my personal opinion.
I get it — and they fuck a lot. And girl, I love smut as much as the next person, but I feel like the smut in these books is just badly timed. Unlike other books where people just randomly start fucking, something is just a little off for me, and it just has me rolling my eyes at it, which is disappointing because I enjoy them as characters and the books.
I don’t know what it is about the sex in these books that annoys me so much, but whatever — still a series I enjoy and would recommend, even if I can’t fully give it a 4 star.
3.75⭐
Zero Divergence is the third and final book in the Zero Hour Trilogy as we follow Key and Loce as they investigate a serial rapist called the Savannah Strangler. Now, if I am being totally transparent, I forget all the gory details of this book. I remember the outline, but it’s been a week or two since I read it and never got around to writing my review. I always put them off, and then I forget everything I read. But I am just going by my feelings — my gut feelings I had about the book that still sit with me.
Just like the other books in this series, and the entire group of books that highlight/star Locke and Key, I feel like the mystery and crime are fun — nothing too out of the ordinary or over the top — but keep you entertained, and that’s all I can ask for.
The reason these books never leave the 3.75-star rating and can’t hit the 4 stars is because, even though they are in an intense, loving relationship, it’s so sex-forward it takes away from any type of romantic moments between the two. I feel like they can’t go 10 seconds without wanting to swallow each other’s dick, and the book lets us know. I mean, I get being sexually attracted to your partner — that’s a given — but the constant tiniest thing making the book have to bring up how much they want to rut like dogs in heat is a little overly done in my personal opinion.
I get it — and they fuck a lot. And girl, I love smut as much as the next person, but I feel like the smut in these books is just badly timed. Unlike other books where people just randomly start fucking, something is just a little off for me, and it just has me rolling my eyes at it, which is disappointing because I enjoy them as characters and the books.
I don’t know what it is about the sex in these books that annoys me so much, but whatever — still a series I enjoy and would recommend, even if I can’t fully give it a 4 star.
August 11, 2020
Audiobook reviewThe previous book ended with a bang and waiting for the conclusion to the series hasn’t been easy and I was so happy when this book was available.
Sawyer has been recovering from the fire – and going a bit stir crazy, but Royce does his best to distract him. For the most part the two are solid, but naturally the recent brush with death has both of the spooked and subsequently dance around each other for a bit. I didn’t mind it, it fit with them and the timeline. They haven’t been together for too long and an event like this does change things. But if it’s one thing that’s almost a guarantee in mm romance, it’s a happy ending, or at least happily for now, so we rarely worry that a couple will make it in the end. Then again, it isn’t the ending that’s most important, it’s the journey to get there, and I’ve really liked theirs.
Their relationship and private lives takes a back seat for the investigation and mystery. Back at the office things are as tense as they’ve ever been. They know they have a mole somewhere in their ranks, they just don’t know who. Added to it, Humphreys, a vicious serial killer is about to get released from jail because vital evidence against him have gone missing. And to make matters worse, Humphreys taunt our two detectives to the point where they are officially taken off the case. I loved the chase, tracing clues and trying to find answers - and preferably a way to throw Humphrey back in jail – for good. It was a fun and intense ride.
Tristan James is a very good and talented narrator. I always enjoy listening to his soothing voice. It’s comforting in a way. He always makes it easy to follow dialogues as he differentiates between characters. However, just like always when picking up one of his books it’s good to keep in mind that James is a reader rather than a performer. A very good and very talented reader – which is why I keep coming back to his books, again and again.
This was a good conclusion to the series, but it’s not goodbye for good to these guys. They do make an appearance or two in the spin off series Sinister in Savannah and the audio for the first book is only a few months away.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
September 15, 2020
I again had a great time with Locke and Key! :) They made me laugh but I was also close to tears a time or two.....
This book picks up shortly after book two. There's a serial killer to finally catch but they have to solve this one on the down low. Therefore they secretly create team "Operation Venus Flytrap" with interesting secondary characters ("Fleabag" Felix Franklin, Jonah St. John, Rocky Jacobs, Jace & Holls....).
Also Royce gets some answers regarding Marcus which is an important piece for him to get his peace of mind.
I loved how they called each other Dickhead and Asshole in such an affectionate loving way!! :)
Looking forward now to reading Ride the Lightning, the first book of the spin-off series. :)
4.5 stars
This book picks up shortly after book two. There's a serial killer to finally catch but they have to solve this one on the down low. Therefore they secretly create team "Operation Venus Flytrap" with interesting secondary characters ("Fleabag" Felix Franklin, Jonah St. John, Rocky Jacobs, Jace & Holls....).
Also Royce gets some answers regarding Marcus which is an important piece for him to get his peace of mind.
I loved how they called each other Dickhead and Asshole in such an affectionate loving way!! :)
Looking forward now to reading Ride the Lightning, the first book of the spin-off series. :)
4.5 stars
April 23, 2020
this was a great next book in this series. I loved it way more than the first one and more than the second book.
the relationship is great developed and I liked the suspense part
would love to read another one in this series
the relationship is great developed and I liked the suspense part
would love to read another one in this series
April 4, 2020
4 stars.
Really enjoyed this! Looking forward to more books if there will be any.
Really enjoyed this! Looking forward to more books if there will be any.
May 29, 2021
Perfect finale for Asshole and Dickhead!!
Hope to see them in the spin off series which is "Sinister in Savannah" starring Jonah, Felix and Rocky!
Hope to see them in the spin off series which is "Sinister in Savannah" starring Jonah, Felix and Rocky!
May 3, 2025
Re-read May 2, 2025
Original Review November 14, 2022
4.5 stars
Sawyer and Royce sure have been through a lot together, but their love just keeps growing stronger and stronger. They're great partners both on the job and at home. They don't hide their feelings from each other and I love all the sexy times they share.
I really liked the secondary characters that were assembled to help with the investigation. I'm excited to learn that three of them are getting their own stories.
Original Review November 14, 2022
4.5 stars
Sawyer and Royce sure have been through a lot together, but their love just keeps growing stronger and stronger. They're great partners both on the job and at home. They don't hide their feelings from each other and I love all the sexy times they share.
I really liked the secondary characters that were assembled to help with the investigation. I'm excited to learn that three of them are getting their own stories.
April 22, 2020
4.5 stars!
September 23, 2020
4 stars.
October 15, 2023
Welp, I demand more.
February 25, 2022
I made the mistake of reading Bad at Love before this series, so I had been waiting with bated breath for Kendall Blakemore to show up and show up he did! Now I want to go back and reread his book to put all of the pieces together and see Sawyer and Royce in a new context, but my TBR list says no-can-do right now.
Reading this series took me back to the good old Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood books days. I picked them up for the romance and sexy times but got hooked on the mystery, and that's exactly what happened to me with all three books in this series. I loved that Sawyer and Royce were the focus of the entire trilogy. Seeing their relationship bloom made me so happy. They were so supportive of and open with one another that I knew they would never let anything come between them. I also appreciated that each character had insecurities but acknowledged them as their problem to overcome, not the other person's. As immature as Royce could be, he took his life with Sawyer very seriously and knew when to turn the sarcasm off and get real. And Sawyer could read his man like a book. These two men had to get through a lot to find each other and I can't wait to read their new series to see how their HEA plays out.
The mystery in this book was interesting and fun. This author is good at constructing a crime and solving it. I did think the romance took a backseat to the police work at times, and found that to be true in all three books, but it worked for me. If anything it prevented the necessity of using worn out plot devices and tropes because the tension came from outside sources and worked to strengthen their relationship rather than tear it apart. I also loved all of the side characters and am looking forward to reading some of their stories in the Sinister in Savannah series.
I might eventually go back and review the first two books, but for now I'll just say that each book was better than the one before. In the first book I felt a little bit of whiplash from how quickly things changed between Sawyer and Royce, but books two and three more than made up for it for me. I needed a reprieve after a heavy read but wasn't in the mood for fluff and this series ended up being exactly what I was looking for.
Reading this series took me back to the good old Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood books days. I picked them up for the romance and sexy times but got hooked on the mystery, and that's exactly what happened to me with all three books in this series. I loved that Sawyer and Royce were the focus of the entire trilogy. Seeing their relationship bloom made me so happy. They were so supportive of and open with one another that I knew they would never let anything come between them. I also appreciated that each character had insecurities but acknowledged them as their problem to overcome, not the other person's. As immature as Royce could be, he took his life with Sawyer very seriously and knew when to turn the sarcasm off and get real. And Sawyer could read his man like a book. These two men had to get through a lot to find each other and I can't wait to read their new series to see how their HEA plays out.
The mystery in this book was interesting and fun. This author is good at constructing a crime and solving it. I did think the romance took a backseat to the police work at times, and found that to be true in all three books, but it worked for me. If anything it prevented the necessity of using worn out plot devices and tropes because the tension came from outside sources and worked to strengthen their relationship rather than tear it apart. I also loved all of the side characters and am looking forward to reading some of their stories in the Sinister in Savannah series.
I might eventually go back and review the first two books, but for now I'll just say that each book was better than the one before. In the first book I felt a little bit of whiplash from how quickly things changed between Sawyer and Royce, but books two and three more than made up for it for me. I needed a reprieve after a heavy read but wasn't in the mood for fluff and this series ended up being exactly what I was looking for.
October 31, 2022
This was the last in this series of Detectives Locke and Key, assigned to work together after Locke is transferred from another unit. He has lost his husband and immediately falls for his partner (who doesn't appear to be gay). Actually he is bi but not out as we discover in the previous two books.
This was by far the best of the three and this author's writing has come along way since this was published (I've read a number of subsequent, related books so this was going back to get some background I wanted).
These two were hot together. There's probably not anything particularly startling about this series but it was an enjoyable romp if you like MM, cops and a bit of action thrown in. Just don't hold your breath for cutesy pet names.
This was by far the best of the three and this author's writing has come along way since this was published (I've read a number of subsequent, related books so this was going back to get some background I wanted).
These two were hot together. There's probably not anything particularly startling about this series but it was an enjoyable romp if you like MM, cops and a bit of action thrown in. Just don't hold your breath for cutesy pet names.
February 13, 2023
The final book in the trilogy has Sawyer recovering from his injuries from the fire, while Royce is struggling with the release of serial rapist and killer, Franco Humphries, because a key piece of evidence goes missing.
The investigation into the missing evidence has them on edge. Is there mole among them?
With Humphries filing a harassment suit against the police department, Locke & Key are taken off the case, officially but, unofficially, they keep working it.
Slowly they peel away the clues and are able to apprehend their suspect, but not without Royce involuntary being in a dangerous situation.
This was a fantastic ending to a great series.
I was glad Candi's financial struggles ended, and Royce coming to terms with Marcus's infidelity and suicide.
Sawyer too had to say goodbye to Vic and accept that he could enjoy the same things he and Vic had experienced "you’re going to share these majestic sunsets with another man someday. I hope he’ll know how lucky he is."
Buddy read with the gals from Turning Pages At Midnight
Part of the Zero Hour Series and must be read in order:
Locke & Key are continuing in
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