5⭐️ Great, action-packed, fast-paced crime drama about two hot detectives. The romance is slow-burn but very intriguing, sweet, and exciting with some good jealousy and banter thrown in. Halfway in, I was thinking this would be 4 stars but the second half was so much better.
I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

This was awesome, but it took a while to come to this realization.
I had my problems with the first half of this book. I liked Sawyer directly but had a hard time really understanding him, but then I did, otherwise I probably wouldn't have stuck with it.
I think the problem is that you only get to hear everything from his perspective. I don't necessarily need a dual POV narrative, but I really missed any insight into Royce Locke here. I really didn't understand what Sawyer saw in him other than the obvious physical attractiveness.
Also, as some reviews say, the alcohol and the distractions by other characters didn't necessarily help me see how these two were ever going to work.
But then, hellooooooo, my goodness, yes there is more to it.
The two cases that the two detectives work on are rather dull. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who comes here for the actual plot background.
It had a certain entertainment value, but mainly because the two of them have to get to grips with each other as new partners.
Anyway, in the end it turned out that I do like this book and am now quite hooked and really need to learn more.
However, there are so many weird names in here and I don't just mean those of the main characters ...
Also, funny for me, I just realized this was my first book by the author, no idea why I didn't had anything earlier....
I'm looking forward to the second book and then finally getting inside Royce's head.

Sawyer instinctively knew Royce Locke was the most wounded thing—man or beast—he’d encountered in his life. If he ventured too close, Locke’s teeth and claws would cut deeper than anything he’d ever experienced, scarring him, and his venom would poison his soul.

And by best male lead I mean Sawyer. He owns my heart. I want to protect him at all costs.

I still hate Locke. God, I hate his guts ugh. But I must admit his last declaration at the end somewhat makes him less bad in my eyes. But I still hate him so the jury's out.

I really enjoyed this!

Such a good story - 2 crimes and 1 beginning to a hot love story. Throw in a dash of humour, a good overarching plot (Locke's deceased partner) and one has the makings of be really good start to a new series.
On to the next book!

[2.5] (Okay but Royce Locke & Sawyer Key? HAH, I see what you did there, author

*4 Stars*
*MM-Romance, contemporary, slow-burn, police procedurals/detectives, mystery/criminal investigation, comfort/healing, Heat Low-Med, kindle unlimited *

Refreshing approach to the police procedural element, two cases! The main characters, Locke & Key I'm not sure if I find their last names corny but cute or completely cliche, anyhow there is a lot of dark, damaged and in need of some sexual healing. I mean comfort healing. It's a pretty solid start to a series. Interesting characters, great chemistry, entertaining mystery element, and a fluffy cat. I'm rooting for these two to smooth out their edges, solve crime and love each other forever and ever.