Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Marriage is Murder

SERIES:  Sawyer and Royce: Matrimony and Mayhem

AUTHOR:  Aimee Nicole Walker

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:   318 pages

RELEASE DATE:  April 19, 2022

BLURB:

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 couldn’t 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 weren’t enough, a random encounter with a stranger will trigger a series of events that could either make or break the couple.

Love—often 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 Sawyer’s happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their lives—professionally 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+

REVIEW:

NOTE:  This is the second book of the second trilogy, but it won’t make a lot of sense if you haven’t read the Zero Hour trilogy and the first book of this trilogy.

Locke and Key are trying to figure out their wedding plan.  Watching Royce’s brother Jace (who has turned into a bit of a groomzilla) fire multiple wedding planners has them wary.  They want something smallish and intimate.  Luckily Evangeline has volunteered for the task 😉  But right as they are making their way through some possibilities, of course Royce gets called out on a homicide – of all things – of a wedding planner.  From there things get really interesting 🙂

Tara, Royce’s new partner is a good fit for him.  In the last book, she has taken a shine to Candy, Royce’s former partner’s widow.  Things seem to be going full speed ahead there – and Royce can’t decide if he’s happy or jealous – because those kids are his dammit 😉  This murder has more twists and turns than Space Mountain and they are definitely kept on their toes.  Just when they think they have a motive and the right guy in custody, it seems there are some other unexpected surprises and they have to catch perhaps more than one killer!

In the meantime, Sawyer is working on his cold cases. He’s enjoying doing the missing persons podcast and the results have been mixed.  Either way, getting closure for the families is what he’s ultimately trying to do.  When he gets caught up in a series of robberies though and is pretty sure he knows who one of the crew is, things get a little bit scary. For him and for Royce.  And he also gains a new and unexpected friend that he feels very protective over.  He’s still getting pressure to run for sheriff and this causes some stress for him and for Royce.  When he needs to call his mother to the rescue, he understands what his priorities are and his decision becomes clear.

When the big day arrives for Jace and Holly, Royce and Sawyer get to relax and enjoy the day.  Things with Royce’s family have calmed down a bit and it seems like maybe all is not lost there.   Royce feels like maybe he’s going escape the Locke curse and get his happily ever after 😀

I absolutely love this couple.  Every book I am more enamored of them, their relationship and the way they move through their world.  The murder mystery in this one was soooooo good.  I really thought the plot might thicken even more.  One of the really nice things about this series is that the author revisits side characters who have appeared in previous books in an organic way so that the read gets to catch up with them and see them thrive.  Another enjoyable aspect of this particular book was the take down of a long time nemesis that I hope either learns a lesson once and for all or at least has the good sense to stay away from these guys in the future.  Although there is danger aplenty, it was balanced with tender moments and a healthy dose of humor too.  Royce get some resolution and some forward progress with his own family which puts him in a better frame of mind on his relationship with Sawyer.  Once again Sawyer’s family – and particularly his mother – are heroes in their own way.  And I cannot wait to see what happens next with this wedding 😀  With Evangeline as the planner, it’s gotta be good 😉  We continue to see what a sensitive and good man Sawyer is as he helps so many people.  His ability to forgive and to open his heart is on full display here.  Not to be outdone, Royce has done his best as well to help those who need it and it’s finally paying some dividends – particularly with this family.  In case you missed it, I highly recommend this book.  And this series.  I’m a huge fan of this author and this series is just one more reason way.

RATING: 

BUY LINK:

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