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Aimee Nicole Walker
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Ground Zero (Zero Hour Book One) Kindle Edition

by Aimee Nicole Walker (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 2,264 ratings
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 isn’t a stranger to heartache and recognizes that Royce Locke is a wounded man who’s 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 Sawyer’s always been a sucker for wounded things. Sawyer could be the key to the life Royce has always wanted, if he’s 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 Key’s 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.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    Zero Hour
  2. Print length
    317 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 22, 2019
  5. File size
    2.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aimee Nicole Walker is the author of the Road to Blissville series, the Fated Hearts series, and the Curl Up and Dye Mysteries.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07Y3QW6FQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chasing Rainbows Press LLC (September 22, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 22, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 317 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 2,264 ratings

About the author

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Aimee Nicole Walker

Aimee Nicole Walker

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Aimee Nicole Walker is an international bestselling author of Male/Male contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. Her stories guarantee hunks with big…hearts, lots of humor and heat, and the occasional homicide. Aimee is a lifelong dreamer, an avid reader, and an off-key singer. Only two of those traits help her craft captivating characters and charming communities where everyone is welcome. She uses the other quirk to entertain her pets during writing breaks. Love inspires everything she does, books keep her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,264 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be an amazing start to a new series with fantastic characters, particularly Sawyer Key, and appreciate the perfect amount of hot romance. Moreover, the writing quality is excellent, with one customer noting the outstanding banter and chemistry between Locke and Key. Additionally, they enjoy the storyline, with one review highlighting the slow build of interaction between the lead characters, while another appreciates how the secondary characters are integrated into the narrative.

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55 customers mention "Readability"55 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as amazing and wonderful, with one customer noting it's a must-read.

"...Another amazing book from the talented Ms Aimee!!" Read more

"...That being said, this was a fun fast read. Fans of enemies to lovers and bicurious men falling for men for the first time are sure to like this one...." Read more

"...and at times I would have liked to hear Roy’s voice, I still enjoyed the story...." Read more

"Wow, this was amazing!!!! I loved all the details in the storyline!!!..." Read more

38 customers mention "Character development"38 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the lead character Sawyer Key and how the secondary characters are integrated into the story. One customer notes the nice slow build of interaction between the lead characters, while another mentions the added gay romance between complex characters.

"...including back/side/supporting, are well thought out with full personalities that makes them very easy to connect with...." Read more

"...I also liked the secondary characters. Their coworkers and Sawyer’s mom made nice touches. What I didn’t love:..." Read more

"...Love these characters and all their layers. The witty repartee is funny, endearing, and totally sucked me into everyone’s dynamic." Read more

"...will become frequent listens and reads for me because the characters are so fantastic and I love seeing so many appear in their own stories...." Read more

32 customers mention "Storyline"29 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, finding it an entertaining and humorous tale that is relatable.

"...The world setting is believable and relatable, and again, is very easy to get lost in...." Read more

"...Love these characters and all their layers. The witty repartee is funny, endearing, and totally sucked me into everyone’s dynamic." Read more

"...beginnings of this fabulous love story, the moments that are cringe, funny, sad and heart melting, not to mention spicy...." Read more

"...What I did enjoy, which was a surprise, were the storylines with their job...." Read more

18 customers mention "Start to series"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book as an awesome beginning to a new series, with one customer noting they were hooked from chapter one.

"...Excellent start to the new series.....of course, with reading the first book, you immediately want the next one. And once again, we wait!!!! LOL" Read more

"...I love Locke’s fearlessness and Keys strength. This was a stupendous start to a new series. Thanks for sharing it Aimee, you did amazing girl!..." Read more

"...I like this because it’s another great series that I’m reading so it made the character more relatable on a realistic scale...." Read more

"...This is going to be an amazing series!" Read more

15 customers mention "Romance"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, appreciating the perfect amount of hot scenes, with one customer particularly praising the chemistry between Sawyer and Royce.

"...The witty repartee is funny, endearing, and totally sucked me into everyone’s dynamic." Read more

"...This is an interesting enough cop, crime, and sexy tale. It has the usual Detective MCs dynamics but the crime storylines were a bit different...." Read more

"...I loved Sawyer and Royce sooooooo much and the totally sappy HFN ending and am DYING already for the next one!!..." Read more

"This book was wonderful. The characters were beautifully drawn, subtle, human and intriguing, I loved the way the plot flowed...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as wonderfully written and noting the author's extraordinary talent.

"...The characters, including back/side/supporting, are well thought out with full personalities that makes them very easy to connect with...." Read more

"...The writing was great, the smexy was hawt, and the side characters rocked. Looking forward to the next book" Read more

"...Both main characters are interesting and well written. I would have liked to see things from both perspectives...." Read more

"Ms Walker is an extraordinary talented writer, the perfect blend of action, drama, snark and sex...." Read more

10 customers mention "Locke and key"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the relationship between Locke and Key, finding them fierce and strong, with one customer highlighting their excellent banter and chemistry.

"...I love Locke’s fearlessness and Keys strength. This was a stupendous start to a new series. Thanks for sharing it Aimee, you did amazing girl!..." Read more

"...Key was strong, intelligent and relentless, but still so vulnerable. Locke was damaged and yet fearless. I can't wait for the next book." Read more

"...This was a fast paced first book in Aimee’s new series. I loved Locke & Key and can’t wait to read the next book!" Read more

"I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Locke and Key. They each jumped off the page and became real...." Read more

3 customers mention "Chemistry"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the chemistry in the book.

"...I loved the personalities of both Locke and Key and their chemistry is through the roof!..." Read more

"...Locke and Keye are such great characters, the chemistry comes right off the pages." Read more

"No chemistry..." Read more

Brilliant Story
5 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Story
WOW what an suspenseful story which I absolutely loved. The dynamics between Locke and Sawyer was off the walls. As usual Aimee has struck gold again and I know that every book I read of hers will be as brilliant as the next one. I highly and strongly recommend this book.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • SouthernPeach
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome start to a new series
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Sawyer Key is a widowed openly gay detective in South Carolina with a pretty kitty (the ‘perfect guy!). I learned a lot about Key in this book from his struggle with his husbands death and dating again, the horrible former boss and his amazing Mom.

    Royce Locke is a questioning/closeted detective in the agency that Key joins. I didn’t get as much background info on Locke but he is by no means a closed book but he starts to open up as the book progresses.

    The relationship between these two starts of rocky, like a sea cliff on the Irish coast kinda rocky. I really like where they were in that regard, when the book ended. I do not think, in future books, their relationship is going to be smooth but I can already tell they are going to be one of those couples that sticks with me and I remember fondly. The characters, including back/side/supporting, are well thought out with full personalities that makes them very easy to connect with. The world setting is believable and relatable, and again, is very easy to get lost in. I am really looking forward to the next book but thankfully I have this one to reread until then.

    Another amazing book from the talented Ms Aimee!!
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  • Jessica Madden
    4.0 out of 5 stars 3.5 Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Okay, so what I liked:

    The two crimes in one book was a cool idea. I did think maybe there would be a twist where they actually connected, but that didn’t happen. Which meant all the time spent on suspects was a bit pointless. Also, the criminals were beyond idiotic. You didn’t need to be a good detective to solve these. An amateur could have figured it out (which is how Sawyer and Royce came across). The first crime you were given suspects and an attempt at police work. But then the bad guy gave themselves away too easily, and suddenly was admitting to the crime. It was over quickly. And then we swiftly moved onto the next murder. I was surprised by this, but I decided, once I adjusted my expectations, that I liked how there was an overview on the crimes. Sort of like someone giving you the cliff notes version of a crime show episode. It can be interesting without having to get heavily invested. But then the second one didn’t really move for so long. They just knew who the killer was based on loose “evidence”, and then it focused on the “romance” until the very end, where they swung back to the crime. What police work were they doing in the meantime? Who knows.

    I liked the characters and their backgrounds. It was tragic enough to be interesting, and to leave some crumbs to pick up in future books. I also liked the secondary characters. Their coworkers and Sawyer’s mom made nice touches.

    What I didn’t love:

    The insta-love. During their first day together, there was serious dislike with a hint of lust, and then a couple days later they’re making out (and acting as though their love story is a truly tragic one!). It was… weird. I think this was written in a way where either it should have taken a lot more time to earn that kind of intimacy, or where these two guys weren’t ever meant to be together. The coffee guy was pointless. He was there as a love interest, but then was super cool when he realized Sawyer was already involved with his partner. It was like the author thought about going the way of Sawyer dating someone else, but then changed it later on, so instead of undoing all the previous writing, she made it super chill and tried to avoid any hurt feelings/cheating by adding a cat allergy and making them friends. After that, he’s not in the book again. Maybe he shows up later? Otherwise, he truly was pointless.

    Their names were distracting. I kept forgetting which one was Locke and which was Key. Sawyer and Royce I could follow fine. As soon as the narrator said Locke, I was trying to remember which one it was. That’s probably a me thing. But the names were so connected that I couldn’t associate one with the person. Even now, after an entire book, I would be guessing.

    The narrator was a bit of a mixed bag. I don’t think he did a bad job, but there wasn’t a huge difference between the men, so sometimes I had no idea who was meant to be speaking. Also, he was mostly monotone, which made it difficult to feel much for the story. That’s totally a personal preference.

    Would I recommend? Yes, but with warning. If you’re after a police m/m story where the crime isn’t a main part, the story doesn’t closely follow what police protocols are, and if you enjoy insta-love which focuses on sex rather than the chemistry/emotions of the main couple, then maybe give this a try. This gave me massive A.E Via – Nothing Special series vibes (although not as much focus on sex as in that series). If you liked that one, then you’re probably going to love Ground Zero.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • ReadingIsMyHustle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesomeness!!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. Locke and Key. Their pairing up on the job was destined like peas and carrots. Or, err, maybe oil and water?

    “Who’d you [upset]to get stuck with Locke?”
    “They decided our last names would make us good partners,” Locke quipped dryly. “You guys with Knight and Dayton are pretty close, but not as cutesy as us. We ready to do this, or do you need to crack a few more jokes and chat with Key like long-lost pals?”

    Royce Locke and Sawyer Key each bring a lot of baggage into their new partnership. Fortunately, they’re professionals and there’s a lot of great police procedural which kept the momentum high and constant. Of course, while all this detective work is happening is some high level sexual tension that just might cause some damage when it snaps.
    Love these characters and all their layers. The witty repartee is funny, endearing, and totally sucked me into everyone’s dynamic.
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  • Wilsy7501
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous first book in a great extended universe!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I listened to Ground Zero last month and loved it! I finished the trilogy, listened to the spin-off trilogy (Sinister in Savannah,) and I just finished the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy follow-up with Sawyer and Royce. I love all of these books but I am restarting Ground Zero at the moment to re-live the beginnings of this fabulous love story, the moments that are cringe, funny, sad and heart melting, not to mention spicy. I have a feeling that all of these books will become frequent listens and reads for me because the characters are so fantastic and I love seeing so many appear in their own stories. I can't wait for a few more spin-offs to reach audio so I can buy them and listen.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Tobias G.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected
    Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I went into this novel expecting more of a traditional mystery/cop thriller, with one main case that spans the whole novel. That was not the case with this book- there are at least a couple cases in the book, which was a bit jarring. I also knocked off a star due to some characterization challenges. Basically? One of the main characters comes across as really inconsistent. So inconsistent in fact that his partner actually calls him out on it and says “I don’t know which Locke I’m getting today.”

    That being said, this was a fun fast read. Fans of enemies to lovers and bicurious men falling for men for the first time are sure to like this one. There’s plenty left to explore in the next one, and I probably will read it.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Lailita
    5.0 out of 5 stars Locke & Key
    Reviewed in Brazil on November 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    As their names can suggest, they are a perfect match together.

    This was the very first book I read from this author and, let me tell you all how gobsmacked I was. I was searching for a different kind of romance, something that could add to the HFN MM plot that I kept reading this days.

    Her way to mix steamy scenes, drama, violence and romance is flawless. She navigates with such naturally skills through police affairs that brings me the positive vibe of an author that either lives this reality personally or studies deeply to obtain this fluency. And I deeply respect this effort, it really humbled me reading books like that.

    Gave 5 stars just because I could not give 6.

    I would strongly recommend this book to all readers in search of high octane plots that could keep your curiosity and make you devour every page.

    Thumbs up and hands down one of the best books I read in these past months.
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  • Debora Baldo
    5.0 out of 5 stars Splendida sorpresa!
    Reviewed in Italy on January 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Amando il genere poliziesco inizio sempre la lettura con poche aspettative perché spesso la trama investigativa viene appena accennata e risolta in poche righe. Ma non in questo primo capitolo della storia di Locke e Key. L'evolversi del rapporto dei protagonisti è ben bilanciato con i casi investigativi, con una scrittura scorrevolissima e coinvolgente. Locke e Key sono due uomini complicati e feriti dalla vita, dediti al loro lavoro e che nonostante una partenza ostile vogliono darsi l'occasione di trovare la felicità insieme. Bello, bello, bello!
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read
    Reviewed in India on December 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Honestly when I started reading the book, I thought it would be slow burn. But it was so darn hot. I loved it. Recommend it.
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  • María Je
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me ha gustado
    Reviewed in Spain on April 19, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Me he divertido. Ha sido fácil de leer. El libro tiene muchos ingredientes que enganchan. Desde la pareja protagonista hasta los casos que investigan. Te deja con ganas de más.
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  • 4Catz4me
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great start to a new series
    Reviewed in Canada on June 14, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Sawyer Key is starting a new job in the Savannah Crime Unit. His partner is Royce Locke. Locke lost his old partner six months earlier and doesn't want a new one. He makes it very hard for Sawyer.

    The other people in the precinct like Key, so his job isn't half bad.

    The relationship between the two main characters is volatile and you wonder if they will ever get along.

    The author paints a gritty picture of the types of cases they deal with on a daily basis and how they learn to rely on each other to get through it.
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