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Under Locke & Key
Exhausted from years grinding her way up the corporate ladder only to get sidelined for a man of lesser skill, perfectionist Rachel Mackey does the unthinkable—She quits her six-figure D.C. job with no back up plan beyond the desperate urge to get away from expectation.
Bryce Locke Dawson has been underestimated and undervalued in every aspect of his life—overlooked for being quiet and passive. After his wife leaves him with a parting insult about his complacency in business and life, it ignites a fire in him that will not be quenched. Motivated by spite, he is determined to change how people see him.
But to set up his Escape Room business properly he will need someone with the drive and creativity to design the enhanced experience he plans for his guests. Enter Rachel.
Deadlines, budget woes, and a tempermental historical building threaten to derail their plans and force them to work even closer together to refute those who doubt them. Rachel recognizes something in Bryce—a kindred spirit—a person with something to prove. Locked in Rachel's shrewd gaze and constantly surprised by her sharp humor, Bryce is alarmed to note that his bruised heart still has the capacity to let someone in.
As time ticks closer to the end of the project and shadows from the past return to haunt them, Rachel and Bryce will have to decide if they're willing to be vulnerable or if fear will leave them too focused on success to take the hint. No matter how scary, there's no escaping what—or who—you're meant for.
Bryce Locke Dawson has been underestimated and undervalued in every aspect of his life—overlooked for being quiet and passive. After his wife leaves him with a parting insult about his complacency in business and life, it ignites a fire in him that will not be quenched. Motivated by spite, he is determined to change how people see him.
But to set up his Escape Room business properly he will need someone with the drive and creativity to design the enhanced experience he plans for his guests. Enter Rachel.
Deadlines, budget woes, and a tempermental historical building threaten to derail their plans and force them to work even closer together to refute those who doubt them. Rachel recognizes something in Bryce—a kindred spirit—a person with something to prove. Locked in Rachel's shrewd gaze and constantly surprised by her sharp humor, Bryce is alarmed to note that his bruised heart still has the capacity to let someone in.
As time ticks closer to the end of the project and shadows from the past return to haunt them, Rachel and Bryce will have to decide if they're willing to be vulnerable or if fear will leave them too focused on success to take the hint. No matter how scary, there's no escaping what—or who—you're meant for.
- GenresRomance
302 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2025
1 person is currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Tristen Crone
3 books117 followersFangirl at heart.
Surrounded by bookshelves brimming with historical romance novels growing up, Tristen was inspired to write her own stories until she decided to focus on songwriting. She returned to writing fiction when she found the Reylo fandom, where she worked on perfecting her craft. Now when she's not writing, Tristen can be found singing, watching movies, and devouring books into the wee hours of the morning. She lives in Maryland with her husband. Her debut novel about board games and two idiots too scared to fall in love will be coming in 2023!
Surrounded by bookshelves brimming with historical romance novels growing up, Tristen was inspired to write her own stories until she decided to focus on songwriting. She returned to writing fiction when she found the Reylo fandom, where she worked on perfecting her craft. Now when she's not writing, Tristen can be found singing, watching movies, and devouring books into the wee hours of the morning. She lives in Maryland with her husband. Her debut novel about board games and two idiots too scared to fall in love will be coming in 2023!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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November 19, 2025I'm a hoe for the phrase "slutty little [insert noun of choice]" so when I saw this being marketed with "slutty little glasses MMC" I had to pick it up. The fact that the FMC is an SDE and the MMC is super into escape rooms means that this book was also very tailored to my specific interests (though maybe that's a bad thing, actually, if you end up bringing too much outside knowledge to the experience that maybe the author doesn't have).
Specific Knowledge That Bothers Me But Probably Won't Bother Anyone Else and I Just Need to Use This Space to Get It Off My Chest:
the most unbelievable part of this is that she's been an SDE for EIGHT YEARS working in CORPORATE and she still has student loan debt hanging over her
I was also an SDE. and while I didn't have student loan debt one of my co-workers did. when he got hired on right after graduating, he paid off all his debt in about three months, living in Seattle in a post-Covid housing market, and mostly from signing bonus
if you're doing a good job and working there for EIGHT YEARS then at minimum you're an SDE II, probably on the way or already an SDE III. we're talking multiple promotions and easy 6 figures a year. (on the flip side if you've been there for 4 years and not an SDE II yet, then they're probably looking at firing you because you're not performing as expected). another friend was able to buy a half mil house in CASH after holding the SDE I job for just ~3-4 years. (and not even working for one of the high paying companies like Google)
second most unbelievable thing? the way he's complaining that all the escape rooms are only 1 room. I think I've done about a dozen escape rooms (again, all in the Seattle area) and not a single one of them was only 1 room. like literally you walk in and immediately I'm eyeing up which bit of wall or furniture will move once we unlock a second location: that's how expected it is. most of the rooms we did had 2.5-3 rooms, though there was a bank heist that honestly kinda felt like 5-6 small rooms.
third unbelievable thing? why would a software engineer be the first job you hire for this new venture? apart from designing the website and maybe programming some things to trigger at a threshold in the room, I just don't see much need. escape rooms are so tactile & analog that I'd much rather talk to puzzle designers, locksmiths, dungeon masters, or even someone involved in theater (set design would be a big plus, but there's also usually a major storytelling component). granted I'm writing this complaint from halfway in the book and idk if it'll all make sense later but currently I don't have a lot of trust that the author will deliver that plausible explanation for me.
fourth unbelievable thing? after MONTHS of working on it, the MMC still doesn't have any ideas for what he wants his escape rooms to look like (also they're only doing 2-4 escape rooms per week so they have time to dissect... I wasn't doing research, but I did once do 3 escape rooms in a day. it's not that complex. you don't need days to analyze your single hour or less of play time). have they even partnered with contractors? designers? you don't even have a THEME in mind?!?! it's like the only periods of work that exist are the short bouts written explicitly on page and the characters are just frozen dolls for the passage of time in between.
Specific Knowledge That Bothers Me But Probably Won't Bother Anyone Else and I Just Need to Use This Space to Get It Off My Chest:
the most unbelievable part of this is that she's been an SDE for EIGHT YEARS working in CORPORATE and she still has student loan debt hanging over her
I was also an SDE. and while I didn't have student loan debt one of my co-workers did. when he got hired on right after graduating, he paid off all his debt in about three months, living in Seattle in a post-Covid housing market, and mostly from signing bonus
if you're doing a good job and working there for EIGHT YEARS then at minimum you're an SDE II, probably on the way or already an SDE III. we're talking multiple promotions and easy 6 figures a year. (on the flip side if you've been there for 4 years and not an SDE II yet, then they're probably looking at firing you because you're not performing as expected). another friend was able to buy a half mil house in CASH after holding the SDE I job for just ~3-4 years. (and not even working for one of the high paying companies like Google)
second most unbelievable thing? the way he's complaining that all the escape rooms are only 1 room. I think I've done about a dozen escape rooms (again, all in the Seattle area) and not a single one of them was only 1 room. like literally you walk in and immediately I'm eyeing up which bit of wall or furniture will move once we unlock a second location: that's how expected it is. most of the rooms we did had 2.5-3 rooms, though there was a bank heist that honestly kinda felt like 5-6 small rooms.
third unbelievable thing? why would a software engineer be the first job you hire for this new venture? apart from designing the website and maybe programming some things to trigger at a threshold in the room, I just don't see much need. escape rooms are so tactile & analog that I'd much rather talk to puzzle designers, locksmiths, dungeon masters, or even someone involved in theater (set design would be a big plus, but there's also usually a major storytelling component). granted I'm writing this complaint from halfway in the book and idk if it'll all make sense later but currently I don't have a lot of trust that the author will deliver that plausible explanation for me.
fourth unbelievable thing? after MONTHS of working on it, the MMC still doesn't have any ideas for what he wants his escape rooms to look like (also they're only doing 2-4 escape rooms per week so they have time to dissect... I wasn't doing research, but I did once do 3 escape rooms in a day. it's not that complex. you don't need days to analyze your single hour or less of play time). have they even partnered with contractors? designers? you don't even have a THEME in mind?!?! it's like the only periods of work that exist are the short bouts written explicitly on page and the characters are just frozen dolls for the passage of time in between.
June 19, 2025
This one was really sweet! I love the small town vibes the author captured in her writing. Rachel and Bryce have real authentic couple vibes. They work together so well (in their professional lives but also as a couple)! I could envision all of the great ideas for the escape rooms and am actually upset I cannot try them out! That was a fun unique feature to this book. Also the spice was very well done!! Overall, I’m super happy to have gotten an opportunity to read this book!
July 11, 2025
I adored everything about this story! Some good feels and tender moments between the MC'S make for a fantastic read!
Rachel is overworked and underappreciated at her corporate job of many years. After being passed up for a position she absolutely deserves, she makes a decision to answer a help wanted ad and move to quiet Maryland. She meets the shy Bryce who is launching a new endeavor and finds herself taking a chance on the new job along with her heart.
Bryce is recently divorced and moves back with his parents. After self-reflection, he sets out to prove that he is worthy of doing something great with his life. When he hires Rachel as his work partner, he soon realizes that he wants more than just a business relationship. Willing to risk his already bruised heart for a chance of true love.
Tristen does a great job fleshing our MC's. I wanted to hug Bryce and the moments of vulnerability. Rachel is so determined to make her parents happy at the cost of her own. Two souls find a home within each other, risking it all for love.
If you are looking for a sweet, swoony romance, this book is for you! Happy Reading!
Rachel is overworked and underappreciated at her corporate job of many years. After being passed up for a position she absolutely deserves, she makes a decision to answer a help wanted ad and move to quiet Maryland. She meets the shy Bryce who is launching a new endeavor and finds herself taking a chance on the new job along with her heart.
Bryce is recently divorced and moves back with his parents. After self-reflection, he sets out to prove that he is worthy of doing something great with his life. When he hires Rachel as his work partner, he soon realizes that he wants more than just a business relationship. Willing to risk his already bruised heart for a chance of true love.
Tristen does a great job fleshing our MC's. I wanted to hug Bryce and the moments of vulnerability. Rachel is so determined to make her parents happy at the cost of her own. Two souls find a home within each other, risking it all for love.
If you are looking for a sweet, swoony romance, this book is for you! Happy Reading!
July 4, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading an early version of this and I would like to scream about (checks notes)
🗝️ WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIP
🗝️ SLUTTY LITTLE GLASSES
🗝️ ESCAPE ROOM
🗝️ BATHTUB SHENANIGANS (i have seen art for this scene and OOF.
🗝️ "OH NO WE'RE LOCKED IN"
Anyway, as usual, Tristen Crone writes with a big heart, lots of feelings and some angst, and spice. What's not to love? If you love her other books, check this one out! Also perfect for fans of contemporary romance!
🗝️ WORKPLACE RELATIONSHIP
🗝️ SLUTTY LITTLE GLASSES
🗝️ ESCAPE ROOM
🗝️ BATHTUB SHENANIGANS (i have seen art for this scene and OOF.
🗝️ "OH NO WE'RE LOCKED IN"
Anyway, as usual, Tristen Crone writes with a big heart, lots of feelings and some angst, and spice. What's not to love? If you love her other books, check this one out! Also perfect for fans of contemporary romance!
June 26, 2025
Tristen Crone's most emotional book yet; UNDER LOCKE & KEY had me in my feels. I wanted nothing more than to give Bryce and Rachel forhead kisses and thell them everything is gonna be okay. But I was content in knowing they had each other.
I was instantly invested in both Bryce and Rachel's personal journeys. Each on the path to restart their lives after divorce (Bryce) and career stagnation (Rachel). At their first meeting you can feel their energies sync up - and it's not just attraction. It was their shared determination to prove their doubters wrong. Ultimately though, after working together and having space to be vulnerable, they land in a place where it's their own fulfillment that matters.
That's the beauty I find in UNDER LOCKE & KEY - vulnerability. Bryce is a Grade A sad boi that needs a strong set of arms to hold him. Rachel has been so goal oriented in work and life she needs room to be herself and not just her accomplishments. These two meet at their lowest, their most vulnerable, and they hold tight. They take a risk together on building a new business. They collaborate. The value each other's strengths instead of highlight weaknesses. They simply step up and be there for each other.
As a housekeeping note, there is a "Big Ask" at the beginning of the story. The escape room business and job listing happen very fast. But don't get hung up on that okay. This is a very low drama story. The characters are the driving force here. The business serves as a safe place for Bryce and Rachel to build that chemistry. And the escape room venture makes for an excellent departure from the corporate careers they left behind. Its fun as well as risky. Like the chance they'll take on each other.
Thank you Lake Country Press and Tristen Crone for the advance copy to read and review.
I was instantly invested in both Bryce and Rachel's personal journeys. Each on the path to restart their lives after divorce (Bryce) and career stagnation (Rachel). At their first meeting you can feel their energies sync up - and it's not just attraction. It was their shared determination to prove their doubters wrong. Ultimately though, after working together and having space to be vulnerable, they land in a place where it's their own fulfillment that matters.
That's the beauty I find in UNDER LOCKE & KEY - vulnerability. Bryce is a Grade A sad boi that needs a strong set of arms to hold him. Rachel has been so goal oriented in work and life she needs room to be herself and not just her accomplishments. These two meet at their lowest, their most vulnerable, and they hold tight. They take a risk together on building a new business. They collaborate. The value each other's strengths instead of highlight weaknesses. They simply step up and be there for each other.
As a housekeeping note, there is a "Big Ask" at the beginning of the story. The escape room business and job listing happen very fast. But don't get hung up on that okay. This is a very low drama story. The characters are the driving force here. The business serves as a safe place for Bryce and Rachel to build that chemistry. And the escape room venture makes for an excellent departure from the corporate careers they left behind. Its fun as well as risky. Like the chance they'll take on each other.
Thank you Lake Country Press and Tristen Crone for the advance copy to read and review.
July 2, 2025
I think about Bryce and his glasses and his giant secret feelings like two times per week. Tristen Crone knows how to write a MAN (underlined) (sent with slam effect)!!!!!
August 22, 2025
A sweet romance! I love watching Bryce and Rachel learn to trust each other and gather the courage to take the chance at a relationship. Very satisfying to read 💕
June 26, 2025
Thanks to Tristen Crone and her team for this ARC
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️ 🌶️
Under Locke and Key is a heartwarming workplace romance with two very much undiagnosed neurodivergent MCs that get together to work on this scape room project by luck of the universe and a little push from their best friends. Without knowing that they'll be finding the person that they didn't even know were searching for.
Do I think the book was maybe a bit slow paced and that we got maybe a bit much of filling in the first like 50% of the book? Yeah..
Was it 10000% worth it just to read :"She tastes like salt and the best summer of my life, and I hope to whatever entity might be out there listening that she feels the same"? Yes, a thousand times yes!
Tropes:
🗝️Workplace Romance
🔒Escape Room Designer
🗝️Adorable Historic Town
🔒Bisexual FMC
🗝️Slutty Little Glasses MMC
🔒No Third Act Breakup
🗝️Mutual Pining
🔒Sweet in the Streets, Praise Kink in the Sheets
Under Locke and Key comes out 07/29 make sure to check it out
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️ 🌶️
Under Locke and Key is a heartwarming workplace romance with two very much undiagnosed neurodivergent MCs that get together to work on this scape room project by luck of the universe and a little push from their best friends. Without knowing that they'll be finding the person that they didn't even know were searching for.
Do I think the book was maybe a bit slow paced and that we got maybe a bit much of filling in the first like 50% of the book? Yeah..
Was it 10000% worth it just to read :"She tastes like salt and the best summer of my life, and I hope to whatever entity might be out there listening that she feels the same"? Yes, a thousand times yes!
Tropes:
🗝️Workplace Romance
🔒Escape Room Designer
🗝️Adorable Historic Town
🔒Bisexual FMC
🗝️Slutty Little Glasses MMC
🔒No Third Act Breakup
🗝️Mutual Pining
🔒Sweet in the Streets, Praise Kink in the Sheets
Under Locke and Key comes out 07/29 make sure to check it out
June 25, 2025
So glad to have received an ARC of this super sweet and touching read. I loved the stories of both Bryce & Rachel rediscovering themselves through the endeavor of building an escape room. I believed in their chemistry and really appreciated that there was no unnecessary third-act breakup. Loved the small town vibes, LGBTQ+ representation, and side characters & cameos from Playing for Keeps.
July 28, 2025
This was such a warm, grounded romance with a unique setup and two characters who feel real from the start. Rachel’s fed up with being overlooked in her high-stress corporate job, and Bryce is newly divorced and finally ready to take charge of his life. Their escape room venture brings them together, but it’s their shared drive and quiet emotional connection that really shine.
I loved the way their relationship built over time. Rachel is sharp and determined, and Bryce is soft in the best way, still carrying his own wounds but willing to try again. The chemistry is there, but it’s their teamwork and trust that stood out most. The escape room concept was a fun and creative backdrop. It’s a charming, thoughtful story about second chances and finding the right person when you least expect it.
Thank you to the author for this advance copy.
I loved the way their relationship built over time. Rachel is sharp and determined, and Bryce is soft in the best way, still carrying his own wounds but willing to try again. The chemistry is there, but it’s their teamwork and trust that stood out most. The escape room concept was a fun and creative backdrop. It’s a charming, thoughtful story about second chances and finding the right person when you least expect it.
Thank you to the author for this advance copy.
August 9, 2025
Under Locke and Key is a delightful read! Tristian is such a good writer, and the descriptions of the town transported me to Dulaney. It reminded me of my hometown, with cute shops and everyone’s favorite coffee shop. It was the perfect backdrop for Rachel and Bryce - they’re such lovable characters. Rachel’s bold decision to start a new path is inspiring; I would love to develop an escape room and fall in love at the same time!! And Bryce, the sad boy who discovers his strengths and learns to trust himself. It definitely got heated between them and the ending escape room scene?? I love a sexy nerdy demanding Bryce. I loved the entire plot, it was so fun and heartwarming. Definitely going to read Tristian’s other books when I want a romcom with butterflies and a touch of heat.
July 10, 2025
ARC received from the author.
I enjoy stories like UNDER LOCKE & KEY that star characters who express their emotions in the moment and still move forward with hope. Rachel and Bryce personify the great quote by Carrie Fisher, “Stay afraid, but do it anyway.” Each is coming from a great disappointment (his personal, hers professional), and the drive to succeed on their own terms brings them together.
Their chemistry, ignited by their immediate mutual attraction, keeps them together. I love how Rachel and Bryce work as a couple and let their passion for the project transfer into a solid romance.
On a personal note, any book with a Logan Lucky reference is aces with me.
I enjoy stories like UNDER LOCKE & KEY that star characters who express their emotions in the moment and still move forward with hope. Rachel and Bryce personify the great quote by Carrie Fisher, “Stay afraid, but do it anyway.” Each is coming from a great disappointment (his personal, hers professional), and the drive to succeed on their own terms brings them together.
Their chemistry, ignited by their immediate mutual attraction, keeps them together. I love how Rachel and Bryce work as a couple and let their passion for the project transfer into a solid romance.
On a personal note, any book with a Logan Lucky reference is aces with me.
August 13, 2025
What a gem of a book.
The writing is superb, the plot is authentic, and the characters are real and relatable. It was simply beautiful.
This was my first Tristen Crone read, but it definitely won't be my last. Knowing that she is originally from South Africa makes her even more amazing.
The writing is superb, the plot is authentic, and the characters are real and relatable. It was simply beautiful.
This was my first Tristen Crone read, but it definitely won't be my last. Knowing that she is originally from South Africa makes her even more amazing.
July 27, 2025
This book was absolutely stunning! I have loved Tristen's writing before and this one was amazing!
It follows Rachel as she decides to quit her job after being passed over for yet another promotion. She comes across a job listing for an escape room. Bryce has been underestimated his whole life and when his wife leaves him he finally finds the power to do what he wants. To open an escape room. He hires Rachel quickly and they both work closely together through deadlines, budgets and temperamental buildings to open on time. Being this close together brings out feelings in the both of them but with so much on the line can they act on them?
I loved the vibe Rachel and Bryce got going for them. They had chemistry from the start but seeing she thought he was still married and she just started working for him so they both ignored it. Seeing them work so well together was really cute! Rachel was unsure in the beginning but once she got to know Bryce better she was confident in her ideas and knew he would accept them. They were such a great team together.
If you are looking for a fun, steamy small town romance this one if for you!
Thanks for Tristen Crone for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It follows Rachel as she decides to quit her job after being passed over for yet another promotion. She comes across a job listing for an escape room. Bryce has been underestimated his whole life and when his wife leaves him he finally finds the power to do what he wants. To open an escape room. He hires Rachel quickly and they both work closely together through deadlines, budgets and temperamental buildings to open on time. Being this close together brings out feelings in the both of them but with so much on the line can they act on them?
I loved the vibe Rachel and Bryce got going for them. They had chemistry from the start but seeing she thought he was still married and she just started working for him so they both ignored it. Seeing them work so well together was really cute! Rachel was unsure in the beginning but once she got to know Bryce better she was confident in her ideas and knew he would accept them. They were such a great team together.
If you are looking for a fun, steamy small town romance this one if for you!
Thanks for Tristen Crone for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2025
This book was such a unique idea. Two people coming together to make an escape room and falling in love in the process. I loved the small town setting it makes me want to move there immediately! Rachel and Bryce had such great chemistry and made a really fun couple to read.
Thank you so much for the ARC!
Thank you so much for the ARC!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews