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Times are changing in West Newton, and the game is finally up for Firearms Officers Taylor Campbell and John-Paul Ateba. After pissing off HR one too many times, they find themselves re-assigned to the sleepy retirement town of Dingly Heath, where the only lineup is outside the supermarket when incontinence pads are on special offer.

Except, there’s something not quite right about the locals, or their soon to be colleagues, or the place that was once crowned ‘Britain’s Most Motivated Town’. Soon, Johnny and Taylor discover that something much darker is lurking beneath the pristine lawns and show-stopping hanging baskets, and that they may have accidentally planted themselves in the heart of the growing alpha/omega unrest.

Best friends since childhood, the new assignment will push their friendship beyond its limits, especially when one of them has been secretly in love with the other for over a decade.

This is a childhood best friends-to-lovers, M/M, alpha/alpha omegaverse novel.

CW: descriptions of past child abuse (neglect, non-sexual), violence, explicit sexual scenes, explicit language, dark Brit-cop humour, an implied eating disorder (binge eating), unhealthy codependency between MCs, taking the piss out of one of the MCs religion (Christianity). Note: One of the MCs is heavily ADHD-coded and experiences all the difficulties that come with that neurodevelopmental disorder. Mpreg is a part of this world but does not feature heavily in this book.

Mature audiences only (18+), please check the content warnings.

444 pages, Unknown Binding

Expected publication April 16, 2026

16 people are currently reading
288 people want to read

About the author

C.T. Whistle

3 books155 followers
C.T. Whistle is a UK indie author, who is currently running on hopes, dreams and very little sleep. When she isn't typing up a storm and ruining her characters lives, she aspires to take a nap but fails miserably at every turn.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Abigail | mooretoread |.
188 reviews17 followers
March 20, 2026
Oh how I love them and need five more books from this world! I straight sobbed during a couple different parts and full on laughed out loud during others.

Full review to come!
Profile Image for Dani.
49 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 20, 2026
I received an ARC of this book, but my review is my own.

I waffled over the star rating but ultimately went with 3 (I’d give 3.5 but Goodreads is behind the times on half star ratings) because comparatively, I enjoyed the first two books in the series more.

The Good:
- Diversity of characters. The author is excellent at writing a range of cast and characters. Johnny’s background in particular was researched and incredibly well done. I appreciated snippets of his family and life in Cameroon before moving to Britain. Additionally, the book had mental health rep (Taylor - ADHD) and asexuality rep!
- The BANTER. A common theme across this series is the dry, witty, irreverent dialogue between the characters. I laughed out loud reading so many of these lines. At one point, I added an annotation labeled ‘Recycling themed dirty talk’. I also have this gem highlighted: ‘Taylor was not religious in any way shape or form, but he could appreciate a man who got nailed for six hours straight and still came back for more.’ SEE?! Absolute bangers.
- Continuation of the case investigation. All three books are tied together through related investigations involving omegas, human trafficking, and drugs. I’ve enjoyed seeing the case unfold over the books and feel invested in the outcome by the time this series wraps up.

The Waffle
- Taylor has a ton of built up grief related to his upbringing and Sam’s death. At one point he threatens Pember and attempts to intimidate him. This occurs after Johnny’s hospitalization and is explained away as Taylor being ‘overwhelmed’, but it doesn’t seem sufficient? Taylor feels a little bad but there are no real consequences for his behavior or lack of responsibility for managing his grief/pain. He comes across more often than not as unlikeable (I know that this is a personal opinion and not everyone is going to feel like that, but Taylor has trauma that he doesn’t appropriately deal with and takes it out on others as a result)
- Some instances of police brutality against a known sex offender. Additionally, there are descriptions of an omega prison that may be difficult to read. While Johnny and Taylor (and others in Dingly Heath) are made out to be the ‘good guys’, I personally felt uncomfy about the violence portrayed between the police and the ‘bad guys’. The justice system is more often than not, very unjust. As an American reader, this hits particularly close to home. While violence is mentioned in the content warnings, I would have appreciated a more specific warning around policing and the prison system represented in the book. Also I would be remiss not to mention this…ACAB
- I think this book was meant to be a more lighthearted reprieve from the overarching storyline across the series. It definitely felt lighter in some parts (aka the banter), but overall there were still a looooot of heavy parts. This isn’t a bad thing, but I definitely went into this thinking that it would read more like a romcom (readers, it was not)
- There were some minor plot points that I wasn’t sure were resolved 100% or maybe were added in as an afterthought — William’s integration into Johnny’s family, dealing with Sam’s death, Benny Pearce, Taylor’s mom’s note at the verrrrrry end. These are probably minor but they feel like an unscratchable brain itch
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rambling Reader.
472 reviews75 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 20, 2026
What fun Lock Step was!

I mean, don't get me wrong, Johnny and Taylor have all the angst, just enough longing, and all the endearing codependency that I was hoping for, but this third installment in the Omegaverse Case Files also brought plenty of moments that made me "awwwwwwwww" and laugh out loud.

Describing Lock Step without context:
- There was cake?!
- Who can resist hedgehogs?
- My god, I want to hug Amil.
- My nails are in need of rescuing, too.
- The inclusion of Sylvester the Mol3ster is both 5-star comedy and nightmare fuel.
- Thank god for thr33somes.
- FINALLY.
- Little sisters are a curse and an adorable blessing.
- Godd@mnit, the book's over.


It was really refreshing to get that inside look at Johnny and Taylor because these boys have so much more going on inside than we got to see previously.
-Johnny is caring, organized, a bit of a mother hen, and most importantly, completely devoted to his best friend.
-Taylor is the epitome of hot mess with his impulse control issues, but he's a sweetheart on the inside, and there's nothing more he wants than to be good enough for his best friend.

Thank god for thr33somes because our gentlemen really needed to be pushed off that cliff so they could finally fly together.

Johnny and Taylor were such a cute couple despite the struggle bus that they (mostly Taylor) kept hopping on and off of. Their relationship is one that's built on a strong bedrock of friendship that's been built up by trust, affection, and acceptance.

It's not that Blake & Pember or Oliver and Lucas don't make my heart swoon just as much, but Johnny and Taylor and their friends-to-lovers dynamic just scratched an itch I didn't realize was bothering me.

Because I can't spend the entire review going on about Johnny and Taylor, I guess I'll talk about something else.

Their transfer to Falkington/Dingly Heath worked out perfectly, and I loved the new setting. Whistle still incorporates some bigger/more serious issues into their work home, but we get a lot of fun/funny details that make the small town endearing and interesting.

The new cast of supporting characters - Wendy, Amil, and Isla - give us the comedic, grumpy, and cautiously amused found family that the boys need, and I'm just as excited to see them again in future books as I am when I see Blake, Pember, Lucas, or Oliver.

Overall, I blew through Lock Step, sleep be d@mned, because there was just something about the boys and the rest of Whistle's cast of characters that just kept calling me back even when I made the mistake of checking what time it was. I'm really glad I stumbled across the first book, Hammer and Gavel

Already waiting for book four!
Profile Image for Kat in The Archives.
129 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 18, 2026
Trigger warning: this review is ✨long✨ because I simply refused to shut up about my thoughts and feelings 😌

Oh man… just when you think this author can’t get any better, they prove you wrong 😭✨

Learning the author is a social worker honestly makes so much sense, the emotional depth in these books feels incredibly real. This story, like the others, explores broken homes, complicated relationships, and learning how to love through hardship. It’s bittersweet, wholesome, and definitely got me teary 🫂🩷

This time we follow Taylor and Johnny, and I absolutely loved these goofballs ❤️‍🔥
Childhood friends with a big old yearning (my favorite)
Johnny, a Cameron Christina Alpha, born into a loving family and Taylor a chaotic, ADHD, binge eating lovable golden retriever from a broken home.

Some of the personal and family moments really stood out too. JP talking about feeling disconnected from his childhood after immigrating hit deep 😭 As well as his aunts story!!

The setting was freaking adorable: Small British countryside town where most residences are retired and live in peace…except when fighting each other in the pharmacy for their prescription, oh man I have been there and that part made me giggle!! 😂😂
From the prescription,I was expecting more of a Miss Marple-style mystery, but it leaned more into true crime, which I didn’t mind!

The side characters were, as always, a highlight: William owns my heart, and I loved Clem, Gabrie, and Marty 😇 The new police additions: Amil, Isla, and Wendy were great (and I’m so happy Wendy found Wallace) 💖 And I’m already emotionally preparing for Ru and Amil’s story because I just know it’s going to hurt 🫠✨

I also have to say, I love the world-building in this series, especially the Omega politics and overall social structure, but I can tell things for Alphas might turn for the worst 👀✨

Also, seeing past couples again made me so happy 😭 Blake & Pember 🫶 and I still miss Oliver, Luca, and little Alfie (I need Alfie and Will to meet!!)

Overall, this was emotional, heartwarming, and full of love, growth, and found family 🫂 I’m so excited (and a little scared lol) for what’s next!!!

And lastly… I just want to say how grateful I am for receiving this ARC 🥺✨
I’m not an influencer or anything, just a genuine fan, so this already meant a lot. But getting this book during a difficult time in my life made it feel even more special. It honestly felt like a little gem in the middle of everything I’ve been going through, and the timing couldn’t have been better 💎

If the author ever happens to see this, just know I truly love what you’re creating and keep on the good work 🤧
Profile Image for Savannah.
52 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 19, 2026
"It was like pressing my mouth to a glass of cold water after years of walking in the desert. And I...I can't do it anymore, Tay. I need...I need to know if there's something more for us."
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After Night Call, I can't begin to describe how excited I was for Johnny and Taylor's story. Needless to say, C.T Whistle hit a lot of marks for me with Lock Step. From the representation, to the found family, cameos from some of my faves, to banter unlike any other.

First and foremost, can we talk about the care and research that clearly went into Johnny's character. There were so many things to love, from highlighting their culture/background, the inclusion of French, and the conversations with Maman about leaving Cameroon. I absolutely adored Johnny's family/pack and their warmth. I loved their willingness to embrace Taylor and eventually William. Also, little things that meant so much to me as a BIPOC reader...Gab/Clem's bonnets, Cameroonian delicacies, and the care given in the depiction of a black character/family.

Now, onto the story itself... much like its predecessors, Lock Step has mystery, romance, and plenty of banter. I loved that we are transported to a new station and introduced to new characters. Watching Taylor and Johnny's friendship evolve into something more, whilst tackling a new mystery, kept me continually intrigued. Not to mention, I couldn't wait for them to take the next step. Truly, Lock Step is the perfect blend of friends-to-lovers, slow burn, and "it's always been you."

Overall, it's a heartwarming story that checked a lot of boxes for me. Also, that epilogue! As always, CT Whistle has me salivating for the next installment.
Profile Image for Laurie Kleveland.
361 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2026
AlphaxAlpha isn't always my favorite but I thought the dynamic was done really well here. The moments between the MCs where it shifted to who was being the lead in a crisis (of many varieties, some more dramatic than others), was fun to read since you really got to see the true emotions come out. The friends to lovers was done well because I really felt like I knew their relationship from the first few chapters. The idiots to lovers was also done well, because damn sometimes I was like how have you both been going on like this for so long. The entire book was written to do justice to all the tropes, so if you're here for a ceratin dynamic then this is definitely the book for you.

However, the characters and thier story just felt a little lackluster to me. I wasn't as invested as in the previous books. The plot just didn't grab me as much, but the book did fly by, I definitely don't think it dragged at all for being on the longer side. Where there were only short Pember and Blake cameo moments, the side characters introduced mostly made up for it. I would have loved a little more cameo though (just a personal preference here). I really loved the scenes with the family but, same as Taylor's ADHD, they felt a little underdeveloped, especially the William situation. SO, overall it was pretty balanced for me with things I enjoyed and things just felt a little meh, so 3 stars!

*I recieved a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Samantha R Chamkha.
3 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
This review may contain minor spoilers

I think Taylor is an underrated character.
"Did you seriously just call me a tall drink of water?"

This is a fun book...definite laugh out loud moments. Lock Step is much tamer with regards to the specific crime(s), but the interactions between characters is just as passionate and witty as the first two books. In fact, the family aspect showcased in this book felt refreshing and provided tonal levity to the overarching themes of the series. JP’s family is the sweetest. After getting to know Taylor’s upbringing, it makes me so happy to know that he found a place with a family like JP’s. And on the topic of JP and Taylor…who doesn’t love a best friends to lovers situation. They are super sweet to each other. I honestly don’t know which character I loved more. I could physically feel the tension and Taylor’s emotions peaking during that attack scene.
It was also a joy to get to see Pember and Blake make cameos in this book. Readers should definitely prepare for book 4 though because the themes will get heavier again with Ru’s story.
Profile Image for Ginger.
761 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 24, 2026
Loved. C.T. Whistle burst onto the scene with "Hammer & Gavel" and just keeps on putting out hits; "Lock Step" was a sweet, yearn-y, funny, at times shocking story that's every bit as solid as its predecessors. This time, Whistle took a swing at friends-to-lovers, and while things did feel a bit shaky at the beginning (I had a little trouble getting on Taylor's side, character-wise), by the end I was rooting for... well, basically everyone. Johnny and Taylor, Isla, William, Wendy (get it, girl), Amir...

Whistle has such a talent for creating a cast of believable and compelling (and often hilarious) side characters and I swear, it makes it so there are no boring scenes. There's not a setting in this story that I didn't want to spend time in -- though some were particularly great. I could have followed tiny little warrior goddesses Clem and Gabby around for a few hundred pages and been thrilled about it.
46 reviews
March 25, 2026
ARC Review

My excitement to read this book was extremely high. Like, really high. So I was really worried that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations. I loved Hammer & Gavel and Night Call so much that I was worried that Lock Step wouldn’t live up.
Well, those concerns were unfounded. Lock Step did not disappoint. CT Whistle is so damn good at character development and world building. I am living in Dingly Heath in my mind.
Then there’s our main characters. I see myself in both JP and Taylor so you know I was rooting for these two. I love stories with imperfect characters who are good people at their core and that’s what each of these books are filled with. Great characters that grow and learn about themselves and become better people for and because of someone who changed their perspective about life and/or love.
Plus solving crimes?! Best of all worlds!
31 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 18, 2026
I honestly could have rated this book 5 stars by 20% - the banter between these two, Taylor's absolutely hilarious thoughts, the horniness and stupid stuff they would say - I was hooked from the very beginning.

This is by far the funniest book I've read in a long time, when I wasn't grinning I was literally laughing out loud. Chapter 26 had me almost crying laughing.

C.T has such a way with words and writes characters so easy to love. I felt going into this I might struggle to connect as JP and Taylor weren't really that well known coming from reading book 2, I was worried I wouldn't click with the story but I was very wrong! Alpha x Alpha isn't written (well) very often, but this was brilliant.
Profile Image for Elodie Melody .
271 reviews18 followers
March 21, 2026
Arc review

While I enjoyed the continuity of the police case ~ and all the secondary characters, like usual, the romance kinda felt …. lacking something ?

Compared to previous books in the serie, I was not captivated by the protagonists. While my heart ached for JP, I struggled with Taylor. He was an interesting character and all, but in the romance? I don’t know.
I really struggled to go through this book, almost gave up, but I really wanted to know more about the case, William, Ru and all the secondary stuff.

I’ll def read next book because I need to know, about Ru, who deserves his HEA. Hopefully I’ll feel more connected to them ♥️
Profile Image for Mariam.
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 22, 2026
I inhaled this book. Easiest 5 stars of my life. To put it simply, if you enjoy a book with insane chemistry and romance while having an actual plot (crime) this book is for you. CT is an insane author when it comes to writing characters and their unique dynamics. I fell in love with Taylor and Johnny relationship since the very early chapters, it’s something the author is so good at, you’ll find yourself getting attached to every single character in the book which is something I love. It’s hard to find side characters that stick with you so much!

psa i really love how the author reflect real world issues/topics in the omegaverse, its so unique and interesting to read.
Profile Image for Altishh.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 18, 2026
Omgg. Where to start!!!!

I enjoyed this book. it’s chaotic, funny, and surprisingly emotional underneath all the dark humour. The storytelling keeps you hooked, especially with the weird, unsettling vibe of the town slowly unfolding.

One of the highlights for me was the ADHD rep—it felt genuine and messy in a very real way, not polished or romanticized. It added a lot of depth to the character and their relationships.

The best friends-to-lovers tension was so good and it fit the tone of the story perfectly!!
Profile Image for Ally.
409 reviews44 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
Ohhhh best friends to lovers trope, how I love thee. Johnny stole my heart IMMEDIATELY. My heart just ached for him. The way he loves Taylor and does whatever it takes to make sure he's happy is everything to me. Taylor was a little late to the party but once he arrived, HE ARRIVED! He's steadfast in his love for Johnny and I ate it up. I adore these two. They are absolutely perfect for one another and I think their contrasting personalities made them even more compatible. Johnny is the calm to Taylor's storm.

-found family
-best friends to lovers
-pining - "I've loved you since we first met"
-alpha/alpha
-possessive mcs
Profile Image for Patrycja.
58 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 22, 2026
This whole series is something else. And I mean that in the best way possible. I don't think I ever read anything from omegaverse that was this complex and yet so balanced.

I absolutely loved Taylor and Johnny. When they were introduced in book 2 I couldn't wait for what's in store for them, and I must say it was not what I was expecting, and it couldn't have been more perfect. I loved their dynamic, especially in the moments where JP was the calmness to Taylor's chaos. There was also a lot of shifting in this book, and these scenes are probably one of my favourites. And let me just tell ya the spice in this story? It was spicin' 😈🔥

This book had it all. It was funny (I'm serious, the humor in this story is divine), emotional (with a lot of longing), and a touch of danger and mystery.

I'd also say that this book was a bit lighter than the other two in the series, but it still tackled heavier themes.
Profile Image for Halle.
21 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this! I really loved Johnny and Taylor, which is saying something since they don’t make the best first impression in the second book. I was originally a bit disappointed to find out that the story wasn’t happening in the same town/police station as the first two books, but I think the move made sense for their redemption arc and love story. Overall this was a funny and fun read. Looking forward to the next book!
Author 2 books21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 21, 2026
Johnny and Taylor were perfect together, so sweet and feral. This series has everything I could hope for: great chemistry, humor, and spice, but also warmth and empathy.

Thank you C.T. Whistle for the ARC!
Profile Image for Sooin Teran.
30 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 25, 2026
ARC review
4/5⭐️
2.5/5🌶️

This third book was so funny and tender at the same time.
Every Tay person needs a JP person in their life.

This book made me wonder how’s many friendships like them exist in real life.

Second book that I read with one of the mc with ADHD, and it didn’t fail.

Profile Image for Fallon.
72 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 18, 2026
* Thank you to the author for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review *

4.5 ⭐ - full thoughts to come
Profile Image for Lindsey.
520 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 19, 2026
FUCKED ME UP.
And that ending authors note?! 😭😭
Better review to come
Profile Image for Laura.
355 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 23, 2026
RTC
Profile Image for Dana.
411 reviews46 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 24, 2026
Full review to come.

Received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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