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Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries #8
Tide and Seek
Why are Max and Royce's vacations so deadly?
When Dr. Maxwell Thornton’s Malibu beach house is burgled, he sees a silver lining—the perfect excuse for a sun-soaked romantic getaway with Sheriff Royce Callum, the man who’s stolen his heart and shown him what love is supposed to feel like.
But their idyllic escape to the exclusive beach community of Ocean Whisper Estates quickly unravels into a tangle of jealous ex-lovers who refuse to stay in the past, deep-seated insecurities Royce didn’t know he had, and murder.
Someone very dangerous isn’t happy about Maxwell’s return to Malibu, and it seems they’ll do absolutely anything—threaten, manipulate, even kill—to send him running back to Rainy Dale.
However, Max and Royce don’t scare easily, and their refusal to flee, and their stubborn need to protect each other, almost costs them their lives.
When Dr. Maxwell Thornton’s Malibu beach house is burgled, he sees a silver lining—the perfect excuse for a sun-soaked romantic getaway with Sheriff Royce Callum, the man who’s stolen his heart and shown him what love is supposed to feel like.
But their idyllic escape to the exclusive beach community of Ocean Whisper Estates quickly unravels into a tangle of jealous ex-lovers who refuse to stay in the past, deep-seated insecurities Royce didn’t know he had, and murder.
Someone very dangerous isn’t happy about Maxwell’s return to Malibu, and it seems they’ll do absolutely anything—threaten, manipulate, even kill—to send him running back to Rainy Dale.
However, Max and Royce don’t scare easily, and their refusal to flee, and their stubborn need to protect each other, almost costs them their lives.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
26 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Wynne
67 books588 followersS.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 24, 2025
Max et Royce avec un Culomètre à 🍑
Le Dr Maxwell Thornton et le shérif Royce Callum partent en escapade romantique à Malibu après un cambriolage de la maison de Max. Leur séjour est perturbé par des ex-amants jaloux, les insécurités de Royce et un meurtre. Quelqu'un veut le départ de Maxwell et est prêt à tout. Max et Royce résistent, mais leur entêtement pourrait les mettre en danger de mort.
➺ Je ne pensais pas les retrouver pour un autre tome, mais il me manquait leur mariage, me voilà donc ravi !
➺ Quand ce ne sont pas les insécurités de Max qui donne à lire, ce sont celles de Royce, qui ne se caractérisent pas du tout de la même manière de Max dans les tomes précédents.
➺ J'aime trop la dynamique de leur couple, Max exprime de mieux en mieux ses sentiments et Royce le comprend mieux en retour.
➺ Évidemment, peu importe où ils vont, il y a toujours un meurtre !
➺ C'est sympa d'en connaitre plus sur l'ancienne vie de Max, même si on ne les aime pas ici !
Bref, une bonne surprise d'un tome supplémentaire, je n'en aurais jamais assez de Max et Royce. Hâte de lire le tome suivant, sur une croisière en plus ~
Le Dr Maxwell Thornton et le shérif Royce Callum partent en escapade romantique à Malibu après un cambriolage de la maison de Max. Leur séjour est perturbé par des ex-amants jaloux, les insécurités de Royce et un meurtre. Quelqu'un veut le départ de Maxwell et est prêt à tout. Max et Royce résistent, mais leur entêtement pourrait les mettre en danger de mort.
➺ Je ne pensais pas les retrouver pour un autre tome, mais il me manquait leur mariage, me voilà donc ravi !
➺ Quand ce ne sont pas les insécurités de Max qui donne à lire, ce sont celles de Royce, qui ne se caractérisent pas du tout de la même manière de Max dans les tomes précédents.
➺ J'aime trop la dynamique de leur couple, Max exprime de mieux en mieux ses sentiments et Royce le comprend mieux en retour.
➺ Évidemment, peu importe où ils vont, il y a toujours un meurtre !
➺ C'est sympa d'en connaitre plus sur l'ancienne vie de Max, même si on ne les aime pas ici !
Bref, une bonne surprise d'un tome supplémentaire, je n'en aurais jamais assez de Max et Royce. Hâte de lire le tome suivant, sur une croisière en plus ~
November 4, 2025
This is my guilty love series. It's not the greatest literature, but i like the characters, I like how real they are, and i like how real the plots are. And while i liked this one as we got a glimpse of what it was like for one of the characters before they met, I THOUGHT I WOULD NEVER GET WHAT THE NEXT BOOK IS ABOUT AS I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW SHE WAS GOING TO WRITE MORE AND I NEEEEEEED IT
October 21, 2025
Oh I am so glad that there is another Max and Royce book and even happier to see the author is planning another one.
I love Max with his strange behaviors and abrupt attitude who has come such a long way from when he first met Royce. I also love Royce and I kind of liked that in this book we see it being Royce who is being insecure and worried and not just Max.
The story line was fantastic with Max and Royce going to Malibu when Max's house there is broken into. There were some really great parts of the story line. The story line moved quickly with some hot sex, adventure and just a great romance.
I love Max with his strange behaviors and abrupt attitude who has come such a long way from when he first met Royce. I also love Royce and I kind of liked that in this book we see it being Royce who is being insecure and worried and not just Max.
The story line was fantastic with Max and Royce going to Malibu when Max's house there is broken into. There were some really great parts of the story line. The story line moved quickly with some hot sex, adventure and just a great romance.
October 19, 2025
Max and Royce are Back🥳
Oh I have missed Max and Royce so much and this release after the last book three years ago, was such a surprise, and I loved it.
Max and Royce have come a long way since Max, a renowned vascular surgeon fled LA after the shock of losing a patient, for the small Texas town of Rainy Dale where Royce is the Sheriff. The biggest change has been in Max’s personal growth. Some of his hard edges have been smoothed and although he still rubs people up the wrong way with his abrasive attitude, his love for the self possessed and calm Royce has him trying to be a better person.
When Max gets a phone call in the middle of the night from the security firm looking after his Malibu beach house, saying that there is an intruder in the house, Max and Royce decide to deal with everything in person and turn it into a vacation. They could both do with some down time and some time for just the two of them, but they could never have imagined the horrors they find themselves in when they arrive unannounced at the exclusive four house resort.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat, not knowing who to trust and seriously worried that the author had decided that this was to be Maxwell’s very last book! So you can imagine my relief and excitement when at the end of the book I found Max and Royce were getting another book!
If you have read the previous books then I think you will enjoy this one. I have no hesitation in recommending it.
Oh I have missed Max and Royce so much and this release after the last book three years ago, was such a surprise, and I loved it.
Max and Royce have come a long way since Max, a renowned vascular surgeon fled LA after the shock of losing a patient, for the small Texas town of Rainy Dale where Royce is the Sheriff. The biggest change has been in Max’s personal growth. Some of his hard edges have been smoothed and although he still rubs people up the wrong way with his abrasive attitude, his love for the self possessed and calm Royce has him trying to be a better person.
When Max gets a phone call in the middle of the night from the security firm looking after his Malibu beach house, saying that there is an intruder in the house, Max and Royce decide to deal with everything in person and turn it into a vacation. They could both do with some down time and some time for just the two of them, but they could never have imagined the horrors they find themselves in when they arrive unannounced at the exclusive four house resort.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat, not knowing who to trust and seriously worried that the author had decided that this was to be Maxwell’s very last book! So you can imagine my relief and excitement when at the end of the book I found Max and Royce were getting another book!
If you have read the previous books then I think you will enjoy this one. I have no hesitation in recommending it.
October 18, 2025
If you're a fan of clever mysteries with heart, Tide and Seek is a must-read.
I've followed the Dr. Maxwell Thornton murder mysteries from the very beginning, and this installment is hands-down my favorite so far. The story kicks off with a break-in at Max's Malibu home, which sets the stage for what feels like a romantic getaway for Max and Royce. They expect a quiet change of scenery, not a full-blown crime scene. But things escalate quickly—someone clearly doesn’t want them in Malibu, and danger lurks closer than they imagined. We’re introduced to a cast of quirky neighbors, a former flame of Max’s, and—of course—a dead body. The mystery is gripping, but what really shines is the emotional depth. Max and Royce’s relationship is beautifully written: full of love, vulnerability, and the kind of tension that makes you root for them even harder. As always, the writing is sharp, atmospheric, and compelling. The pacing kept me hooked from start to finish, and the twists were perfectly timed. It might be too soon to ask about the next book, but I’ll be waiting with bated breath.
I've followed the Dr. Maxwell Thornton murder mysteries from the very beginning, and this installment is hands-down my favorite so far. The story kicks off with a break-in at Max's Malibu home, which sets the stage for what feels like a romantic getaway for Max and Royce. They expect a quiet change of scenery, not a full-blown crime scene. But things escalate quickly—someone clearly doesn’t want them in Malibu, and danger lurks closer than they imagined. We’re introduced to a cast of quirky neighbors, a former flame of Max’s, and—of course—a dead body. The mystery is gripping, but what really shines is the emotional depth. Max and Royce’s relationship is beautifully written: full of love, vulnerability, and the kind of tension that makes you root for them even harder. As always, the writing is sharp, atmospheric, and compelling. The pacing kept me hooked from start to finish, and the twists were perfectly timed. It might be too soon to ask about the next book, but I’ll be waiting with bated breath.
October 16, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Tide and Seek but I would very happily bought the book. l loved every minute of it. I've read the Dr. Maxwell Thornton murder mysteries from book 1 and this, for me, is the best so far.
A break in at Max's Malibu home means that Max and Royce get to have a romantic getaway while checking out the crime scene. They really didn't think that there would be much of a crime scene: it was all about the change of scene for them. Things change in a heartbeat though. Someone really doesn't want them in Malibu or at Max's home.
We meet some unusual neighbours and Max's past lover and our heroes find a body.
I really liked seeing how much Max and Royce love each other but both are still scared about their feelings and their future.
As usual, the writing is great and the mystery compelling.
I think that it is too early to ask about the next book in the series but I will be waiting.
A break in at Max's Malibu home means that Max and Royce get to have a romantic getaway while checking out the crime scene. They really didn't think that there would be much of a crime scene: it was all about the change of scene for them. Things change in a heartbeat though. Someone really doesn't want them in Malibu or at Max's home.
We meet some unusual neighbours and Max's past lover and our heroes find a body.
I really liked seeing how much Max and Royce love each other but both are still scared about their feelings and their future.
As usual, the writing is great and the mystery compelling.
I think that it is too early to ask about the next book in the series but I will be waiting.
January 14, 2026
Just Lovely
It’s been a minute since I read a book in this series, and I had forgotten how wonderfully socially awkward Max is. S.C. Wynne does a great job portraying him and all his idiosyncrasies. Royce’s character is a good counterbalance so that the reader does not get bogged down with Max’s issues and he provides the foundation for Max’s character development. The mystery itself is good, but I do think there is a bit of a plot hole… I just don’t think it is believable that Royce would not have asked about those boxes while they did the inventory of Max’s belongings. I understand why they needed to be ignored, but it is just so out of character for Royce to let something like that drop. Still an absolutely lovely read.
It’s been a minute since I read a book in this series, and I had forgotten how wonderfully socially awkward Max is. S.C. Wynne does a great job portraying him and all his idiosyncrasies. Royce’s character is a good counterbalance so that the reader does not get bogged down with Max’s issues and he provides the foundation for Max’s character development. The mystery itself is good, but I do think there is a bit of a plot hole… I just don’t think it is believable that Royce would not have asked about those boxes while they did the inventory of Max’s belongings. I understand why they needed to be ignored, but it is just so out of character for Royce to let something like that drop. Still an absolutely lovely read.
October 24, 2025
Anytime I get to spend with Max and Royce is good time. The end of this book had me gripping my NOOK until my knuckles turned white. Holy moly, it was intense at the end. I enjoyed the mystery, even though we knew the "bad guys" before the end. But even more than that, I love how the two of them bring out the best of each other. Max has changed so much since the first book, and it's his love for Royce and Royce's love that has done that.
But seriously, what is it with these two and having their vacations turn deadly? And it sounds like we'll get more of that because THERE WILL BE ANOTHER BOOK! *cue the fanfare*
But seriously, what is it with these two and having their vacations turn deadly? And it sounds like we'll get more of that because THERE WILL BE ANOTHER BOOK! *cue the fanfare*
November 8, 2025
#8 in this series of "Murder" mysteries. It's been awhile since there was a new one.
Max and Royce return to Malibu, Max's original home before moving to Texas. Royce goes with him and they plan a "summer vacation." Of course, it turns out to be anything else. A break-in at Max's house, a dead body on the beach and things are back to normal for this duo.
There were some lagging parts, principally with Max's friends in Malibu. But the mystery was a good whodunit, and Max and Royce's relationship was certainly the highlight. They were totally together and in love and the dramatic ending was a heartstopper. I really hope to read more adventures (hint, hint) maybe the honeymoon with Royce's mom along).
Max and Royce return to Malibu, Max's original home before moving to Texas. Royce goes with him and they plan a "summer vacation." Of course, it turns out to be anything else. A break-in at Max's house, a dead body on the beach and things are back to normal for this duo.
There were some lagging parts, principally with Max's friends in Malibu. But the mystery was a good whodunit, and Max and Royce's relationship was certainly the highlight. They were totally together and in love and the dramatic ending was a heartstopper. I really hope to read more adventures (hint, hint) maybe the honeymoon with Royce's mom along).
October 26, 2025
Thrilling romantic MM thriller, edge of your seat exciting
It feels like a long wait but we’re back, and I for one am here for it. Grumpy but lovable doctor Maxwell and happy-go-lucky Royce embark on an adventure in LA. And what an adventure it is! There’s a burglary, murder plus a cast of quirky and downright suspicious characters to contend with. This is a great romantic thriller and I love joining Max and Royce as they navigate their relationship alongside various crimes. I just loved how Royce described Max: “He was my person and I felt that in my soul”.
A fab 5⭐️
It feels like a long wait but we’re back, and I for one am here for it. Grumpy but lovable doctor Maxwell and happy-go-lucky Royce embark on an adventure in LA. And what an adventure it is! There’s a burglary, murder plus a cast of quirky and downright suspicious characters to contend with. This is a great romantic thriller and I love joining Max and Royce as they navigate their relationship alongside various crimes. I just loved how Royce described Max: “He was my person and I felt that in my soul”.
A fab 5⭐️
October 22, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Yay, it’s Royce and Maxwell once again. Making a week-long vacation out of a trip to the westcoast to check Max‘s burglared property, the two of them find theirselves one more time in a life-and-death-situation. Maxwell came a long way, finding the One - only to have it possibly have it shred to pieces. A very great story that wasn’t expected but nevertheless fabulous- and with another book on the horizon.
October 27, 2025
Yes we're back with our boys. I was so excited to hear we were getting a new book. I am not sure how this author does it but every book that came out in this series just gets better and better. In this new addition we on our way to Max old home. So we got to meet new friends, old lovers and you know it's not a true Royce and Maxwell book if we do t get a dead body. This was such a fantastic addition to the series.
October 31, 2025
It was so good to be back in Dr Maxwell Thornton's world. Reading this one reminded me how much I love this series. It was great to spend time with Max and Royce, this time when they visit Malibu and stay at Max's beach house. This story felt very relaxed and did not rush into anything. It allowed some time for us to get re-acquainted with the boys and to meet the quirky people who were part of Max's life before he moved to Texas. Throw in a few red herrings as suspects, have a party with people you want to punch, and then get the ball rolling with the mystery and we were right back in the classic Thornton Mysteries. I hope it is not too long before we get to spend more time with Max and Royce. Highly recommended.
November 1, 2025
Waited quite a while for this book. I wasn't even sure if there was another in the series.
Here Maxwell is alerted to a break in at his Malibu property and he takes Royce to California for a week's vacation.
Once home he gets involved in a murder as well as trying to figure out who broke into his house and why.
We meet his neighbors who it seems all have their own secrets.
Glad to see there will be another book.
Here Maxwell is alerted to a break in at his Malibu property and he takes Royce to California for a week's vacation.
Once home he gets involved in a murder as well as trying to figure out who broke into his house and why.
We meet his neighbors who it seems all have their own secrets.
Glad to see there will be another book.
November 14, 2025
It took some time for this book to be published - which is ok, but had the effect that my connection to both, Max and Royce, was not very strong anymore.
it took me a bit to get into the story again and especially the first 2 to 3 chapters were difficult, as their voices did not really fit with what I remembered.
but then the action and developments started up and I loved it
it took me a bit to get into the story again and especially the first 2 to 3 chapters were difficult, as their voices did not really fit with what I remembered.
but then the action and developments started up and I loved it
December 31, 2025
Tide & Seek
Wow! Another thrilling and exciting read. I love that Max and Royce have found their person. They’ll go to the ends of the earth for each other. The ending of this story had me sitting on the edge of my seat. It was so fast paced I felt the pull of the ocean and a love so deep I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next book. 📚
Wow! Another thrilling and exciting read. I love that Max and Royce have found their person. They’ll go to the ends of the earth for each other. The ending of this story had me sitting on the edge of my seat. It was so fast paced I felt the pull of the ocean and a love so deep I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next book. 📚
March 18, 2026
I do like these two, and with a different location there is a difference in dynamics.
Royce is not quite so self assured at times.
Murders are still following Max around, though his close LA neighbours are all shifty!!!
Good to see Max and Royce growing as a couple, and Max riding to the scary rescue.
Royce is not quite so self assured at times.
Murders are still following Max around, though his close LA neighbours are all shifty!!!
Good to see Max and Royce growing as a couple, and Max riding to the scary rescue.
October 16, 2025
being back with these two amazing loveable characters for another mystery was tremendous I loved every moment
I was hooked on the edge of my seat and the love and chemistry I could feel every word it was perfect
I was hooked on the edge of my seat and the love and chemistry I could feel every word it was perfect
December 24, 2025
I loved that this was outside of Sunny Vale because it made me concentrate on the relationship more than the side distractions. It was nice to see Royce be more vulnerable and Maxwell be more take charge.
October 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of action, mixed with Max and Royce getting even closer to each other.
November 5, 2025
Drugs
A break in , a cross country flight. Culture clash. Old exes new beginnings.
I enjoyed it and look forward to the next
A break in , a cross country flight. Culture clash. Old exes new beginnings.
I enjoyed it and look forward to the next
November 7, 2025
3.5 stars.
November 14, 2025
story line: ****
main characters: *****
side characters: ***
world building: ****
editing: *****
4.5
main characters: *****
side characters: ***
world building: ****
editing: *****
4.5
November 29, 2025
non sarebbe male,fosse stato tradotto decentemente.
3 stelle sono fin troppe
3 stelle sono fin troppe
December 14, 2025
So excited to see these guys back in action!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews