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Standing Stone
A brutal shooting made Detective Will Danner a wealthy man but cost his best friend and partner, Detective Robert Weld, and his serenity. The one thing he was born to be was a cop. When Sheriff Ray Stettler offered him a job in his department, Will took him up on it. The last thing he was expecting when he walked in that door the first day was to find the love of his life, Deputy Sheriff, Joseph Albright.
Joe’s fundamentalist parents had beaten being straight into him.
Sent to Military School because of a teen age kiss with the boy he had a crush on, he put being gay behind him except for a few hidden moments of what he considered weakness. The one time he was true to himself, disaster struck and he crawled back inside his closet.
Can Will’s love be enough for him to make a stand? And when a serial killer comes to call, Will’s life may depend on it.
Joe’s fundamentalist parents had beaten being straight into him.
Sent to Military School because of a teen age kiss with the boy he had a crush on, he put being gay behind him except for a few hidden moments of what he considered weakness. The one time he was true to himself, disaster struck and he crawled back inside his closet.
Can Will’s love be enough for him to make a stand? And when a serial killer comes to call, Will’s life may depend on it.
- GenresM M Romance
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2016
9 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 28, 2017
3.5*
It took me a minute to get use this author's writing. But once I did it was a much better read than it started out as.
But it was still a bit of a mess. Your kind of thrown into a story where everyone knows each other. The back story gets told throughout the book so it's easy to feel lost at times. It was a little annoying but not so bad. But the one biggest pet peeve is how the author switches around who's POV it is. It was confusing as fuck and I had to go back and reread some stuff by the confusion. That is no fun and it really does take the reader outta the story. I've heard there will be a better edited version coming and I will definitely want to read it cause even with all the mistakes, I still enjoyed the story.
The serial killer is well written and he is a creepy fucker. The obsession of choice for him is red headed women and his hobby is scalping them. He's got a collection going that just grosses the fuck outta me. The serial killer/murder mystery going on drew me in. I like these types of stories so it wasn't hard for the story to keep its hold on me.
The characters, although not greatly introduced, were very interesting nonetheless.
I'm a sucker for any kind of possessive alpha males. And boy did this one have a couple of possessive dudes. There were fists thrown, a lot of growling, and a lot of MINE! being said. It was delicious as was the sexy times.
So although there are plenty editing issues and confusion galore, there is also some likeable characters, humor, sexiness, a decent murder mystery, and relationship drama that brings out some possessive alpha's.
The ending leaves me thinking there will be more to come from these guys and hopefully by then the editing issues will have worked themselves out and the writing will be tighter.
It's definitely worth giving a read. But maybe wait for the better edited version. xx
It took me a minute to get use this author's writing. But once I did it was a much better read than it started out as.
But it was still a bit of a mess. Your kind of thrown into a story where everyone knows each other. The back story gets told throughout the book so it's easy to feel lost at times. It was a little annoying but not so bad. But the one biggest pet peeve is how the author switches around who's POV it is. It was confusing as fuck and I had to go back and reread some stuff by the confusion. That is no fun and it really does take the reader outta the story. I've heard there will be a better edited version coming and I will definitely want to read it cause even with all the mistakes, I still enjoyed the story.
The serial killer is well written and he is a creepy fucker. The obsession of choice for him is red headed women and his hobby is scalping them. He's got a collection going that just grosses the fuck outta me. The serial killer/murder mystery going on drew me in. I like these types of stories so it wasn't hard for the story to keep its hold on me.
The characters, although not greatly introduced, were very interesting nonetheless.
I'm a sucker for any kind of possessive alpha males. And boy did this one have a couple of possessive dudes. There were fists thrown, a lot of growling, and a lot of MINE! being said. It was delicious as was the sexy times.
So although there are plenty editing issues and confusion galore, there is also some likeable characters, humor, sexiness, a decent murder mystery, and relationship drama that brings out some possessive alpha's.
The ending leaves me thinking there will be more to come from these guys and hopefully by then the editing issues will have worked themselves out and the writing will be tighter.
It's definitely worth giving a read. But maybe wait for the better edited version. xx
January 20, 2016
Stunning, chilling and such a lovely love story. Phil does such an awesome job on his serial killers, and this one is a doozy. I was treated to an ARC, and I am letting you know now, if you love men in law enforcement, a strong dose of murder/mystery, and hot men, then this book will knock your soxs off.
January 20, 2016
Debut novel and fantastic read! The characters are awesome as is the action.
December 21, 2016
What the hell??
Ok I finished this book last night but I was so confused I held off on my review...first off the book very well written....the characters come alive in this book...there were so many unanswered questions in the book...with the serial killer...Mac and Joe with the agency...what happened with Jennifer and the baby...now I understand there will be future books but still I wanted somethings answered... I'm annoyed and can't wait for the next book...great job Phil!!! I can't stop thinking about these characters and what's up next for them...GREAT DEBUT
Ok I finished this book last night but I was so confused I held off on my review...first off the book very well written....the characters come alive in this book...there were so many unanswered questions in the book...with the serial killer...Mac and Joe with the agency...what happened with Jennifer and the baby...now I understand there will be future books but still I wanted somethings answered... I'm annoyed and can't wait for the next book...great job Phil!!! I can't stop thinking about these characters and what's up next for them...GREAT DEBUT
May 15, 2017
I was hovering over 2-2.5 stars for most of the book. It did start getting better towards the end (I even started to like Mac). But then the actual end came... what kind of ending was that?! The story can't just end there.
What started out as a very strange book for me, ended up being OK. Unfortunately, I could not go past 3 stars, due to things I just couldn't get past.
I wonder if there will be a sequel?...
What started out as a very strange book for me, ended up being OK. Unfortunately, I could not go past 3 stars, due to things I just couldn't get past.
I wonder if there will be a sequel?...
nope
January 16, 2017The author is an asshole!
December 25, 2016
********Spoilers Ahead*********
First before you read the book be prepared for "The Damn Thing"
The Damn Thing wanted some action.
The Damn Thing twitched
That thought made the Damn Thing leap to attention.
Will swore he could hear the Damn Thing snickering.
Will figured the Damn Thing thought it was a kid with a blank check in a candy store the way it popped back to attention.
He felt Will’s Damn Thing stand at attention and salute.
The Damn Thing stood and saluted Joe
He wasn’t going to let the Damn Thing fuck this up by taking over.
Will purred when Joe grabbed the Damn Thing.
Will saw the Damn Thing waving hello to his old friend Mac
The Damn Thing poked Joe......................................................................................................
Secondly one of the main characters Mac is a sexual predator who sexually molests the two main characters Will & Joe constantly throughout the book until he date drugs one of them and almost rapes him before his boyfriend Will interrupts them.
The waitress winked at Joe. He snorted. She was wasting her time. He was a one-man man. He leaned into Mac’s shoulder. “Keep an eye on my drink. I need to go to the head.”
An unsteady Joe navigated to the men’s toilet. Mac ordered another double for Joe before he returned.
A pissed Will rounded on Mac. “What the fuck did you do?”
“We went drinking. The waitress liked him and kept giving him doubles all night. When that didn’t work, she may have slipped something into his drink.
He says the waitress. I’m fairly sure it was Mac. Don’t trust the man. I told you all is fair in Love and War with him. He’s used to getting what he wants and he wants you and me. Don’t go anywhere with him without an armed escort.”
“He would do that?”
“Yeah.” Will lay down beside Joe and faced him. “I know Mac, he would.”
Yet despite all these various warnings & the main characters awareness of Mac an FBI agent aiming to get his ex lover Will back by any means even via Will's lover Joe to the extent of drugging him.Mac is allowed free reign on practically all the books 300 odd pages to continue his sexual harassment on both main characters who are law officers themselves without any legal retaliation because he is HOT and they know him.
And than Joe gets raped for 'real' by a serial killer and he is all depressed and I'm unsure how one is supposed to react as sexual assault had been made very acceptable by Joe & his lover Will throughout the book.
“He raped me. Just give me my fucking clothes. I need to go to Will and if he sees the blood he’ll freak.”
“Joe…” Mac hugged him. Joe didn’t respond.
Mac stared at the bloody clothes as the ambulance left. His eyes glittered. “If he isn’t dead, I’ll kill the bastard inch by inch when I find him."
And Mac 'the rapist you know' being remorseful is puzzling in a book full of puzzles.This novel for me would have been a full 5 & beyond stars as the author writes up a storm and if only the story followed logic but because of character inconsistency and the writer unsure whether this couple was a twosome or a threesome with an ambiguous rapist soured the story for me a bit.
Halfway through the book I was actually hoping for a sequel though having reached the end I'm wavering between interest on how the author would untangle the train wreck that is the character Mac and the ambiguity of when grown men say NO whether they drugged or sober when they are sexually being molested are they actually saying YES.
First before you read the book be prepared for "The Damn Thing"
The Damn Thing wanted some action.
The Damn Thing twitched
That thought made the Damn Thing leap to attention.
Will swore he could hear the Damn Thing snickering.
Will figured the Damn Thing thought it was a kid with a blank check in a candy store the way it popped back to attention.
He felt Will’s Damn Thing stand at attention and salute.
The Damn Thing stood and saluted Joe
He wasn’t going to let the Damn Thing fuck this up by taking over.
Will purred when Joe grabbed the Damn Thing.
Will saw the Damn Thing waving hello to his old friend Mac
The Damn Thing poked Joe......................................................................................................
Secondly one of the main characters Mac is a sexual predator who sexually molests the two main characters Will & Joe constantly throughout the book until he date drugs one of them and almost rapes him before his boyfriend Will interrupts them.
The waitress winked at Joe. He snorted. She was wasting her time. He was a one-man man. He leaned into Mac’s shoulder. “Keep an eye on my drink. I need to go to the head.”
An unsteady Joe navigated to the men’s toilet. Mac ordered another double for Joe before he returned.
A pissed Will rounded on Mac. “What the fuck did you do?”
“We went drinking. The waitress liked him and kept giving him doubles all night. When that didn’t work, she may have slipped something into his drink.
He says the waitress. I’m fairly sure it was Mac. Don’t trust the man. I told you all is fair in Love and War with him. He’s used to getting what he wants and he wants you and me. Don’t go anywhere with him without an armed escort.”
“He would do that?”
“Yeah.” Will lay down beside Joe and faced him. “I know Mac, he would.”
Yet despite all these various warnings & the main characters awareness of Mac an FBI agent aiming to get his ex lover Will back by any means even via Will's lover Joe to the extent of drugging him.Mac is allowed free reign on practically all the books 300 odd pages to continue his sexual harassment on both main characters who are law officers themselves without any legal retaliation because he is HOT and they know him.
And than Joe gets raped for 'real' by a serial killer and he is all depressed and I'm unsure how one is supposed to react as sexual assault had been made very acceptable by Joe & his lover Will throughout the book.
“He raped me. Just give me my fucking clothes. I need to go to Will and if he sees the blood he’ll freak.”
“Joe…” Mac hugged him. Joe didn’t respond.
Mac stared at the bloody clothes as the ambulance left. His eyes glittered. “If he isn’t dead, I’ll kill the bastard inch by inch when I find him."
And Mac 'the rapist you know' being remorseful is puzzling in a book full of puzzles.This novel for me would have been a full 5 & beyond stars as the author writes up a storm and if only the story followed logic but because of character inconsistency and the writer unsure whether this couple was a twosome or a threesome with an ambiguous rapist soured the story for me a bit.
Halfway through the book I was actually hoping for a sequel though having reached the end I'm wavering between interest on how the author would untangle the train wreck that is the character Mac and the ambiguity of when grown men say NO whether they drugged or sober when they are sexually being molested are they actually saying YES.
December 28, 2016
Well, this is just a hot mess. The book is like having a head injury that's affecting your ability to remain conscious whilst being in a room with a bunch of people, you don't know but they all know each other, and they're having inside conversations. The entire time I thought I'd picked up book 3 in a series or something, but no... these are all brand new characters. Just a terrible job introducing them.
POV switches randomly between several characters in chapters. One second it's Ray's POV, then Joe's then Will's. Later Mac's POV. Dear god!
The reason I like MM Romance is authors don't generally rely on TSTL moments to drive the plot forward. Harrison, sadly, relies on nothing but TSTL moments. Ray warns everyone in creation that Mac is not to be trusted, so what does our seasoned Marine and decorated police officer do? Trust the shady as fuck dude. Frequently allowing themselves to be in situations alone with him, where, this seasoned marine and decorated cop find themselves sexually assaulted on the regular. Not victim blaming, but come on, when someone has made their intentions clear how are you going to let your guard down and accept suspicious drinks from them or go out with no way to get back home unless you accept a lift from sex predator.
If that's not bad enough the book had no idea what it wanted to be, a thriller? (there's a ludicrous serial killer plot tacked on as an afterthought), a comedy? There's a keystone cops scene with our trio of cops/FBI agents getting trapped in a house when the owners come home. A telenovela? There's a love triangle with the most mixed up home wrecker in the history of home wreckers, he's there to get Will back and his tactic is to hit on Joe? Then he wants Joe? But also wants thinks he's in love with Will ... I'm confused.
POV switches randomly between several characters in chapters. One second it's Ray's POV, then Joe's then Will's. Later Mac's POV. Dear god!
The reason I like MM Romance is authors don't generally rely on TSTL moments to drive the plot forward. Harrison, sadly, relies on nothing but TSTL moments. Ray warns everyone in creation that Mac is not to be trusted, so what does our seasoned Marine and decorated police officer do? Trust the shady as fuck dude. Frequently allowing themselves to be in situations alone with him, where, this seasoned marine and decorated cop find themselves sexually assaulted on the regular. Not victim blaming, but come on, when someone has made their intentions clear how are you going to let your guard down and accept suspicious drinks from them or go out with no way to get back home unless you accept a lift from sex predator.
If that's not bad enough the book had no idea what it wanted to be, a thriller? (there's a ludicrous serial killer plot tacked on as an afterthought), a comedy? There's a keystone cops scene with our trio of cops/FBI agents getting trapped in a house when the owners come home. A telenovela? There's a love triangle with the most mixed up home wrecker in the history of home wreckers, he's there to get Will back and his tactic is to hit on Joe? Then he wants Joe? But also wants thinks he's in love with Will ... I'm confused.
December 14, 2016
After some tragic and traumatic events Will comes to work as a deputy at a tiny Sheriff's Office in a small town. He meets his new partner Joe and soon realizes that he wants him to be much more than his partner at work.
But Joe is straight, or is he? And while these two try to figure out their relationship, there is a serial killer out there killing red-headed teenagers. Trying to catch him, they have to work with the FBI and overcome ghosts from the past.
I loved, loved, loved this book. The romance is a slow burn but lovely with squealworthy parts, happy-sigh-parts and certainly hot parts but the serial killer plot gives the book an edge that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I'm constantly changing between swooning, laughing and gnawing on my finger nails.
To be honest, I'm not that much of a fan of M/M romance books. More often than not I have the feeling the book wouldn't be different if one of the guys was a girl, he behaves decidedly feminine enough.
Not here, those are two mature men, there's no way you could confuse one for a female. Will is secure in his sexuality, he is mature about relationships while Joe is still struggling and trying to find his way. And then there's Mac...
I loved to read this book, it will definitely be on top of my re-read-pile and I hope to read much much more from this author!
But Joe is straight, or is he? And while these two try to figure out their relationship, there is a serial killer out there killing red-headed teenagers. Trying to catch him, they have to work with the FBI and overcome ghosts from the past.
I loved, loved, loved this book. The romance is a slow burn but lovely with squealworthy parts, happy-sigh-parts and certainly hot parts but the serial killer plot gives the book an edge that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I'm constantly changing between swooning, laughing and gnawing on my finger nails.
To be honest, I'm not that much of a fan of M/M romance books. More often than not I have the feeling the book wouldn't be different if one of the guys was a girl, he behaves decidedly feminine enough.
Not here, those are two mature men, there's no way you could confuse one for a female. Will is secure in his sexuality, he is mature about relationships while Joe is still struggling and trying to find his way. And then there's Mac...
I loved to read this book, it will definitely be on top of my re-read-pile and I hope to read much much more from this author!
December 30, 2016
Riveting, totally loved this story but book 2 should be next WIP
Loved the way this book was written, the ease which the reader is drawn into this small area, and the characters were so well written even the minor characters. While getting into the story with Will, you cannot help but chuckle at the inner dialogue while seeing each scene clearly! Will is so hot and sweet while Joe is so drool-worthy but such a tormented "straight" man.
The mystery of the serial killer is weaved so skillfully around the romance of Will and Joe. BUT I've been left with so many questions regarding the killer, his wife, and his children. Are they the children of his victims or actually his wife's? And the end which for me is a cliffhanger (which I hate) and between Will and Joe seems like a HFN.
I still loved this story and will follow Phil for the next book which should be next in his WIP not what he posted at the end of the story! Phil, I'm counting on you to answer all my questions and curiosity about the other characters in this book!
Loved the way this book was written, the ease which the reader is drawn into this small area, and the characters were so well written even the minor characters. While getting into the story with Will, you cannot help but chuckle at the inner dialogue while seeing each scene clearly! Will is so hot and sweet while Joe is so drool-worthy but such a tormented "straight" man.
The mystery of the serial killer is weaved so skillfully around the romance of Will and Joe. BUT I've been left with so many questions regarding the killer, his wife, and his children. Are they the children of his victims or actually his wife's? And the end which for me is a cliffhanger (which I hate) and between Will and Joe seems like a HFN.
I still loved this story and will follow Phil for the next book which should be next in his WIP not what he posted at the end of the story! Phil, I'm counting on you to answer all my questions and curiosity about the other characters in this book!
January 8, 2017
This was the first book I've read by Phil J. Harrison. I always like to try new-to-me authors and Mr. Harrison did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the interaction of the main characters housed in the Sheriff's office. Joe's dad and FBI agent 'R' are definitely not on my 'good' list but they really added angst to an already tense story line. Mac was just fun! I loved Joe and his loyalty to Cain's memory. Will was fantastic and the romance between he and his lovers touching. The ending was perfect! Not that I especially wanted it that way, but it fit perfectly with the plot. I see a sequel in my future.
I've had some time (several days) to think it over and I don't think a sequel is needed. The ending is perfect as it is. The story and characters will stay in your mind just as it is!
I've had some time (several days) to think it over and I don't think a sequel is needed. The ending is perfect as it is. The story and characters will stay in your mind just as it is!
December 19, 2016
WOW!!!!!!!
I loved it Phil!!!! I loved all the elements that were put in. From when Will walked in the station looking at Joe bent over to getting them back on trac after the hiv scare because of THAT man. I loved the whole book! But I have to ask, when is the sequel? You have to have one because of Mac for one, and the guy that should've been burned but wasn't! We have to know Phil. Have to.
I loved it Phil!!!! I loved all the elements that were put in. From when Will walked in the station looking at Joe bent over to getting them back on trac after the hiv scare because of THAT man. I loved the whole book! But I have to ask, when is the sequel? You have to have one because of Mac for one, and the guy that should've been burned but wasn't! We have to know Phil. Have to.
December 22, 2016
Great story.
First let me say this book has a great story line keeps you on your toes. I laughed and cried and am looking forward to a second book hint hint. But I have to say the editing wasn't very good a lot of mistakes that couldn't be overlooked but it didn't detour from the actual story.
First let me say this book has a great story line keeps you on your toes. I laughed and cried and am looking forward to a second book hint hint. But I have to say the editing wasn't very good a lot of mistakes that couldn't be overlooked but it didn't detour from the actual story.
January 22, 2017
Good read
This was a funny sexy read with a good plot. I liked Mac even though he was confusing at times. Only negative is it could have used editing to make the story flow smoother.
This was a funny sexy read with a good plot. I liked Mac even though he was confusing at times. Only negative is it could have used editing to make the story flow smoother.
December 26, 2016
First book
Good read even with the typo and grammar. Don't let it deter you, once you start you will not put it down. Awaiting the second book.
Good read even with the typo and grammar. Don't let it deter you, once you start you will not put it down. Awaiting the second book.
September 27, 2018
Loved it
Loved the book, cursed the ending. Please tell me there is another one on the way. Too many unanswered questions for this to be case . The guys need a happy ending, all three of them. Well worth the read.
Loved the book, cursed the ending. Please tell me there is another one on the way. Too many unanswered questions for this to be case . The guys need a happy ending, all three of them. Well worth the read.
December 2, 2017
33% DNF, either my copy had lots of errors or this was badly written?
December 28, 2016
If I'm reading the author's blog correctly, there is to be a corrected/edited version of this book coming. I may give it another try if that happens.
But, for now, all I can say is that the editing issues were a major issue. It made the book almost unreadable IMO.
Also, everything was just so jumbled and convoluted. The love scenes, the action scenes, the dialog between characters, the confusion caused by all of this was just too much to warrant a rating better than the two stars I gave.
There is a somewhat cliff hanger involved, so I'll probably read the next book if the editing issues are taken care of.
Other than that, I can't really in good conscience recommend this one, at least not until fixes are made.
But, for now, all I can say is that the editing issues were a major issue. It made the book almost unreadable IMO.
Also, everything was just so jumbled and convoluted. The love scenes, the action scenes, the dialog between characters, the confusion caused by all of this was just too much to warrant a rating better than the two stars I gave.
There is a somewhat cliff hanger involved, so I'll probably read the next book if the editing issues are taken care of.
Other than that, I can't really in good conscience recommend this one, at least not until fixes are made.
00-mm-horrible-disaster-fail-dnf
December 4, 2016"New-To-Me" author. This sounds very intriguing. To be on the safe side, I'll KU this and if I like it, I'll purchase it.
March 27, 2017
It was great. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews