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Stonewall Investigations #2
A Lethal Love
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07DKW5679
Alejandro Santos is a sharp as nails detective who’s been struck with a spell of boring cases. He’s left unstimulated and unhappy. That is until Griffin walks in through the doors of Stonewall Investigations and suddenly everything changes.
Griffin Banks is the son of a tech mogul and, from the outside in, appears to have everything set. But Griffin’s battling intense demons of his own. Things get exponentially worse when he wakes up from a drug and alcohol-fueled blackout to find his friend in his living room. His dead friend. Someone murdered her and left him behind.
Griffin’s case is exactly what Alejandro was looking for, and Alejandro happened to be exactly whom Griffin was looking for.
When powerful sparks begin to fly between the two, both men will be faced with new challenges. They’ll be tested in ways neither would have ever seen coming. Griffin and Alejandro will need to navigate a winding, treacherous road on their journey to finding happiness together.
_______________
A Lethal Love is the second book in the Stonewall Investigations series. It can be read as a standalone and is a full-length, steamy gay romantic suspense novel.
Alejandro Santos is a sharp as nails detective who’s been struck with a spell of boring cases. He’s left unstimulated and unhappy. That is until Griffin walks in through the doors of Stonewall Investigations and suddenly everything changes.
Griffin Banks is the son of a tech mogul and, from the outside in, appears to have everything set. But Griffin’s battling intense demons of his own. Things get exponentially worse when he wakes up from a drug and alcohol-fueled blackout to find his friend in his living room. His dead friend. Someone murdered her and left him behind.
Griffin’s case is exactly what Alejandro was looking for, and Alejandro happened to be exactly whom Griffin was looking for.
When powerful sparks begin to fly between the two, both men will be faced with new challenges. They’ll be tested in ways neither would have ever seen coming. Griffin and Alejandro will need to navigate a winding, treacherous road on their journey to finding happiness together.
_______________
A Lethal Love is the second book in the Stonewall Investigations series. It can be read as a standalone and is a full-length, steamy gay romantic suspense novel.
238 pages, ebook
First published June 6, 2018
227 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 12, 2018
*2.8stars*
The book was decent enough. Definitely not his best I would say. Even the first in this particular series was better. I was glad that here characters were not perfect, slightly complicated but the whole issue of Griffin's trouble with alcohol was brushed off way too quickly. His bipolar disorder was well described though.
Alex is the detective on the case. And the case, let me tell you, was not very imaginative and it held no interest for me. Up until 60% percent of the book it was barely mentioned as if in afterthought. Then it picked up and I liked how Alex worked but not the result itself.
Those two were hot together. That saved the book rating here. I enjoyed reading how they were although the first intimate scene was a little off for me because the author kept using the word "bulge" over and over and in the rest of the book too. I nearly started counting. But the rest of the time they were really good.
Another pet peeve here was the phrase that goes something like this: I could suck his d*ck all day and night non-stop....and never get tired. I know it's fiction and some things are stretched a little but something about this thought just ticks me off. Another thing was how flowery sometimes the descriptions of their feeling were. That was unusual because he normally does not write like that. I hope the next book will be better.
The book was decent enough. Definitely not his best I would say. Even the first in this particular series was better. I was glad that here characters were not perfect, slightly complicated but the whole issue of Griffin's trouble with alcohol was brushed off way too quickly. His bipolar disorder was well described though.
Alex is the detective on the case. And the case, let me tell you, was not very imaginative and it held no interest for me. Up until 60% percent of the book it was barely mentioned as if in afterthought. Then it picked up and I liked how Alex worked but not the result itself.
Those two were hot together. That saved the book rating here. I enjoyed reading how they were although the first intimate scene was a little off for me because the author kept using the word "bulge" over and over and in the rest of the book too. I nearly started counting. But the rest of the time they were really good.
Another pet peeve here was the phrase that goes something like this: I could suck his d*ck all day and night non-stop....and never get tired. I know it's fiction and some things are stretched a little but something about this thought just ticks me off. Another thing was how flowery sometimes the descriptions of their feeling were. That was unusual because he normally does not write like that. I hope the next book will be better.
June 10, 2018
Could not finish
My Walker succeeded in one thing with this story - killing my interest in the mystery and the characters. By the 25% point it was non stop internal monologues on how attractive, sweet, strong or vulnerable (depending on the narrator) the other one was. Only a masochist could be attracted to Griffin. There is messed up and then there is MESSED UP. And Griffin is triple MESSED UP.
My Walker succeeded in one thing with this story - killing my interest in the mystery and the characters. By the 25% point it was non stop internal monologues on how attractive, sweet, strong or vulnerable (depending on the narrator) the other one was. Only a masochist could be attracted to Griffin. There is messed up and then there is MESSED UP. And Griffin is triple MESSED UP.
April 17, 2023
Devo dire che i primi capitoli narrati con la voce di Griffin sono quasi un piccolo capolavoro. Max Walker ha saputo far emergere lo stato di annientamento, di confusione e di perenne offuscamento in cui vive la mente del ragazzo, dandomi la possibilità di viverlo quasi in prima persona. Complimenti!
Per il resto il romanzo scorre con un ritmo gradevole. La storia investigativa è interessante, anche se evolve un po' lentamente, mentre la storia d'amore fra i due protagonisti è veloce nel crescere ma decisamente intensa.
Una lettura piacevole.
Hugs&kisses
Per il resto il romanzo scorre con un ritmo gradevole. La storia investigativa è interessante, anche se evolve un po' lentamente, mentre la storia d'amore fra i due protagonisti è veloce nel crescere ma decisamente intensa.
Una lettura piacevole.
Hugs&kisses
January 15, 2022
3.5 Stars!
I liked this, but similar to the first one, I didn't think the crime that was being investigated was integrated fully into the plot. There was a long stretch of this book right in the middle where the investigation was completely forgotten about. I really want the crime plot to be central to the romance development and I don't think we fully got that here.
I think this was well written. I liked both Alex and Griffin as characters. There were elements of the mystery that were interesting, though I definitely think that wasn't the main focus and the answer to the mystery seemed like a bit of an afterthought and the ending was a bit rushed. I did like the discussions of family in this book, particularly the relationship Griffin had with his father. I do wish we had explored the characters' interests a bit more, particularly with Alex. We know Griffin likes photography but I don't feel like I really got to know Alex as much.
One thing that did bother me while reading is that at the start, Griffin is a severe alcoholic. This is relevant to the plot but only at the very beginning. Then, pretty early on, there is a three-week time jump. Griffin has been to some addiction program and to therapy and is not drinking anymore. This happens right after meeting Alex. His alcoholism is mentioned a few more times but is never an issue for him again. Maybe the author didn't feel completely comfortable writing about the topic, which is fine, but I just didn't understand why that plot point was there if it's resolved so early and with no issues.
I like this author's writing and I generally like the relationships. While I have some complaints about how the mystery parts of the books are structured, I would definitely read more from this series. I look forward to seeing what happens next in this series.
I liked this, but similar to the first one, I didn't think the crime that was being investigated was integrated fully into the plot. There was a long stretch of this book right in the middle where the investigation was completely forgotten about. I really want the crime plot to be central to the romance development and I don't think we fully got that here.
I think this was well written. I liked both Alex and Griffin as characters. There were elements of the mystery that were interesting, though I definitely think that wasn't the main focus and the answer to the mystery seemed like a bit of an afterthought and the ending was a bit rushed. I did like the discussions of family in this book, particularly the relationship Griffin had with his father. I do wish we had explored the characters' interests a bit more, particularly with Alex. We know Griffin likes photography but I don't feel like I really got to know Alex as much.
One thing that did bother me while reading is that at the start, Griffin is a severe alcoholic. This is relevant to the plot but only at the very beginning. Then, pretty early on, there is a three-week time jump. Griffin has been to some addiction program and to therapy and is not drinking anymore. This happens right after meeting Alex. His alcoholism is mentioned a few more times but is never an issue for him again. Maybe the author didn't feel completely comfortable writing about the topic, which is fine, but I just didn't understand why that plot point was there if it's resolved so early and with no issues.
I like this author's writing and I generally like the relationships. While I have some complaints about how the mystery parts of the books are structured, I would definitely read more from this series. I look forward to seeing what happens next in this series.
November 26, 2023
So, was it the church that broke the window?
June 1, 2018
This book quickly drew me in and kept me turning the pages, I couldn’t put it down. All the elements for a great story can be found within these pages. The characters are strong, complex, and believable, I enjoyed getting to know them. The author does a great job of drawing the reader in,it feels as though you’re a part of the story. It’s easy to find something to like with this story from mystery, suspense, love and romance. I look forward to reading what happens next.
June 3, 2018
This book was really a great read, lots of emotion and issue to deal with. I love how the author brings to light mental illness of bipolar disorder and doesn’t make it a stigma but as a medical condition that needs treatment and support. Griffin has had a rough go for a few years, tragedy and guilt will knock anyone down but Griffin took the wrong way to handle it. When someone is murdered while he is passed out, things have to change.
Alex is a detective with Stonewall Investigations, his life is just well boring. It’s mundane, grey in color. Then in walks Griffin looking for help. Immediately there’s a connection. Can they solve this mystery before Griffin gets blamed for something he didn’t remember happening? Will Griffin finally get to be happy and have it all with Alex?
The author writes a wonderful story, full of ups and downs, dealing with family, friends and love. It’s really very well written and it was hard to put it down. This series is fantastic, definitely give Max Walker a try, these would be a great start!!
Alex is a detective with Stonewall Investigations, his life is just well boring. It’s mundane, grey in color. Then in walks Griffin looking for help. Immediately there’s a connection. Can they solve this mystery before Griffin gets blamed for something he didn’t remember happening? Will Griffin finally get to be happy and have it all with Alex?
The author writes a wonderful story, full of ups and downs, dealing with family, friends and love. It’s really very well written and it was hard to put it down. This series is fantastic, definitely give Max Walker a try, these would be a great start!!
June 8, 2018
Griffin Banks is a mess, often drinking while taking his Bipolar medication until he blacks out to blank out his demons he fights. He's horrified when he wakes to find his room mate Veronica murdered next to him. What the hell happened? Who would kill Veronica? He needs to change his ways and find her killer .
Alejandro Santos, a detective who works for Stonewall Investigations always gets the boring contracts until Griffin Banks walks in needing help and everything changes. The connection he feels for him is instant. He not only wants to help him but he also wants him. They open up to each other revealing their demons, making them realise they are meant to be together.
Can they track down Veronica's murderer before Griffin gets charged with something he didn't do? Can they find their HEA? Also the Unicorn has struck again!
This series is full of murder, mystery, suspense and plenty of love and will keep you turning those pages. The author handled the mental illness of Bipolar with care and doesn't dramatize it. Great to catch up with Enzo and Zane and look forward to the next book in this amazing series.
Alejandro Santos, a detective who works for Stonewall Investigations always gets the boring contracts until Griffin Banks walks in needing help and everything changes. The connection he feels for him is instant. He not only wants to help him but he also wants him. They open up to each other revealing their demons, making them realise they are meant to be together.
Can they track down Veronica's murderer before Griffin gets charged with something he didn't do? Can they find their HEA? Also the Unicorn has struck again!
This series is full of murder, mystery, suspense and plenty of love and will keep you turning those pages. The author handled the mental illness of Bipolar with care and doesn't dramatize it. Great to catch up with Enzo and Zane and look forward to the next book in this amazing series.
November 17, 2018
Griffin and Alex
Stonewalling investigation is getting busy even if they can't capture the unicorn.
Griffin wakes up to find his roommate dead in a pol of blood. He was smashed and did not see or hear anything. His best bet is to hire someone before the police charges him with murder.
Enter Alex who is distracted by Griffin as he walks through the door.
Alex vows to help this tender soul. There was a connection from the beginning.
The story line even though similar it still kept you wanting to read on.
Stonewalling investigation is getting busy even if they can't capture the unicorn.
Griffin wakes up to find his roommate dead in a pol of blood. He was smashed and did not see or hear anything. His best bet is to hire someone before the police charges him with murder.
Enter Alex who is distracted by Griffin as he walks through the door.
Alex vows to help this tender soul. There was a connection from the beginning.
The story line even though similar it still kept you wanting to read on.
June 14, 2018
This is a fantastic follow up to A Hard Call.
Alejandro Santos is the Stonewall Investigations detective who takes up the case of Griffin Banks who woke up after a black out to find his room-mate Victoria is lying dead in a pool of blood next to him.
Griffin is a mess. He is bipolar controlled by drugs but also drinks to excess. Alejandro very carefully earns his trust and slowly but surely brings Griffin back from his destructive habits as they solve the mystery surrounding the death
Alejandro Santos is the Stonewall Investigations detective who takes up the case of Griffin Banks who woke up after a black out to find his room-mate Victoria is lying dead in a pool of blood next to him.
Griffin is a mess. He is bipolar controlled by drugs but also drinks to excess. Alejandro very carefully earns his trust and slowly but surely brings Griffin back from his destructive habits as they solve the mystery surrounding the death
Read
July 31, 2022ok, i think i like this one even better than the first. I like how Max Walker doesn't shy away from the tough topics. Grief, mental illness and drug abuse. It was masterfully done and in the end, I was just a proud of Griffin as Alex was. The mystery was also masterfully crafted, but i had hoped for movement on the meta plot.
November 20, 2023
Fantastic, flirty, and fun!
Another great balance of romance and thriller. I enjoyed the addiction and mental health rep components to this text as well. Also, was fun in contrast to the first book how fast it felt this couple got together to see how their relationship played out a bit longer.
Excited to start book 3!
Another great balance of romance and thriller. I enjoyed the addiction and mental health rep components to this text as well. Also, was fun in contrast to the first book how fast it felt this couple got together to see how their relationship played out a bit longer.
Excited to start book 3!
March 7, 2019
Ehhhhhhhhhhhh this book sort of plays at one of the characters being an alcoholic, but doesn't really take it seriously. Wasn't too thrilled about that.
September 3, 2019
It was a little hard to like Griffin but he got better. The murder mystery was a little less a part of this book than I prefer. The narrator was great!
May 21, 2025
4/5⭐️
Enjoyed this just as much as the first! Flying through this series.
Enjoyed this just as much as the first! Flying through this series.
November 15, 2023
Greg Boudreaux's narration is a performance to look forward to. His talents make a good story sound great.
This book was primarily an erotic romance with a dash of mystery. Be prepared for some steamy office encounters. Be skeptical of law enforcement procedures.
If you are a mystery story aficionado, you will find a few glitches in the storytelling. If you are just stopping by for the hormone fueled romance, you probably won't notice. I was entertained, but my inner writer kept doing content editing.
This book was primarily an erotic romance with a dash of mystery. Be prepared for some steamy office encounters. Be skeptical of law enforcement procedures.
If you are a mystery story aficionado, you will find a few glitches in the storytelling. If you are just stopping by for the hormone fueled romance, you probably won't notice. I was entertained, but my inner writer kept doing content editing.
July 31, 2019
DNF! TRASH!
1) There have been NO $500 bills since 1942 & suddenly Griffin has a wallet full of them? BS!
2) supposedly this car wreck Griffin is taking Oxytocin (a love/pregnancy hormone) for his bipolar? MORE BS!
3) Alejandro obviously suffers from codependency. He’s drawn to becoming a fixer like a fly to shit. NOT INTERESTED!
4) according to this author, all a person needs to be forever cured of alcoholism & bipolar disorder is to stumble over a big stiff dick & suck on the thing a lot.
I found this extremely offensive & trivializes those who do actually suffer.
Oh, & what’s with this “we discussed that we’re both negative & decided to forego a condom” shite when they’re having their 1st penetration sex? Talk about a disaster just waiting to happen! It’s authors like this who are perpetrators of a return to the days of watching all our friends die horrific deaths. I love mindless sexual filth, but I’ve seen far too many friends die to allow this person to benefit by writing such irresponsible garbage & meanwhile really can’t even develop a plot anyway.
1) There have been NO $500 bills since 1942 & suddenly Griffin has a wallet full of them? BS!
2) supposedly this car wreck Griffin is taking Oxytocin (a love/pregnancy hormone) for his bipolar? MORE BS!
3) Alejandro obviously suffers from codependency. He’s drawn to becoming a fixer like a fly to shit. NOT INTERESTED!
4) according to this author, all a person needs to be forever cured of alcoholism & bipolar disorder is to stumble over a big stiff dick & suck on the thing a lot.
I found this extremely offensive & trivializes those who do actually suffer.
Oh, & what’s with this “we discussed that we’re both negative & decided to forego a condom” shite when they’re having their 1st penetration sex? Talk about a disaster just waiting to happen! It’s authors like this who are perpetrators of a return to the days of watching all our friends die horrific deaths. I love mindless sexual filth, but I’ve seen far too many friends die to allow this person to benefit by writing such irresponsible garbage & meanwhile really can’t even develop a plot anyway.
August 27, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up. Not as fun for me as the first book but I’m absolutely going to continue the series!
This book is mostly a romance and contains some mystery elements.
Griffin is the 26 year old son of a wealthy family. His dad has been distant. He’s bipolar and admits he abuses alcohol, but is also definitely an alcoholic. He drinks to forget and to numb and mixes alcohol with his bipolar meds to make it more potent. When stressed and even after his roommate was murdered he was preoccupied with getting another drink. He’s white, cis, gay.
Alex (Alejandro) is the 31 year old son of a loving and working class family. He’s a detective at Stonewall Investigations PI business. He takes Griffin’s case to find out who murdered Griffin’s roommate. He’s concerned but not deterred by Griffin’s substance abuse. He had a brother who died related to drug and alcohol abuse. He also has a history of drug and alcohol abuse (to cope with his brother’s death) and only realized he was at rock bottom after trashing his parents’ house in a drug/alcohol haze.
The good:
The idea for this book series is just so fun! Queer private detectives? Yes please!
I love that the books don’t end as soon as the guys get together. They go a bit past that and further with the epilogue.
Those poor guys! They kept trying to have office sex and kept getting interrupted! I’m glad they finally got to do that at the end, lol!
I did appreciate the pretty good accuracy with what it’s like to abuse alcohol and not admit that it’s alcoholism, even when it’s obvious to others. That was well done with Griffin, and also hard to read at times.
I liked that Griffin didn’t work on his sobriety so he could date someone, but that having frank conversations did allow him to see how bad things had gotten and he wanted to make positive changes.
It was fun seeing Enzo and Zane again!
The less good:
This is a me thing, but I struggled with the two whole chapters devoted to Griffin during one of his benders. They included his alcohol and medication induced hallucinations. I think two entire chapters was way too much for this. It didn’t advance the plot and only hinted at backstory for Griffin. But I also NEVER like smiling dream/hallucination sequences.
This is definitely a me thing, but I didn’t enjoy the relatively long build up to penetrative anal sex because it “means something.” I’m not of the opinion that penetrative sex is the pinnacle of sex and thus should saved to use as proof people love each other. To me it’s reductive, boring, and reminds me of my Christian upbringing (but this book wasn’t nearly as unhinged like that was).
Awkward single words of Spanish in English sentences. Like “This whole thing has been so loco!” I adore Spanish in English books! But this felt very ‘English speaker’s idea of a Latino man’ at times.
This book is mostly a romance and contains some mystery elements.
Griffin is the 26 year old son of a wealthy family. His dad has been distant. He’s bipolar and admits he abuses alcohol, but is also definitely an alcoholic. He drinks to forget and to numb and mixes alcohol with his bipolar meds to make it more potent. When stressed and even after his roommate was murdered he was preoccupied with getting another drink. He’s white, cis, gay.
Alex (Alejandro) is the 31 year old son of a loving and working class family. He’s a detective at Stonewall Investigations PI business. He takes Griffin’s case to find out who murdered Griffin’s roommate. He’s concerned but not deterred by Griffin’s substance abuse. He had a brother who died related to drug and alcohol abuse. He also has a history of drug and alcohol abuse (to cope with his brother’s death) and only realized he was at rock bottom after trashing his parents’ house in a drug/alcohol haze.
The good:
The idea for this book series is just so fun! Queer private detectives? Yes please!
I love that the books don’t end as soon as the guys get together. They go a bit past that and further with the epilogue.
Those poor guys! They kept trying to have office sex and kept getting interrupted! I’m glad they finally got to do that at the end, lol!
I did appreciate the pretty good accuracy with what it’s like to abuse alcohol and not admit that it’s alcoholism, even when it’s obvious to others. That was well done with Griffin, and also hard to read at times.
I liked that Griffin didn’t work on his sobriety so he could date someone, but that having frank conversations did allow him to see how bad things had gotten and he wanted to make positive changes.
It was fun seeing Enzo and Zane again!
The less good:
This is a me thing, but I struggled with the two whole chapters devoted to Griffin during one of his benders. They included his alcohol and medication induced hallucinations. I think two entire chapters was way too much for this. It didn’t advance the plot and only hinted at backstory for Griffin. But I also NEVER like smiling dream/hallucination sequences.
This is definitely a me thing, but I didn’t enjoy the relatively long build up to penetrative anal sex because it “means something.” I’m not of the opinion that penetrative sex is the pinnacle of sex and thus should saved to use as proof people love each other. To me it’s reductive, boring, and reminds me of my Christian upbringing (but this book wasn’t nearly as unhinged like that was).
Awkward single words of Spanish in English sentences. Like “This whole thing has been so loco!” I adore Spanish in English books! But this felt very ‘English speaker’s idea of a Latino man’ at times.
June 24, 2023
Recensione a cura del blog Romantic Fairies
..una parte di me era spinta da un forte desiderio di aiutare Griffin. Il modo in cui mi aveva guardato dall’altra parte della scrivania, o meglio, aveva evitato di guardarmi, mi aveva colpito. Qualcosa nella sua espressione mi aveva fatto venire voglia di aprirmi e costruirgli una casa perché ci vivesse, dove potessi proteggerlo da tutte le stronzate che il mondo gli stava gettando addosso. Non riuscivo a capire cosa fosse, se quegli invitanti occhi castani che fingevano distanza o il suo occasionale sorriso che appariva all’improvviso come un fulmine inatteso. Eppure, quel sorriso faticava a rimanergli sul viso.
Ed eccomi qui al secondo volume di questa serie che mi sta regalando una vera e propria felicità.
Come già detto con Una scelta difficile, primo volume di questa serie, Max Walker mi ha ben impressionata, Zane ed Enzo sono stati i due apripista d’eccezione per portarci ad Alejandro con Griffin in Un amore letale.
Ogni protagonista è ben inserito nell’insieme della storia ed esercita sul lettore la giusta pressione per invogliarlo sempre più nella lettura e nel prosieguo della serie.
Dobbiamo tener conto che oltre le storie dei personaggi, che man mano ci verranno proposti, non dobbiamo dimenticare che ce n’è uno che rimane defilato ma che colpisce ogni volta.
Spero Max ci dia la storia dell’Unicorno, tramite gli altri protagonisti che fanno parte della Stonewall Investigations.
Per adesso soffermiamoci su Alejandro e Griffin, due uomini diversi per stato sociale e per la vita finora vissuta.
Due uomini che un omicidio fa incontrare perché Griffin ha bisogno di qualcuno che riesca ad arrivare dove la sua mente ottenebrata e piena di suoni, rumori e colori non riesce.
Due uomini che impareranno a camminare insieme e che saranno l’uno l’aiuto dell’altro per rimettere in sesto la loro vita.
Una storia che sa farsi apprezzare perché coinvolgente al punto giusto, intrisa di suspense per un pezzetto che mi ha fatto temere il peggio e romantica con il suo finale.
Una cover che arriva subito all’occhio e che ci fa sperare di avere presto il terzo volume della serie e con esso la conoscenza di Mark.
Una lettura che consiglio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
..una parte di me era spinta da un forte desiderio di aiutare Griffin. Il modo in cui mi aveva guardato dall’altra parte della scrivania, o meglio, aveva evitato di guardarmi, mi aveva colpito. Qualcosa nella sua espressione mi aveva fatto venire voglia di aprirmi e costruirgli una casa perché ci vivesse, dove potessi proteggerlo da tutte le stronzate che il mondo gli stava gettando addosso. Non riuscivo a capire cosa fosse, se quegli invitanti occhi castani che fingevano distanza o il suo occasionale sorriso che appariva all’improvviso come un fulmine inatteso. Eppure, quel sorriso faticava a rimanergli sul viso.
Ed eccomi qui al secondo volume di questa serie che mi sta regalando una vera e propria felicità.
Come già detto con Una scelta difficile, primo volume di questa serie, Max Walker mi ha ben impressionata, Zane ed Enzo sono stati i due apripista d’eccezione per portarci ad Alejandro con Griffin in Un amore letale.
Ogni protagonista è ben inserito nell’insieme della storia ed esercita sul lettore la giusta pressione per invogliarlo sempre più nella lettura e nel prosieguo della serie.
Dobbiamo tener conto che oltre le storie dei personaggi, che man mano ci verranno proposti, non dobbiamo dimenticare che ce n’è uno che rimane defilato ma che colpisce ogni volta.
Spero Max ci dia la storia dell’Unicorno, tramite gli altri protagonisti che fanno parte della Stonewall Investigations.
Per adesso soffermiamoci su Alejandro e Griffin, due uomini diversi per stato sociale e per la vita finora vissuta.
Due uomini che un omicidio fa incontrare perché Griffin ha bisogno di qualcuno che riesca ad arrivare dove la sua mente ottenebrata e piena di suoni, rumori e colori non riesce.
Due uomini che impareranno a camminare insieme e che saranno l’uno l’aiuto dell’altro per rimettere in sesto la loro vita.
Una storia che sa farsi apprezzare perché coinvolgente al punto giusto, intrisa di suspense per un pezzetto che mi ha fatto temere il peggio e romantica con il suo finale.
Una cover che arriva subito all’occhio e che ci fa sperare di avere presto il terzo volume della serie e con esso la conoscenza di Mark.
Una lettura che consiglio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 24, 2023
..una parte di me era spinta da un forte desiderio di aiutare Griffin. Il modo in cui mi aveva guardato dall’altra parte della scrivania, o meglio, aveva evitato di guardarmi, mi aveva colpito. Qualcosa nella sua espressione mi aveva fatto venire voglia di aprirmi e costruirgli una casa perché ci vivesse, dove potessi proteggerlo da tutte le stronzate che il mondo gli stava gettando addosso. Non riuscivo a capire cosa fosse, se quegli invitanti occhi castani che fingevano distanza o il suo occasionale sorriso che appariva all’improvviso come un fulmine inatteso. Eppure, quel sorriso faticava a rimanergli sul viso.
Ed eccomi qui al secondo volume di questa serie che mi sta regalando una vera e propria felicità.
Come già detto con Una scelta difficile, primo volume di questa serie, Max Walker mi ha ben impressionata, Zane ed Enzo sono stati i due apripista d’eccezione per portarci ad Alejandro con Griffin in Un amore letale.
Ogni protagonista è ben inserito nell’insieme della storia ed esercita sul lettore la giusta pressione per invogliarlo sempre più nella lettura e nel prosieguo della serie.
Dobbiamo tener conto che oltre le storie dei personaggi, che man mano ci verranno proposti, non dobbiamo dimenticare che ce n’è uno che rimane defilato ma che colpisce ogni volta.
Spero Max ci dia la storia dell’Unicorno, tramite gli altri protagonisti che fanno parte della Stonewall Investigations.
Per adesso soffermiamoci su Alejandro e Griffin, due uomini diversi per stato sociale e per la vita finora vissuta.
Due uomini che un omicidio fa incontrare perché Griffin ha bisogno di qualcuno che riesca ad arrivare dove la sua mente ottenebrata e piena di suoni, rumori e colori non riesce.
Due uomini che impareranno a camminare insieme e che saranno l’uno l’aiuto dell’altro per rimettere in sesto la loro vita.
Una storia che sa farsi apprezzare perché coinvolgente al punto giusto, intrisa di suspense per un pezzetto che mi ha fatto temere il peggio e romantica con il suo finale.
Una cover che arriva subito all’occhio e che ci fa sperare di avere presto il terzo volume della serie e con esso la conoscenza di Mark.
Una lettura che consiglio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ed eccomi qui al secondo volume di questa serie che mi sta regalando una vera e propria felicità.
Come già detto con Una scelta difficile, primo volume di questa serie, Max Walker mi ha ben impressionata, Zane ed Enzo sono stati i due apripista d’eccezione per portarci ad Alejandro con Griffin in Un amore letale.
Ogni protagonista è ben inserito nell’insieme della storia ed esercita sul lettore la giusta pressione per invogliarlo sempre più nella lettura e nel prosieguo della serie.
Dobbiamo tener conto che oltre le storie dei personaggi, che man mano ci verranno proposti, non dobbiamo dimenticare che ce n’è uno che rimane defilato ma che colpisce ogni volta.
Spero Max ci dia la storia dell’Unicorno, tramite gli altri protagonisti che fanno parte della Stonewall Investigations.
Per adesso soffermiamoci su Alejandro e Griffin, due uomini diversi per stato sociale e per la vita finora vissuta.
Due uomini che un omicidio fa incontrare perché Griffin ha bisogno di qualcuno che riesca ad arrivare dove la sua mente ottenebrata e piena di suoni, rumori e colori non riesce.
Due uomini che impareranno a camminare insieme e che saranno l’uno l’aiuto dell’altro per rimettere in sesto la loro vita.
Una storia che sa farsi apprezzare perché coinvolgente al punto giusto, intrisa di suspense per un pezzetto che mi ha fatto temere il peggio e romantica con il suo finale.
Una cover che arriva subito all’occhio e che ci fa sperare di avere presto il terzo volume della serie e con esso la conoscenza di Mark.
Una lettura che consiglio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 9, 2018
I liked this book, but I wasn't blown away by it.
It was very fluently written, with funny references throughout, and some very beautiful and unique imagery, which was a pleasure to read. I also loved the bits of Spanish dialogue and exclamations on the part of Alejandro! However, some of the plot twists were too implausible for me and that spoiled my enjoyment of the book.
The opening scene book was very powerful. There was a level of suspense that unfortunately died down a bit for the rest of the book, picking up only at almost the very end.
The investigation takes up most of the story, but it doesn't have that same edge as the opening scene. We don't have a sense of urgency and there seems to be little threat to Griffin from either the police or the real murderer. Alejandro believes in Griffin's innocence from the get-go, he doesn't even doubt him a little. That seems a bit gullible, even strange for someone in his particular profession. I'd have preferred Alejandro to hesitate a little bit and for the author to have used that bit of doubt to up the tension between both MC's.
I found it a bit difficult to believe that Griffin stopped drinking cold turkey after so many years of alcohol abuse, and without seeking help (AA?) or therapy of any kind. I would have also preferred it if he had made that choice for himself, whereas now it seemed in large part due to his meeting and wanting to impress Alejandro, who at that point was still more or less a stranger to him.
The secondary characters were fun and interesting, they made a very nice addition to the world of the book. They got me curious to know more of their stories.
It was very fluently written, with funny references throughout, and some very beautiful and unique imagery, which was a pleasure to read. I also loved the bits of Spanish dialogue and exclamations on the part of Alejandro! However, some of the plot twists were too implausible for me and that spoiled my enjoyment of the book.
The opening scene book was very powerful. There was a level of suspense that unfortunately died down a bit for the rest of the book, picking up only at almost the very end.
The investigation takes up most of the story, but it doesn't have that same edge as the opening scene. We don't have a sense of urgency and there seems to be little threat to Griffin from either the police or the real murderer. Alejandro believes in Griffin's innocence from the get-go, he doesn't even doubt him a little. That seems a bit gullible, even strange for someone in his particular profession. I'd have preferred Alejandro to hesitate a little bit and for the author to have used that bit of doubt to up the tension between both MC's.
I found it a bit difficult to believe that Griffin stopped drinking cold turkey after so many years of alcohol abuse, and without seeking help (AA?) or therapy of any kind. I would have also preferred it if he had made that choice for himself, whereas now it seemed in large part due to his meeting and wanting to impress Alejandro, who at that point was still more or less a stranger to him.
The secondary characters were fun and interesting, they made a very nice addition to the world of the book. They got me curious to know more of their stories.
March 28, 2024
Stonewall has a new client and this time it’s Alex taking the case. Griffin blacked out after drinking too much with his meds and found his roommate stabbed to death only a few feet away from him. He’s positive he’s innocent but he also blacked out and has the cops asking him questions he can’t answer. Alex believes Griffin’s innocence, but thinks Veronica’s death has more to the story. The last thing he expects is to fall for Griffin in the process.
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Murder, bank robberies, and magic tricks oh my
2) Griffin is dealing with a lot of personal stuff from his alcoholism to being bipolar to his spiralling life choices and finding his roommate murdered doesn’t help. When he hits rock bottom and gets help, it’s the start of a good thing and
3) The picture frame and window had my heart pounding in my chest! This whole Unicorn business is making me overthink everything!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PS — loved how Alex and Griffin found each other but was also hesitant because of Griffin’s new found sober status and how it’s not recommended to start a relationship. However, I loved them too much and am glad I didn’t have to wait 🤣
#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #murdermystery #fiction #stonewallinvestigationseries #maxwalker #alethallove @maxwalkerwrites
Reasons I Recommend:
1) Murder, bank robberies, and magic tricks oh my
2) Griffin is dealing with a lot of personal stuff from his alcoholism to being bipolar to his spiralling life choices and finding his roommate murdered doesn’t help. When he hits rock bottom and gets help, it’s the start of a good thing and
3) The picture frame and window had my heart pounding in my chest! This whole Unicorn business is making me overthink everything!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PS — loved how Alex and Griffin found each other but was also hesitant because of Griffin’s new found sober status and how it’s not recommended to start a relationship. However, I loved them too much and am glad I didn’t have to wait 🤣
#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #murdermystery #fiction #stonewallinvestigationseries #maxwalker #alethallove @maxwalkerwrites
November 27, 2025
story of Griffin and Alejandro
This is a murder mystery romance, featuring Griffin Banks and Alejandro Santos, and is book two in the Stonewall Investigations series.
Alejandro, a bored but brilliant detective, finally gets the challenge he craves when Griffin, heir to a tech empire, stumbles in with a murder he’s been framed for. As they chase the truth and confront Griffin’s demons, the explosive chemistry between them tests both men in ways they never expected.
Max Walker does mystery so well, this story pairs a sharp, no-nonsense detective with a troubled tech heir in a high-stakes murder investigation. The tension between Alejandro and Griffin sizzles, making their partnership, and eventual romance, flowed well. There’s danger and secrets, making every twist in the investigation feel just as intense as the growing attraction between them.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM romance
Murder mystery
Opposites attract
Investigator x Client
Excessive drinking
Hurt / Comfort
Mental Health themes
Estranged dad
Spicy times & dirty talk
Jock straps
Secret revealed
Bit of drama
Found family
HEA
This is a murder mystery romance, featuring Griffin Banks and Alejandro Santos, and is book two in the Stonewall Investigations series.
Alejandro, a bored but brilliant detective, finally gets the challenge he craves when Griffin, heir to a tech empire, stumbles in with a murder he’s been framed for. As they chase the truth and confront Griffin’s demons, the explosive chemistry between them tests both men in ways they never expected.
Max Walker does mystery so well, this story pairs a sharp, no-nonsense detective with a troubled tech heir in a high-stakes murder investigation. The tension between Alejandro and Griffin sizzles, making their partnership, and eventual romance, flowed well. There’s danger and secrets, making every twist in the investigation feel just as intense as the growing attraction between them.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM romance
Murder mystery
Opposites attract
Investigator x Client
Excessive drinking
Hurt / Comfort
Mental Health themes
Estranged dad
Spicy times & dirty talk
Jock straps
Secret revealed
Bit of drama
Found family
HEA
May 25, 2019
Mixing bipolar meds and alcohol is never a good idea. And Griffin Banks knows that but he does it anyway. Too bad this time he wakes up to find his roommate has been murdered. He knows that he didn't do it but they were alone in the apartment.... Luckily, his father is a big name and he doesn't get arrested right away (circumstantial evidence). He decides that he needs help and goes to Stonewall Investigations
Alejandro Santos isn't impressed by this pretty boy. But at least this case is a break from the sea of uninteresting cases. And, once Griffin gets his act cleaned up, he becomes a person that Alex is willing to spend more time with. Maybe even the rest of his life.
I appreciated that Walker made it so that Griffin got himself sober and stable before entering a relationship rather than having their Twu Lurv solve all the problems. Not that love and a good relationship can't help, but that it shouldn' be the thing that solves the problems. The mystery was a little out there and the end got really weird (not in a joyful reading way) but it was an okay book overall.
Alejandro Santos isn't impressed by this pretty boy. But at least this case is a break from the sea of uninteresting cases. And, once Griffin gets his act cleaned up, he becomes a person that Alex is willing to spend more time with. Maybe even the rest of his life.
I appreciated that Walker made it so that Griffin got himself sober and stable before entering a relationship rather than having their Twu Lurv solve all the problems. Not that love and a good relationship can't help, but that it shouldn' be the thing that solves the problems. The mystery was a little out there and the end got really weird (not in a joyful reading way) but it was an okay book overall.
June 9, 2018
This book is well-written and the characters are intriguing but I feel that something is missing from this story and I can't quite figure out what it is. I was a little disappointed that there were only a few brief mentions of the serial killer from the first book and I wanted a lot more action, suspense and angst in this story. I love Griffin and his sheer grit and determination to manage his mental illness better and deal with his drinking problem but it isn't that easy to quit and I would expect he would need rehab and/or therapy as he has been an alcoholic for years. Alex immediately accepts that Griffin is innocent even though he doesn't have much evidence to base that decision on in the beginning. The bulk of the story is about Alex's investigation and their relationship and all of the action is at the beginning and end. I do love the ending and all of the characters so I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 29, 2019
Mostly good romantic mystery
I like the main characters here. The plot was fine.
One thing that bothered me was continuity errors. In the last book, Enzo's office was on Times Square. Now it has a view of Central Park. Alex mentions he had a drinking problem, and later grabs a drink. Griffin beats up homophobic jerks in a drunken haze, mentioning childhood lessons, then has no fighting skills later when sober and thinks he has no training.
Another thing that bothered me was the blase attitude toward bipolar disorder. It's really only a thing with how alcohol and the medicine mix. Alex just barrels into a relationship with Griffon without really taking it into account. I don't have personal experience with bipolar disorder, but I have dealt with loved ones with depression. It is no joke, and medications often have intolerable side effects.
I like the main characters here. The plot was fine.
One thing that bothered me was continuity errors. In the last book, Enzo's office was on Times Square. Now it has a view of Central Park. Alex mentions he had a drinking problem, and later grabs a drink. Griffin beats up homophobic jerks in a drunken haze, mentioning childhood lessons, then has no fighting skills later when sober and thinks he has no training.
Another thing that bothered me was the blase attitude toward bipolar disorder. It's really only a thing with how alcohol and the medicine mix. Alex just barrels into a relationship with Griffon without really taking it into account. I don't have personal experience with bipolar disorder, but I have dealt with loved ones with depression. It is no joke, and medications often have intolerable side effects.
March 14, 2023
I have never read a bad or boring book by Max Walker. Thank you, Mr. Walker, for another great read. Please keep them coming. Alex and Griffin will touch your heart with the love that blooms in a murder filled scenario. Griff is fighting his own personal demons when he looks for help at the 'Stonewall Investigations Agency and meeting Alex is the catalyst that helps him to change his life around and even make peace with his estranged father. In spite of being busy looking for a killer, Alex and Griffin find time to get to know each other and fall deeply in love. The excitement of finding a killer and falling in love makes for another really great story in the Stonewall Investigation series. I always hate for these stories to come to an end. But on a high note, we do have a wedding to attend so I know we'll see Alex and Griffin there as well as in future books.
November 7, 2025
Story 3.5 stars
Audiobook : 4.5 stars narrated by Greg Boudreaux
I'm still listening to this series.
This time it's Alejandro's turn.
Griffin is a rich guy who wakes up one morning to find that his roommate has been murdered. He doesn't know what happened because he takes medication and had been drinking alcohol.
He goes to a detective agency to hire their services to find out what happened. Alejandro takes the case
In this one, you'll learn how to curse in Spanish. There are also a couple of sentences in Spanish, but one of them doesn't make sense.
At this point, I need to know if the Unicorn killer is just an excuse to create a plotline for the series or if this is going to be resolved.
The resolution of the case is a bit random. But I'm still here for the narrator.
Audiobook : 4.5 stars narrated by Greg Boudreaux
I'm still listening to this series.
This time it's Alejandro's turn.
Griffin is a rich guy who wakes up one morning to find that his roommate has been murdered. He doesn't know what happened because he takes medication and had been drinking alcohol.
He goes to a detective agency to hire their services to find out what happened. Alejandro takes the case
In this one, you'll learn how to curse in Spanish. There are also a couple of sentences in Spanish, but one of them doesn't make sense.
At this point, I need to know if the Unicorn killer is just an excuse to create a plotline for the series or if this is going to be resolved.
The resolution of the case is a bit random. But I'm still here for the narrator.
June 8, 2018
Awesome add to the series. I loved 'Hard Call' and couldn't wait to know more about this world. Alex and Griffin's story was perfect. Alex has a boring life and just existing through the day instead of living a exciting meaningful life that he wants. Griff is dealing with some serious issues and not in a happy place when they meet. There is action, emotional connections and another case that will keep you guessing. I loved how the characters felt real, and dealt with hard issues realistically. Life isn't always pretty, you can't just move on easily. It's hard work and discovering yourself. You felt more connected to them and cheered them on to overcome their demons to find happiness. Can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
August 19, 2018
Another hit from Walker!
I’ve mentioned how I’ve noticed that there’s not much MM/mystery out there or maybe there are but I haven’t come across any that are worthy BUT Max Walker’s Stonewall Investigation series keeps me on my toes and coming back for more. My initial review never posted to Amazon so I hope this one makes it...A Lethal Love follows investigator Alejandro and victim/suspect Griffin - I don’t have to tell you that when these two meet, the chemistry is palpable! I’m glad that Walker has written in issues that are real such as bipolar disorder, alcoholism and anger issues. He’s managed to also keep us guessing on who the Unicorn killer is! So I will definitely pick up book 3!
I’ve mentioned how I’ve noticed that there’s not much MM/mystery out there or maybe there are but I haven’t come across any that are worthy BUT Max Walker’s Stonewall Investigation series keeps me on my toes and coming back for more. My initial review never posted to Amazon so I hope this one makes it...A Lethal Love follows investigator Alejandro and victim/suspect Griffin - I don’t have to tell you that when these two meet, the chemistry is palpable! I’m glad that Walker has written in issues that are real such as bipolar disorder, alcoholism and anger issues. He’s managed to also keep us guessing on who the Unicorn killer is! So I will definitely pick up book 3!
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