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Stonewall Investigations #3.5
Deck the Halls
Andrew Barker is ready for the holidays. His perpetually bright and cheery personality feel right at home for Christmas. He has time off from work and a husband who’s waiting for him at home, what else would he need?
Well, he had no idea he would be needing to sign divorce papers - let’s start there.
Declan Rose-Covington, part of a luxury hotel dynasty, is coming into Stonewall Investigations because he needs help with a family issue. With his mom’s huge holiday retreat around the corner, he’s hoping to solve it before Santa comes to town. The last thing he’s expecting is to enter the detective agency and fall for the strikingly handsome man sitting behind the front desk.
Of course, life has ways of delivering well-wrapped surprises.
When Declan and Andrew meet they both feel an instant connection. Soon, the connection grows powerful enough to push Declan toward a crazy proposition: invite Andrew to the family retreat as a fake boyfriend. Andrew would get a nice week-long vacation out of it and Declan would avoid the judgemental jabs from all the spoused-up family members.
The potential for disaster was there, but there was also a chance to truly make this the most wonderful time of the year. And that was something neither of them wanted to miss out on.
________
Deck The Halls is a full-length and standalone Stonewall Investigations story.
Well, he had no idea he would be needing to sign divorce papers - let’s start there.
Declan Rose-Covington, part of a luxury hotel dynasty, is coming into Stonewall Investigations because he needs help with a family issue. With his mom’s huge holiday retreat around the corner, he’s hoping to solve it before Santa comes to town. The last thing he’s expecting is to enter the detective agency and fall for the strikingly handsome man sitting behind the front desk.
Of course, life has ways of delivering well-wrapped surprises.
When Declan and Andrew meet they both feel an instant connection. Soon, the connection grows powerful enough to push Declan toward a crazy proposition: invite Andrew to the family retreat as a fake boyfriend. Andrew would get a nice week-long vacation out of it and Declan would avoid the judgemental jabs from all the spoused-up family members.
The potential for disaster was there, but there was also a chance to truly make this the most wonderful time of the year. And that was something neither of them wanted to miss out on.
________
Deck The Halls is a full-length and standalone Stonewall Investigations story.
266 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 26, 2018
154 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 9, 2022
I know that Christmas is past, but you take what you can get when you're waiting for a book from Hoopla. This was worth the wait. I loved the characters of Andrew and Declan and Declan's family. What started out as a "fake boyfriend" relationship quickly turns into a hot reality. Declan knew from the first time he saw Andrew at Stonewall Investigations where he had gone to hire someone to find out who was stealing from his mother. Going home for Christmas is when he asked Andrew to pretend that they were dating, and Andrew agrees. Anything to spend more time with the handsome Declan. Declan's mother is mega rich, but she is "everyday" kind of people and accepts Andrew and gives him the best Christmas of his life.... but it won't be his last. It's a bit of a mystery, a lot of hot romance. What more could you ask for Christmas even in February?
December 12, 2018
I really enjoyed this ... ahhh the Christmas spirit !
November 14, 2020
Reread 2020-11-14.
I loved this book just as much the second time around as I did the first time.
It's sweet, funny, sexy and of course has a bit of mystery attached to it. It wouldn't be a Stonewall Investigations book without it right? The mystery is much, much lighter in this one though, which suited the holiday theme much better than some of the heavier stuff going on in the other books.
I loved this book just as much the second time around as I did the first time.
It's sweet, funny, sexy and of course has a bit of mystery attached to it. It wouldn't be a Stonewall Investigations book without it right? The mystery is much, much lighter in this one though, which suited the holiday theme much better than some of the heavier stuff going on in the other books.
December 21, 2020
This was my first book by Max Walker. I’m always happy to discover a new author that I like. This was fake boyfriends, but the transition from fake to real was accomplished in a really good way. There was even a little mystery, although it was a minor part of the plot.
December 18, 2018
**** The Stonewall Detective Agency is involved here. Declan is working the desk when Andrew comes in for his appointment. Andrew is hiring them to look into a family matter. Declan is anxious to leave and surprise his husband, but is met with his own surprise.
Three weeks later, Andrew is back for a meeting, and sees Declan without his ring, and seems gloomy.
Andrew flirts and Declan is honest with him. First they are friends, and after a deal is made for the holidays, where Andrew needs a date, it's a slow burn tale, cute, sassy, fun and tender-hearted. Great characters to watch as they maneuver the Christmas deal.
A mixed bag of family and friends and an ex, add excitement. We also have a mystery of stolen jewelry. We get their sexy times, in abundance, and the men get closer.
So, Declan gets to solve the mystery, and falls in love with Andrew. How will our men get to be together? You'll love the ending and fantastic epilogue !
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
========
Three weeks later, Andrew is back for a meeting, and sees Declan without his ring, and seems gloomy.
Andrew flirts and Declan is honest with him. First they are friends, and after a deal is made for the holidays, where Andrew needs a date, it's a slow burn tale, cute, sassy, fun and tender-hearted. Great characters to watch as they maneuver the Christmas deal.
A mixed bag of family and friends and an ex, add excitement. We also have a mystery of stolen jewelry. We get their sexy times, in abundance, and the men get closer.
So, Declan gets to solve the mystery, and falls in love with Andrew. How will our men get to be together? You'll love the ending and fantastic epilogue !
Highly recommended. ENJOY !
========
Read
December 26, 2021This was…something. Mostly very ridiculous. 😂
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with SO much drama in it before!
First we had the husband being caught recording a private porn with a twink and the expected filing for a divorce.
Then we get the loveinterests brother being with his ex-gf in secret, someone stealing his mothers jewels (supposedly her new husband with a ski mask ??? 😂) and a lying stepsister, who’s also cheating with the married chauffeur.
I mean??!
Also jumping from being married to being in love with someone new in two days. That’s not a jump, that’s travelling to another planet!
Save to say that this book not for me. 😅
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with SO much drama in it before!
First we had the husband being caught recording a private porn with a twink and the expected filing for a divorce.
Then we get the loveinterests brother being with his ex-gf in secret, someone stealing his mothers jewels (supposedly her new husband with a ski mask ??? 😂) and a lying stepsister, who’s also cheating with the married chauffeur.
I mean??!
Also jumping from being married to being in love with someone new in two days. That’s not a jump, that’s travelling to another planet!
Save to say that this book not for me. 😅
November 29, 2023
4.5 stars. This is the first book I have read by this author and I’m so glad I found this audiobook. The narrator was fantastic. It was a great story and I absolutely look forward to reading more by this author in the future. This can absolutely be read as a standalone, I was not confused at all.
Andrew and Declan were so much fun together. It’s terrible how they came to know each other but love works in mysterious ways! I loved the side plot in this story which required an investigation. It added just enough intrigue and mystery to the story that it was exciting!
Their HEA was wonderful and I loved Declan’s mother and grandparents. The grandma was hilarious! If you’re looking for a fun, steamy, mysterious Christmas story I absolutely recommend!
Andrew and Declan were so much fun together. It’s terrible how they came to know each other but love works in mysterious ways! I loved the side plot in this story which required an investigation. It added just enough intrigue and mystery to the story that it was exciting!
Their HEA was wonderful and I loved Declan’s mother and grandparents. The grandma was hilarious! If you’re looking for a fun, steamy, mysterious Christmas story I absolutely recommend!
December 3, 2018
💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟💫💫4 holiday stars💫💫🌟🌟🌟🌟💫💫
I swear I was singing the song Deck the Halls all through this hilarious and entertaining book. With a touch of sass and mystery, this fake boyfriend trope will be on my list of to be read again. As much as Declan and Andrew were entertaining, that award went to Deck's grandmother, the filter-free Grandma Lucy. OMG, that woman had me in stitches!!! I nearly lost it when she innocently told Andrew to stop by for earplugs because: "It gotta be in the genes. This one sounds like an old bulldozer having intercourse with a garbage truck."
Characterization-wise, Max Walker got it right. The right people were teamed together to add laughter and drama and a sense of togetherness to the book. It was the holidays and Andrew, the Christmas wielding first face of the Stonewall Investigations agency and Declan, the heir hotelier were destined to met. Unfortunately, nothing ever went as planned as Deck soon realised. A too couple-y holiday get together had Deck in a panic, he practically begged the now available Andrew to be his other half. With so much going on, they should have been able to keep their lives separate, but things never go as planned. And soon, there's temptation, a mystery to solve and lives to merge.
One click and join this holiday filled book you won't get enough of.
I swear I was singing the song Deck the Halls all through this hilarious and entertaining book. With a touch of sass and mystery, this fake boyfriend trope will be on my list of to be read again. As much as Declan and Andrew were entertaining, that award went to Deck's grandmother, the filter-free Grandma Lucy. OMG, that woman had me in stitches!!! I nearly lost it when she innocently told Andrew to stop by for earplugs because: "It gotta be in the genes. This one sounds like an old bulldozer having intercourse with a garbage truck."
Characterization-wise, Max Walker got it right. The right people were teamed together to add laughter and drama and a sense of togetherness to the book. It was the holidays and Andrew, the Christmas wielding first face of the Stonewall Investigations agency and Declan, the heir hotelier were destined to met. Unfortunately, nothing ever went as planned as Deck soon realised. A too couple-y holiday get together had Deck in a panic, he practically begged the now available Andrew to be his other half. With so much going on, they should have been able to keep their lives separate, but things never go as planned. And soon, there's temptation, a mystery to solve and lives to merge.
One click and join this holiday filled book you won't get enough of.
December 30, 2018
3.5-4 stars- holiday hijinks
I've meant to start this series for some time, and even have a few of the books sitting unread on my device. However, when I was in need of a good holiday story to keep me company while cooking and wrapping gifts this season, I figured there was no time like the present. As promised in the blurb, Deck the Halls reads just fine as a standalone.
From the outset I enjoyed the characters and loved the playful banter and jokes. The premise of a fake boyfriend worked well too and the Christmassy getaway setting was fun and imaginative. The chemistry between Andrew and Declan was really good too, and it was easy to see these two working long-term. Beyond the humorous quips, what really excited me to read more in the Stonewall series was the suspense. It seemed like such a good story and definitely kept me invested, without being really heavy. Unfortunately, some of that diminished in the end with the resolution being a bit anticlimactic and easy. I'm not sure if that stemmed from the author keeping the holiday story lighter, or if it's a series trait, but I will definitely read more to find out. If you're looking for some light, fun holiday cheer with a bit of a mystery propelling the story, I'd certainly recommend Deck the Halls.
I've meant to start this series for some time, and even have a few of the books sitting unread on my device. However, when I was in need of a good holiday story to keep me company while cooking and wrapping gifts this season, I figured there was no time like the present. As promised in the blurb, Deck the Halls reads just fine as a standalone.
From the outset I enjoyed the characters and loved the playful banter and jokes. The premise of a fake boyfriend worked well too and the Christmassy getaway setting was fun and imaginative. The chemistry between Andrew and Declan was really good too, and it was easy to see these two working long-term. Beyond the humorous quips, what really excited me to read more in the Stonewall series was the suspense. It seemed like such a good story and definitely kept me invested, without being really heavy. Unfortunately, some of that diminished in the end with the resolution being a bit anticlimactic and easy. I'm not sure if that stemmed from the author keeping the holiday story lighter, or if it's a series trait, but I will definitely read more to find out. If you're looking for some light, fun holiday cheer with a bit of a mystery propelling the story, I'd certainly recommend Deck the Halls.
November 28, 2018
I loved this story, it certainly helped put me in the holiday spirit. I adore both Andrew and Declan, they are both fun, interesting, and warm-hearted people. There is a bit of mystery, a whole lot of Christmas cheer, love, and laughter - Grandma Lucy had me laughing out loud, she’s a pip. I laughed, I cried, and laughed some more. This is a great book, definitely worth reading.
November 28, 2018
What a wonderful, fun to read story. I really enjoyed this book and found it a very heartwarming, fun read. As usual Max's writing flows through the pages and draws the reader in, making them feel like they are part of the scene. I could really feel and imagine the winter wonderland created by Declans mother especially for Christmas.
When a handsome man walks into the offices of Stonewall Investigations and is covered in fake snow, neither he nor the man responsible for the snow realise how their worlds are about to change. Andrew is the man in charge of the front desk and loves decorating for Christmas or at least until he makes a discovery and has to file for a divorce from his husband. Declan is needing a detective to investigate his mothers jewellery thefts. Their first meeting is different to say the least, but a spark ignites between them. Andrew is off limits though, as Declan notices his wedding band. Declan is desperate not to be the only single person at his mothers Christmas retreat so when he finds out Andrew is once again single he offers him a holiday offer as a fake boyfriend that Andrew can't turn down. As the week progresses, the two fight their feelings for each other as their connection grows and that together with a bit of detective work, horses and lots of Christmas fun, make them realise that they want more than being fake boyfriends. They want the real thing.
This book was a really lovely book to read. I loved Andrew and Declan and how the story and the setting were woven together into a beautiful Christmas love story. The ranch setting so lovingly decorated by Declans mother, the horses and their stables and the dinners were so well written I could imagine being there. Not to forget the snow covered tree house in the woods. The other characters in the story were also well written and I especially loved the humour of Declans mother and his Grandparents! I can totally recommend this book for anyone wanting a humorous, romantic Christmas read.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
When a handsome man walks into the offices of Stonewall Investigations and is covered in fake snow, neither he nor the man responsible for the snow realise how their worlds are about to change. Andrew is the man in charge of the front desk and loves decorating for Christmas or at least until he makes a discovery and has to file for a divorce from his husband. Declan is needing a detective to investigate his mothers jewellery thefts. Their first meeting is different to say the least, but a spark ignites between them. Andrew is off limits though, as Declan notices his wedding band. Declan is desperate not to be the only single person at his mothers Christmas retreat so when he finds out Andrew is once again single he offers him a holiday offer as a fake boyfriend that Andrew can't turn down. As the week progresses, the two fight their feelings for each other as their connection grows and that together with a bit of detective work, horses and lots of Christmas fun, make them realise that they want more than being fake boyfriends. They want the real thing.
This book was a really lovely book to read. I loved Andrew and Declan and how the story and the setting were woven together into a beautiful Christmas love story. The ranch setting so lovingly decorated by Declans mother, the horses and their stables and the dinners were so well written I could imagine being there. Not to forget the snow covered tree house in the woods. The other characters in the story were also well written and I especially loved the humour of Declans mother and his Grandparents! I can totally recommend this book for anyone wanting a humorous, romantic Christmas read.
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
January 29, 2021
Short, sweet and sexy read. I’ll have to look into this series.
November 29, 2018
I received this story as an ARC from the author.
A fun Christmas story for the Stonewall Investigation series.
Andrew Baker the lively receptionist Stonewall Investigations life implodes on him the same day he first meets Declan Rose-Covington, part of a luxury hotel dynasty, who came into Stonewall Investigations because he needed help with a family issue. Declan is immediately drawn to Andrew but soon realizes he is married.
Upon returning to Stonewall for his next appointment Declan soon finds out Andrew is no longer wearing his wedding ring. He talks to Andrew for while waiting for the investigator for his case to return from lunch. On impulse he asks Andrew to attend his mother's Christmas Extravaganza being held at the family ranch in Connecticut as his date. Andrew declines his offer because it is too soon after ending his relationship.
Andrew later decides to take Declan up on his offer to leave the city for Connecticut it beats sitting home alone eating Chinese and watching movies. They decide to be "Fake" boyfriends during Declan's family gathering.
The story unfolds from there where we find out about Andrew's past; Declan's family trouble the reason for seeking help from Stonewall Investigations in the first place. As a bonus we find out Andrew has some detective skills of his own. Andrew and Declan can not deny their attraction to each other and come together as not so "fake" boyfriends after all.
A fun Christmas story for the Stonewall Investigation series.
Andrew Baker the lively receptionist Stonewall Investigations life implodes on him the same day he first meets Declan Rose-Covington, part of a luxury hotel dynasty, who came into Stonewall Investigations because he needed help with a family issue. Declan is immediately drawn to Andrew but soon realizes he is married.
Upon returning to Stonewall for his next appointment Declan soon finds out Andrew is no longer wearing his wedding ring. He talks to Andrew for while waiting for the investigator for his case to return from lunch. On impulse he asks Andrew to attend his mother's Christmas Extravaganza being held at the family ranch in Connecticut as his date. Andrew declines his offer because it is too soon after ending his relationship.
Andrew later decides to take Declan up on his offer to leave the city for Connecticut it beats sitting home alone eating Chinese and watching movies. They decide to be "Fake" boyfriends during Declan's family gathering.
The story unfolds from there where we find out about Andrew's past; Declan's family trouble the reason for seeking help from Stonewall Investigations in the first place. As a bonus we find out Andrew has some detective skills of his own. Andrew and Declan can not deny their attraction to each other and come together as not so "fake" boyfriends after all.
May 8, 2019
4.5-5 Greg knocked the narration out of the park, as usually. This is funny & cute as hell. Will be reading more by Max Walker in the future.
December 28, 2022
Rating: 4.5 stars
December 3, 2024
Tre stelline e mezzo.
Read
December 23, 2022i want to go to that christmas wonderland!!! also, finaly getting to hear Andrew's story was good. (i waited until christmas to listen to it, lol) since you fall in love with his fashion and sass in the main books, it is so good to see his happily ever after. and you get to see what makes him such a great choice to head up the miami office. another great book from Max walker
December 24, 2018
This had such a promising start but then everything seemed to go too fast. Skimmed some parts. Felt like the “mystery” seems out of place somewhat? I think I would’ve liked this story more if it was just the fluffy, Christmassy variety without the family drama.
December 10, 2018
this was a slow burn, sweet read with some amazing snark that I adore. I hadn't read any of the other Stonewall books but you don't need too to really enjoy this story.
September 12, 2023
3.5 stars.
Andrew is going through a divorce during the holidays after catching his husband cheating. He’s a huge romantic and holiday lover. He’s gay and the office manager at Stonewall Investigations, but is also an investigator. He agrees to be Declan’s fake boyfriend for a week at a holiday gathering.
Declan is the very wealthy son of a family that owns hotel chains (started by his grandpa and now run by his mom). He’s bisexual and a client at Stonewall. He’s also a big romantic and holiday enthusiast (but not quite as much as his mom). He’s having Stonewall investigate his step-dad. He invites Andrew to be his fake boyfriend for a week at his family’s holiday getaway.
As is usual with this author, the two are instantly into each other and horny for each other. I enjoy this trope, but if you don’t you may want to avoid. I thought it was very characteristic of these two romantic cheese balls (affectionately).
Both men have been bad judges of character before. Andrew had his cheating husband (with whom he had a shotgun wedding after a few weeks of knowing him). Declan has his ex-girlfriend who broke up with him after 2 years to be with his brother, who she thought was more successful and prominent. Both still fall hard and fast for each other.
Overall it’s a cute holiday romcom with a hint of a mystery. I thought the epilogue was cute too, and we got homey details like the two of them going to the gym together and Andrew getting more muscular (he’s not tiny but he’s smaller than Declan).
Andrew is going through a divorce during the holidays after catching his husband cheating. He’s a huge romantic and holiday lover. He’s gay and the office manager at Stonewall Investigations, but is also an investigator. He agrees to be Declan’s fake boyfriend for a week at a holiday gathering.
Declan is the very wealthy son of a family that owns hotel chains (started by his grandpa and now run by his mom). He’s bisexual and a client at Stonewall. He’s also a big romantic and holiday enthusiast (but not quite as much as his mom). He’s having Stonewall investigate his step-dad. He invites Andrew to be his fake boyfriend for a week at his family’s holiday getaway.
As is usual with this author, the two are instantly into each other and horny for each other. I enjoy this trope, but if you don’t you may want to avoid. I thought it was very characteristic of these two romantic cheese balls (affectionately).
Both men have been bad judges of character before. Andrew had his cheating husband (with whom he had a shotgun wedding after a few weeks of knowing him). Declan has his ex-girlfriend who broke up with him after 2 years to be with his brother, who she thought was more successful and prominent. Both still fall hard and fast for each other.
Overall it’s a cute holiday romcom with a hint of a mystery. I thought the epilogue was cute too, and we got homey details like the two of them going to the gym together and Andrew getting more muscular (he’s not tiny but he’s smaller than Declan).
November 28, 2018
💫⭐️💫⭐️💫5 Fake Boyfriends with a Twist Stars⭐️💫⭐️💫⭐️
I don’t think I’ve laughed so much while reading a Max Walker book, but my tummy hurt while devouring this one! Fake boyfriends turn into steamy lovers is not new, but throw in some mystery, witty banter and characters that don’t have a filter, and you have one hilariously great story! Not going to recap, but here are a couple funny quotes :
*Talking about snoring....*
“I’ve got some earplugs for you, hon. Stop by my room,” my grandma said, shooting a look over at Pop. “It’s gotta be in the genes. This one sounds like an old bulldozer having anal intercourse with a garbage truck.” “Mom!” “Grandma!” “Lucy!” “Oh my god,” Andrew rounded it out, cracking up.
He chewed on his lower lip and put a hand on my knee, which instantly flooded my system with endorphins. I got a fiery flashback to the kiss we’d shared only moments before, and I could feel my d*** swelling in response. I broke our gaze and looked down at my hands in my lap, scared that I’d pitch a full tent right there and then. And not just a small backyard tent you get at Walmart for like sixty bucks; I’m talking a tent with a d*** living room and open-concept kitchen.
1-click this funny and sweet hilarious romp of a story by the talented Max Walker!
I don’t think I’ve laughed so much while reading a Max Walker book, but my tummy hurt while devouring this one! Fake boyfriends turn into steamy lovers is not new, but throw in some mystery, witty banter and characters that don’t have a filter, and you have one hilariously great story! Not going to recap, but here are a couple funny quotes :
*Talking about snoring....*
“I’ve got some earplugs for you, hon. Stop by my room,” my grandma said, shooting a look over at Pop. “It’s gotta be in the genes. This one sounds like an old bulldozer having anal intercourse with a garbage truck.” “Mom!” “Grandma!” “Lucy!” “Oh my god,” Andrew rounded it out, cracking up.
He chewed on his lower lip and put a hand on my knee, which instantly flooded my system with endorphins. I got a fiery flashback to the kiss we’d shared only moments before, and I could feel my d*** swelling in response. I broke our gaze and looked down at my hands in my lap, scared that I’d pitch a full tent right there and then. And not just a small backyard tent you get at Walmart for like sixty bucks; I’m talking a tent with a d*** living room and open-concept kitchen.
1-click this funny and sweet hilarious romp of a story by the talented Max Walker!
July 4, 2020
I wasn’t aware this book was part of a series, but it actually worked well on its own. Andrew and Declan were utterly charming, and hot, and funny, and the fake-boyfriend-holiday-plot was promising. I loved all the sweetness, the humour and the delicious attraction.
I adored the family holiday setting but I’d prefer it if it was not so much an over-the-top-filthy-rich-holiday-setting. I mean, I don’t mind over the top, I’m just a little tired of stories with rich love interests, I guess. Also, I’m not sure I liked the resolve of the mystery that much. Or maybe I wasn’t that invested in solving the crime. Rich people getting robbed don’t make me ache in sympathy, I’m afraid. I mean, I get that it feels awful to get robbed. It’s just that the whole thing makes me wonder how many poor people you have to step over to get that rich. Yeah. I truly have an issue with this trope, woops.
Apart from that, I was happy to spend time with these characters and I enjoyed the love story and the shameless holiday cheesiness a lot. By the way, the audio narration, by Greg Boudreaux, was perfect.
I adored the family holiday setting but I’d prefer it if it was not so much an over-the-top-filthy-rich-holiday-setting. I mean, I don’t mind over the top, I’m just a little tired of stories with rich love interests, I guess. Also, I’m not sure I liked the resolve of the mystery that much. Or maybe I wasn’t that invested in solving the crime. Rich people getting robbed don’t make me ache in sympathy, I’m afraid. I mean, I get that it feels awful to get robbed. It’s just that the whole thing makes me wonder how many poor people you have to step over to get that rich. Yeah. I truly have an issue with this trope, woops.
Apart from that, I was happy to spend time with these characters and I enjoyed the love story and the shameless holiday cheesiness a lot. By the way, the audio narration, by Greg Boudreaux, was perfect.
January 1, 2022
So sooo good
Wow, did I ever enjoy this book! Both characters were so fleshed out it was incredible how it flowed so easily. Just hooked from the beginning, especially when they went to the Christmas festivities at his mom's incredible mansion. The way this author captured everyone's feelings as they interacted with each other, the good and the bad - everyone can relate to so much of the feelings and tempers involved, in some way or another. There is a mystery here also, so it keeps the energy going. I have read several of author Max Walker's Stonewall Investigations books, my favorite being "Lie With Me", the first I read. It was my favorite of the 8 or so books in the different Stonewall settings (different Stonewall cities/different offices/detectives) and I've enjoyed them all, a lot. But I've just found my new favorite, in this story. The two MCs captured my heart so completely, I couldn't put it down. And the mom and grandparents just made me laugh and gave me warm fuzzies, I want to meet them all. What a really great story. Ah..mush....
Wow, did I ever enjoy this book! Both characters were so fleshed out it was incredible how it flowed so easily. Just hooked from the beginning, especially when they went to the Christmas festivities at his mom's incredible mansion. The way this author captured everyone's feelings as they interacted with each other, the good and the bad - everyone can relate to so much of the feelings and tempers involved, in some way or another. There is a mystery here also, so it keeps the energy going. I have read several of author Max Walker's Stonewall Investigations books, my favorite being "Lie With Me", the first I read. It was my favorite of the 8 or so books in the different Stonewall settings (different Stonewall cities/different offices/detectives) and I've enjoyed them all, a lot. But I've just found my new favorite, in this story. The two MCs captured my heart so completely, I couldn't put it down. And the mom and grandparents just made me laugh and gave me warm fuzzies, I want to meet them all. What a really great story. Ah..mush....
December 19, 2019
I hadn't read any of the other Stonewall Investigations books before jumping into this one, but for this Christmas story it didn't seem to matter. It took place outside of the agency so I think that helped it stand on its own.
Deck the Halls is a sweet, if somewhat sappy, take on the fake relationship trope, centered around the Christmas holiday. This was very much a case of insta-like, for both Andrew and Declan, which only grew as they spent the holiday together at Declan's family's retreat. Declan's family was great and really embraced Andrew. He needed that feeling of family after everything he's been through in his life.
There was a little mystery thrown into the mix, the reason why Declan showed up at Stonewall in the first place, but the resolution was a little too easy and somewhat predictable.
Although it was an easy read, the book could have definitely benefitted from a/nother beta read or editing pass.
December 12, 2024
This is the book that made me realize that Max Walker does not fuck around with miscommunication when it comes to his characters, for which I'm very grateful!! because he makes sure there are strong boundaries and once that gets wavy he makes sure to have that communication happen or even mentions it did if you move on to the other plot. I'm so happy Andrew, the character who has been mentioned to be the nicest guy finally found happiness. So bummed he had experienced such the tragedy of losing all of his parental figures but at least he was able to find a real connection with someone new!! but still understanding he needed to figure things out before immediately jumping into to something so new and too good to be true, even though it very much was!! Decklan shooting his shot because of Bar Santa's advice ;) , and also being a total Momma's voice. I love!! the Banter was amazing too naturally!!
November 28, 2018
Deck the Halls Posted 11/27/2018
By Max Walker
Main Characters: Deck & Andrew
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
This is a Christmas themed m/m contemporary romance with a surprising twist and a hea ending. Andrew works for Stonewall Investigations and Declan is part of his family's hotel dynasty. When Deck has a sensitive family problem he goes to Stonewall Investigations for help and is smitten with the man who sits at the front desk. Andrew is a married man with a cheating husband. Soon to be ex-husband. This was funny, hot and steamy. Max is a wiz at describing all the Xmas decorations at the Rose-Covington compound. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought the characters were very well developed. I will continue to read and review books by this author.
By Max Walker
Main Characters: Deck & Andrew
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
4 out of 5 stars
This is a Christmas themed m/m contemporary romance with a surprising twist and a hea ending. Andrew works for Stonewall Investigations and Declan is part of his family's hotel dynasty. When Deck has a sensitive family problem he goes to Stonewall Investigations for help and is smitten with the man who sits at the front desk. Andrew is a married man with a cheating husband. Soon to be ex-husband. This was funny, hot and steamy. Max is a wiz at describing all the Xmas decorations at the Rose-Covington compound. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought the characters were very well developed. I will continue to read and review books by this author.
November 28, 2018
Christmas zaniness at it's best! I loved this story that is a wonderful blend of romance, intrigue and self-discovery. I laughed till i cried with this delightful story. I so enjoyed the MC's and Deck's family is wonderful!! I really enjoyed both Andrew and Deck and i was rooting for them to find their path to love.
Andrew and Deck are so prefect together. They have a wonderful connection that just kinda touches your heart. I loved how their plans are so difficult to to fake because they really are such authentic people.
Please treat yourself to this delightful story! This will be a re-read for me!
One of my favorite lines from this story is not from either of our MC's but from a family member: ;You all see this crazy sh#i, right? I didn't mix up my meds again, did i? '
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my review.
Andrew and Deck are so prefect together. They have a wonderful connection that just kinda touches your heart. I loved how their plans are so difficult to to fake because they really are such authentic people.
Please treat yourself to this delightful story! This will be a re-read for me!
One of my favorite lines from this story is not from either of our MC's but from a family member: ;You all see this crazy sh#i, right? I didn't mix up my meds again, did i? '
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my review.
May 21, 2019
Whew. This is definitely a book to be listened to at home. It is Hawt.
Andrew Barker is a part of the Stonewall Investigations team - he is the admin assistant (or similar position) but he knows a lot about investigating. Which doesn't come in handy with his husband, he doesn't realize the man has been cheating on him. And that starts off the season merrily, doesn't it?
But then he has a chance to step out of his life with a very hot man, Declan Rose-Covington. Declan's mother is the head of a very lucrative hotel chain but she fears that someone may be stealing from her. Declan believes it is his stepfather and he wants Andrew to come to the family holiday to help prove it. As they get more entangled in the investigation, the more they get entangled with each other until love starts to bloom.
Andrew Barker is a part of the Stonewall Investigations team - he is the admin assistant (or similar position) but he knows a lot about investigating. Which doesn't come in handy with his husband, he doesn't realize the man has been cheating on him. And that starts off the season merrily, doesn't it?
But then he has a chance to step out of his life with a very hot man, Declan Rose-Covington. Declan's mother is the head of a very lucrative hotel chain but she fears that someone may be stealing from her. Declan believes it is his stepfather and he wants Andrew to come to the family holiday to help prove it. As they get more entangled in the investigation, the more they get entangled with each other until love starts to bloom.
December 28, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Hot and sweet with a good who-done-it.
Deck the Halls is the first book I’ve read by Max Walker and I really enjoyed it. Greg Boudreaux is a wonderful voice actor and I loved listening to him perform this story.
Christmas brought unexpected surprises to Andrew Barker – both bad and good. He’s getting a divorce from his cheating husband and a hot client of Stonewall Investigations has shown an interest in him. This story is a good fake-boyfriend one and it also contains a mystery to solve: who is stealing from Declan Rose-Covington’s mother?
I think the author did a pretty good job of keeping us guessing who the thief is until all is revealed. This is part of a series but held up well as a standalone; I haven’t yet read any of the other books in this series but now I want to.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Hot and sweet with a good who-done-it.
Deck the Halls is the first book I’ve read by Max Walker and I really enjoyed it. Greg Boudreaux is a wonderful voice actor and I loved listening to him perform this story.
Christmas brought unexpected surprises to Andrew Barker – both bad and good. He’s getting a divorce from his cheating husband and a hot client of Stonewall Investigations has shown an interest in him. This story is a good fake-boyfriend one and it also contains a mystery to solve: who is stealing from Declan Rose-Covington’s mother?
I think the author did a pretty good job of keeping us guessing who the thief is until all is revealed. This is part of a series but held up well as a standalone; I haven’t yet read any of the other books in this series but now I want to.
April 1, 2023
It looks like being a rotten Christmas for Andrew Barker, the office manager of Stonewall Investigations, after dumping his cheating husband. It looks equally rotten for Declan Rose-Covington, who will be the only single person at his family Christmas gathering. When Declan suggests Andrew act as his fake boyfriend, it looks like it will solve both their problems. It will also give them a chance to confront Declan’s stepfather who may be stealing from Declan’s rich mother. Although this is book #3.5 in the series, it is a fully fleshed out novel with a few substantial story lines. The family drama, fake romance, and the thefts were all very satisfying and absorbing. Narrator Greg Boudreaux did another great job on the audiobook (which is currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue).
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