Zane Holden, the founder of Stonewall Investigations, has been haunted by the same case for years. He’s had loved ones taken by the serial killer known as the Unicorn, and his drive to find the monster is higher than ever. Finally, he feels like he’s getting close.
Something else that’s getting closer? His wedding day to the man of his dreams.
Lorenzo De Luca found the love of his life in Zane. He’s the happiest he’s ever been. His career as a high powered defense attorney is at a peak and his daydreams are filled with wedding bells and honeymooning.
It felt like absolutely nothing could go wrong.
But with the tensions from the case rising and a new presence in Enzo’s life making themselves known, there’s suddenly a lot that could go wrong. Zane and Enzo will have to tread carefully on their way to a blissful union. As Zane pushes closer to the Unicorn, the danger increases exponentially, until both men are faced with an excruciating reality: this all has to end one way or another.
The two men will need to come together and find strength in their love before they get torn apart by their fear. _______________
A Lover's Game is the fourth book in the Stonewall Investigations series. It can be read as a standalone although it is recommended to at least read book 1 in the series. It is a full-length, steamy gay romantic mystery novel.
I have waited for the conclusion of the Unicorn saga and boy did this book NOT disappoint. I feel in love with Zane and Enzo in book 1 and this story just made me want to keep them in my life. These two men are a joy to read about, as well as the other characters within Stonewall Investigations. This story is clever, and I believe one of the best books Max Walker has written. I never guessed who the Unicorn was and was a bit disappointed to learn the identity. It was like learning that your best friend was a serial killer in their spare time.
I do enjoy a completion of all story threads. Yes! I could have read the Christmas novella first. Just couldn't wait for the serial killer reveal. I mean for someone to justify killing for fun. Is just wrong. It's like a toddler not getting their way.
Boi was the reveal surprising! If it was a snake, I would have been poisoned.
Know I'm off to Miami to see who broke the window. Might detour into dragon territory. Or what ever
Story 4 stars Narration 5 stars Narrated by Greg Boudreaux
This book brings back Zane and Enzo from the first book in the series to finally conclude the case of the Unicorn, the serial killer who murdered Zane's husband and has the community living in terror.
At the same time, the boys are preparing for their wedding. Zane embarks on the investigation alone without telling Enzo, arriving late to the wedding cake tasting and suit fitting, until Enzo can't take it anymore and asks him about it.
The resolution is a bit dramatic, because the Unicorn threatens Enzo and Zane takes a somewhat drastic measure that makes you cry. I'm not going to say who the Unicorn is, but this book sets the bar high and also paves the way for the spinoff, which I've already heard about because I'm me and I always do things backwards.
So colored me surprised when I opened up A Lover's Game to find our original couple back and planning their wedding and bringing down the Unicorn!!!! I'll be honest I was completely flabbergasted when Mad Max Walker started giving me hints to who was the Unicorn. I refuse to spoil it, but be prepared for a surprise. Enzo and Zane are planning their happily ever after, but are learning relationships have to constantly be worked on to keep the happily ever after.
*** I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. ***
What a fantastic conclusion to the Stonewall Investigations series. We follow revisit Zane and Enzo in the lead up to their wedding but, unfortunately, the Unicorn serial killer is determined to get in the way. The twists and turns keep coming throughout the book and kept me on the edge of my seat right to the end. I found it impossible to put down. Before reading this book I would advise reading at least the first book of this series which is the first part of Zane and Enzo's story.
This book was a great end to this series. My only regret is I didn’t go back and re-read the first book of the series before I read the finale. Zane and Enzo make such a strong and beautiful couple. It was a pleasure to meet this group of Stonewall Detectives and I look forward to the new group of detectives in a new setting.
ok, i'm still mad about Collin, but i get it now. That was the closure Zane needed. It was a perfect ending to the series. and i love the set up for the spin off. I just hope they are narrated byt the same guy as these. because the accents and voices are just perfect.
Great end to the series. It kept me guessing and I think I solved the mystery before Zane. It really kept me wanting to read fast so I could get to the finish line. You need to read in order.
A thrilling conclusion to the New Year chapter of Stonewall Investigations!!
This was one of the first books of Max’s that I’ve read and I couldn’t put it down! I love a good murder mystery and The Unicorn was imaginative, creepy and everything you need in a sadistic serial killer. A Lover’s Game is a thrilling murder mystery with an established steamy and engaged couple, Zane and Enzo. I loved both Zane and Lorenzo but I must say I’m a sucker for Italian charm (and wit). This story is the conclusion of The Unicorn serial killer that seemed to be an overarching subplot in the Stonewall Investigation Series. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, as all important details are alluded to but I would recommend reading the first in the Stonewall series to understand Zane and Enzo and to get a better feel for them as a couple. I also feel like I needed to know more about how The Unicorn’s victim and fellow Stonewall Detective, Collin Eillish and how he died. That being said I was kept on the edge of my seat tiring to guess who the killer was. It wasn’t until towards the end that a few things clicked into place and I love that Max kept me guessing (as that is hard to do!). This story is dynamic, detailed, thrilling and steamy and now I have to go back and read the rest in the series! I look forward to seeing where Max takes the Miami chapter and what he does next!!
So I’ve been hooked on this series since the first book. I fell in love with Zane and Enzo, and I was so glad to see the series end with their story. Max Walker has been keeping us guessing throughout on the identity of the Unicorn Killer. I thought I knew who it was several times, but Max kept weaving an intricate web of intrigue! It’s not just crime solving here - there was so much amazing romance (I need these two to plan date nights for me), super hot sexy times, and a HEA that Zane and Enzo definitely fought for! I’m sad this series is over, but excited to see what is next for Stonewall Investigations in Miami!
Enzo and Zane are planning their wedding bit there is something pretty big standing in their way, the Unicorn Killer. And the fact that private investigator Zane hasn't exactly told his fiance that he's taken on the case. So he's missing wedding appointments without really saying why. Enzo is a lawyer, he knows from busy, but Zane's excuses aren't adding up. Before it's all over, they will be tested amd their relationship may not survive. As with other books in this series, I enjoued the relationship aspects (thiugh a but less in this one) while the mystery was something to be waded through (as though it were added to up the word count.)
I’m sorry to say this but this is my least favorite book in the series. I have absolutely loved all of the other ones. For or five stars for every single one of them but this one just didn’t work out for me. It felt a bit rushed. Some clues from other books didn’t really get followed up (or totally missed, Andrew got offered the head of Miami Office role in his bok, hello?)
4.5/5⭐️ This was my favorite book of this series and it closed out the series perfectly! I loved both of the main characters so much. The suspense was great. The spice was spicing. The mystery from the entire series had me questioning who did it until the very end. Also Enzo is definitely one of my forever favorite book boyfriends now.
Siamo giunti alla fine di quest’avventura che ci ha dato modo di conoscere tanti protagonisti, ognuno ha dato il giusto contributo alla coppia protagonista per eccellenza con cui la serie ha avuto inizio e con la stessa si conclude con questo volume che è stato da batticuore.
Enzo e Zane sono prossimi al matrimonio, tutto dovrebbe procedere senza intoppi, ma una conoscenza di vecchia data di Enzo irrompe nella loro vita creando scompiglio, panico e sospetti.
L'Unicorno è sempre vicino e continua a intessere il suo spregevole gioco, ora i suoi tentacoli toccano da vicino, molto da vicino e sorprenderlo è diventato il principale pensiero di Zane.
Altri due omicidi saranno messi sulla scrivania di Zane e non solo…
Nel secondo volume avevo chiesto un qualcosa che ci facesse conoscere la storia dell’Unicorno, scoprire chi si nasconde sotto questa veste è stato un tale shock che ho fatto fatica a crederci, eppure gli indizi erano lì sotto agli occhi, ma quando si ha fiducia nell’altro, credere il contrario è davvero difficile.
Un volume che riceve il mio intero plauso dal momento che Max ha saputo tessere il tutto in maniera egregia e, soprattutto, non si è mai tirato indietro nel far manifestare ai suoi ragazzi cosa significa amare e amare per davvero.
Una serie che ho consigliato sin dal primo volume e che con quest’ultimo invito, caldamente, tutti voi a leggere per immedesimarvi nelle vesti di agenti investigativi e non solo.
Ora non mi rimane che attendere che la Quixote traduca la serie Stonewall Investigations Miami e la serie Stonewall Investigations: Blue Creek.
Siamo giunti alla fine di quest’avventura che ci ha dato modo di conoscere tanti protagonisti, ognuno ha dato il giusto contributo alla coppia protagonista per eccellenza con cui la serie ha avuto inizio e con la stessa si conclude con questo volume che è stato da batticuore.
Enzo e Zane sono prossimi al matrimonio, tutto dovrebbe procedere senza intoppi, ma una conoscenza di vecchia data di Enzo irrompe nella loro vita creando scompiglio, panico e sospetti.
L'Unicorno è sempre vicino e continua a intessere il suo spregevole gioco, ora i suoi tentacoli toccano da vicino, molto da vicino e sorprenderlo è diventato il principale pensiero di Zane.
Altri due omicidi saranno messi sulla scrivania di Zane e non solo…
Nel secondo volume avevo chiesto un qualcosa che ci facesse conoscere la storia dell’Unicorno, scoprire chi si nasconde sotto questa veste è stato un tale shock che ho fatto fatica a crederci, eppure gli indizi erano lì sotto agli occhi, ma quando si ha fiducia nell’altro, credere il contrario è davvero difficile.
Un volume che riceve il mio intero plauso dal momento che Max ha saputo tessere il tutto in maniera egregia e, soprattutto, non si è mai tirato indietro nel far manifestare ai suoi ragazzi cosa significa amare e amare per davvero.
Una serie che ho consigliato sin dal primo volume e che con quest’ultimo invito, caldamente, tutti voi a leggere per immedesimarvi nelle vesti di agenti investigativi e non solo.
Ora non mi rimane che attendere che la Quixote traduca la serie Stonewall Investigations Miami e la serie Stonewall Investigations: Blue Creek.
I listened to the audiobook and the voice actor did a great job! His interpretation of Enzo and Zane is my favorite of all the couples. Also this couple is in general my favorite. I like them all, but it’s unusual for me to love the Main Couple.
Normally I won’t read books with serial killers because it almost inevitably includes rape, misogyny, racism, and queerphobia in various forms. The gays (if there are any) are almost always buried or the villain (sometimes they’re the villain because they’re gay, or they’re gay due to trauma that also made them a villain). Not cute.
However! I had no such reservations with this author! I totally trusted him to not bury his gays (which is a big trust fall for me, having grown up in a time when being queer in media ALWAYS meant tragedy). I had such a good time with the book! I had suspicions on who the Unicorn was after the guys went to that play in the beginning, but it was fun watching it unfold. As with the rest of the series this book is mainly a romance with a thriller/mystery aspect. I had fun with that!
Now I’ll have to check out the Miami series. I will admit none of these guys are very talented detectives, but I don’t care I enjoy reading about them working and falling in love! To Miami!
Finale of the NY Stonewall books finally sees the Unicorn case being solved and wow! What a ride! Zane and Enzo are planning their wedding and with Collin’s murder, it seems the Unicorn is getting bolder in his taunts of Zane. An ex of Enzo’s is stalking him and Zane is working to trace any leads he can on both Enzo’s ex and the Unicorn so when the Unicorn leaves word for Zane to leave Enzo unless he wants to see him dead, things spiral.
Reasons I Recommend:
1) I love it when authors revisit old characters and we get to see a second (or more) book telling us their story and this was in more ways than one because of Zane’s past
2) Mystery, suspense, wedding planning stress, and stalkers with some great moments thrown in like the massage table, the kitchen, and Zane’s office and
3) A much needed HEA for not only Zane and Enzo but for Stonewall Investigations.
I love this series, and was excited to find out who was the actual Unicorn serial killer and how he was finally caught. All is seemingly well at Stonewall Investigations and Zane Holden is planning and looking forward to his wedding to the wonderful Lorenzo (Enzo). Enzo is the love he never thought he would find again after the Unicorn stole his first husband from him. What Enzo doesn't realise though, is that Zane is back working the case of the Unicorn. Zane has to come clean when after an impromptu visit to Zanes office, all becomes clear. Zane thinks he's found the Unicorn, but a few things don't quite add up and new men are murdered and although he thinks he's close, nothing could be as far from the shocking truth. When Enzo is kidnapped, Zane finally comes face to face with the man they call the Unicorn and shock followed by a fight to the end ensues. I loved this book and this series and I cannot wait to read more from the author in the future. A fabulous and tense end to a wonderful series.
😃 I enjoyed reading this book. It is a good addition to the STONEWALL INVESTIGATIONS series. ❓ I am a little confused about a couple of things though.... ....•This book is listed as book 4, but that just doesn't make sense.... DECK THE HALLS was released before this book, its plot occured prior to the plot of this book, AND it is also a complete STONEWALL INVESTIGATIONS story, but it is not listed as an "official" book of the series. ....•Throughout much of this book, Zane had not yet confirmed where new branches of Stonewall Investigations would be located. Then the epilogue reveals that the first branch of Stonewall Investigations just opened in Miami, and Gabriel Fox Morrison is the man who opened and will be running the Miami branch. ~~~~ This is in direct conflict with events in DECK THE HALLS; in that book, Andrew was offered (& he accepted) the opportunity to open and run the Miami branch. So............?????????????????
This series gets wrapped up in this final book, and what a job Max Walker did!! I was completely involved in who the Unicorn was, worrying about what would happen to Zane or to Enzo, planning of the wedding and dealing with some crazy people. I did not want to put this book down but I did because I didn’t want it to end lol. Enzo and Zane are like the hottest thing since deep fried Oreos, they are sexy as sin and just as romantic as Cupid!! The stress of finding the Unicorn really messed with Zane and Enzo, secrets, strange happenings, heartbreak and yes finally the Unicorn is identified!!! Oh an absolutely beautiful wedding, just what they both deserved!!
I will say this mystery of the Unicorn, had me frustrated, I thought it was ??? Then I would think no it was ??? Max did a fantastic job of keeping you on your toes!! Amazing mystery and romance!!!! Definitely 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ plus!!!!
Love me some Enzo and Zane!! Action, heart, suspense, intrigue, hope, fear and love and humor create an amazing story! I was so glad to get this story and get more of these MC's. They are really special together! I laughed and i cried in this well written release. I loved the story-line and enjoyed each delightfully depicted scene and image.
Enzo and Zane are steamy, funny, touchable and so very vulnerable with each other. Two very strong and competent men finding a way to meld their lives and create a future.
I was not expecting the bad guy to be who he was. This was a strong and intricate plot line throughout all this series and i was totally oblivious to who they were. i thought this made a great counterbalance to the story, especially the why's behind the actions and all the clues that were there that i missed.
Stonewall Investigations is an amazing series and i am so excited that we will have more, just in a different city.
This was probably my favorite book out of the Stonewall Series and Stonewall Miami series. I'd give it 4.25 stars. The story line kept me interested, to the point I was still listening to my audio book at 1:30AM last night. Zane and Enzo are an engaging couple and it was fun to have a followup book just for them.
There were a couple parts that I felt didn't totally make sense in the whole "who did it" serial killer bit. I don't know why the serial killer wouldn't assume that Zane wouldn't call the police to meet him at the location for the final show down? And how did Zane figure out where they were so quickly - simply knowing a blue house in Angel's Cove isn't a ton to go on. And I'm not sure how the serial killer met some of the other victims still, especially the married ones like Jose. I'm assuming it wasn't on Grindr or at a day rave. But these are all more minor things in the overall arc of the story. At the end of the day it was engaging, enjoyable, and entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Whew! This was one heck of a story that is the fourth in the "Stonewall" series and I was on the edge of my seat with heart pounding, especially near the ending. I really don't like to read about serial killers as I have a heartfelt belief that it sets up real life "Copy Cats." However, I couldn't not read the ending as I had read all the others and who can leave the mystery of who the "Unicorn" killer go without finding out who it was. The Author certainly did an admirable job of keeping his fans in the dark until the very end. This is an excellent series that insisted I read it. Bloody, frightening, violent, secretive, mysterious and yet having a loving couple in each book. I would recommend this book and the rest of the series to those who like this kind of story....and to those who don't. It's that well written.
What a great book to finish the series! Back with Zane and Enzo where it all began, the story comes to full circle, and this time the happy ending is really a HEA, with no strings and no clouds hanging over. Only light and happiness for the most wonderful couple of detective and lawyer to have ever been written. Admittedly, being Italian, I have a soft spot for Lorenzo De Luca, the confident, cocky lawyer. I truly love Enzo and Zane's relationship and the trust and love they have for each other, which allows them to overcome every obstacle, and get to the other side with their love stronger than ever. Max Walker's writing is fresh and enticing as always, and his books are always a joy to read! See you in Miami, Stonewall lovers!