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Gabriel ‘Fox’ Morrison is starting a brand new chapter in his life. He spent years drifting after his time in the military and finally felt ready to settle in one spot. This leads him to becoming the head detective of the recently opened Stonewall Investigations in Miami. His first case is one that not only hits close to home, but the result could have huge repercussions for more than just him and his client.

It’s a case so big, he decides to enlist some help.

Jonah Brightly is ending a huge chapter of his life. Him and his girlfriend have zero spark and his professional career is in shambles after an on-work incident leaves him with more than a physical scar. A new job as a private detective would be a lifeline he so badly needed.

He goes in for his interview and meets Fox, the man who changes everything for him.

Both of them are rocked by an unexplainable force, and both are left questioning everything they’ve known in its wake. As they form a bond through working together on the case, they learn there’s much more that brings them together than holds them apart. But can they keep fanning the flames of their newfound passion or will they be consumed by the growing fire?
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Bad Idea is the first book in the Stonewall Investigations- Miami series. It's a full-length, steamy gay romance novel.

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2019

401 people are currently reading
527 people want to read

About the author

Max Walker

45 books1,052 followers

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5 stars
441 (36%)
4 stars
410 (34%)
3 stars
252 (20%)
2 stars
66 (5%)
1 star
33 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
Profile Image for JenMcJ.
2,608 reviews325 followers
June 5, 2019
DNF @ 46% because I've skimmed almost that entire amount. The book is so predictable and I'm over every bad guy out there using the gay community to find victims to kill and the women to be portrayed as heartless bitches. I'm totally not invested in Jonah who is a clueless, unbelievably unself-aware doormat.

This one just isn't for me
Profile Image for Nikki.
310 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2019
Honestly FUCK THIS BOOK. if Jonah is gay or bi and wants to leave his wife for a dude, fine. Whatever. But I can’t with m/m authors who need to make all women shrill and hysterical bitches. there’s even an old woman who’s supposed to be a sweet neighbor bc she calls Wendy a bitch and is super sad for Jonah. 🥴🥴dnf but still 1 star for the fucking misogyny
Profile Image for Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish).
920 reviews178 followers
Read
September 7, 2023
Dnf pretty quickly- I don’t think this author is for me, and not even Greg Bourdeaux narrating can make up for it.

It’s the story of Jonah, and ex cop, and Gabriel aka Fox, who’s an investigator at Stonewall Investigations.

Firstly, I’m not fond of one dimensional bitchy female characters in mm books (or ever tbh). Wendy, Jonah’s girlfriend of 4 years, is one of those. No idea why they’re together tbh, she’s obviously been a bitch for years (for example making Jonah spend his night away from home when his brother got assaulted years back, because she “needed space”. Seriously 🙄)

Then there’s both Jonah and Fox. Both insanely hot, both insanely attracted to each other (although Jonah is “straight”), and the same day Jonah had a job interview with Fox, he not only gets the job (despite said insane attraction), they immediately start working on a case and in the same evening they go to a “business date” where Jonah talks about his relationship issues and Fox keeps thinking how insanely hot Jonah is.

After rolling my eyes so insanely hard the entire time, I decided to stop because not even Greg B can make this better.

It might improve later on, but I’m not interested enough in both characters to care. As for now, I think Jonah is a doormat and Fox behaves like an unprofessional horny teenager.

Definitely a Bad Idea for me (see what I did here? 😜)
Profile Image for Kaity.
1,981 reviews24 followers
Read
September 6, 2022
DNF @58% aka around page 243

Well.. I got bored.. I read a Max Walker book before and I didn’t enjoy it but saw this one got better ratings than my first attempt so I gave it another go..

I need to listen to my gut.. I am bummed because Greg Boudreaux is the narrator for I think almost all Max Walker books… unfortunately for me it doesn’t fix the writing… he loves to write the corniest pun/dad jokes for the guys to try to be funny with… makes me cringe.

The beginning had promise but overall the mystery was the afterthought to the bi-awakening Johan was having hours after breaking up with his girlfriend of 4 years…also the first and second day of Johan and Fox meeting lasted almost 40% of the book… and they already had a soulmate level connection…? Idk I am confused if it’s not a paranormal book for this quick instalove to happen unless it’s done well..
Profile Image for Ulysses Dietz.
Author 15 books717 followers
November 5, 2019
Bad Idea (Stonewall Investigations – Miami #1)
By Max Walker
Published by the author, 2019
Four stars

I rated this book based on its purpose and intended audience. It appears to be a detective story, and indeed there is one – two private investigators, Gabriel “Fox” Morrison and Jonah Brightly, go on the hunt to root out a new and dangerous recreational drug cutting a path of death in the gay community in Miami Beach. However, somewhat to my surprise, the detective story is distinctly secondary to the romance that is the centerpiece of the book – that of a young man (Jonah) waking up to his true self after signing on to work with Fox Morrison at the newly-established Miami branch of Stonewall Investigations.

As a romance, it’s good, and emotional, and at moments intense. It speaks to denial and repression and that magic – possibly mythical – moment when another person sparks a fire in you and helps you see clearly for the first time in your life.

Both Fox Morrison and Jonah Brightly have their issues. Like a lot of attractive gay men just out of youth but still young, Fox has resigned himself to being alone, caught up in his work and ready enough for the quick satisfaction of hook-ups. Jonah is in a different place, as his longtime relationship with a woman crashes and burns, leaving him lost and disoriented. It is Fox Morrison who strikes the spark that helps Jonah see potential he’s never been willing to see before.

As a detective story, this is a three, because a very interesting plot gets pushed to the side. As a romance, however, this is very satisfying. In spite of the way the book is marketed, I decided to cast my vote on the side of romance. I’m interested into know what Walker will do with the Miami office of Stonewall Investigations next.
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews191 followers
July 2, 2021
So here’s the thing. It was just fine. But I feel disapointed Because I had such high expectations.
It might have been the on page m/f sex that made me feel that way though.
Profile Image for Ronie Reads.
1,550 reviews29 followers
November 25, 2023
The wit had me rolling! I wonder in book 2 will his mom really join the Circus
Profile Image for Kosh Gott.
344 reviews11 followers
June 14, 2020
DNF at 60%. A gay detective-partners-become-lovers trope. There is a plot, of sorts, about the MCs investigating a dangerous new party drug. But, mostly, it is heavily padded, with little happening, while the two MCs go through juvenile internal monologues and ruminations about the other and how their relationship cannot work but they want it to so badly — on and on and on. I DNFed, but looked ahead to see whodunit: I was right and guessed it the scene in which the character was introduced.

This novel is boring. A stock gay ex-military character. A stock bi man (an ex cop) in his first gay relationship. They are not fleshed out very well at all. Insta-lust with both characters being impossibly good-looking. Highly unbelievable "plot" (such as there is any) and that is WITH granting allowance for the romance genre being a type of fantasy.

The grammar is not great, but better than some romance novels. Editing is poor. This is my second Max Walker novel. I don't think there will be a third.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews131 followers
Want to read
June 24, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/24/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Carol.
3,761 reviews137 followers
December 9, 2021
It has sizzling connections with heartfelt emotion and lots intrigue and action. This book hit all the marks for a good detective story and a hot new romance. It is a terrific opening book for the series I really loved the awesome characters that we were introduced to. Many of the new detectives have lots of character to explore...and I understand that the author will carry their stories into future books. In this one we meet Gaberial “Fox” Morrison and Jonah Brightly who are really something together. The author has created a compelling storyline with a surprising bad guy and lots of twists and turns along the way. The complexity of the story was satisfying, and the development of the other detectives set me up for wanting more of this series. I cannot wait for where these stories take us next.
Profile Image for Tex Reader.
502 reviews27 followers
January 25, 2021
1.5 out of 5 - "Bad Idea" Pretty Much Sums It Up

This kept dropping in stars as I went along so that it became a bad idea for me to have read.

You must know that I almost never rate this low unless it hit all my buttons. I'm ok with soap opera, but over-the-top soap opera that does not reflect remotely with how gay men think, feel or act. It was too devoid of a reality base to buy into anything except what some who love m/m romance dream might happen, or what the author thinks might sell.

It was not only the romance, but also frustrating was the "investigations" lure. Yep, I bit. I like gay mysteries/detectives. This was mere window dressing. The romance took up 75% of the book, leaving little room to really have a case to "investigate," so yeah, very predictable. And for the romance part, it was pretty one sided on the sex, which is what I find in 75% of m/m romance, mainly just the person receiving's POV, if you will. even when you switch the character.

And then there's the contradictions in the beginning vs. later on, and the stupid assumptions in a gay-for-you scenario - Had he never looked at a guy like that before, or had he ogled them before? Had he never gotten turned on by a guy before, or did he watch gay porn? Had he really thought he was only straight, or had he actually started questioning, or at least realizing something was different before? At least be consistent in the character development and what we are told about it. And then, just to be sure, his girlfriend was made out to be some kind of b----. So we should sympathize and root for him even more? Not me.
Profile Image for Stephanie Bonsall.
149 reviews9 followers
June 2, 2019
I really loved this book especially the way the blazing chemistry between the main characters leapt off the page from the moment they met and continued to do so throughout the book.
Gabriel (Fox) is the head detective at the new Miami branch of Stonewall Investigations. He needs one more detective to complete the team and when he interviews ex policeman Jonah, he knows he's found the one in every sense of the word. Jonah identifies as straight, that is until his chemistry with Fox does all sorts of things to his body and brain. The two soon work together to try and crack the case that Fox is working on. Someone is supplying a deadly new drug called Dragon exclusively to a high end gay club in the city. Fox needs to find the source before it spreads to other clubs and quickly, as it has already taken the lives of many young men. As they work the case, both taking a turn at saving the other ones life, their chemistry and affection for each other grows in intensity leading Jonah to a realisation that's been nagging at him for years.
This book has lots more besides the fantastic chemistry between the two men. It has mystery, intrigue, humour and hot scenes. Zane and Enzo from the original Stonewall series make a welcome appearance and Andrew never fails to amuse. The three men who run Club Trinity also keep you guessing until the end. Definitely a 5 star read. Max Walkers' writing just gets better and better in my opinion.
Profile Image for Marcie.
18 reviews
May 31, 2019
This book was everything I had hoped for with no doubts how much I would love it! It was just like picking up from the end of the NY Stonewall series. The beginning of the book had you right into the action with Fox, which I personally loved. It set the scene for what was to come. Jonah had me wanting to hug and protect him from the evil witch. Their background stories were well told and pulls at your heart! Both Jonah and Fox will have you cheering for them the entire time! Max has an amazing way of describing each scene for you, each location, etc., in such a vivid way that you absolutely can imagine it! This story had me on my toes trying to figure out the case alongside with them and there are some, "ah-ha" moments, only to throw you off when you get to the real answer. If you have been following this who series, you will love this and the rest to follow. I am excited for book #2!! Oh, and you get a lovely cameo in this book too!

Bad Idea was a GREAT idea and it will blow you out of the water! Enjoy, readers!

Max, right on! You will always be one of my favorites!! xoxo #TeamJox
Profile Image for Joe McGowan.
307 reviews3 followers
June 12, 2019
I was disappointed in this book, there was more sex than mystery, I skipped more of the book than I read. The mystery was weak, the “stonewalling” by the club owners, and subsequent actions would be a red flag for Inspector Gadget. The main character of Jonah was weak willed when it came to his relationship with his girlfriend, especially as he recounted how his rehab went, I could not imagine his family would have been silent all this time. Neither, could I imagine going to my work place hours after being hired to sleep in my office. Not all gay men are focused on clothes and interior design, it was rather shallow, demeaning and sadly stereotypical. My list could go on. The title is appropriate for this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ptdog.
371 reviews68 followers
August 15, 2019
The story line was good. Unfortunately the dual POV, while oftentimes a successful tool, was a deterrent to pacing and readability for me. If the characters had diverse and intriguing POVs it would have been interesting. But their thoughts and interpretations of mutually shared experiences were very similar. And they were in the same circumstances as one another. A good use of multiple POVs is when the characters are in different places experiencing different circumstances. I skipped most of the writing just to get to the end.
Profile Image for Robert Fontenot.
2,038 reviews29 followers
February 9, 2022
This just did not work for me. On a basic level, these people are terrible detectives. Luckily, the criminals are pretty bad a crime. But also I just didn't enjoy being in these character's heads. Their thought processes were insanely repetitive and I didn't find their attraction or the course of the relationship remotely believable. This was my first book by this author and I don't think I'll be trying another.
Profile Image for Melissa.
482 reviews25 followers
June 17, 2019
3.75 stars. I thought this was my first book by this author, but I just looked and it’s actually my third or fourth. Entertaining read with likable characters, and an interesting storyline.
Profile Image for Declan Mc.
187 reviews92 followers
July 21, 2025
Character- 4.5/5
Plot- 2.75/5
Pacing- 3.25/5
Entertainment- 4.5/5
Rating- 3.5/5

So my raking above might be a little perplexing for people, but when I say that this book has one of the best couples, with electric chemistry, stuck in a plot that is nonsensical and boring, I really truly mean it. Jonah and Fox are amazing together, I love their quick friendship and slow and tentative romance that springs from it. I love Jonah's journey back to confidence and Fox learning to open up for the first time in a long time.

But the plot is such an after thought its almost laughable, with a paper thin mystery element that just doesn't deliver on anything interesting or meaningful. It really only serves as a background to the relationship between Jonah and Fox, but not intentionally so, with most detective romances being popular due to the clever integration between plot and characters. That's absent in this book and drags the whole thing down.

But again, Jonah and Fox are amazing together, with a real and authentic connection being formed that carries the entire book. I honestly couldn't put it down when they were the main focus. Part of me actually just wishes that this was a pure MM romance, and not a detective crime thriller, because it would be a close 5/5 had that been the case.

But this book intended more, and failed to deliver. I would however still recommend it. I had a great time with these guys, and was so endeared by their relationship. Even now i'm smiling thinking about their super sweet connection. But that's pretty much my thoughts, greats main characters with a plot leaving a great deal to be desired.
Profile Image for Monte Price.
882 reviews2,631 followers
May 4, 2021
I just had a great time here.

It gave me all of the procedural beats I wanted, maybe a little light on the actual investigation, but it was present enough that I felt that the book did have a plot. As for Jonah and Fox? I felt that overall their journey to getting together was enjoyable enough. I'm not sure that I loved how Wendy was used as a plot device and a lot of Jonah's coming to terms with his sexuality storyline did feel a little lack luster. As a whole narrative though, I did enjoy this and I know that I will be returning to the Stonewall Investigation office sooner rather than later.

I knew going in that this was the first in a spin off series and while there felt like there were things present for fans of the series this was spun out of, I did think I understood just about everything that was going on. I went in wanting a good time and I had a good time, so I'm very happy and looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Amy.
373 reviews24 followers
May 28, 2019
To say I loved Max’s Stonewall Investigations in New York is an understatement so getting book 1 of Stonewall Investigations Miami I was ecstatic and he did not disappoint!!! Wow!! Jonah who has a girlfriend of 4 years, she is a total witch. When he meets Fox for an interviews, those sparks light up the sky!! He goes from the high of meeting Fox, getting a new job to his girlfriend temper tantrum and breakup, but things are looking up for Jonah.

Working on an assignment together, Fox and Jonah get closer and closer both in their working relationship and a personal one!! The emotions and issues Jonah has from his past trauma and Fox’s family issues, are wonderfully written. Finding out who is making a deadly drug and killing gay men are icing on the cake for this book. I absolutely loved all the intrigue, the romance, the laughter, the friendships and family relations. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!!

3,010 reviews46 followers
May 31, 2019
What a great start to a new spin-off series from the Stonewall Investigations series! This story features Fox and Jonah and takes place in Miami. Their chemistry is off the charts hot!
I was completely captivated with this story right from page 1. There's romance, humor, action and sexy times. They mystery kept me guessing and reading until the end. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series! So much fun to read!!
Profile Image for Meg (queer_book_recs).
925 reviews60 followers
February 8, 2023
I listened to the audiobook on Hoopla and really enjoyed it! Kinda insta-lovey, but very romantic in a soul-mates kind of way. The investigation takes a bit of a backseat to the romance, which was fine. The thing I liked most about this was that the guys just really had fun together.

Greg Boudreaux narrated and he did mostly great. He didn't really make the guys sound that different from each other, but it was fine.
Profile Image for Mitchell Clifford.
354 reviews20 followers
December 11, 2023
The largest book by Walker I’ve read so far and every page counted!

I love that this book starts off the Stonewall Series again, but in a new city. You could really feel the Florida heat in this text. The thrills were on high, along with the romance! Also, I really enjoyed characters from the previous series coming back to say hi and pass the torch to the new cast!

I can’t wait to start book 2 in the new spin off series or book 7 in the universe!
424 reviews
March 17, 2022
Great Romance

I really love the romance in this one. I like the case even if it's not my favourite. I didn't really get the guilty one even if I thought it was this person for a second. I can't wait for book 2 I can't seem to stop reading them all...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews

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