His First Surrender

Stonewall Investigations Miami #3

by Max Walker

SAM CLARK Family, friends, and video games. The three things that define my life. When a fourth variable gets added in the form of a smoldering detective named Rocky Hudson, suddenly everything changes. Life isn’t as simple anymore, and it begins to start feeling like a new world is opening up to me. A new world filled with firsts. But things take a turn and instead of awkwardly flirting, I find myself trying to convince Rocky that I shouldn’t be a suspect in the case he’s investigating. Our connection starts off on shaky ground and my daydreams about the handsome man quickly fluctuate from me ringing his neck to him ringing my… like I said, shaky ground. Bottom line I couldn’t stop thinking about him. And soon, I wouldn’t ever want to stop. ROCKY HUDSON Tragedy made me who I was, cementing the brick wall I had built around myself after the hurt subsided. The only time I’d let people in was when I’d walk them into my Velvet Room. But as far as craving relationships, I had killed that part of myself ages ago. Imagine my surprise when a bright-eyed young guy comes barreling through my defenses, knocking it all down, changing everything. Still, things are never easy, and when my case twists around on itself and points in a direction I don’t like, I follow it, falling down a rabbit hole that leads to explosive revelations. All with Sam Clark at the center of it. As the connection between us strengthens and the mystery deepens, I find myself protecting his heart at all costs, while surrendering my own in the process. ________________________ His First Surrender is the third and final book in the Stonewall Investigations- Miami series. It's a full-length, steamy gay romance novel and can read as a stand-alone.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Mystery, Contemporary, Thriller

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2020

Reviews

[Ronie Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, it got worse than I thought! What else does one expect. When you teach humans to hate themselves.

[Valentina Campi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved loved loved Sam and Rocky!
My heart broke for Rocky, he's such a strong man, but has been wounded so deep that his walls are a mile high in the beginning. I loved that even through all his fears, he lets Sam in and lets him brighten his world up. Their chemistry and connection is undeniable and so strong it defeats all.
As usual in this wonderful series we have a lot of action, and wow, the villain in this one is unhinged!
The steaminess is off the charts (I mean, there's a certain first-time scene that.... WOW), and Max Walker's writing is always a pleasure to read!
I am sad that this series has thus come to an end, but I have no doubt any next book from this amazing author will be equally catching!

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging mystery, lots of action with great characters create a wonderful read! I was immediately pulled into the story-line and found the pacing great and the characters were interesting and likable.  We got to know these guys and that gave the story depth and feeling for me.  The writing is good and i read it in one sitting because i had to know how the story played out.  

Sam and Rocky are steamy, fun and touchable characters that make you root for their HEA.  I really liked how i got to know each of them and how they found their way to each other.  They have lots of chemistry and are very creative.  You will feel their connection.  

This is book three of the Stonewall Investigations Miami series and can be read as a stand-alone.  I do recommend the other books in this series because they are really good. 

I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review.  

[Lindsay Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find writing reviews for the last book in a series to be the most difficult. Trying to review this book alone without adding thoughts on the series as a whole is hard. That being said, I really liked Rocky’s character. He’s a combination of sweet yet so wounded. Then there’s adorkable Sam; so awkward and innocent yet such a fierce and brave warrior. These two were a fun read and brought out the best in each other. It was good to see beloved characters from the previous Stonewall books and the creepy factor of the villain was very well done. Sad to see this series end but the ride was so much fun.

[Toni K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely ridiculous. 'Like iron mixed with steel'. Again, it feels like I'm reading a different book than everybody else.

[DJO · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a basic yet still engaging read (listen). Rocky and Sam had nice chemistry and some interesting sexual escapades but I never really fell under their spell. The velvet room thing was a bit much. There was a crime/suspense piece to the plot that ran pretty thin at times. Some of it was tied to earlier books in the series, which I didn't read (I had forgotten that I tried book 1 several months ago but threw in the towel before finishing). I was a bit gutted by all the horror from Rocky's past and wish the author hadn't gone there. I mean, it was a lot. The guy suffered. I'm glad he and Sam got their HEA. The epilogue was def written for those readers who had read the entire series and maybe other works by the author? There was a LOT of characters at that wedding and it was like Who the heck are all these people? But, whatever. Great audio by Greg Boudreaux, of course. He def elevated things.
I guess this clocks in around three stars.

[1000storie1000vite · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezzo

Questo è, sicuramente, il romanzo della serie che mi è piaciuto di più.
I due protagonisti sono intriganti e allo stesso tempo dolcissimi.
La parte investigativa è avvincente, ben strutturata e complessa.
I personaggi secondari, che sono tanti, sono anch'essi ben delineati e interessanti.
Come sempre la storia d'amore parte con un colpo di fulmine devastante, ma si evolve in modo estremamente credibile e appagante.
Le scene spicy, poche e intense, sono lievemente kinky e molto coinvolgenti.
La resa italiana non è curatissima, peccato.
Hugs&kisses

[Suzanne Bourgeois]

I am beginning to believe Max Walker is a sappy romantic at heart. Seriously. And i think i need Hazel's story. She needs love too. especially after this. Though this book completes the mild meta plot for the series, i feel less connected to the whole series. But I guess that was the point, Rocky being so private and all. But, his care of Sam, and how that love story played out... totally swoon worthy. He was so encouraging, getting Sam to do what he loved, was passionate about. Also, love the kink. I want a velvet room now.

[Abril · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I will say I was pretty sad we didn’t get too much. Of the other couples. We saw them at the end but that’s about it but i sort of expected it since rocky was shown to be more closed in. I really did love rocky and Sam and the mystery of the person who killed Jesse and did all the threats of stonewall was really fucking good. Also funny that we saw the gold brothers at the end that was cool. Now onto blue creek

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rocky is a private investigator who takes on a case pro-bono. While questioning possible "perps" in the case he comes to meet Sam. I liked that although there were sparks it wasn't an "insta-love" between the two. Sad to see the series end it was a good ride. *I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book for an honest opinion*

[Sandra Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was really good and it drew me in so l couldn't put my book down for long. Found myself opening it at every chance l got.
Really sad that the series is finished but abviously it had to reach it's finial.
Max is a brilliant writer and I love his books. Keep writing them Max. I need them in my life.
Recommend reading highly 1000%+++

[Interrupted Reader]

Rocky and Sam. DNF at 55%, so I missed out on the Velvet Room with Rock(y) Hudson. Too slow and not engaging enough to hold my interest. I am in the minority.

[Jamie Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stonewall books are full of action, suspense and hot men.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story. It was exciting, interesting, funny, and hot. There wasn’t any angst, either. I usually love that but it wasn’t right for this story so it was good that they moved slowly but didn’t get melodramatic. The danger was excellent.

I love that Hazel from the beginning mentions transphobia against her and the main character not only doesn’t blink an eye, he doesn’t even make a comment or even think about the fact the she is trans. It was if she said they were bigoted against people who carried purses. It was relevant later in a brief but very meaningful way.

The story was pretty funny. I can’t believe one of the characters was Rocky Hudson and it was never commented on. I think the reader, Greg Boudreaux, helped present it as even funnier than it was written. He’s excellent.

There was a lot of sexual tension. It seemed like all they thought about, just having sex with each other. At first only a description of looks not personality, nothing to make me understood their obsession. But it was pretty hot. Really hot. Super hot. It then became sweet and touching. Even though there was a lot of sex, it was beautiful.

A wifebeater isn’t a garment and it was used multiple times in the story. I really hate that nickname being used because it devalues the suffering in domestic violence.

There were a lot of powerful women. There weren’t many if any non-white people though.

This is the last book in the series but there are other Stonewall investigation series. I think this is my favorite story so far. I’m eager to see if there’s anything better.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Sam and Rocky so very much! Even though Rocky has the whole "my walls are up and nobody can get through them" thing going on, he has absolutely no defense against Sam. I'm not always a fan of the whole no-strings, v!rgin romance trope, but it worked really well with these guys. Rocky is so, so, so sweet on Sam and treats him like he's precious. I wanted to bundle up and protect Sam just as much as Rocky did! But it was also fun to see Sam step out of his shell and take on new experiences with Rocky at his side. They were also SIZZLING hot together! The chemistry between these two was insane. Everything about their relationship was written really well and I was totally sold on the romance early on in the book and couldn't put it down because I needed more.

The plot really took a backseat in this book, but I think it's because I was so focused on the relationship. It was the best part! Also, the mystery isn't that hard to figure out and it's more a matter of getting justice. I have absolutely no complaints; it was interesting, fit the story/characters well, and had good pacing alongside the relationship.

I definitely recommend this book and it can be read as a standalone.

[Brie_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam and Rocky were cute. Both had traumatic pasts and they meet when Rocky accuses Sam of being a panty thief which ends up becoming a homicide investigation. Rocky’s still working on fitting in at Stonewell and it turns out the case that brings him to Sam closes an even bigger looming threat for Stonewell.

Reasons I Recommend:

1) Cute, big of angsty suspense

2) Sam is adorably shy and yet comes right out of his shell with Rocky and

3) Stalking, homicide, kidnapping, and seeing some Zane and Enzo’s HEA

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#briereads #brierecommends #2024goodreadsreadingchallenge #reviewedongoodreads #reviewedoninstagram #bookworm #lovetoread #idratherbereading #mmromance #romanticsuspense #mystery #fiction #stonewallinvestigationseries #stonewallinvestigationsmiami #maxwalker @maxwalkerwrites

[Levi Rivas Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

His First Surrender pushes the Stonewall Investigations: Miami arc into its most emotionally exposed territory yet, pairing a high-stakes case with moments of genuine vulnerability. The investigation strips away remaining defenses, forcing difficult reckonings about control, trust, and what safety actually looks like when everything is on the line. Walker allows the romance to mature through surrender rather than conquest, letting emotional honesty carry more weight than bravado or heat. The Miami backdrop continues to hum with danger and pressure, reinforcing how little room these characters have to hide from either the truth or each other. It’s a powerful, deeply satisfying installment that proves this series excels when emotional risk and investigative tension are allowed to collide head-on.

[CMLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

Rocky stands out among the other investigators due to not trying for more than co-worker. Sam is living his life with his best friend while trying to ignore the other roommate and the uneasiness he creates. When a crime o cuts, Rocky is there to help both Sam and his best friend while digging for the truth. It's simply an added benefit as the attraction grows between the two. But will Rocky lower his walls and let Sam show him emotions and feelings aren't so!ending to hide from? Will Sam be able to trust Rocky? And who is targeting Stonewall?

This is another amazing book by Max Walker that is able.too blend a budding romance with investigations and have both be dynamic and lifelike.

[Rebecca Azizov · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's review time 🎧
Warning ⚠️: mm romance, a pa , a virgin boy, a murder investigation, bdsm'ish proclivities

Narrator score🎧 ; Greg was the best thing in this book. I adore his voice and he saved the book for me.

Level of steam🔥: the sex took time to come... and when it did it was hot...

Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: I can't say what I feel about this book. It wasn't sad. It wasn't emotional the murder case wasn't told very good... I just dont really know what to say especially because I like this author.

The book itself📖: the book was cute I'll start with that... it wasn't awful at all... but u think the case wasn't good enough.... and it made the story lacking.... I think it was cute nothing more

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action Packed Hotness!

Wow! What an exciting and super steamy read! I’ve been loving the Stonewall Investigations series that Max has been writing, and this last case was fantastic! There was great action and some super steamy first times. Did I mention first times? I loved both Rocky and Sam, and I loved how they each had their own reason for holding some of themselves back. Once those walls crumbled though, they were full steam ahead! The mystery of the threats against Stonewall come to a close in a very heart-pumping way! This may be one of Max’s hottest books yet! Highly recommend!

[Francis J Mallalieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking down each others barriers.

Sam and Rocky are broken men functioning as they can in a world that they have held at arms length.
Rocky is unable to stop himself when someone is in need. Stopping a purse snatcher, Rocky finds himself involved in an evolving murder case.
As the case develops Rocky and Sam find themselves becoming more and more attracted to each other. As they find themselves gradually opening up to each other they begin to find a world that they thought would never be theirs.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarred Souls Surviving

Hardened by tragedy and unwilling to expose himself again to the pain of attachment, detective Rocky keeps his life controlled and cold, until a series of circumstances brings him to the doorstep of Sam who breaks thru his defenses like he plays his RPGs. Traumatized in his past, gamer Sam must help prove his roommate isn't guilty of murder while trying to not focus on the sexy detective who might just think that Sam's a suspect. Great wrap-up of the Stonewall Investigations series with welcome cameos of other characters from past books.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this was my 11th Max Walker book since August. And though these books are starting to seem to follow the same pattern and have become pretty predictable, the author must be doing something I like to keep me coming back. A detective solves a mystery and helps someone, falling in a deep life-changing love in the process, all while resolving some deep trauma from his life before. Somebody almost dies. It’s the same story in all these books but it works. I did like the check-in with many of the previous characters. If you like Max Walker’s other work, you’ll like this.

[Tracy Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book!!!

This book is the perfect ending to one of my favorite series!! Rocky and Sam were in sync with each other from the very beginning. I loved seeing them slowly break down each others walls. This book will make you laugh, cry and even have you biting your nails. I'm sad this is the end of the Stonewall Investigations but I also can't wait to see what Max comes up with next.

[Modwena Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Sam and Rocky's world's collide unexpectedly When the detective helps out Sam's best friend when her purse is stolen. Both men are still struggling with events from their past but slowly their walls start to come down. For me this book had a lot of great points. I loved the two men at the centre of the story and there is also plenty of suspense, especially towards the end of the book. Well worth a read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great add to the series and a perfect conclusion! Sam and Rocky are hot! I love the dance they have between each other; coming together to deal with struggles and overcoming them to build trust. Sweet couple mixed with the action and adventure you've come to love about Stonewall series. I didn't want it to end at all, and already want to re-read the series! Amazing Max! I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.

[David Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see the end of an Era

When I first found Max Walker’s books I never knew how much of a profound impact he and his writing would have on my life. I’ve now devoured every book he’s written and can’t wait for more. From the original Stonewall series to the Miami series co concluding with His First Surrender, every book is written with love and suspense. I can’t wait for Max to start his next series so I can continue on this path.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another good book in this series. I really do like the series of all of the Stonewall investigations. This one however was just a little bit long in the middle. But both of the main characters were really likable and there was really no drama between the two of them. Overall the mystery was good I kind of figured part of it out but not the whole mystery. My only issue like I said was the middle was just a little bit long in the book but other than that it was a worthwhile read.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate the title if it is referring to sex like I think it is.

I lost my notes, but this story had a weird way of combining things for this final book in the series. It was too pat and drew too many coincidences together.

I liked the two main characters together, but I didn't care ab9ut them much. That being said, I really liked that they didn't fight their attraction too hard.

Honestly, I most wanted to get to know Hazel in this book. And the hacker, who has been my favorite character.