What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gold Brothers #3
Heart of Summer
MAVERICK GOLD
: The moment I locked eyes with Theo from across the bar, I knew my life would change. I just didn’t know by how much. Before I met Theo, I was fine with occasional hookups and drowning myself in work. I didn’t realize how burnt out I was getting until he came into my life and showed me what a good time really meant, roping me into situations that blew my mind (among other things). Good times always come to an end, though. Both our worlds get rocked completely off course when Theo receives shocking news that changes everything. Meanwhile, the stalker obsessed with my family takes their attacks to a whole new level. The situation pushes us into leaving New York and going to my family’s animal sanctuary, where Theo and I grow even closer while the threats grow deadlier. THEODORE PEREZ
: Relationships weren’t my thing. I never imagined myself falling for someone, especially not as hard as I fell for Maverick Gold. But life surprises you sometimes. Trust me on that one. Surprises became a common occurrence from the second Mav and I shared our first kiss. Surprises in life, in the bedroom, in my job at Stonewall Investigations. One thing remained constant my explosive chemistry with Mav. That connection is what helped me handle the shocking news that was dropped into my lap one day, altering the entire course of my life. At the same time that I found myself working on the biggest case of my career. Yeah, life definitely likes surprises. _______________ Heart of Summer is the third and final book in The Gold Brothers series. It's a full-length, steamy gay romance novel and can be read as a stand-alone.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 20, 2021
144 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 30, 2022
This is the last book in the series, and I hate having to say goodbye to the Gold brothers... but this was a good way for Max Walker to end the series. I never guessed who the Dove was. The author had a great way to make you think everyone could be guilty. I had my suspicions though and loved how it all came together. This story had so much love, romance, suspense. If it had to end...and we know that all things do... then this was just perfect. Thanks, Max, for another wonderful story.
November 4, 2024
Loose thread as in how all 4 got to the shoulder of the road. Yet, the few bread crumbs had me thinking. I was close. But nothing is better than a soap opera twist ending.
But really could have done less bedroom antics.
But really could have done less bedroom antics.
September 5, 2021
A trope of two guys raising a baby is not what I look for when picking a new book to read. With so many things going on in this book, I could be quite comfortable without a crying, screaming, and farting baby. Especially since the author successfully spread Maverick’s and Theo’s anxiety and stress to me.
Heart of Summer is not a bad book at all. It’s just my third favorite book in The Gold Brothers series. My mistake was that I set high expectations after Hummingbird Heartbreak. It was my bad I thought the series would take another route to a different (the Gold Sanctuary) ending. Contrary to the general opinion, Hummingbird Heartbreak is my darling and my favorite The Gold Brothers book. I wonder how it would function and whether it would be even better as a standalone.
Heart of Summer is not a bad book at all. It’s just my third favorite book in The Gold Brothers series. My mistake was that I set high expectations after Hummingbird Heartbreak. It was my bad I thought the series would take another route to a different (the Gold Sanctuary) ending. Contrary to the general opinion, Hummingbird Heartbreak is my darling and my favorite The Gold Brothers book. I wonder how it would function and whether it would be even better as a standalone.
March 19, 2021
4.5 Stars
I couldn’t wait for Theo and Maverick’s story after we were teased with their short story.
In this book we get to see how they met and sparks flew from that meeting and finally learn who “The Dove” is.
What I really like about this book is that I felt it wasn’t the typical meet and watch the courtship and the falling in love.. yes we see them meet but in the heart of the story some time has passed and we can feel the love they have for each other already
They are supportive, caring, hot together and so much more. I think they prove they would do anything for each other.
This was a great book to end the series and all of the Gold Brothers finding love and happiness.
I couldn’t wait for Theo and Maverick’s story after we were teased with their short story.
In this book we get to see how they met and sparks flew from that meeting and finally learn who “The Dove” is.
What I really like about this book is that I felt it wasn’t the typical meet and watch the courtship and the falling in love.. yes we see them meet but in the heart of the story some time has passed and we can feel the love they have for each other already
They are supportive, caring, hot together and so much more. I think they prove they would do anything for each other.
This was a great book to end the series and all of the Gold Brothers finding love and happiness.
August 9, 2021
2.5 Stars
I have really enjoyed this series, but was left dissapointed with the final book.
Spoilers!
What I liked:
1. Both Theo and Mav are great, likeable characters.
2. There isn't too much involvement with side characters, which definitely can become a thing in the romance novels I read.
What I didn't like:
1. There's nothing wrong with it, but I'm not a big fan of established relationships. Dropping in on Mav and Theo at the six-month mark just made me feel like I didn't know them, what their relationship was like and how in love/close they were with each other.
2. There was a lot, and I mean A LOT happening, and it all felt chaotic and resolutions rushed.
3. The novel jumped so much, from the two MCs meeting, to them celebrating their six month relationship, to then having a baby, the baby then being 7 weeks. I can see that it was meant to be fast paced, but then there was one day that last for something like chapters, and EVERYTHING happened in that one day.
Both Mav and Theo have an important conversation about where they stood with each other, then they both flip out over the pressure's of having a newborn, then Theo interviews someone, then his Mom has a crisis, then he finds out about Mav's traumatic history. And no, that one day still isn't over!
They have a family dinner, and the 'Dove' trespasses onto the property, the boys get locked into a shed by this dangerous figure, and then they still go and have date night straight after??
But BEFORE date night, Theo tells Mav about his childhood abuse and just like that Mav heals all that trauma, (yeah, sure!) and they STILL go on their date night after that, not worried at all that the Dove had been so damn close to them and their family that NIGHT!!
It just was TOO MUCH, for all of this to happen in one day in the book, in a timeline that had rushed through seven months.
I have really enjoyed this series, but was left dissapointed with the final book.
Spoilers!
What I liked:
1. Both Theo and Mav are great, likeable characters.
2. There isn't too much involvement with side characters, which definitely can become a thing in the romance novels I read.
What I didn't like:
1. There's nothing wrong with it, but I'm not a big fan of established relationships. Dropping in on Mav and Theo at the six-month mark just made me feel like I didn't know them, what their relationship was like and how in love/close they were with each other.
2. There was a lot, and I mean A LOT happening, and it all felt chaotic and resolutions rushed.
3. The novel jumped so much, from the two MCs meeting, to them celebrating their six month relationship, to then having a baby, the baby then being 7 weeks. I can see that it was meant to be fast paced, but then there was one day that last for something like chapters, and EVERYTHING happened in that one day.
Both Mav and Theo have an important conversation about where they stood with each other, then they both flip out over the pressure's of having a newborn, then Theo interviews someone, then his Mom has a crisis, then he finds out about Mav's traumatic history. And no, that one day still isn't over!
They have a family dinner, and the 'Dove' trespasses onto the property, the boys get locked into a shed by this dangerous figure, and then they still go and have date night straight after??
But BEFORE date night, Theo tells Mav about his childhood abuse and just like that Mav heals all that trauma, (yeah, sure!) and they STILL go on their date night after that, not worried at all that the Dove had been so damn close to them and their family that NIGHT!!
It just was TOO MUCH, for all of this to happen in one day in the book, in a timeline that had rushed through seven months.
March 20, 2021
I loved this book! The third and last instalment in the Gold Brothers series, this book features the HEA for Maverick, the oldest of the brothers.
This book has a slightly different than usual structure, in that it does not focus on the strictly romantic aspect of them as a couple, with all the ups and downs leading to them being together in the end. Instead, Maverick and Theo are pretty much an established couple from the very beginning of the story, but they have to face, together, a psycho targeting one of Mav’s mums and a life-changing surprise in Theo’s life!
Absolutely brilliant, Max Walker never ceases to amaze me with his action packed, super romantic and engaging stories!
This book has a slightly different than usual structure, in that it does not focus on the strictly romantic aspect of them as a couple, with all the ups and downs leading to them being together in the end. Instead, Maverick and Theo are pretty much an established couple from the very beginning of the story, but they have to face, together, a psycho targeting one of Mav’s mums and a life-changing surprise in Theo’s life!
Absolutely brilliant, Max Walker never ceases to amaze me with his action packed, super romantic and engaging stories!
March 23, 2021
So Very Good! Heart of Summer lives up to its name.. pure HEART.. Just the best! Sizzling hot sex and an emotional connection that echoed through space. Wonderfully erotic! This is worth reading just for the scenes between the men, but it is so much more than just physical! This book is also filled with humor, has nice sweet moments and so much romance that it will warm your heart!
This story has action, mystery, found family, heartfelt emotions that will cause you to laugh and cry and celebrate as the characters find their way to a very HEA!
I really enjoyed how the author created an almost touchable connection between these two men. I really loved both of them learning about themselves, seeing them learning to hope and to love. Both of the main characters are engaging and have functional lives, but something important is missing. They find out that it is each other that is the missing piece of their world.
This is book three of the Golds Brothers Series and it would be best to be read in sequence.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review
This story has action, mystery, found family, heartfelt emotions that will cause you to laugh and cry and celebrate as the characters find their way to a very HEA!
I really enjoyed how the author created an almost touchable connection between these two men. I really loved both of them learning about themselves, seeing them learning to hope and to love. Both of the main characters are engaging and have functional lives, but something important is missing. They find out that it is each other that is the missing piece of their world.
This is book three of the Golds Brothers Series and it would be best to be read in sequence.
I was gifted this book from the author and i freely give my honest opinion and review
March 22, 2021
A very satisfying end to a great series.
Mystery neatly wrapped up after a few twists and turns. Coupled with a very sweet angst free romance that felt strong from the start despite the unexpected roadblocks thrown in their path. Little cameos from some of the stonewall guys as well, happy, happy.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
Mystery neatly wrapped up after a few twists and turns. Coupled with a very sweet angst free romance that felt strong from the start despite the unexpected roadblocks thrown in their path. Little cameos from some of the stonewall guys as well, happy, happy.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
March 23, 2021
I just loved Mav and Theo! They are explosively sweet together and I devoured their story in one sitting. It’s romantic and incredibly steamy, and has a gripping suspense element. What’s great is that Mav and Theo are actually pretty established as a couple from the beginning. Instead, we get to see them work through a difficult stalker situation, as well as a life-changing surprise in Theo’s life. Mav and Theo are a strong couple and the way they tackle the challenges they face together is quite refreshing. A fitting end to this terrific series with the eldest Gold brother’s story!
April 16, 2021
I am in the minority in this and I'm totally okay with that. I think it comes down to personal taste and what I look for in a romance. I typically don't like established relationships, but sometimes they hit just right. This one didn't for me. I'm also not a big fan of a mystery component in my romances, but I read the first book in this series and the mystery component was introduced and I liked it enough and was intrigued enough to continue.
I wish we would have gotten Maverick and Theo's story from the beginning. We got the first night they met and I loved it. The chemistry and connection was instantaneous and I was completely invested. But then it skips 6 months to when they are dating and I felt cheated out of part of their journey. I absolutely adored them both and they were such a strong couple I just wish I could have gone along for the ride the whole time.
What made me start to lose interest in the story was all the changes that happened all at once. It was pretty predictable (for me anyway) and I know it showed how strong they were, but I wish there would have been a little more push and pull to make things a little more realistic. These were pretty drastic changes that any solid couple would have been temporarily fractured by and they both seemed to handle everything really well. I also felt like the mystery aspect went on too long. It could have been solved pretty early on and I would have liked that to get wrapped up so we could spend a little time with Mav and Theo as just a couple after all the chaos had settled. The epilogue was sweet at least.
Overall, I really liked both Mav and Theo, this story just didn't work for me.
I wish we would have gotten Maverick and Theo's story from the beginning. We got the first night they met and I loved it. The chemistry and connection was instantaneous and I was completely invested. But then it skips 6 months to when they are dating and I felt cheated out of part of their journey. I absolutely adored them both and they were such a strong couple I just wish I could have gone along for the ride the whole time.
What made me start to lose interest in the story was all the changes that happened all at once. It was pretty predictable (for me anyway) and I know it showed how strong they were, but I wish there would have been a little more push and pull to make things a little more realistic. These were pretty drastic changes that any solid couple would have been temporarily fractured by and they both seemed to handle everything really well. I also felt like the mystery aspect went on too long. It could have been solved pretty early on and I would have liked that to get wrapped up so we could spend a little time with Mav and Theo as just a couple after all the chaos had settled. The epilogue was sweet at least.
Overall, I really liked both Mav and Theo, this story just didn't work for me.
January 7, 2026
Heart of Summer shifts the Gold Brothers series into higher gear, delivering strong action beats and external conflict that finally push the story beyond purely emotional terrain. Walker handles momentum and stakes with confidence here, letting danger and urgency drive the plot forward in ways that feel sharp and engaging. Unfortunately, the central relationship never fully rises to match that intensity in my opinion, with the emotional connection feeling thinner and less developed than earlier installments. The imbalance softens the romantic payoff even as the narrative energy remains high. It’s a brisk, entertaining entry that excels on action and pacing, even if the love story itself lands as the weakest element so far.
July 24, 2025
I wasn't prepared for all the drama. It turned out to be a real romantic suspense. The big plot already started in the first book and has now come to a big end in the third one. I was genuinely wondering all the time who it could be, but I'm also not really good at figuring out who's the bad guy. I thought it was well constructed, even if it was somehow proportionally dramatic, I thought it was good. But my favourite part was the love story, Theo and Meverik are so cute together, I also love how long they've known each other and their relationship builds up, you get to see some of that really well. And I love that there's an otter around all the time.
January 3, 2026
Ho fatto fatica a leggere sto libro nonostante alcune cose avrebbe potuto catturare la mia attenzione quali il rifugio per gli animali, la bambina e il giallo, ma la storia è scritta talmente male che niente è riuscito a farmelo piacere. La parte gialla è la cosa peggiore, sembra tutto campato per aria, senza una logica. La bambina sembra creata apposta per intenerire un po ma anche lì sembra che lo scrittore l’abbia fatta spuntare da un campo di cavoli! Poi il fatto che vi siano salti temporali non mi è piaciuto, le parti più importanti sono state eliminate a favore di un mistero fatto male.
March 30, 2021
Heart of Summer is the third and final in Max Walker's The Gold Brother series, and this is Mav's story.
This book is very well written, with likeable characters.
Mav and Theo were perfect together. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Their chemistry was off the charts!!
Heart of Summer should not be read as a standalone as the suspense and mystery of the Dove throughout this series, is finally revealed.
If you're looking for a suspense romantic series, I would definitely recommend The Gold Brothers.
This book is very well written, with likeable characters.
Mav and Theo were perfect together. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Their chemistry was off the charts!!
Heart of Summer should not be read as a standalone as the suspense and mystery of the Dove throughout this series, is finally revealed.
If you're looking for a suspense romantic series, I would definitely recommend The Gold Brothers.
June 17, 2021
Perfect Partners
Mac and Theo clicked from the first moment and their connection just got stronger with each encounter which might be puzzling for anyone else who survived the traumas of their separate childhoods. But it just is for them. They fit like pieces custom made to be entwined so when their world is turned upside down by someone from Theo's past, they figure out how to make it work together. Will they be able to solve the threat that's been hanging over Mav's family so they have a chance to see what the future holds or will they be victims of a very disturbed mind?
Mac and Theo clicked from the first moment and their connection just got stronger with each encounter which might be puzzling for anyone else who survived the traumas of their separate childhoods. But it just is for them. They fit like pieces custom made to be entwined so when their world is turned upside down by someone from Theo's past, they figure out how to make it work together. Will they be able to solve the threat that's been hanging over Mav's family so they have a chance to see what the future holds or will they be victims of a very disturbed mind?
June 20, 2021
Maverick and Theo are likeable characters with an instant hot attraction and 8 months later they are joined by Summer, Theo's unexpected newborn daughter. The story had a little too much claustrophobia but that is explained when they learn that Maverick was locked in a closet when he was young until child care authorities took him and place him for adoption. Theo is a private investigator who was tracking down who had been making threats to Maverick's Moms and their animal shelter. The bombing was a little over the top.
May 24, 2022
3.25 Stars
From chapter one I felt like I was missing something, we don’t get a lot of their relationship back story it goes from them meeting to 8 months later. MW usually does a great job at building relationships in their books but this one gelt kinda rushed. I figured out who the dove was in the last book so the whole time I was reading this I was like “HOW ARE YOU GUYS THIS BLIND!!” Lol. It makes me wonder how anyone gets results from stonewall investigations ha. Overall it was fine, better than the last book but not as good as the first.
From chapter one I felt like I was missing something, we don’t get a lot of their relationship back story it goes from them meeting to 8 months later. MW usually does a great job at building relationships in their books but this one gelt kinda rushed. I figured out who the dove was in the last book so the whole time I was reading this I was like “HOW ARE YOU GUYS THIS BLIND!!” Lol. It makes me wonder how anyone gets results from stonewall investigations ha. Overall it was fine, better than the last book but not as good as the first.
February 23, 2023
"The warmth of summertime always comes around to melt the icy walls of winter"
This is such a wild way to end the trilogy!! Every twist and turn and the plot, it's perfect! From The Dove, Summer, and the explosions and the reveal!
Really loved Maverick because of how understanding and how human he is! Theo is perfect for Mav!
I wish Max would write more stories about the Gold Brothers/Family. They have such nice dynamic and interesting lives. Every single one of them has a story unlike any other.
The Gold Brothers Trilogy is full of humor, growth, and most specially, Love.
This is such a wild way to end the trilogy!! Every twist and turn and the plot, it's perfect! From The Dove, Summer, and the explosions and the reveal!
Really loved Maverick because of how understanding and how human he is! Theo is perfect for Mav!
I wish Max would write more stories about the Gold Brothers/Family. They have such nice dynamic and interesting lives. Every single one of them has a story unlike any other.
The Gold Brothers Trilogy is full of humor, growth, and most specially, Love.
May 20, 2024
I liked this one but it wasn’t consistent. Mavericks backstory was different in the other two books. Also, the boy the Moms wanted to adopt had a different name from the other books. I’m not sure if it was an issue with the audiobook edition or the same with all of them. But otherwise I really enjoyed it. I liked the chemistry between the MCs and the storyline. I think the twist was well done and I liked that it wasn’t rushed. Outside of the inconsistency with the other books I definitely think it was worth the read.
May 24, 2024
This is was definitely my favourite book in the gold brother series! It’s so sad to be saying good bye to the golds. I am going to revisit this world again!
Theo and Maverick are the perfect pair and the stole my heart. Navigating their relationship around a surprise that enters their lives, they fall more in love everyday! They finally uncover who the dove is and boy I didn’t guess! The author has a great way of making you suspicious of every single person you come across!
Thank you for letting us visit these men’s lives!
Theo and Maverick are the perfect pair and the stole my heart. Navigating their relationship around a surprise that enters their lives, they fall more in love everyday! They finally uncover who the dove is and boy I didn’t guess! The author has a great way of making you suspicious of every single person you come across!
Thank you for letting us visit these men’s lives!
March 21, 2021
I have been dying to read Theo and Mavrick's story ever since I read their short story Santa and His Slayer. I don't even know what to say about this book. It was beyond good and will make you laugh, cry, fill you with joy, and make your heart race. I loved seeing Theo and Mav work through all the bumps thrown at their relationship. As always Max did an amazing job and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
Read
January 25, 2022OK
Maverick and Theo, had an instant attraction with plenty of sizzling chemistry. At the six month mark of their relationship things get a bit crazy with shocking events happening one after another - family drama, threats, danger, and more.
The storyline was interesting but the execution was not the best - some parts dragging, repetitive, lack of research, and this book seriously needs proper proofreading and editing.
Maverick and Theo, had an instant attraction with plenty of sizzling chemistry. At the six month mark of their relationship things get a bit crazy with shocking events happening one after another - family drama, threats, danger, and more.
The storyline was interesting but the execution was not the best - some parts dragging, repetitive, lack of research, and this book seriously needs proper proofreading and editing.
October 17, 2024
Good story. The conclusion to this series was just right. Wrapped up the mystery arc of all three books while showcasing the third couple. Maverick’s story didn’t go where I thought it would, it was so much more than I expected. A few minor details, specifically on what age a baby begins to form words, stopped the action for a few minutes. Overall, I recommend this book.
As always, Greg Boudreaux is excellent and adds an extra dimension of awesomeness.
As always, Greg Boudreaux is excellent and adds an extra dimension of awesomeness.
March 25, 2021
Brilliant
OMG that is one brilliant book, I absolutely loved that the guy Mav falls for us one of the Stonewall guy's. So many twists and turns that at times you are holding your breath mixed in with all the fun elements and a lot of love and a happy ever after. I could keep going buy I don't want to spoil the surprise, get the book you won't be disappointed.
OMG that is one brilliant book, I absolutely loved that the guy Mav falls for us one of the Stonewall guy's. So many twists and turns that at times you are holding your breath mixed in with all the fun elements and a lot of love and a happy ever after. I could keep going buy I don't want to spoil the surprise, get the book you won't be disappointed.
May 25, 2021
Heart of Summer
I chose this book because it was an extension of an earlier book about one of the Gold Brothers. It is a attention getter from the start. It holds your attention all the way to the end.
There is one complaint I have. I wished the authors of these books would be aware of the difference between cum, the sperm you ejectulate, and come, as in come here.
I chose this book because it was an extension of an earlier book about one of the Gold Brothers. It is a attention getter from the start. It holds your attention all the way to the end.
There is one complaint I have. I wished the authors of these books would be aware of the difference between cum, the sperm you ejectulate, and come, as in come here.
July 30, 2021
Amazing finale
I hated saying goodbye to the Gold brothers but this was by far the best way to end out the series. I never would have guessed who the Dove was. The author had a great way to make you think everyone could be guilty. I had my suspicions though, and loved how it all came together. This story had such love, romance, suspense, and a perfect ending. Bravo!
I hated saying goodbye to the Gold brothers but this was by far the best way to end out the series. I never would have guessed who the Dove was. The author had a great way to make you think everyone could be guilty. I had my suspicions though, and loved how it all came together. This story had such love, romance, suspense, and a perfect ending. Bravo!
August 17, 2021
Mav and Theo nice ending
This one would be the best of the three, but I think it was more the story than anything. Mav and Theo were great together but they had the I love you from the start and there attraction couldnt get any stronger throughout the book. (That probably makes no sense but I know what I am saying 🤪🤪). Give it a read.
This one would be the best of the three, but I think it was more the story than anything. Mav and Theo were great together but they had the I love you from the start and there attraction couldnt get any stronger throughout the book. (That probably makes no sense but I know what I am saying 🤪🤪). Give it a read.
May 26, 2022
Listened to the audiobook narrated by Greg Boudreaux. It was a very good conclusion to the trilogy. The mystery of who was attacking the ranch was very interesting, and I love the tie in to Stonewall Investigations. There was a character whose gestation period seemed just a bit off, just enough for me to mention it but not enough that I couldn't move past it and enjoy a good story.
September 19, 2023
1.5 This was BARELY a romance. This was a spicy mystery. And even the mystery part didn’t really keep me on my toes throughout the way I expect a mystery to. There’s no pining, no tension, no moment where they break and finally get together. If you want the lingering will they/won’t they of most romance novels, this will not be it.
Read
March 27, 2021I love it!
I could read this book again and again and still feel every emotion. This book was amazing in every regard. The Love between Maverick and Theo to the conclusion of solving the mystery of The Dove,it all was incredibly well written.
I could read this book again and again and still feel every emotion. This book was amazing in every regard. The Love between Maverick and Theo to the conclusion of solving the mystery of The Dove,it all was incredibly well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews