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Snakes don’t only crawl in the grass.

River Martin has begun to reveal his true motives for being in Rainy Dale, and, shocker, it’s not good news for Maxwell.

If Maxwell is going to go to war with River, he’ll need people on his side. In his quest to be more of a people person, he’s roped into attending the wedding of one of his young patients, Janelle Raiden.

The bride is stunning in white silk tulle. The groom is appropriately doting. The cake is pure buttercream decadence. Everything about the wedding seems so very, very perfect.

Until the groom’s dead ex-wife makes an appearance.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2022

54 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

S.C. Wynne

66 books585 followers
S.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.

If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at scwynne@scwynne.com

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5 stars
210 (49%)
4 stars
150 (35%)
3 stars
56 (13%)
2 stars
10 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,965 reviews94 followers
September 24, 2024
Maxwell siempre se ha preocupado por la salud de sus pacientes, así que cuando una joven llega a su consulta paranoica, asustada y cansada, Maxwell esta decidido a ayudarla en lo que pueda. El problema es que la joven le pide que asista a su boda, para darle apoyo. Entonces Maxwell y Royce se ven en una boda de "alta sociedad" donde tienen que interactuar con muchísimas personas, incluyendo a su "archienemigo" Raine. Lo que no esperan es que la boda termine en el asesinato del novio, a plena luz del día y sin testigos!
Ahora Royce deberá mover cielo y tierra para descubrir quien es el asesino. Mientras Maxwell lidia con los golpes "rastreros" de Raine. Podrán ambos salir victoriosos? Dejará Raine a Maxwell en paz? Porque tanto rencor hacia Maxwell?

Este libro, hasta ahora, ha sido el misterio mas sencillo, pero el que tiene mas drama. Por fin pudimos averiguar por que Raine odia tanto a Maxwell y lo que es capaz de hacer para hacerle daño. Pero nos dejo en un cliffanger, donde normalmente nos da el inicio del próximo libro, y eso me dejo mas enganchada que los demás.
En fin, vamos al último libro de esta serie, para descubrir que es lo que se trae Raine entre manos y como van a salir nuestros protas de este nuevo problema.
Profile Image for George.
630 reviews71 followers
May 31, 2022
4.5 Stars

I thought that S.C. Wynne’s Kiss Marry Kill, the 6th volume of her Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries, was to be the last. I was mistaken. A 7th volume, One Vote for Murder, will be released on Sept 28, 2022. (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...?)

From the first book in the series I’ve been a big fan of the developing romance between Dr. Maxwell Thornton and Sheriff Royce Callum as they make a life for themselves in Rainy Dale, TX. This story had so many red herrings thrown in that I wasn’t able to solve the mystery of who actually killed a Rainy Dale groom on his wedding day. The killer's identity only became clear when Sheriff Callum solved the mystery himself.

But there were more than enough clues provided to predict what would happen in Kiss Marry Kill’s cliff-hanger ending, a cliff-hanger that once again involves Max’s arch nemesis, Dr. River Martin.

Like every book in the Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries series, Kiss Marry Kill is simply a great, satisfying read.
Profile Image for Sammy Higgins.
440 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2022
We are happily back with Maxwell and Sheriff Royce in Rainy Dale, Texas.

Maxwell and Royce have come a long way since we first met them in book 1. They grew as a couple, but most of all Maxwell grew as a person. He has come on leaps and bounds since we first met him. He had his walls up so high that no one could reach him. Luckily for us, he met Royce and the walls started slowly coming down. He is still the same blunt, snarky, and aloof man we know and love, but he is so much more now. He is trying to change and be a better person and we see that in this one. I love that others get to see the true Maxwell and it made me so happy!

Maxwell is not the kind of man who can interact with his patients well. He is a cold person and his patients see that. Here, he befriends a patient named Janelle. She likes how Maxwell was with her and she invites him to her wedding. There, one problem after another arises which eventually leads to murder. After the groom is found dead it is up to Royce to find the killer. I loved the mystery here and I felt so sorry for Janelle. She only had Maxwell there for her and I just wanted to hug her. As the mystery unravels, it gets crazier and crazier. It is one hell of a pickle for poor Royce to figure out. I figured out a few things but was shocked by who the murderer was.

River is one big pain in the arse! He shows his true colours here and I'm glad some people finally saw him for who he is. He is determined to ruin Maxwell's happiness and has set out to beat him at every step. I did figure out why he hates him so much early on and I could understand his motives. But at the end of the day, Maxwell doesn't deserve the psycho's contempt. He is nuts and he goes too far. The end had me screaming at the page. What a cliffhanger. I need the new book now! I will not so patiently wait till September!

In conclusion, I love Maxwell and would love a sexy sheriff of my own. Especially after reading the scorching sex scenes here. I need me a Royce!
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,295 reviews28 followers
May 30, 2022
4.75 Stars!

This series keeps getting better with each new book! Just remember you need to start with book 1. 

I love Max and Royce and how their relationship has grown. Max being more attuned to Royce's moods and Royce being able to move past his hurt to realize Max's limitations, made me feel more than ever that they can make it in the long run. Never mind, that their chemistry is amazing and I just adore them together. 

For as much as I love Max and Royce, I hate River with the same intensity. He's such an awful man and I was happy others are starting to see him for what he is. I kind of guessed what he was hiding before it was revealed, at least in some sense, but I didn't expect it to happen in the way it did. And let me tell you, that was a mean cliffhanger, Ms. Wynne! 

The case showcased how much Max has changed since he met Royce, I loved how empathetic he was to Janelle throughout her ordeal. And as always, the procedural part of the story was top-notch, well-thought-out, and captivating.

Overall, a fantastic addition to the series, engaging, intriguing, and even a bit emotional—I found myself crying a few times, during some poignant scenes. I just can't get enough of Max and Royce and I'm looking forward to the next book. I was sort of bummed about the cliffhanger, but a little anticipation has never killed anyone, has it? LOL 

*** Copy provided by the author for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
3,010 reviews46 followers
May 28, 2022
I can't get enough of the Dr. Maxwell Thornton Murder Mysteries and Kiss Marry Kill does not disappoint!
The mystery kept me turning page after page. I was certainly kept on my toes trying to figure this one out.
I love getting to see more of Max and Royce's romance. These two just melt my heart.
With just the right amount of feels this story will have you captivated.
I can't wait for more in this amazing series!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
July 28, 2022
What is River Up To ? . . .

River Martin is threatening to evict Dr. Maxwell Thornton -- for nonpayment of rent -- from the land where he was rebuilding his clinic. The land hadn’t even been for sale since the family that owned it didn’t want to sell it. How did River get hold of it? Max had promised Royce he would stay in Rainy Dale, so he was going to do just that. Apparently the payments Max made have been quietly going to the wrong address because River had not notified him of ownership change, even though Max leased a space inside River’s clinic and could have been easily informed. Why is River trying to ruin Max? Before Max and Royce left to visit River for some answers, River was ringing their doorbell and claimed his property manager had sent the threatening letter by mistake. The whole thing still seemed shady.

Maxwell checked his patient Janelle Raiden’s blood pressure. She was usually a serene young lady who laughed easily. But today she seemed preoccupied and on edge, jumping at every little sound. Even her blood pressure was high this time. She told him she was getting married in a few days, but she didn’t act happy or excited. She tried to insist nothing was wrong. But she finally admitted that three times now, she saw Kimora, her fiancé’s dead wife, in a wedding dress and looking at her as if she hates her. She burst into tears, but because Max calms her, she asked him to attend her wedding. He didn’t want to, but he is trying to be more people-friendly so he agrees. But the day of the wedding, Janelle unexpectedly throws her arms around Max, thanking him for coming and not lying to her. Yet after the wedding, when her new husband touched her arm, she noticeably stiffened and went pale. What was going on here?

The blurb pulled me into this series, but I admit that I have some catching up to do. The story line was intriguing and I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. Royce is my favorite because he is so level-headed and always seems to know what to do. I definitely plan on continuing this series and will play catch-up on the previous installments.
6 reviews
May 31, 2022
Wow!

Always tell my favorite authors to write faster and SC Wynne is no exception. Dr. Thornton has really grown on me. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews39 followers
August 3, 2022
This is probably the one that I liked the most in this series.

I figured out pretty early what was going on with the ghost thing, but was surprised by who ended up being the guilty part. I kept going from suspect to suspect and getting it wrong every time *laughs*

I liked a LOT that Max seems to be his own person again, that yes, his need to fit in is in part brought by his love for Royce but that's not his only reason. He's better in this story, more settled and honestly grateful for his friends.

I'm sad to say that I saw the plot twist coming since

But I still enjoyed it a lot and I really, really want to read the next one soon :)

Profile Image for Sherry F.
898 reviews20 followers
June 6, 2022
Maxwell was a difficult character to like.....but I'm there!

The ending is a cliffhanger. Ugh!
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,033 reviews109 followers
June 9, 2023
The best so far. I love Max and Royce together ... River is so slimy, but I really like Lucas
Profile Image for PaperMoon.
1,836 reviews85 followers
September 20, 2022
The murder plot was actually very interesting - especially the unraveling of the deceptive layers put into place by Royce and team; with shades of Death on the Nile here methinks. However I'm totally over the presence of secondary character River and to be honest, I'd rather this episode had involved him being 'offed' by someone instead; I for one would have been happy to do the deed! Alas - the author would be extending this Max-directed 'malevolence' further into the next book - so half a star deduction for this continued aggravated assault on my reading senses.
Profile Image for Liz Stanton.
190 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2022
What an ending

I'm a huge reader so I've read some good cliffhangers but holy crap these get better every time. That makes total sense why Max was a target for River and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.
As for Max and Royce I loved them in this book. Granted they still need to work on the communication aspect of a relationship, but their scenes together were sweet and romantic. I really do hope they have an amazing HEA in the next book
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
June 21, 2022
Kiss, Marry, Kill was excellent. I love how essentially got two stories/mysteries with in the story. There's a murder and River's behavior towards Max. The murder was well plotted out with twists and turns. This series just keeps getting better and better! I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Well done!!.

Profile Image for Alannah Davis.
307 reviews11 followers
June 14, 2022
Excellent in every way!

I probably said this in a previous review of the Dr. Thornton books, but it certainly bears repeating: this series gets better and better! I love how the romance and trust between Max and Royce moves at its own pace in becoming ever stronger. Max is getting better at making a true effort at becoming a part of the community (even if he does sometimes do so through gritted teeth!). The icing on the cake in this entry to the series is that we finally see River's true colors. I can't wait for the next Dr. Thornton book. Of course I've got it on pre-order. I would love to see this series go on forever!
Profile Image for Beth.
2,917 reviews27 followers
May 31, 2022
Another entertaining entry in the series

I really enjoy this series and was so excited when this book dropped in my kindle today! I read it in one sitting and couldn’t put it down.

There are essentially two mysteries going on here. There’s a murder to solve and there’s River’s behavior towards Max. There are some interesting twists and turns in the murder case that keep you guessing though one element of it is pretty obvious early on. Likewise several things start to make sense re River and it becomes pretty obvious what is going on there too. The foundation is laid for the setup of the next book though it seems to be a pretty flimsy setup given everything we already know about Royce the idea of the town turning on him because some rich people were inconvenienced is pretty ridiculous.

I loved the storytelling and have pre-ordered the next book. So bummed to have to wait four months for my next dose of Max!
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,521 reviews140 followers
June 13, 2022
Well I has an epiphany about half way through about River and I was actually proved right. No clue about the killer though as usual.
I am liking the building of the relationship between Maxwell and Royce and I loved the story where Max got the upperhand eventually. Only issue is now I have to wait until September for the next book
260 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2022
Kiss Marry Kill

Another riveting read from SC Wynne. I love this series, it always has me wanting to turn to the next page. I’m so happy for Maxwell and Royce who have come to an understanding with each other. Love is forever evolving with these two gorgeous guys, but there’s always someone lurking in the shadows to tear them apart. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Rachelle.
77 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2022
Another great book!!!

Max and Royce are absolutely amazing characters, they could not have been better written for each other. It's time to solve Rainy Dale's new mystery. There will be deception (a lot of it), marriage and murder, so it goes without saying that Royce will be busy for a while. So strap in and enjoy the ride.

A greatly written book will bring feelings out of you. It could be anger, sadness, happiness, frustration, joy and/or anticipation and that will keep you turning those pages to see what comes next. This series will do that for you and more.

I've received a copy of the book via Booksprout and voluntarily leave my honest review.
2,006 reviews25 followers
May 29, 2022
Wow, didn't see that coming, even though I had my suspicions. Kiss Marry Kill is just as great as the first book. Royce and Maxwell always attract attention and murder no matter where they go. The book is funny, witty, low angst, mysterious, and romantic, and these two are still burning up the pages with their sexy times. Royce and Maxwell need to talk more to be on the same page about what they really want. The book had my attention from start to finish and once I started reading it I couldn't put it down.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Anja.
1,262 reviews8 followers
May 30, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Another case for Royce, keeping him at the station and away from Max. Max still having issues with River and vice versa. I love that writing - the two of them are so fond of each other - though hardly ever have time for each other, but always bending over backwards to make it work nevertheless. River pushing Max' bottons doesn't help either and Jeust as Max thinks he might get free of River, the unthinkable happens. in a huge cliffhangar. Fabulous.
Profile Image for Cynthia Brooks.
2,352 reviews12 followers
June 12, 2022
Maxwell and Royce are invited to a wedding and the groom ends up dead There are twists and turns before the murder is solved and Maxwell finds out why River hates him. I really enjoyed this book.

Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,261 reviews26 followers
May 27, 2022
This series just continues to get better and better. Max and Royce just can not seem to stay away from trouble but their stories always interesting. I just could not put it down. There's a twist around every corner with the book's focused mystery and with River's real reason for his interest in Maxwell.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,275 reviews20 followers
May 30, 2022
being back with max and Royce was such a amazing place to be I loves every part of this story

every page had me guessing and kept me so hooked I didn't want to let go

following max and Royce's relationship bloom just melted my heart so much

kiss Marry kill was the perfect combination of mystery and romance
Profile Image for Lori.
16 reviews
May 31, 2022
I absolutely adore Max! He has come so far, and I am so proud!

I love that he is being open with Royce about his feelings, and they both seem truly happy in their relationship.

I really despise River. I know he will get what is coming to him. I have faith in our sweet author.

Can’t wait for the next one!
2,830 reviews14 followers
June 3, 2022
This series definitely needs to be read in order. What a rigmarole of a case. Every time you think you know who the murderer is, it turns out not to be. Love this series-- love Maxwell and Royce, hate River. Good story held my attention all the way through the book. Definitely recommend reading.
3 reviews
June 7, 2022
Great story!

I really love Max and Royce. They make a really great team, in bed and out.
The murder mystery was a good one. Some really obnoxious in-laws and some interesting suspects. And then there’s River, Max’s least favorite person on the planet. For good reason, as we see his facade slowly cracking. If you’ve read the others in the series don’t miss this one!
Profile Image for David.
228 reviews
June 8, 2022
What a wild ride. A great murder mystery, plenty of secrets, lies, and betrayals, and dynamic characters. This was a great installment in the Dr. Maxwell Thornton Mysteries series with a cliffhanger ending that’s advances the overall arc of the series. No spoilers here … you’ll have to read the book to find out what I mean.
Profile Image for Cynthia Osborne.
382 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2022
Holy smokes what an return to Rainy Dale. Royce and Maxwell are still living together and making their relationship work but a snake is sliding into place to bite.
I do recommend you read this series in order.

I did receive an Arc for a review.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,957 reviews16 followers
June 1, 2022
Another amazing addition to this series! I love being back with Royce, Maxwell and all the characters in this world. S.C. Wynne has made another story that I just couldn't stop reading. This definitely kept me on my toes and I love it. I can't wait for more in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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