Krystina Cole was a girl on a mission. She had big dreams and aspirations, none of which included a man by her side. She knew better than that – at least until she met Alexander Stone, the New York billionaire real estate tycoon. She saw the way that he looked at her, and the dark promises in his eyes. She was curious about his world and all that it entailed. But the shadows of her past … haunted her, making her afraid to explore possibilities that she could never before have imagined…
Alexander Stone was a man who knew how to get what he wanted. He understood the value of finesse, and the importance of patience and diligence to achieve the desired result. He was successful and wealthy, relying on his naturally sharp instincts to guide him through life. But a chance run in with Krystina Cole quickly turned his world upside down. Her quick wit and firecracker attitude was the complete opposite of what he wanted in a woman, and his instincts failed him at every turn…
However, both Krystina and Alexander are clinging to the secrets in their past, and neither of them are willing to compromise. Krystina’s hardened heart makes emotional surrender a hard limit. But for Alexander, revealing his past could have devastating results.
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Wow what a amazing book. This is the first book I’ve by Dakota Willink and most definitely will not be my last.. this book was a very steamy story with BDSM. That just blew me out of water. I will be reading the rest of this series and this is amazing story that drawn me in from the first page to the very end.
I have just found Dakota and I am SO GLAD that I did!! This book was absolutely amazing from start to finish. Her characters are full of layers that are slowly being discovered. Her story is beautifully written and I can’t wait to see what comes next for Alexander and Krystina!
When Alexander is literally run into by Krystina he is instantly drawn to her like he’s never been drawn to a woman before. He’s a billionaire, Dominant, controlling, and secretive man. What he wants is Krystina, but she won’t be giving in easily. She’s new to the world of BDSM and Alexander wants to train her to be his new submissive. She’s feisty and independent with a troubled past that makes it hard for her to submit. She agrees to try and they begin an incredibly steamy arrangement.
What happens when feelings start to change the arrangement? Will Krystina be comfortable in his world? Will Alexander change his own rules enough to start an actual relationship? I am enjoying the start of their story and I am looking forward to finding out what will happen between these two amazing characters next!
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I definitely got some Fifty Shades of Gray vibes from this book. BUT it is also different Kristina is a much more complex character with some depth and layers.
Alexander is yummmmm with a capital YUM.
What I loved most about this is that Kristina isn’t the sweet innocent character you would expect, she also has a complicated past.
My only critique is that I struggled with the female narrator’s voice when she did the other characters. But it doesn’t take anything away from the story.
I really enjoyed the start of Krystina and Alex’s story.
It was full of drama and twists and turns that kept me really gripped through out the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book, which ends on a huge cliff hanger, is very reminiscent of FSOG with its billionaire dominant with a troubled childhood and brown haired ingenue who thinks she isn’t pretty enough. I was a bit disappointed with the predictable plot, but I saw things in this book that I wished I saw in the other series, like a strong heroine.
Krystina is definitely a hot character to stand up through this new series that will satisfy those who are lacking a little reading “dark spice” in their life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kristyna and Alexander met in unusual circumstances but there was an immediate attraction. He could not get get her out of his mind so he made sure to have another run in with her even though he knew she was not the sort of man she needed in her life but he could not help himself. Finding herself with a job offer as well as a proposition for so much more from Alex she wanted to refuse but the pull was too strong. Will she be brave enough to take a chance? And even if she did will this be their survival or their downfall? This book reminds me of Fifty Shades of Grey but also with it’s own twists. I look forward to reading the rest I the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I must say that I found this story quite refreshing. The main characters are very likeable and relatable. They meet by chance and there is an instant attraction to the h which intrigues the H who in turn immediately wants to explore. There is a slow build up and burn to their attraction which is just fine with me as I’m not too keen on the instalove trope. The H is not an overbearing dominant. I find dominants are often portrayed as abusive and sadistic. I’m glad this is not the case here, although I do have some issues with the whole BDSM scene in this book. In some cases the H doesn’t seem dominant enough. He wants to train the h to be his sub and to introduce her to his world but he is way too lenient with her. He is in constant fear of her rejection that he practically lets her get away with murder. She doesn’t follow simple instructions and is constantly questioning him. I don’t think it works that way. It gives a vibe of insecurity on his part. He asks for the h’s trust but he doesn’t trust himself. He is battling with his own demons as is the h, and this is the source of their main problem which will eventually act as a catalyst to their relationship which is just at its early stage.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first in this and am glad I caught this at the beginning. Krystina is one we meet in this. Like her I go for the eyes especially mysterious ones. It is said they are the mirror to your soul. There is also Alexander whom gets a shake up. She has grabbed a hold of him unknownly. This is the start of a deep love story that you can dive into and swim deeply in. I hope though we see better of Alex though in next book.
I can understand that the book has so many good reviews. I really liked the story and the two main characters, Krystina and Alexander. The first book promises the beginning of a very hot romance.
I can only partially understand the comparison with a certain other book. There are certain parallels, but I like this book more, especially the female main character.
All in all, I thought the book was good, but it wasn’t as if I couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wasn’t sure when I started this book but I quickly became immersed and couldn’t put it down. Alex and Krystina seem to be complete opposites. One is wealthy one is not, Alex is suave and sophisticated, Christina is not and Alex is sexually dominant and Krystina is not submissive, but the more we get to know them the more they seem to be alike. There may be substantive differences but in their souls they have a connection. They both also have secrets that can destroy them and which are slowly eroding their chance of a future. This is an intense read that pulls you in and then there is the ending which is heartbreaking.
Heart of Stone is the first book I have read by Dakota Willink and I am hooked on her writing. It is the first book in the Stone Series and begins the tale of Alexander Stone, a New York real estate billionaire and dominant, who accidently meets Krystina/Krys Cole when she falls in a grocery store. Their chemistry is instantaneous and sizzling as he wants to make this independent woman his sub. This book is an intriguing read with complex characters, an interesting plot, and themes of BDSM. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series which is entitled Stepping Stone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4 1/2 stars
A thoroughly enjoyable story that was an entertaining read. The author plays with the characters just as much as she plays with the reader in this captivating story. It was an insta-love story with plenty of heat and heart. I really enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Krys and Alex are HOT. I’m not usually a fan of writing from both characters’ perspectives but it really worked here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Krys and Alex were sad and tortured souls who needed one another. These two will take you on one hell of a ride with lies, deception, sadness, and sexiness. I can’t wait to read the next book and take this journey and rude with these two!
Highly recommend this book!
**Will note, would’ve rated 5 stars, but needs an editor and proofreader bad**
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I give this book five stars of awesomeness. Wow! Talk about a powerful erotic drama, this book is it. I like the smooth pace. The writer maintained an easy storyline of unrequited love. Romance. Hot and steamy sex scenes. Intense conversations and heart wrenching decisions. The writer was able to hold my attention from beginning to end. I like that she kept elevating the drama higher in each chapter of the book.
The writer didn’t put mundane dialogue or drama. She kept the storyline focused around Alexander and Krystina. I liked that she wrote the story to where it was written like a believable story. I liked that the writer did her research on the subplot to the story. Having did the research, helped me as the reader relate to the characters and understanding the situations that they where placed in.
The mystery and suspense the writer teased the readers within the book played very well in the book. I recommend this book book. I look forward to the next book. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Intense yet enlightening. Perplexing yet familiar. Painful yet heedful. I enjoyed it and will be looking for more of this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am really liking Alexander and Krystinas story. This is a great first part, I am starting book 2. It is very well written and the story is interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book. Krys and Alex meet unexpectedly in a supermarket. Krys is headstrong and has been hurt before. Alex has his own demons. He wants her, she has some issues. He is a dom. I liked the book even though there may be similarities it is a different book. I loved the way Dakota Willink presented the story and I liked her characters. I think it flowed well and it was a great book. Loved it and cannot wait to read the next two books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Really enjoyed this – a new author to me
Loved the character development and the story
Looking forward to more and reading the rest of the series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexander Stone is a dream man. Handsome, super rich, intelligent, successful and extremely charming. His childhood was tough and of course that left him with attachment issues … He never wants to lose control and is most comfortable in the BDSM world.
Krystina is young, beautiful, has just graduated from college with a major in advertising and needs a real job at an advertising agency. Alexander will become the investor in the grossery market where she is currently working, saving the company from bankruptcy. He is enchanted by Krystina from the start and wants to win her over as his submissive. But then some problems come to light:
Alexander is a Dominant, but he only has club experience – he always selected a submissive there for one or few sessions, never outside in the real world. But now and with Krystina he want to have a long-term relationship.
Krystina’s last boyfriend was a controlling and abusive prick. In the end – two years ago – he beaten and raped her. Krystina hat now a real attachment phobia. Will the two get together and stay together? It doesn’t look like it at the end of the first book.
It is written in an exciting way, the sex scenes are sensual and hot and you can immerse in the BDSM world and maybe understand it better. Both characters are written real and understandable. It was an absolute pleasure to read it and I’m excited to see the rest of the story and it’s hopefully happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.