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heatheray's review
5.0
I have been waiting for Hot As Stone since I first read Cain’s Salvation. I LOVED that book. Surely nothing could top it, right?
I am not sure if Hard As Stone topped it because I really love Cain, BUT, if it didn’t, it is right up there with it. I loved loved loved Hard As Stone. (That is a triple love there you see.)
453 pages read in one day.
Yep.
I could not put this book down. It was one of those books that had me carrying my iPad around the house with me, to the store, outside while the kids were playing. Anytime I had a spare minute I read and I kept reading until 2 this morning when I finally swiped over to the last page. I actually kept reading still because there is the first chapter of the next book after Hard As Stone and I had to see which sister it was going to be about.
Jacob Stone has had one hell of a life. He has been with the DEA and is searching for the man he believes to be responsible for his sister’s death. He has no time for love, he does his job, usually as an undercover agent, and gets out. He isn’t proud of everything he has done, but he isn’t ashamed of it either.
Harmony McKinnon.
Those McKinnon sisters have more trouble coming to their front door than any other family I have read about.
We know from Cain’s Salvation that Harmony was married to Tanner and through that horrible relationship she has a beautiful daughter named Heaven. She doesn’t date, she doesn’t give her heart away, and there are very few men she trusts.
These two meet at the family’s restaurant and the story takes off from there.
I was so happy to see all of my favorites back in this book. Zeke, Cain, Abel, Aunt Orla, and all of the sisters. I cannot say how much I love the interactions between this family and their extended family. The sisters make me long for more sisters (I suppose I shouldn’t 2 brothers for 2 more sisters). I mean, I love my own sister, but we are not nearly as funny as the 4 McKinnon sisters, though we would protect each other just as fiercely.
There were moments in this book where I was snorting I was laughing so hard. I almost facebooked the authors at 1 in the morning because I was rolling in my bed reading the scene where Patience was drugged up. Rolling I tell you. I am surprised I didn’t wake the house up. The wit and the comedic scenes in this book alone are enough to make me keep following Sarah O’Rourke and all of their books!
But it isn’t just about the funny. They write amazing dramatic scenes. Storylines that carry over from one book to the next (both Cain’s Salvation and Hard As Stone are stand alones, no cliff hangers). Just an example, as I said before we learned about what happened to both Honor and Harmony in the best. That storyline came back up and was more involved as Sarah weaved details of the past in and out of the current situation, tying it all together.
Then there is the hot scenes.
Holy cow.
I was fanning myself.
I think I may have blushed.
See, these books, this series, is listed under erotica and THIS is the kind of erotica I like to read. It is not just about sex with some lame story line thrown in. This is an amazing, HOT, suspenseful, dramatic, funny (SO funny) book. It is so much more than erotica, though that is definitely there.
I am going to say it again, amazing amazing amazing read! I cannot say enough how much I loved this book.
This is seriously one of those books that make you rethink the stars you have rated every single other book, because if this is 5 you are not sure how all the others that you loved were 5s also.
I thank the authors so much for my copy of Hard As Stone. One of my favorite books that I have read this year (and I have read 141 books so far this year).
I am not sure if Hard As Stone topped it because I really love Cain, BUT, if it didn’t, it is right up there with it. I loved loved loved Hard As Stone. (That is a triple love there you see.)
453 pages read in one day.
Yep.
I could not put this book down. It was one of those books that had me carrying my iPad around the house with me, to the store, outside while the kids were playing. Anytime I had a spare minute I read and I kept reading until 2 this morning when I finally swiped over to the last page. I actually kept reading still because there is the first chapter of the next book after Hard As Stone and I had to see which sister it was going to be about.
Jacob Stone has had one hell of a life. He has been with the DEA and is searching for the man he believes to be responsible for his sister’s death. He has no time for love, he does his job, usually as an undercover agent, and gets out. He isn’t proud of everything he has done, but he isn’t ashamed of it either.
Harmony McKinnon.
Those McKinnon sisters have more trouble coming to their front door than any other family I have read about.
We know from Cain’s Salvation that Harmony was married to Tanner and through that horrible relationship she has a beautiful daughter named Heaven. She doesn’t date, she doesn’t give her heart away, and there are very few men she trusts.
These two meet at the family’s restaurant and the story takes off from there.
I was so happy to see all of my favorites back in this book. Zeke, Cain, Abel, Aunt Orla, and all of the sisters. I cannot say how much I love the interactions between this family and their extended family. The sisters make me long for more sisters (I suppose I shouldn’t 2 brothers for 2 more sisters). I mean, I love my own sister, but we are not nearly as funny as the 4 McKinnon sisters, though we would protect each other just as fiercely.
There were moments in this book where I was snorting I was laughing so hard. I almost facebooked the authors at 1 in the morning because I was rolling in my bed reading the scene where Patience was drugged up. Rolling I tell you. I am surprised I didn’t wake the house up. The wit and the comedic scenes in this book alone are enough to make me keep following Sarah O’Rourke and all of their books!
But it isn’t just about the funny. They write amazing dramatic scenes. Storylines that carry over from one book to the next (both Cain’s Salvation and Hard As Stone are stand alones, no cliff hangers). Just an example, as I said before we learned about what happened to both Honor and Harmony in the best. That storyline came back up and was more involved as Sarah weaved details of the past in and out of the current situation, tying it all together.
Then there is the hot scenes.
Holy cow.
I was fanning myself.
I think I may have blushed.
See, these books, this series, is listed under erotica and THIS is the kind of erotica I like to read. It is not just about sex with some lame story line thrown in. This is an amazing, HOT, suspenseful, dramatic, funny (SO funny) book. It is so much more than erotica, though that is definitely there.
I am going to say it again, amazing amazing amazing read! I cannot say enough how much I loved this book.
This is seriously one of those books that make you rethink the stars you have rated every single other book, because if this is 5 you are not sure how all the others that you loved were 5s also.
I thank the authors so much for my copy of Hard As Stone. One of my favorite books that I have read this year (and I have read 141 books so far this year).
angelastl's review
4.0
Loved it
Great great story. The characters are fantastic. I did get a little confused trying to keep track of who everyone was. But great story flow, drama, heartache, crazy drama, and love
Great great story. The characters are fantastic. I did get a little confused trying to keep track of who everyone was. But great story flow, drama, heartache, crazy drama, and love
emilyhei's review
5.0
The second Jacob Stone met Harmony McKinnon, he knew she was his one. Jacob had to tread delicately with Harmony for a few reasons, the biggest the reason he is there. Jacob is an undercover DEA agent and Harmony's ex has ties to the man who led to his sisters death. He has been hunting his trail for years and wont stop until he has his revenge.
Harmony has not dated since she divorced his sadistic ex, everything about Jacob screams bad boy but Harmony finds she is also learning to trust him. Jacob has made his intent clear, although Harmony is not to sure about it, he wants a future with Harmony and her little girl Heaven. In order to start their future, Harmony's ex need to be handled and Jacob needs to share the truth about who he really is.
This was a delightful treasure. You have four McKinnon sisters, all vastly different and all head strong. They swarm together protecting one another and reference Steel Magnolias. I thought the parallel was perfect, one moment you are smiling, then crying and then laughing so hard you have to put the book down briefly because you can't catch a break. Best book I have read this month.
Harmony has not dated since she divorced his sadistic ex, everything about Jacob screams bad boy but Harmony finds she is also learning to trust him. Jacob has made his intent clear, although Harmony is not to sure about it, he wants a future with Harmony and her little girl Heaven. In order to start their future, Harmony's ex need to be handled and Jacob needs to share the truth about who he really is.
This was a delightful treasure. You have four McKinnon sisters, all vastly different and all head strong. They swarm together protecting one another and reference Steel Magnolias. I thought the parallel was perfect, one moment you are smiling, then crying and then laughing so hard you have to put the book down briefly because you can't catch a break. Best book I have read this month.
thesassybookworm's review
3.0
Good God this book was LONG, or maybe it just felt really long, I dunno. I was really slow moving the first half of the book, then it seemed to pick up pace, and I was enjoying it more.
I love all the characters in this series, they come across as such a close family and friends. Jake was a great alpha H, smoking hot, and tatted up. Harmony, was also a great h, strong and feisty. Heaven was a cutie pie, and I loved her relationship with Jake.
Overall I enjoyed it, but think it could have maybe been tightened up a bit more so it moved at a faster pace. I REALLY want Zeke's and Honor's book like TODAY!!
I love all the characters in this series, they come across as such a close family and friends. Jake was a great alpha H, smoking hot, and tatted up. Harmony, was also a great h, strong and feisty. Heaven was a cutie pie, and I loved her relationship with Jake.
Overall I enjoyed it, but think it could have maybe been tightened up a bit more so it moved at a faster pace. I REALLY want Zeke's and Honor's book like TODAY!!
vickylou's review
1.0
I am really struggling with this.
1. It is waaaaay too long
2. The sisters are pissing me off
3. The Aunt is a really bad caricature... see I can't even remember her name and she was in the last chapter
4. The 'men' are idiots - the only one of the main 4 that ( at the moment ) is redeemable is Zeke
5. Information is good. Forewarned is definitely good. If dickhead Jake had actually told Harmony what was going on... she would've been prepared
6. I am all for an alpha... but puh-leaze. Jake is a twat.
7. Drugging Honor without her knowledge was not OK... control is important, particularly if you have been in a situation where you have no control... like say... rape.
8. I don't like the repetitive 'the lady doth protest too much' tones...
9. I can't even...
I think my biggest problem is the fact that I really wanted to more than like this series. Was definitely looking for something with a Kristen Ashley flavour... but, currently, these are reading like a really really bad cover band.
I am going to persevere cos I want to read Honor's story... fingers crossed I'll get there.
Nooope. Given up - Jake stripping off and dragging her into the shower? The whole 'I know what's good for you, better than you can ever know'... pathetic. Not alpha... controlling... abusive. Wrong.
1. It is waaaaay too long
2. The sisters are pissing me off
3. The Aunt is a really bad caricature... see I can't even remember her name and she was in the last chapter
4. The 'men' are idiots - the only one of the main 4 that ( at the moment ) is redeemable is Zeke
5. Information is good. Forewarned is definitely good. If dickhead Jake had actually told Harmony what was going on... she would've been prepared
6. I am all for an alpha... but puh-leaze. Jake is a twat.
7. Drugging Honor without her knowledge was not OK... control is important, particularly if you have been in a situation where you have no control... like say... rape.
8. I don't like the repetitive 'the lady doth protest too much' tones...
9. I can't even...
I think my biggest problem is the fact that I really wanted to more than like this series. Was definitely looking for something with a Kristen Ashley flavour... but, currently, these are reading like a really really bad cover band.
I am going to persevere cos I want to read Honor's story... fingers crossed I'll get there.
Nooope. Given up - Jake stripping off and dragging her into the shower? The whole 'I know what's good for you, better than you can ever know'... pathetic. Not alpha... controlling... abusive. Wrong.
ofbooksncupcakes's review
5.0
OMG! I went into Book 2 with a bit apprehension. Although I enjoyed Book 1, I found it to be a safe read and I was hoping for some action/drama and oh boy did Sarah O'Rourke delivered!
Jacob 'The Widowmaker' Stone - gimme gimme gimme, where can I find such a man? Good grief, if I such a sexy dirty talking Alpha I will lock him in the bedroom 24/7. He was the stranger in Book 1 that helped in sisters during the altercation in the bar. I had a feeling he'll be in the series and I was so happy that I was right.
Harmony McKinnon - the fierce momma bear with an adorable little girl. After a really horrible marriage, Harmony totally shied away from dating and men. She doesn't date at all until her little girl Heaven bamboozled her into going on a date with Jake (Jacob). My heart broke for her when she was narrating her past to Jacob. She carried such heavy guilt on her shoulders that she feels she's irredeemable. I'm glad that Jake stood fast and managed to chip away her defences.
This book is LONG, like Kristen Ashley LONG! *phew* I was exhausted by the time I finished it. Could it have been done shorter? Yes. Am I bothered by it? Not really. I enjoyed the ridiculous hilarious bits in the book. I have to say though those McKinnon sisters are a bunch of shrews and I say that with much love. I adore them! I want to hang out and get drunk with them. Some might find their constant eviscerating their men a bit OTT and unnecessary. I still highly recommend this series and this book.
Jacob 'The Widowmaker' Stone - gimme gimme gimme, where can I find such a man? Good grief, if I such a sexy dirty talking Alpha I will lock him in the bedroom 24/7. He was the stranger in Book 1 that helped in sisters during the altercation in the bar. I had a feeling he'll be in the series and I was so happy that I was right.
Harmony McKinnon - the fierce momma bear with an adorable little girl. After a really horrible marriage, Harmony totally shied away from dating and men. She doesn't date at all until her little girl Heaven bamboozled her into going on a date with Jake (Jacob). My heart broke for her when she was narrating her past to Jacob. She carried such heavy guilt on her shoulders that she feels she's irredeemable. I'm glad that Jake stood fast and managed to chip away her defences.
This book is LONG, like Kristen Ashley LONG! *phew* I was exhausted by the time I finished it. Could it have been done shorter? Yes. Am I bothered by it? Not really. I enjoyed the ridiculous hilarious bits in the book. I have to say though those McKinnon sisters are a bunch of shrews and I say that with much love. I adore them! I want to hang out and get drunk with them. Some might find their constant eviscerating their men a bit OTT and unnecessary. I still highly recommend this series and this book.
the_sassy_bookworm's review
3.0
Good God this book was LONG, or maybe it just felt really long, I dunno. I was really slow moving the first half of the book, then it seemed to pick up pace, and I was enjoying it more.
I love all the characters in this series, they come across as such a close family and friends. Jake was a great alpha H, smoking hot, and tatted up. Harmony, was also a great h, strong and feisty. Heaven was a cutie pie, and I loved her relationship with Jake.
Overall I enjoyed it, but think it could have maybe been tightened up a bit more so it moved at a faster pace. I REALLY want Zeke's and Honor's book like TODAY!!
I love all the characters in this series, they come across as such a close family and friends. Jake was a great alpha H, smoking hot, and tatted up. Harmony, was also a great h, strong and feisty. Heaven was a cutie pie, and I loved her relationship with Jake.
Overall I enjoyed it, but think it could have maybe been tightened up a bit more so it moved at a faster pace. I REALLY want Zeke's and Honor's book like TODAY!!
poisonivy70's review
4.0
[from publisher]Jacob Stone is an undercover DEA Agent dead-set on getting vengeance for his sister’s death. When his sources tell him that the drug dealer he’s been searching for will soon be setting up a distribution center in the seemingly innocent town of Paradise, he moves in for the kill. What Jake wasn’t counting on, however, was falling in love with gorgeous Harmony McKinnon – the ex-wife of the man he was determined to eliminate. Can Jake make Harmony understand his motives? Can Harmony trust him in spite of the past? Will they have their happily ever after?
The Good
Oh Jake, you dirty sweet talker you. He had me wrapped from jump. He’s slightly bossy, demanding, overprotective and oh so sexy. He’s alpha but I think other than his mistake in judgment (which is almost necessary for the tension in the story) he doesn’t disregard Harmony’s feelings and he does everything to give her space to accept their relationship. Both Jake and Harmony have massive feelings of guilt for their past actions, and it makes for believable angst. In this book there’s more information given about what happened to Harmony’s sister, Honor (a horrific attack when she was 16 that could be a trigger for readers who have a hard time reading about rape) which also adds to the angst factor.
The secondary characters were familiar to me because of the first book, but I liked that they were fleshed out and the group chemistry is strong. I can easily see this continuing on beyond the sisters.
The Still Good But….
While I do like a story I can sink into, and it is well written, a bit more editing and tightening of the plot wouldn’t have been a bad thing. For example, I had no problems with the anticipation, but all the love scenes were lengthy. I enjoyed them, but sometimes, less is more. Harmony’s tendency to disregard Jake’s feelings in her attempts to protect her heart were hard to take at times, even if I understood her issues.
The Bottom Line
This book was better than the first, and Jake’s a great protective alpha hero. I really like this series and I’m eager for the next book to come out.
The Good
Oh Jake, you dirty sweet talker you. He had me wrapped from jump. He’s slightly bossy, demanding, overprotective and oh so sexy. He’s alpha but I think other than his mistake in judgment (which is almost necessary for the tension in the story) he doesn’t disregard Harmony’s feelings and he does everything to give her space to accept their relationship. Both Jake and Harmony have massive feelings of guilt for their past actions, and it makes for believable angst. In this book there’s more information given about what happened to Harmony’s sister, Honor (a horrific attack when she was 16 that could be a trigger for readers who have a hard time reading about rape) which also adds to the angst factor.
The secondary characters were familiar to me because of the first book, but I liked that they were fleshed out and the group chemistry is strong. I can easily see this continuing on beyond the sisters.
The Still Good But….
While I do like a story I can sink into, and it is well written, a bit more editing and tightening of the plot wouldn’t have been a bad thing. For example, I had no problems with the anticipation, but all the love scenes were lengthy. I enjoyed them, but sometimes, less is more. Harmony’s tendency to disregard Jake’s feelings in her attempts to protect her heart were hard to take at times, even if I understood her issues.
The Bottom Line
This book was better than the first, and Jake’s a great protective alpha hero. I really like this series and I’m eager for the next book to come out.
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