Heart of Stone

Frontiera #1

by Cathryn Cade

He's an ex-space pirate who's changed his wicked ways ... or has he?

On the wild planet of Frontiera, Rose Thorne is out to save her brother. But when she holds his disreputable boss at gunpoint, Stone Masterson shows her just how ruthless he can be ... and how tender. With space pirates on the loose, is she safe in his arms, or is she just another pawn in his struggle to rule this new planet?

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction Romance, Aliens, Ebooks, Erotic Romance, Erotica

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2013

About the author

The bigger the alpha, the harder he falls!

I write sexy contemp, contemp paranormal & sci fi romance, inviting you along on a heart-pounding ride with heroes who can only be tamed by the greatest force in the universe … love.

I live in a little town on a big lake in North Idaho, so look for the Northwest in my stories.

Reviews

[Lyndi W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was kind of a non-entity, if that makes sense. There was nothing special about it in any way. But I kept reading because it wasn't bad. I just wouldn't say it was good, either. It was just kinda there. It happened.

And I feel like this is the worst sort of review I could possibly give. I would rather a book make me rage uncontrollably than leave me feeling nothing at all. But that may actually be due to the fact that I then have a legit reason to bitch and moan in a review - we all know how much I love to do that.

I wouldn't recommend this simply because I don't think anyone would thank me for it.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, this book hit the spot. I can't remember the last time I picked up a sexy sci-fi book and this one made me giddy with sexy sci-fi joy. It's hard not to fall for a book with characters as fun as this.

Stone... Stone, Stone, Stone. I like his devil-may-care attitude and his ability to seduce the panties right off of Rose. Honestly, I just liked the guy. He might be a little rough around the edges but he goes after the things he wants and he doesn't leave his lady unfulfilled. I appreciate that in my sexy sci-fi heroes.

Rose is an interesting mix of minx and innocent. She's drawn to Stone and yet she doesn't want to give in because she doesn't *quite* trust him. Until she does give in and she realizes how very, very giving the former pirate is. Again, this is an excellent trait for a hero to have. I approve.

No joke, I am ALL OVER the idea of more of these books. I like the world. I like the characters. I like Cathryn Cade's writing. I'm having WAY too much fun dipping my toes into the sexy and I want MOAR!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm giving this three stars just because it held my attention and was very hot, although maybe it should be 2.5 based on the huge power imbalance between hero and heroine. Rose is way too inexperienced and sheltered, despite her sexy bar uniform. She's soft and sweet while Stone is a business magnate with a murky past. He's super alpha and manipulates Rose into sex more than once. She's dumb enough to go along, but since she already had the hots for him it's not a big deal. The whole, I'm going to hold you up until you take me to my brother, situation was poorly planned anyway.

It's not clear why Stone took Rose on his trip, although it does give her a chance to show she's not just a mattress for him to lie on. I was surprised at her brother's response to finding out they were together. Ultimately, I wasn't sure if Rose was just not too smart or if she was just so sheltered that she did some stupid things. Either way, she's not afraid of her emotions.

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Not only is Stone hot and sexy but he sure knows how to get what he wants right from the beginning of the story. Even though Rose wanted to get information on her brothers whereabouts but she got more than she bargained for and yum on that part.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

liked the world but... Idk it was sort of instalove and that is just not my thing.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good read. Great characters that were strong and fun to follow. Great imagination and creativity, emotions, suspense and some action, hope and a super-duper ending. Can't wait to read more and wanting to see what happens with Jark. Good for passing time in a sitting or something to read in-between or for waiting times. Enjoy!

[Jolie Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty doggone good

It starts off a little wild, but Cade soon paints a world that requires a little wild. To survive there, you need a willingness to go all in. And the hero, squee.

He's everything you expect a reformed pirate to be, and more. I live that she saved herself. More of that, please.

Just really enjoyed this series starter. I will be getting the next one.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT! HOT! HOT!

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Space pirates - yummy! This was a great little read set on an alien planet with all types of space craft and alien beings. I wish it would have been longer. I'll read more by this author :)

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

HEART OF STONE, Frontiera series bk 1 of 2 written by CJ Cade, published in 2013.

MY RATING GUIDE: 3.5 Stars. This was satisfying in a similar fashion as an episode of the Original Star Trek series. Light, yet enjoyable entertainment.
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= Nope, not for me; 3= This was okay/cute; 3.5= I ENJOYED THIS; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).

Late Autumn, on the wild planet of Frontiera, just off the galaxy shipping lanes ~
Stone Masterson is a former space pirate and the owner of Matsterson Enterprises. He began his life as a young street rat on the poverty-stricken planet of Old Europa, fighting for everything he owned. He chose his friends carefully, planned, fought and developed a successful business. Competitors still aim at him and enemies have a sizable bounty upon his head.

About a year ago, Rose Thorne and her older brother Branch arrived from crowded Earth II to the untamed pioneer planet of Frontiera. Branch installed Rose in his apartment in a settlement where Rose can safely work nearby. His own adventurous nature has Branch employed by Masterson’s group which is involved in launching new technologies, owning interests in new businesses and shipping cargo to other worlds. Occasional conflicts with bandits and worse is par for the course.

When Rose hops on her hovercraft searching for information on Branch, with whom she’s lost contact, she launches herself into Masterson’s world of danger. How long can Rose survive?

Comments ~
1) HEART OF STONE is bk 1 in a 2 bk series. It ties-in slightly with Cade’s Lodestar series. This was the 3rd book I’ve read by Cade.
2) HEART OF STONE is a Proximity-Danger trope novel. It read very quickly and included adventure, no cliffhangers and a HEA.
3) The 1960’s Original Star Trek televised series developed a love for Space Opera in my early years. I continue to be drawn to the genre hoping to discover similar creativity, humor and adventure. Although I didn’t find HEART OF STONE a detailed or “meaty” read, it contains these elements. It was the Insta-love setting and early sexcapades which reduced my enjoyment overall.
4) HEART OF STONE’S main male lead character (Masterson) had shades of JD Robb’s futuristic entrepreneur character (Roarke) which I found interesting.
5) HOS would probably be best enjoyed by readers of light Space Opera Romance, those willing to suspend credibility and go along for the ride.

READER CAUTION ~ Not recommended to YAs or to readers who prefer Clean fiction.
PROFANITY - Yes. Blunt, strong language is used.
VIOLENCE - PG. Think OST fare. Not dark or graphic.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. HOS does have several steamy scenes between the MCs.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet soft Rose rubs up against one hard immovable Stone.
Love sweet sci fi read with likeable characters and a fun plot.
Instant attraction from the beginning with these two.
Read and reviewed previously years ago.

[NebulousGloom (FK) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Negatives:
- names: a pet peeve of mine is names of things in sci-fi. It isn't just wood. It is bhgyrl-wood. It isn't a rock. It is kkjhop-rock. Now, sometimes it is necessary, but if it is done too much, it is annoying. This author did it constantly.
- length: the story is quite short and follows a fairly straight path from start to finish. A little more plot would probably have helped it feel better developed.

Positives:
- the plot, while pretty standard, is just fine.
- the characters are pretty lovable.
- the romance seems believable.

Overall, a nice fun read.

[eRomantix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Original post at http://eromantix.com/wordpress/

Set in the future on a planet that is being colonized on the outer reaches of space. Rose follows her brother there who is looking for new opportunities. Rose's brother starts working for the leader of the colony Stone Masterson. being an ex-pirate means that Stone has a very bad reputation. However when Rose's brother goes missing she confronts Stone to find out what has happened to him.

Stone is willing to help Rose but needs a little incentive. He really isn't above using his influence to talk Rose into bed. Cathryn Cade packs a lot into this little novella. There is Rose's brother, Stones new top-secret project, Rose's new career direction not to forget the sweet romance and the smoking hot sex. The thing is she handles all these elements really well. You don't feel like you miss out on anything. Great, concise action packed writing.

I really liked Rose. She was sweet and spunky. When determined she went after what she wanted regardless of her inexperience. I also liked how she bounced back from problems. Instead of the "woe is me routine" she found a way of improving the situation. Oh and Stone is all alpha male, determined not to show any weakness to the outside world. Of course when is comes to Rose, his attitude has to change.

I haven't read anything by Cathryn Cade before but I really like her style.The next book in this series is already in the pipe line no release date as yet but hopefully out soon.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stone Masterson is the kind of powerful, successful male in every girl's dream. However, this alpha also oozes danger and sex appeal in unfathomable amounts. Rose, despite her terrific fear, decides to beard the lion in his den in order to find the whereabouts of her lost brother from the one person who would know his last destination, his boss. Oh, she's heard all of the rumors of his sordid criminal past and present, but her brother is the last family she has left, and she will risk all to find him. Masterson has been content to hibernate in the rugged, snowy mountains of his hidden den away from all of the social demands his business success has brought him. The last thing he expects to see turn up outside his frozen fortress's door is a small, freezing, laser-wielding female who thinks to threaten his life! As if she could! This woman is no stranger though, and he's willing to have a little fun. After all, she's sought him out. He was perfectly willing to keep his distance . . . .before. Poor Rose doesn't know what she's in for!

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman who views a man from a distance and instantly wants him. she knows he is a bad boy and a womanizer but for one night she doesn't care. She knows he will never return her affection and will move on once he is throught but for the moment she doesn't care.

The guy is a rogue and lives by his own rules. He is not interested in a long term relationship or a family. he is in to deep of his dark lifestyle to be pulled in by a woman.

These 2 come together and it is like the fourth of July and I could not been happier. Yes this is a stand alone and YES it does have a HEA however it is explosive with sex and violence.



I thought this was a very good book for being short. The length of this novel did not deter from the story or the characters. I thought this was well written and the characters were well developed. I cannot wait to read another.

[Lynetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of stone is an enjoyable, quick read. It connects with the part of us that desires something meaningful only to deny its existence. I enjoyed the match between Stone Masterson and Rose Thorn. Stone uses his experience to draw Rose into his bed . His thoughts were for the moment but who can know a man's own spirit. As is common, Stone looks at Rose and sets out to snare her whereas Rose looks at Stone and acknowledges her own willingness to become ensnared yet she questions her reasoning. Therein begins a clash of wills where in the end Rose and Stone find themselves on the same side. Deny it or accept it-love matters and how we allow it to take shape in our lives is a personal decision. Choose for your self and your own happiness.

[SandyL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so surprised how much I liked this book! I don't usually read sci-fi but chose this book for a reading challenge and I'm so glad I did. Rose Thorne is looking for her brother, and shows up at Stone Masterson's home to find out where he is - rumors are he's working for the former space pirate. Stone turns the tables on the Rose and they end up in bed - and Rose knows she's been ruined for any other man. This is a short, fast-paced story of how a sweet pastry chef wins the heart of a ruthless former renegade. There is a lot of action, both in the story and between the sheets. My two biggest disappointments - that the story wasn't longer, and that I can't find the next story in the series that is alluded to at the end of the book. I want to see Jark find his special one!

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure what it was, but there was something about this quick read that I really enjoyed. The beginning was a bit of a hurdle for me because it jumps right into an explicit scene without much set up of the story. Once the story progressed and Cade added some story, plot and world building to the sex, it became highly enjoyable. It had some excellent world building as the story progressed and Stone's character was very dynamic. Rose was a bit naive in the typical damsel fashion, but it wasn't over the top and she did have some strong points. I really enjoyed the frontier aspects of the story, too.

['Q' aka CoCo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm...

I don't feel very strongly about this book one way or the other. The h seeks out H out of worry for her brother, sparks fly, he pushes her away for her own safety only to realize later he can't live without her, then voila! HEA. It's a sweet, quick read with some mild to semi hot sex scenes. I just couldn't connect to any of the characters. The whole book had a very detached narrative feel to it. Even as the H was pouring his heart out, describing his worst memory in what is supposed to be a poignant scene, it came off sounding rote. 3 stars because I may not have loved it, but I didn't hate it either and I was, at least, entertained until the end.

[Kristiej · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed SciFi/Futuristics and it’s been a while since I’ve read one so when I saw this was free for Kindle I went for it. Though it was quite short at 116 pages, I enjoyed it. Stone was an alpha type who rose to the level of success he has through a life of crime before he went straight. Rose is the sister of one of his employees and goes to him to find out why her brother is missing and where he is. She is more on the innocent type and Stone is quite attracted to that.
This was a new to me author and I enjoyed this one enough to go back and get the rest of her futuristic series books as I believe they are all loosely connected

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light space adventure, touch of humor, hot passion on the frontier of a new world far from the ravaged earth. Characters weren't deeply developed, but their dialogue and actions were engaging and enjoyable. Heroine is naive and impulsive and hero is gutsy and adventuresome. The blend of action and passion worked for this lighter read. Look forward to more from this author.

[Willow Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dont usually read Sci_Fi books. I downloaded this because it was free on Kindle - and it was part of a challenge for a Goodreads group read.. and I'm pleasantly surprised. The book was well paced, had good tension and a fabulous plot. I will most definitely be checking out the next in the series!

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Check out my review and two teasers here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2013/01/made-grade-frontiera-series-book-1.html

[Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. A surprisingly good short story. Had a bit of action and angst. Rose was a strong character but still vulnerable.

If you like a quick adult read, with a strong man, a bit of danger, and a brave female this book is for you.

[Cheesecake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Cathryn Cade's books. This is the second one that I've read. Her books are an easy but satisfying read. My only complaint with this one is that I hate heroines who cry a lot.
But hey, that's a personal preference.
Looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute quick read

Even though it is suppose to be in space, it could have just been a future story. Not much syfy involved. The story was good & the characters were likable. Cute & quick.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. Not at all hard, but right from the beginning it had a soft and playful feel to it. And it had a sweet ending. Though the story was more the 'romance' than a plot, but there was some action slipped in there!

[Jennifer Erwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I had not heard of this author until I read this book. She blew me away with how much I got sucked into her book. Drama, tension, lovable scoundrels, tears, laughs, Ms. Cade sucked me in good. I will definitely be reading more of her work.

[Helen Jessica Mays · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple fast read but there was not much of a romance. It was too short for the development of the romance I guess. So it was like, they had sex, they had an adventure, the guy was rich, she wanted commitment, he didn't, then he did and took her.