Heart of Stone

by Ari McKay

Stone Harrison never knew he had an aunt; he certainly never expected her to bequeath him one of the largest spreads in central Nevada. But something about Copper Lake Ranch and its foreman, Luke Reynolds, speaks to him, offering a chance for the home he’s never really had.

Luke wants Stone to succeed as a rancher and put the legacy of his shiftless father behind him, but he’d also like Stone to share his bed. Unfortunately, Stone is convinced that the world is a harsh place that will never accept two men sharing their lives. Much to Luke’s dismay, he refuses to risk Luke’s life despite the intense attraction they share.

The tension between them escalates when a series of calamities strikes Copper Lake. An unexpected and unwelcome visit from Stone’s dandified cousin, James, only makes things worse. Stone’s ability to run the ranch comes into question, but the threat of losing it means less to Stone than the threat to Luke’s life. Stone will do anything it takes to protect the man he loves—even if it makes him a murderer.

Genres: M M Romance, Historical, Westerns, Romance, Gay, Historical Romance, LGBT

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 2, 2013

About the author

Ari McKay is the professional pseudonym for Arionrhod and McKay, who collaborate on original m/m fiction. They began writing together in 2004 and finished their first original full length novel in 2011. Recently, they’ve begun collaborating on designing and creating costumes to wear and compete in at Sci Fi conventions, and they share a love of yarn and cake.

Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.

McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.

Reviews

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
Heart Of Stone is a proper Historical Western with everything you would expect and want from it. As I was reading this, I was actually imagining myself curled up on a chair, on a Saturday afternoon watching it all unfurl on the TV as a Saturday Matinee. Take away the fact that this is m/m romance novel (and in my opinion, it is a true romance) the rest of the story suits the classic Western tale perfectly.

A strong, silent Cowboy drifter, with a mixed native American blood and an angst ridden past, gets a letter saying that a long lost relative (who he’s never met before) has died, leaving him a successful working ranch. Arriving there he meets the foreman, who is his complete opposite - warm, friendly, hard working and a complete gem when it comes to helping him work the ranch. They strike up a friendship. Things are going well till a spate of mishaps start befalling the ranch, each one becoming more dangerous putting not only the ranch and its animals at risk but the lives of the men running it. Someone is out to run him off his land. So, with the help of his foreman and ranch hands and certain characters from the town, the lone Cowboy fights to save his livelihood!

OK, so thats the version you’d be watching on Saturday afternoon - cheering for the good guys, boo hissing the baddies and finally seeing the Cowboy save the day and get his “Mary Lou” the heroine who shows our gruff drifter cowboy that he can be loved and finally have a settled home life with all the trimmings… But of course this is no ordinary western is it?

Stone Harrison is our lone Cowboy and Luke Reynolds is the foreman he comes to rely on but of course the difference in this story is that both these men have no interest in women and never will have but living in a time when being gay could result in nothing short of losing your life, both have lived their lives, up to meeting each other, keeping it well and truly hidden. Of course the attraction and lust is there and after a while Luke’s warm teasing manner breaks down Stone’s brittle persona and reservations, causing the inevitable to happen. But, the morning after, Stone pushes Luke away for fear of their relationship not only harming the running of the ranch, but his and Luke’s lives.

“This was now his home, and there wasn’t any place he’d rather be. Part of what made that feeling, though was one smart-mouthed cowboy with a gleam in his eye and a teasing word on his lips. A cowboy who seemed quite willing to take Stone as he was and even take him to bed. And that was the one thing Stone knew could never happen.”

From then on they revert back to a working relationship that strains their friendship but stubbornness and underlying feelings run high and when danger strikes the ranch they have to put it all aside to ensure the safety of everything they’ve worked to achieve.

Add in some great small town characters, a proper slimy baddie, his hired henchmen, some very well paced sexual tension and two REALLY likeable MC’s and I think you’ve got an absolute cracker! There’s a lovely back story involving Stone’s Auntie, who’s left him the ranch, that I thought was a refreshingly sweet addition to this type of tale and a lovely little twist at the end that made me smile and left me feeling the fuzzies! One surprise I did have was that this is a collaboration of two authors. I’d never have known because the story flows beautifully. Nice one ladies!

I honestly didn’t put this down once I started it and ended up reading it all in one sitting. I think it’s probably one of the nicest m/m westerns I’ve ever read. There’s not oodles of sex but what there is, it is still sexy, full of chemistry and very romantic. I found it to be a lovely romance that didn’t insist on them jumping into bed every five minutes but still had that sexual frisson that kept you glued to their “will they/won’t they” love affair. This is a good solid story with sex…not sex with a bit of story thrown in. Perhaps this is why some readers have rated it lower? I don’t know but for me this engaging book is a winner and a total keeper. I absolutely loved it. One little niggle was that I thought they should have cottoned on to who the baddie was a lot earlier, I knew the moment he arrived in the story he was going to be trouble, and I was a wee bit disappointed in how he gets his comeuppance but because of the end of the story, which I loved, I saw why it had to be that way so I gave it leeway, and this is a story, at the end of the day and great one at that, so it’s 4.5 rounded up.

Now I’m left hankering for another tale of the Wild West with strong silent cowboys in chaps riding the range… as long as they’re sexy ones. Slap my thighs and YEEHAW! You know what they say about riding a cowboy… (winks and grins)

Follow link ~ http://sidlove.com/2013/06/12/book-re...

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOW THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED 5 STAR HIT!!

Ok lately I have read some good books, but nothing has really gotten my emotional juices flowing. I was seriously entraining the idea there was something wrong with me, will nothing move me? I am happy to report that fear was blown right out of the water with this fab cowboy story.

This is a historical western story and while there is nothing really new in this plot, the writing and storytelling moved me. This story grabbed a hold of my heart and i fell in love with these two cowboys. Stone is a quiet, hardworking cowboy who inherits a ranch from an unknown aunt. Wanting to prove he is not like his shiftless dad, Stone accepts the inheritance and sets off to prove he is worthy of this opportunity. Once he arrives he meets the foreman Luke. Luke is very much the opposite of Stone. Luke is funny, outspoken and can draw out everyone he meets. When he sets his sights on Stone, he never really stands a chance.

There is of course a bad guy(s) in this and it doesn’t take a lot to figure out who they are (this is a western after all). And of course it’s an historical, so Luke and Stone also need to hide the fact they are gay (and for Stone also being part native american), the threat of harm is always present.

I have read plenty of cowboy stories and while this was not an original plot what set it apart from other stories was the talented writing. The ability for take a story that has been done plenty of times and draw the reader in takes talent. And this writing team definitely accomplished it with this new fan!

I highly recommend this story for all of my mm cowboy loving fans!

[Chris, the Dalek King · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I must admit that there were parts of this that I liked, the whole sabotage subplot ultimately doomed this book to mediocrity. Because to even begin to buy that these guys couldn't figure out the laughably easy to spot reason that shit had started to go wrong on the ranch the writers would have had to either made the guys naive to the point of ridiculousness, or dumber than a sack of bricks. Both of them have reason to know that family cannot always be trusted, and both--but especially in Stone's case--have lived lives that should have made them untrusting of some jackass just showing up at their ranch like a few days before everything starts going to shit.

Also...could have lived without the "love of a women fixes the man" ending that we got for the secondary characters. The dude was a bigoted racist jackass who was willing to injure if not kill Stone. But, hey, a chick says she loves him so now he is just fine and dandy. gah.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was, well, nice. I can’t say more than that.

Stamped as “Historical Western” — I couldn’t really grasp that sense of time period. I won’t pretend to know what an authentic historical western is, but I can imagine this being in our contemporary timeline too. Aside from the lack of Internet or cellular phone, that is. Maybe because the setting of the story was mainly on the ranch so it felt rather ‘isolated’ so it was easily replaced with a contemporary setting and it wouldn’t make a difference for me.

The main issue for the relationship was Stone’s reluctance and fear to grasp his happiness with his new rancher, Luke, because he was convinced that society would not accept same-sex relationships. He was worried that it would be dangerous for them; what with them living in a small town and apparently, cowboys were also gossiping about their boss.

However, at the same time, I felt that this fear was all in Stone’s head only. I didn’t feel the sense of danger coming at them. Everything that Stone feared, whispers of gossip, people judging him for living at the house with Luke, even people’s hatred over his heritage (he had Native-American blood in him), it all happened either in his mind or didn’t happen at all. None of them were written on page. Well, there was one scene with a drunk who spurred hurtful words, but that situation was easily diffused.

So the whole “I better stay away from you for your own good” attitude that Stone showed when it came to his relationship with Luke was dragging the story down and felt a tad too long. I couldn’t help but compare this with another historical western involving a Native American character, Well Traveled (Margaret Mills and Tedy Ward) that I reviewed back in March. That one felt like giving a well-described situation of hazard when you were two men in love in the 19th century West. Especially when one of them was Native American. When I was reading that book, I was worried for the characters, because I could feel the danger if people found out. But here, I didn’t experience the same thing.

The characters were nice and likable though. I did like Luke better since Stone annoyed me when he was being so adamant of staying way. I enjoyed Agnes, a secondary female character portrayed as someone smart and independent. ALTHOUGH, her action in the end, relating to Stone’s cousin, was baffling me. But to each her own and I wouldn’t pretend that I understand it *shrugs*.

Overall conclusion, it was a nice story if you like your cowboys and ranchers in a Historical Western setting. I just didn’t find it as particularly memorable though.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true cowboy romance that takes place in an historical setting. It portrays that difficulties that face people who are unable to love freely in a time where social expectations are great.

Stone is part Indian and also "a man who didn't care for women" but his largest fear is for people to think he is like his father who was an abusive drunk. Throughout his whole life he has strived to work hard and to be responsible. When he unexpectedly inherits a ranch, he faces a whole new set of responsibilities and the temptation of Luke.

Luke is the ranch foreman who takes Stone under his wing, showing him the ropes both in terms of running the ranch but also navigating the local social scene.

The beauty of this story is that Stone and Luke share an obvious attraction but the focus is not on the sexual side of their relationship, rather the emotional journey they face. They are both men who do not seek sexual encounters and have been living quietly. Both have focused on their work and fitting in with society as best they can.

Unable to resist, they do share a single encounter which is beautiful as Stone gives himself to the other man. However, morning after concerns arise and Stone's feelings about his obligations to the ranch and ranch hands mean he is unwilling to continue this type of relationship with Luke.

Returning to a boss/employee status is difficult for both of them as they want so much more and they must also face many issues on the ranch which threaten not only the livelihood of the ranch but their lives.

The historical setting seemed very real, from social customs, dialogue and details of the house and environment. The characters were really interesting and it was nice to see the inclusion of discussion of the relationship between Stone's aunt and her housekeeper.

Overall a really enjoyable story.

On a side note, I recently read a short story by these authors and although I enjoyed it, there was something missing for me. See my review here. Although it was a very different story, when I started this book I was a bit tentative, worried that I might not like one of the characters but I needn't have worried. It goes to show that it is worth trying an author/s more than once and not restricting your opinion based on one book/story alone!

[Letti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet western historical romance that spans from the Fall of 1887 to the Fall of 1888 that mainly deals with a ranching lifestyle. This is the first time that I’ve read any of this author's work, and I must admit I was not disappointed. The plot was engaging even though I figured out whodunnit way in advance, but it did not detract from the story. I wanted to keep on reading to find out if my boys got their shit together, and if the sweet Agnes was ever going to find the one. This story was a bit addicting, who doesn’t like hot cowboys? Especially the ones in the past, just imagine a man with sun kissed skin, a sweaty body and a piece of straw hanging from his mouth. Whew!! Is it getting hot in here or is it just me?

Stone has just returned from a cattle drive along the Chisholm Trail to the Circle J. Upon his arrival Little Sam, who is extremely talkative and can ramble on till his little heart's content, informed Stone that he had received a letter, and that it was waiting for him up at the main house. The letter perplexed Stone since he has never received a letter and he thought nothing good could come of it, but curiosity won over.

Full review, and some spoilers, at On Top Down Under Reviews-
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...

[Jenni Lea]

When the words "calamities" and "dandified" are used in the blurb it means Jenni Lea must read this story.

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice read from the library. 3 and 1/2 stars. I loved the beginning and ending. It got a little bogged down in the middle, but it picked up. Stone was a little frustrating for both Luck and me, but of course he came around.

[Sammy Goode · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing duo that makes up author Ari McKay has delivered an authentic old-fashioned western that was well paced and enjoyable to read. Stone Harrison is part indian in a time when men can still remember indian raids and losing their loved ones to attacks. He is feared by some, hated by others and often mistrusted.

A loner by choice, trying to undo the abuse he received by his alcoholic, no-good father, he finds out that he has kin--an aunt who has left him a considerable spread which boasts a healthy head of beef cattle. Run by the foreman, Luke Reynolds, since the death of Stone's aunt, the cowboy tries to settle down and live in one place--put down roots. It does not help that his foreman is an inveterate flirt and gay to boot. Stone has always hidden himself and his preferences from others, not just because it is safer, but also because he has little knowledge of real love and carries the shame of his past too closely to his wounded heart. Little did he reckon on Luke or the love the man has begun to develop for Stone.

Heart of Stone really deals with one man's finding his self-worth and discovering that despite all he has been told from an early age, he is worthy to be loved. I was so pleased to see how well the authors unfolded this story, allowing it to have a leisurely pace, which, in turn, afforded the opportunity to really get to know these men as separate characters. Instead of plunging the reader into an insta-love set up, Ari McKay writes of a love that steadily grows and with it the doubt that it will ever fully come to light.

Interwoven in the romance is a mystery that is a bit to transparent but still solid and action packed. I do wish the "bad guy" had been a little less obvious and made me think just a bit harder over solving just who it was that was sabotaging the ranch. I felt that we didn't see enough of the cousin, James, to really get a feel for how his mind worked which would have made his plotting seem more like an immediate and real threat. Coupled with the obvious, that all the mishaps at the ranch began after his arrival, it quickly became apparent who was behind all the chaos. That fact, more than anything, took the real impact out of the threat that the ranch might fold--you just knew it was not going to happen.

However, that element was really a small piece of a larger story--that which centered on Stone and Luke and their dilemma surrounding the need to hide how they felt about each other. These men lived in a time where the idea that they would be run off their land and quite possibly shot and killed because of their love for each other was a very real threat. Was it worth loving each other if it meant losing all they had, the ranch, the first real home Stone had ever had, all of it?

Heart of Stone was not only a solid historical western but a nicely paced love story that felt real and believable. So, if you are a fan of cowboys, and yes, in this instance, indians as well, then Heart of Stone by Ari McKay is a great summer read waiting for you!

[Chris Jeffreys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is set in the Midwest about 125 years ago. Stone is a loner and a cowboy -- he has no family (other than his horse). One day, a letter reaches him and he learns that a long-lost aunt, who he never met, left him Copper Lake Ranch in Nevada when she died. Ten thousand acres of land and eight thousand head of cattle were all his.

Stone takes the long ride to his ranch, and meets the foreman of the ranch, Luke. They touch to shake hands and it is electric. But, remembering the time when the book is set, it is not so easy to "come out" without potential repercussions. After a while though, Luke tells Stone that her prefers the company of men.

There is a lot of dancing around the issue, but one day a blizzard hits the Copper Lake Ranch and Luke gets caught out in "white out" conditions. Stone makes the decision that he is going to ride into the storm and save Luke -- that rescue, of course, is the beginning of their love affair. But, the sensibilities of the late 1800s are still prevalent in the story when you could likely be killed for admitting that you were gay, and that's the conflict that drives the story forward. (The authors do a terrific job balancing the clear love between these two men, and the conflict that at least one of them is experiencing due the the mores of the time.)

For a spell towards the end of the book, the story gets incredibly melodramatic, and not in a good way. Somebody is sabotaging the ranch for a then-unknown reason, and the two main characters are too dense to realize that the culprit is right below their combined noses the entire time. Surely, these two cowboys cannot possibly be that stupid.

And when they finally confront the snake who has been doing all of the bad things to the ranch, the story sounds like something that would be heard on a soap opera. It is a low-point in the book. Then as quickly as the book took its melodramatic turn at page 120, the author brings the story right back on track for the final two chapters and writes a very enjoyable, and unexpected, happily ever after ending.

This is like two different books -- the first 120 pages is simply marvelous. Then the next 50 pages is not so good. The final two chapters go back to being a good love story. When the book was good, it was very good; when the book was bad, it was amateurish writing. Looking at the book as a whole, I liked the main characters so much, I could put up with the poor section of the book.

Four stars from me based upon the characters' strength and the two strong parts of the book. Note: it looks like there will clearly be sequels to this story, and I anxiously look forward to reading them as long as these two main characters are still the primary focus of the book.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for this wonderful book. This was a first read for this author, I loved the characters in particular Luke for funny humor at teasing Stone. This book was set in 1887 when people had to hide who they truly where and adds to the story of the book. Stone has been working around the country for the last ten years but he's never found his home. He receives a letter at his current location from a lawyer informing him of an Aunt leaving him a ranch in Nevada. When he gets to his Copper Lake Ranch he meets Luke the foreman who's been looking after the place. At their first hand shake there's a zing between them.
Luke has a lot of teaching to do with Stone since he's never owned a Ranch before. Luke comes to have feelings for Stone and he's quite sure Stone feels the same but is fighting it. Times are hard at the Ranch but its not there doing, someone's against them. Find out what happens in this fantastic story. Highly recommended.

[Meggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is a light sweat romance written in a historical western setting. From this point of view I enjoyed this plotted story. We even get an HEA for this coupled pair, which was great, but a bit to predictable.

[Riina Y.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of Stone is one beautiful story! I enjoyed it greatly :)

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Harrison is a cowboy working on a ranch in Texas. He is 1/4 American Indian on his mother's side. He just returned from a cattle drive to find a letter waiting for him from his previously unknown Aunt Priss. He's stunned to read that he's the new owner of the Copper Lake Ranch in Nevada. He's been alone for years and hasn't had a home to call his own, so he heads to Nevada.

Luke Reynolds is the foreman of the Copper Lake Ranch. He was very close to Priss and helped her in more ways than running the ranch. He takes an instant liking to Stone and teases him every chance he gets.

Stone and Luke are mutually attracted to each other. Stone tries to hide it but Luke doesn't try much at all. Stone gives into passion one night but when morning comes regrets it and reverts back to his standoffish way. Stone has a cousin by marriage come to visit and he's a dandified snob. After awhile one calamity after another starts to happen and Stone is starting to think he shouldn't have come to Nevada. Stone is hurt several times and Luke is hurt as well but both men stick with it and don't give up on each other or the ranch.

I really liked this book. The ladies McKay really know how to write historical cowboys well. You can feel the passion that Stone and Luke have for each other. The world building feels authentic. The secondary characters are well rounded as well. The prejudice against homosexuality and "breeds" are authentic to the time as well. This book is very well written as well, with very few punctuation errors noted. I definitely recommend this book.

[SaDeAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Welcome to the wild Wild West. I have a sweet spot in my heart for the western stories. Growing up watching John Wayne movies on AMC and later Tombstone, there’s something about the mountains and bleakness and small towns trying survive. Maybe it was also all the California history lessons I attended. The mining camps and the gold rush making men into fools.
This is an interesting twist on the classic cowboy story. It almost perfectly hit the mark. It rushed itself for the last 40%, which was a shame. I also disliked that those who did wrong really didn’t find any punishment.
As other great reviewers have noted, this is a story first. The intimacy comes second. The building of the tension in the beginning is down well, but then a lot of the book is of the Puritanical denial of self bent, and that’s never fun.
This could have been better if the pacing had been more smooth, the storyline fleshed out, and the romance more heated. Regardless, this is a snappy read and was overall enjoyable.

[Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Hearts

Review written for MM Good Book Reviews

Stone is surprised to return from a cattle drive and find a letter waiting for him, it informs him that an aunt he never knew was leaving him a ranch. Arriving at Copper Lake Ranch he knows it is a place he could call home, meeting the ranch foreman Luke has him wanting to prove that he has got what it takes to run the ranch. Luke wants Stone to succeed and tries to ignore his attraction to the rancher, but one brief moment of shared bliss comes to haunt him when Stone says they can have nothing more between them. Their friendship suffers and then Stone receives a visit from a distant cousin, James, who Stone can’t seem to shake, but things become really tense on the ranch when a series of calamities hit. Luke and Stone pull together to keep the ranch going and just when Stone realises what he really wants, he is left in a position that could end in murder.

This is quite a good historical western of two men who could find love if only one of them was willing to take a chance. Luke falls hard for Stone and wants nothing better than to set up house with the man, but Stone has already had a taste of what could happen if anyone ever got a notion that they were like that and refuses to be anything more than friends. When things start to go wrong around the ranch Stone begins to reconsider as he becomes afraid for Luke, but Stone grew up the hard way with an abusive father add in being part Indian and he has had his fair share of prejudice thrown at him.

I quite liked this look into the past where just the image of impropriety could cost a man his home or life. The relationship between Luke and Stone is slow developing even though they have a fierce attraction to each other, Stone is afraid of the repercussions if anyone ever found out so he holds Luke back. When danger comes to the ranch though he begins to get over his reservations, but solving the problems have to come first and discovering who the culprit is really sticks in his craw. Luke has to think about what he wants long and hard when he is rebuffed by Stone but Copper Lake ranch is his home and he still holds out hope that Stone will come around.

This isn’t a romance in the normal sense because a lot of the story is focused on the ranch and Stone’s determination to never walk away from a job unfinished, the times that Stone and Luke do spend time together is either filled with awkwardness or with secret longing before Stone confesses what he wants from Luke. I liked the storyline of sabotage and I really enjoyed it when Stone’s cousin, James, was put in his place by Agnes. Stone’s acceptance into the community was a very nice touch showing that even back then a person’s skin colour didn’t mean as much as the person inside.

I will recommend this to those that love historical westerns, finding love in suspicious times, sabotage, digging deep to continue forwards and a sweet ending filled with love.

[LiveYourLife BuyTheBook · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

"Heart of Stone" by Ari McKay is a historical western romance with a bit of mystery. Set in the late 1800’s in Nevada, it is a mix of old west with the new amenities that are becoming more common, such as indoor plumbing and an icebox. The story has a nice mix of western ranch life, small town living, mixed with what would be considered a forbidden romance especially during this time period.

Stone Harrison is a cowboy, working on a ranch in Texas when he receives a letter stating that he has inherited a large ranch in Nevada from an Aunt he has never met. He has doubts about being able to manage a large ranch but he is determined to not shrug his responsibilities like his father. Stone’s father was an abusive alcoholic that beat both him and his mother. He also grew up being targeted for his mixed heritage as he is one quarter Pawnee.
Upon arriving at the ranch he is greeted by the foreman Luke Reynolds. Luke feels an immediate attraction to Stone but Stone is not one to trust people, especially with his secrets. As Luke and Stone get to know one another Luke shares his own secret with Stone. Stone is surprised but knows from experience that this is not something he can pursue.

I thought the attraction, friendship and fear of what could happen to Luke and Stone was presented thoughtfully and realistically. The author adds a bit of mystery when a series of accidents start taking place at the ranch as well as the unwelcome visit from a cousin from back east. These events add another element to the story that allows the bond between Luke and Stone to develop.

One of the secondary characters that I enjoyed was Miss Agnes, the daughter of the town physician. Although described as homely, she is intelligent, kind and observant. Her role throughout the story did not lead where I thought it might and the turn was a surprise that I thought maybe not plausible. Her role had a definite impact on Luke and Stone’s life and their future.

I love books with a western theme and this one with romance and mystery was enjoyable. Luke and Stone are likable characters and the development of their relationship satisfying. I had reservations regarding how much scrutiny the two men or women would have had from the town or the hands on the ranch unless they were careless in some way.

Deb's review also posted at Live Your Life, Buy The Book

[Bobbette · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, I really want to give this book 3 stars, because the erotica aspect was not that great, but I have to give it 4 stars because the story is just that freaking good. The characters are well-developed and you understand their actions, the writing is clean and flows easily, the plot is clear and well-executed and you don't get bored with the story. Okay, maybe you'll get a little frustrated with the aspect of the book that I had a problem with

My problem with the story might be unique, though I suspect not if you're buying an erotica. I expect there to be 3 good sex scenes, usually at 30%, 60% and 90% of the story, and then a romantic/sexual scene at the end to finalise the HEA. In this book, you get the first sex scene at 30% in, and though it could be written better, it's not abysmal. However, you don't get another sex scene until close to 90% in. That's a whole lot of reading without sex for a story that is billed as an erotica!!!

But as I said, I liked Stone and Luke's story and I enjoyed the read, even if I wished for another erotic scene or two. If you're more into the erotic aspect of these books, then this probably isn't yours tory, but if you like a good story more than you like a lot of sex, you'll enjoy this.

I would happily purchase another book from this author, based on the writing and storytelling alone. Hopefully, the sex scenes will be sufficent and graphic enough to truly qualify the book as erotica.

[nisie draws · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a really hard time rating this book, because there was a lot of things about it that I loved, and some things I absolutely hated, and it was hard to decide if the good outweighed the bad.

Here's the good:
• gay cowboys
• native-american man becoming successful ranch owner!
• 2 background lesbian couples
• strong independent ranching owning lesbians
• gays bffs with strong smart lady

Here's the bad:
• strong, smart lady falls in love with the villain, for no other reason than to resolve a plot line by "redeeming" a bad man.
• too much gay angst (I can't be with you because the ranch hands will find out! *proceeds to shower man with lavish gifts and act suspiciously*)
• the dumbest plot conflict i have ever read: A man shows up on your doorstep claiming to be a cousin after traveling 3,000 miles and never once sending you a letter or telegram? Who in their right mind lets this person into their house? Everything around the ranch suddenly starts breaking or catching on fire after your "cousin" shows up. And you never stop to think it might be this stranger???? GOD.
I made myself angry remembering how dumb this book was.
(its shame because I did actually like the characters and their romance.)

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ying and Yang on the High Prairie

This is a book filled with conflicted feelings within and between the MCs Stone (foreground, cover) and Luke, two of the most opposite individuals one might expect in a book about the Old West.

Yet mixed race Stone (half white, half Pawnee) and blond hunk Luke, foreman of the ranch Stone improbably inherits from an aunt he never knew existed, may start off in a chilled relationship. But they evolve, ever so slowly and passionately, into a strong couple whose lives are surrounded by conflicts and emotions that neither can deal with at times.

The ups and downs of ranch life are splendidly detailed here as are the series of unfortunate events that strike the farm and the main characters as the plot moves on.

Toward the end there comes a resolution to a potentially explosive and tragic assignation between Stone and Luke from a surprising source that is a bit tough to swallow, but delightful in the way it eventually plays out throughout the rest of the book. No spoilers.

With this book and "Finding Forgiveness," the duo of Ari McKay has established itself as a brilliant chronicler of gay life in the Old West, and are now firmly ensconced at the top of my list of historical MM novelists.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was quite a surprise for me. I don’t usually care for western or historical novels, but I really enjoyed this story. Outside of a few details, it could have been a contemporary romance.

When Stone inherits his aunt’s ranch in Nevada, he hits it off pretty quick with the foreman, Luke, but he has good reasons to be cautious. He has dealt with a lot of racism due to his ¼ Pawnee heritage, but being gay could easily get him killed. After one night together, Stone refuses to take the risk of continuing a relationship with Luke. Instead we get to see Luke and Stone continue to grow closer as friends and colleagues, despite their angst at not being able to be together they way the both want to. Luckily, Stone eventually comes to his senses.

[Melyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heart of Stone by Ari McKay is a historical western romance with a bit of mystery. Set in the late 1800’s in Nevada, it is a mix of old west with the new amenities that are becoming more common, such as indoor plumbing and an icebox. The story has a nice mix of western ranch life, small town living, mixed with what would be considered a forbidden romance especially during this time period.
To read full review please visit: https://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpr...

[Chibisuke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through goodreads giveaways and while it took longer then it should have to get it, it was worth the wait. It's a great story, and I enjoyed all of it. It's set in the 1800, which doesn't actually tell you that until the start of chapter 2. I was reading chapter 1 wondering why they where moving the cattle on horseback and wouldn't it be safer to move the cattle by vechile... then chapter 2 came up and it's like, oh, that's why! I would recomend this to any cowboy lovers! Awesome book, I'm glad I got to win it!

[Heather York · Rating 5 out of 5]

In learning he had an aunt he knew nothing about, Stone also discovers he owns a working ranch, finds his place in the world, and finds love. Unfortunately, his fears keep him from fully exploring his heart. As often in fiction but also in reality, it takes a series of unfortunate so-called accidents for Stone to realize his heart and love is nothing to fear. Of course, watching Luke live with Stone's fears is heartbreaking but the journey is worth all the ache. Another great addition to my library's history section.

[~SexyBookWorm~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too long.
The villain/conflict in the story was so obvious it was basically unnecessary.
Stone and Luke fell fast and hard but then Stone gets cold feet for like the entire middle 85% of the story. ..I think they could have worked it out sooner than the last 5 pages of the book.
It also bothered me that the ranch hands never figured out that they were together. It had to be obvious. in my opinion that should have been the conflict of the story.

[Page Crusherz · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story with likable, engaging characters. I wish it were a little more explicit as to time period because it felt historical but until I saw the word "buggy" I wasn't sure what time period. V. Good read.

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really relaxing read even with the mystery of what was happening at the ranch. Stone and Luke made a great couple and it seemed fairly realistic (though I didn't live in the 1800's so what do I know?). I thought it was quite clever - and I enjoyed the men together very much.

[The Blog of Sid Love]

4.5 Stars Stars

Please read review at The Blog of Sid Love

[Helie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5★

[ms.beau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frequently contemporary language and values overrode the historical setting.