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Sweetwater #1

Written in Stone

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JOEL

We’re the cream of the Navy SEAL crop. Mercenaries who operate in the morally gray areas of the law, contracted to do what the government cannot. We’re Sweetwater Security, and we’ve just been assigned to a babysitting gig.
But when I set eyes on the brat who’s to blame for this, my curiosity is piqued. She’s a little liar, and I’m nothing if not a man who seeks the truth.
Unfortunately for her, I see right through her thin, icy veneer to the anxiety lying like bedrock beneath her cool exterior. She’s hiding something – something big. And I’m going to break her apart, piece by beautiful piece, until those walls she’s worked so hard to build come crashing down, and she can no longer hide behind her false sense of security.
By the time I’m done with her, she’ll be nothing but shattered fragments of her being that I have the pleasure of putting back together the way I choose.
She’ll be mine, and I’ll do with her as I please.

STELLA

I condemned my soul to hell at the tender age of fourteen, and I’ve been haunted ever since. But the only evidence of my corruption is rotting somewhere in a forest outside Detroit.
And now, fifteen years later, I’m forced to face off with an arrogant mercenary who believes he can save me by digging up the skeletons I’ve buried deep. He thinks my torment is worth exploring for his own sick satisfaction.
But he’s not the only one seeking my dark depravity. He’s not the only one who wishes to rip open old wounds and leave them to gape wide for the world to see.
Will I be strong enough to evade the danger he’s unearthing? Will I fall prey to my past and join my skeletons in hell?
Or will my bodyguard be there to pick the pieces up when I finally crumble?

TRIGGER WARNINGS:
*Graphic scenes/gore
*Child SA
*Child abandonment
*Death and suicide
*Dismemberment
*Mentions of drug abuse
*Stalking/kidnapping (not by MMC)
*Orgasm denial
*PTSD
*Accidental pregnancy

Your mental health matters. Please read with care.

352 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2023

30 people are currently reading
2394 people want to read

About the author

A.D. Wilde

8 books166 followers
A.D. Wilde is a Canadian author, born and raised in rural Ontario. When she's not reading or writing, she can be found hiking, road tripping to random North American destinations, or stuffing her face with carbs and wine.

Her favorite color is morally gray, her favorite MMCs are, at the very least, mildly psychotic and possessive, and her favorite FMCs are strong, stubborn and independent with a take-no-shit attitude.

​A.D. is a mental health advocate, and encourages readers to always check the trigger/content warnings before diving in to any dark romance story.

As for reviewing other books ... A.D. spreads the positivity and will only review books she enjoyed, so you will find no negative reviews here.

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5 stars
218 (32%)
4 stars
229 (33%)
3 stars
162 (23%)
2 stars
47 (6%)
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20 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
317 reviews49 followers
August 4, 2023
the fmc is as dumb as a rock.

thank you to booksirens and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh In Bookland.
60 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2023
Dayummmm! I don’t think I have a bad word to say about this book! I’ve literally just finished reading and my eyes are not dry.

Written in Stone is a dark romance with some of the BEST tropes! We’ve got:

Forced proximity
Touch her and ☠️
Found family
Morally grey Navy Seals
He falls first
Bodyguard

Everything in this book is just 🤌🏻

I could not put this book down, it had me frantically reading to find out what was going to happen next, the suspense was real.

The characters are loveable, it’s left me NEEDING to know more about the side characters and I cannot wait for the next book! The tension and banter and chemistry between Joel and Stella was insane.

A fantastic dark romance with incredible attention to detail, I can’t wait to see what happens next in the Sweetwater series
Profile Image for Amelia Yates.
172 reviews12 followers
August 8, 2023
Are you ready to fall in love with Stella and Joel. Grumpy possessive alpha, strong MFC with a secret past, mystery and spice to make your toes curl what’s not to love. The dedication alone drew me in.

The chemistry and tension between the MMC and MFC is palpable from the start of the story. If domineering alpha with a hidden softie core are you cup of tea you will love this book.

However it’s not just about the spice and romance the uncovering of Stella’s past and the detailed depiction of her trauma her expertly written along with the unravelling of the mystery of her stalker made for a gripping read.

My only issue was the ending felt rushed and wrapped up a little to quickly and neatly I would of liked it drawn out a bit more and the aftermath delved into in some more detail.

Can’t wait for the next instalment and the rest of the Sweetwater stories.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Briar Reeds.
134 reviews7 followers
August 9, 2023
I was an ARC reader for this book and I CANNOT WAIT for the second one!

You fall into place with the characters easily and get attached quickly.
And you’ll never look at ice cubes the same way again ;)

AD Wilde is a great author and pays attention to small details and puts in little things where other authors would just gloss over an action that actually brings you closer to the MCs.

I cannot wait to see where AD goes!!
Profile Image for KP.
281 reviews19 followers
August 23, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, make sure to read trigger warnings for sure. Joel is just a brooding, protective, loving and an honest asshole. Lol this is DEFINITELY a dark romance with forced proximity with the main characters. The spiiiceee was amazing, loved the bantering, and the suspense had me stressed out! Haha
Profile Image for Valerie.
30 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

A dual POV, spicy, suspenseful, dark romance, with triggers, that I could not put down. It took me a whopping 2 days to absolutely crush this book from start to finish. From the very beginning introduction between Joel and Stella, I was absolutely ensnared in the tension between the two and that tension was evident and everywhere. There were chapters and scenes that I was actively worried for our FMC and chapters and scenes that I was actively falling for our MMC, I mean, who doesn’t love a large, tattooed, alpha male? I think this book has been one of my top 3 favorite dark romance/suspenseful romances to have read so far this year, and that hard to do when I mostly only read dark/suspenseful romances. I am so excited to see where A.D. Wilde continues to go and grow with the rest of this series and her other future works as well. **I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
Profile Image for Alexa Hill.
112 reviews8 followers
October 13, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

First of all I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I don't have anything bad to say about it.

FMC-Stella has grown up in foster care and seen the worst side of the system, after her mother dropped her off at a fire station as a baby. She's a grown woman now always looking over her shoulder and finds out her birth mother had left all of her possessions to her when she passed.

MMC- Joel is a Navy SEAL that now does jobs for SWEETWATER, and is contracted to protect Stella, along with the rest of his team.

Def excited to read book 2 can't wait to see where the next story leads😏😏
Profile Image for Kelly  Castillo.
251 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2023
Spice 4/5

Check TW before reading

This book hooked me from the beginning with that dedication. I read the book one day. I love Stella and Joel. There is so much depth involved with these characters. The story pulls you in and you can't wait to see what happens next. I also have to say that Harper is amazing. I adore her Tarzan comment. I can't wait to read her story.

Favorite Quote:

“This is the only chance I’m giving you to run, Stella. Once I’m inside of you, you’re mine. I will own you. Every fucking part of you. Every kiss. Every orgasm. Every breath you fucking take. Even your pain will be mine, and mine alone. And just when you think I’ve had enough, I’ll take your future too. Your bright, beautiful future, and I’ll blend it with mine in every way possible. Our darkness will be so intertwined, you won’t be able to tell whose demons are whose.”

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Vanessa Tse.
18 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2023
I received an arc copy and I’m voluntarily reviewing this book. I enjoyed reading this book, it has brought me tears and joy. I do have to say make sure to check out the CW’s! The characterization between the MFC and the MMC is incredible, they have such a strong relationship. The MFC has hidden secrets in her life that still haunts/taunts her while the MC is in the Navy Seal Corp and it’s his duty to protect her but he’s also a softie deep down. The spice scenes were 3 🌶️, which I love. There is tension that builds up all the way to the plot. One thing I didn’t like was that I felt like the story was a bit rushed towards the end and there wasn’t much details/description that led up to the plot itself. Other than that, it was such a great experience to read this book and I can’t wait for book 2!!!
Profile Image for Jordan Rock.
10 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2023
Thankful for the opportunity to read the ARC for this book! And I really enjoyed this book! The spice first of all was 5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ for me lol
I was interested right away and low a good enemies to lovers! The soft side Joel has and him protecting Stella had my heart! Ugh such a good book boyfriend! The thriller aspect was a good touch, the plot twist was a little predictable for me but i have a habit of predicting things in books😂 all around glad to have read it and looking forward to the second book!
Profile Image for Madison Drumm.
147 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2023
“The deep-seated desire to own her on every level is sickening. Primal. I’ve already decided she’s mine. She just doesn’t know it yet.” 

5/5 ⭐️ 5/5 🌶️ 

The dedication alone should convince you to read this. “For all the good girls who want to be fucked like a bad girl.” Do I even need to write anything else after that? For you girlies who, like me, skip the trigger warnings, please be aware that SA is frequently mentioned in detail. 

I was enraptured from the start. Stella has many secrets. Secrets that would probably destroy most people. There were times I wanted to pull her out of the book and squeeze her while we both cried. Not that she would allow that. She’s been running from these secrets for years but now must stop because her mother, who gave her up at birth, passed away and decided to leave everything to Stella. Super shitty, but she got a sexy bodyguard out of it, so it could’ve been worse. Stella was a sassy little thing, and I ate it up. She gave Joel a run for his money, that’s for sure. She was brave, resilient and had a huge heart even if she didn’t want to show it. The attitude she gave him was hilarious. Their banter and chemistry was spectacular. 

Don’t mind me wiping the drool off my chin while thinking about Joel. A sexy, morally grey, possessive alphahole that follows you around all day to keep you safe? He got off on riling Stella up. I adored the way he handled Stella and everything she had been through. He knew how to coax her secrets out of her and the way he did it sometimes.. oh my lanta. I don’t know how she managed to resist. Then again, I would want to keep them for as long as possible so he would continue to try and pry them out of me.  

I knew the smut would really be smutting, but I did not expect it to happen as quickly as it did. The alley scene? The car scene? THE RESTAURANT SCENE!? I was melting like a popsicle on a hot summer day. I am so happy that I came across @authoradwilde tik tok and she was kind enough to send me an arc! I loved every single second of this book and I cannot wait for the rest!! Can someone help me convince my mom to hire me a bodyguard?
Profile Image for Lilly.
389 reviews36 followers
August 14, 2023
4.5/5⭐️🤩

O.M.G I was not ready for this! I LOVED it so much. After only reading the dedication I was hooked (I’ll let you guys go get the book and find out👀). I know us girlies skip the trigger warnings but please check them and be aware that there is heavy themes and it’s talked about in detail pretty frequently🫶🏻

What can I say other than I’m obsessed!? I was immersed from the very start and I couldn’t put it down. it’s dual pov in first person (WOOO🥳) and we follow fmc Stella and mmc Joel. I loved Stella, she had sooo many secrets kept inside her that were destroying her and I really connected with her and understood her feelings💕 I just wanted to give her a hug and cry with her🥹 for years she has been hiding these secrets but now has to let them go as her mum who gave her up at birth passed away, leaving everything for stella. this whole situation was a nightmare but then came in her VERY hot bodyguard Joel!! She is strong, fierce, sassy and brave - she gave Joel all the attitude sometimes and I LIVED FOR IT!! she was so funny and together they had incredible chemistry✨

okay, now onto Joel…. I might need a minute to cool down just thinking about him!🥵 He’s the perfect man, he’s tall, covered in tattoos, sexy, possessive and VERY morally grey. he came across very cold and grumpy to start but he adored Stella and took such good care of her. and when I say he fell FIRST….ohhhh did he fall hard too! deep down he has the biggest heart and the way he got those secrets out of Stella?!?! SHEEESHHH🌶️

Okay finally I need to address the spice because OH DID IT HIT!😍 I loved how quickly we got scenes and just the overall intensity of the smut….👀😅 AND THE RESTAURANT SCENE??!! PLEASEEEE🧎🏼‍♀️somebody find me a bodyguard like Joel asap haha🫶🏻

thank you so SO much to A.D. Wilde for the arc, im so glad and grateful that I had the opportunity to read it! I loved every single page and I honestly can’t wait for the next books! I need all of their love stories IMMEDIATELY 🫶🏻🤩 this has now been released so go and get a copy and please give this one a read!!💜

📚 touch her and 💀
📚 bodyguard
📚 he falls first and hard
📚 instant attraction
📚 morally grey mmc
📚 LOTS of spice
📚 navy seal mmc
📚 dual pov
📚 forced proximity
📚 possessive mmc
Profile Image for kaylaschapterchats.
532 reviews32 followers
August 8, 2023
Wow!!! I read this book in one sitting, and it was so good!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, so thank you so much for the opportunity. All opinions are my own 🙂

This is about a woman named Stella Clarke. Her world gets turned upside down when she is informed that the mother that gave her up is a very wealthy woman and who has recently passed away. She has been asked to travel to her estate to sort out her mother's will, etc.

Shortly after Stella arrives at the mansion, she is introduced to the Sweetwater security team. The team consists of Zak, Liam, and Joel. They are all ex navy seals and now work with Mac, the owner of Sweetwater security.

Joel is instantly drawn to Stella and the darkness she hides from all. Even though she wants to stab him with certain objects, he can't stay away from her.

Throughout the story, we do learn that there is more to Stella than meets the eye. She has had a troubled past, and she is constantly looking over her shoulder.

Joel starts to crumble the walls Stella has built to protect herself and learn some of her devastating past as well as some concerning new information. He promises to keep Stella safe, but she's not sure if she trusts him just yet?

Both Stella and Joel continue to grow closer and closer and they both start to realise that they can't live without the other (mainly Joel), Stella is still a little guarded even though she feels safest with Joel.

But their happiness comes to an abrupt halt when Stella is taken...

Can Joel rescue her in time???

It was amazing that even though both Stella and Joel had walls up and kept a lot of things from each other initially, through their growing connection, they were able to open up to each other and let those walls down.

I also love the friendships that were present throughout the story, Harper is so good for Stella, and I think Harper, as a friend, would be amazing for all 3 men.

I would highly recommend checking trigger warnings as this book is dark...

I also loved the side characters in this book, and I really hope we get to read Liam and Zak's story. Also, let's not forget Harper and her lovable personality... so funny!!!

💕 dual POV
💕 possessive mmc
💕 mercenaries
💕 dark romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for L.R. Douglas.
Author 22 books60 followers
August 5, 2023
**~minor spoilers included~**

~ full disclosure - I was given this book as an advance copy for a review: this is my honest opinion ~

Written in Stone is the first in the new Sweetwater Security series by A.D. Wilde. It's a bodyguard romance that comes with a whole list of content warnings. For someone who came from a background of horror/crime books, I didn't find any of it an issue, but do please read them before diving in!

Now that's been said, I absolutely loved the premise of this story. The plot was great; from the first time we met Stella, it's obvious something is troubling her. The way the writer reveals this through her history and the findings of the security team is perfectly done, giving you just enough to keep interested and find out exactly what she has been through.

The flashbacks and paranoia of the FMC are explained well to show her current MH struggles. It's something I feel is often brushed over with past trauma, so 👏🏻 for addressing it.

The spice though! I do rather love a tattooed and possessive alpha in a story, especially when he's actually a big softie for his girl. One big highlight was the ice cube scene 🧊 but there are many, many more 😈

My only real gripe was that the ending feels a little rushed - from around 85% to the end. I wished there had been more time to explore the weeks after the incident rather than jumping several weeks. I'm also not a big fan of the end trope, which is the main reason it only got 4/5. Personal preference though of course!

I can't wait to read the next books in the series; looking forward to seeing more from Liam and Sloane in the future.
Profile Image for Lyssa Vette.
78 reviews9 followers
August 3, 2023
*Arc Review*
first and foremost I want to thank A.D. Wilde for allowing me this opportunity to read and advanced copy of Written in Stone: Sweetheart Series Book One. I can honestly say I throughly enjoy this book and I cannot wait to read the second one that is is currently being written.

I will start off with CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS! Always! No matter if you hold any of those TRIGGERS it is important to still look and read them.

Now on to my review. This book to me was a mystery and a dark romance novel. I loved the characters Joel and Stella so much. I found myself reading more in the period I have sent and finished it in 2 days. A short break down, Stella hold a past that involves the lost of a mother, the foster system, and a guard in the Navy Seal.

The relationship between the two held funny, spicy, argumentative, and sad moments but I could not put this book down.

I would rate the spicy in this book about 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. This also is such a very dark read. But with that being said I love the SMUT! So, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If there was one thing I would have liked to have went further into depth was the relationship between Stella and her mother. For instance, this regards more of the background in the foster system also.

This book had be thinking on The Haunting of Adeline because Joel remains me of Zade in parts and Stella is just as fiery and feisty and Addie.

I will end this with a favorite quote. Also reminding me of the Cat and Mouse Duet but the plot in the book is different.
“This is the only chance I’m giving you to run, Stella. Once I’m inside you, you’re mine!”

Again this book was well written, 5 stars and 4 spicy. Thank you A.D. Wilde for this amazing opportunity!

I also want to add I received an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
25 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2023
This is my first AD Wild book and definitely not the last. What a fantastic read.

Stella has gotten a big inheritance from her birthmother who has left her after she was born. She lived in the system since then and life didn't treat her well.

Joel is a former seal now mercenary who is assigned to protect and follow Stella. He's suspecting there is something Stella is hiding and is determined to find out what that is.

I liked the hero and heroine in the story. Stella who doesn't trust easy after her past of living in the system and the trauma she have to live with. Joel who understands and despite his attraction he doesn't force Stella. "I want to taste her. I need to . But I won’t kiss her first, not when I know she’s been hurt before". How sweet is this! We learn of the trauma Stella has endured by flashbacks and through a hot interrogation where she ultimately is totally honest with Joel.
Joel a alphamale who invented it but on the other hand is so sweet and understanding. I'LL think Joel is momentarily mij favourite bookboyfriend.

There are a lot of steamy hot scenes in the book, there is humour, love, angst and violence so read the trigger warning in this book.

And the ending, well antibiotics and some birthcontrol methods don't combine. Love the ending and looking forward too see more of some of the characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.























Ï
Profile Image for Lita.
3 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2023
I received an arc copy of Written in Stone and was very excited to experience the first book in this series. This was an ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed the concept of the story and found some immediate character bonding with the FMC Stella. The MMC Joel did have to work a bit harder for my affection as I felt it was hard finding the personality qualities that made me want to care about him and his story. (this had nothing to do with his morally gray demeanor, but instead just finding connection) There were some top tier spicy scenes that I thoroughly enjoyed and find myself still thinking about. I did, however, feel that some of the spice was a bit overkill. There were times that there could have been more plot and/or character development and it was just blinded by another 🌶️ scene. I did find myself toward the end of the book wishing they would keep their hands off each other for a little while. LOL. Overall, it was a very enjoyable and spicy read with some nice dark elements that I think would be a great intro to dark romance if you aren't as experienced with the genre. I could see the buildup of the stories with other characters as I was reading and am excited to see where this series goes from here.
Profile Image for bookish.ez.
260 reviews13 followers
August 2, 2023
= ARC REVIEW =

first of all, i would like to thank A.D Wilde for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Written in Stone. it means a lot 💜

Written in Stone is the first book in the Sweetwater Series, releasing on August 8th, 2023. you can pre-order now because it’s currently on sale ✨

dark and super spicy, this book completely sucked me in from page one until the end.

this was like if Haunting Adeline and Twisted Games had a baby, if that makes sense. but seriously, this book was so freakin good!!!!!
if only this pounding headache didn’t attack me last night, i could’ve finished it in one day.

starting of with Joel and Stella.. wow the chemistry between them was off the charts. it was obvious how obsessed and in love he was with her.

i also loved how this story progressed. it just got better and better as i read on.

and the side characters… harper, zak, sloane, and liam. i loved them so much. especially liam. i was pretty sure there’s something “warm” inside his grumpy, cold exterior. gosh he touched my heart in ways i couldn’t even describe lol.

such a great start of the series, and i really can’t wait for the next book💜💜
Profile Image for Monica.
125 reviews29 followers
August 8, 2023
3.5⭐️

If you’re looking for a spicy, military/security specific trope, this gets the job done. I really enjoyed the plot line; it added some substance and crime mystery edge that made the book an interesting read when separating the romantic scenes from the story itself. The plot made it worth reading because I really did find myself interested in the conclusion. The FMC’s personality wasn’t for me. The character carries a lot of trauma which is integral to the book and draws empathy from the reader, but I still found her somewhat difficult to like. MMC is the broody, rough both within and around the edges type, and while that’s a morally grey character profile I like, it felt a little over the top at some points.

Regardless, it’s an interesting story that will probably appeal to a lot of smut readers. It was more worth the read as an intro to the series, because it did make me look forward to the next books in line for the other characters. I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy those more than this one and warm up to the series more as it goes.

_______________

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
Profile Image for Mindy Menotti bookishly_mindy .
663 reviews79 followers
January 11, 2024
Goodness where to begin! Such an exceptionally written book! This was my first ever read by this author and I cannot wait to jump into book 2.

You have a strong FMC with a hidden past she is running from.

And you have an alpha hole, former Navy Seal, sexy, grumpy and morally gray character as your MMC!

He works for a security company and is set up to “babysit” in his next assignment. But when he first lays eyes on Stella, he knows he is in trouble.

The push and pull, the angst, suspense, the spice - all of it…. Was just perfect. There is so much detail in this story. Each situation that played out you are able to really picture it, as she left nothing out. From the character development, the descriptions of each plot twist, it was just really well written.

I really enjoyed the side characters too! I hope to see them all in the next book.

I have to admit, I am NOT a dark romance reader at all, but I will tell you that AD Wilde has turned me on to it!!! Give me more, give me more!!!! Highly recommend.

I also read this so fast because the suspense was killing me and I could not put it down. Fantastic job!!!
127 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2023
This plot was a breath of fresh air, and it is my first one with a Navy Seal.

The storyline is compelling and action-packed. The suspense in it was intriguing, and that added a special touch to this plot.

Stella and Joel are the main characters.

Right off the bat, I loved Joel. Joel is blatant and forward with his physical attraction to Stella. I haven't come across a character like him, and his calculated actions were gripping. Stella on the other hand, lived through trauma, and her being a survivor, my heart went out to her. Stella is sharp and feisty and I enjoyed that very much.

My favorite part of this book was experiencing Stella and Joel's banter with one another. It gave an exciting pace throughout it.

Lastly, this book is amazingly written and I loved reading it!

There is so much to love about this plot, and for all of these reasons, I highly recommend it to everyone in this genre!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
55 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I absolutely loved this book. It is one of the best ones I've read this year. I really liked the balance between smut/romance and plot because while I love romance, it's the plot that truly captivates me. The suspense was maintained throughout the book
The only two points that could be improved is to provide more insight into the MMC's past. This would have given the story even more depth. Additionally, the ending seemed a little bit rushed.
But those are only minor points leading me to give the book 5 stars. I was completely hooked and cannot wait to read the second book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dark romance (check trigger warnings) with a good plot.
Profile Image for Daisy Sanchez.
96 reviews9 followers
August 8, 2023
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Favorite quote:

"If a man like that looked at me the way Joel looks at you, I'd rip my panties off, climb him like a tree, then Tarzan straight onto his dick."

This book omg 😳 🥵 😈
It had so many good parts to it 🌶️ but overall the one that stuck to me was when he used an ICE 🧊. If you know you know. 😂

I love when books are dual POV, it’s also spicy, dark, arousing, and so much more. I was not expecting it to be this good.
Girl I was always team Navy Seal, Joel omg he sounds delicious 🤤 and Stella there were points where I was worried for her and sometimes I would be yelling at her. Who doesn’t fall in love automatically with a tattooed, alpha male, large man, and he’s a Navy seal. How much more hotter can this get? And don’t forget about his two other buddies who are also Navy seal. When I tell you, I’m rooting for them all.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book to “all the good girls who want to be f****ed like a bad girl”

Profile Image for Hannah.
41 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2023
Spicy, Dark and Wholesome.

I really enjoyed this first instalment of the Sweetwater Series, following Stella and Joel. I loved the tension that was built around Stella being in danger, but falling head first in love with another danger, in the form of ex Navy SEAL Joel. I loved the slight tension and angst between them that eventually blossomed beautifully. The spice in this book was a perfect level of detailed but not too intensely that it feels over thought and forced. The multiple PoV's really helped strengthen the connection with the characters. The climax was really well written and amped up the creepy vibes and fleshed out the villain perfectly. I was so happy with the ending and I can't wait to read more of the Sweetwater series and more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kristin.
14 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2023
I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS!!! This book is deliciously dark, but is not for the faint of heart.

Stella is a girl with a past,and after running from the foster system she's built herself a life. When her birth mother dies she leaves her only child all her properties and a guard of Navy Seals, and she'll need them when her past catches up to her.

This was a well written story, I enjoyed it very much. I would have liked to have more closure and background with birth mom though. Birth mom and her stipulations on the will only seem to be in the story as the force driving the mcs together. It left a lot of questions. Barring that, the spice is top notch, the story is well paced and while very dark, it's believable. All in all it was a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for A..
64 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2023
A.D. Wilde's "Written in Stone" is an enthralling masterpiece that immerses readers in the gripping world of Sweetwater Security, following the complex journey of hardened Navy SEAL Joel and haunted Stella. With skillful storytelling, Wilde weaves a tale of redemption, vulnerability, and the pursuit of truth. The intense chemistry between the characters, coupled with the unraveling of secrets, keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. This thought-provoking narrative delves deep into the characters' psyches, leaving a lasting impact. Wilde's exquisite writing and exploration of trauma make "Written in Stone" a standout gem in its genre, a must-read that resonates long after the story ends.

***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Taylor.
389 reviews125 followers
December 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (rounded up)
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I loved this book!

This book follows Stella and Joel. Stella’s birth mother has passed away, leaving her a huge inheritance, companies, and estates. Stella is angry, and dealing with a lot of feelings because she grew up in foster care.

Joel works for a private security company, and was hired by Stella’s birth mother pre-death to stalk her for a bit.

Stella has been running from her past, enduring something at 14 that left her always looking over her shoulder.

Joel is tasked with being Stella’s bodyguard, and he senses something off about her and vows to find out all of her secrets.

Meanwhile, Stella has a stalker.

This book was so good, and I absolutely loved Stella and Joel together. The spice was spicen and the plot was very interesting! I didn’t want to put it down. 🖤
Profile Image for Gabs.
74 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2023
Written in stone 📚 A.D Wilde
4.7 ⭐️ 4 🌶️

-found family
-bodyguard falls
-Instant attraction
-morally grey

“Then we’ll cross that line together. We’ll be in danger together. Because you’re a fucking storm, Stella. You showed up in my life, kicked up all sorts of dust, and sucked me into the center of all of it. We’re not so different”

I loved this book, you follow a story, while also uncovering little clues about her life. And the way stone falls for her makes me want him as a new book boyfriend. It gives you the who cares/touch her and die vibes. Complete alphahole, who wants the icy queen. Swooon. The lies, the secrets and the temptations are perfect.
Releases aug 8th go run and grab it.
Profile Image for CYNDY.
1,149 reviews33 followers
August 31, 2023
****4 Stone Stars****
For being a debut book this book is really good. Stella world is gets turned upside and secrets are coming out the wood works. Secrets that can have Stella lose everything and destroy every constructed walls she has built to protect herself. Sweetwater Security (are all ex-navy seals) was hired by Stella bio mother to protect Stella now that she has inherited everything. Joel is part of the Sweetwater Security and is instantly drawn to Stella but can see she has all her walls up hiding her secrets. But Joel is determined to break them down and do anything to protect her. I can’t wait to read more of the Sweetwater Security team.
*****ARC from Book Sirens for review*****
Profile Image for Jenna.
205 reviews
August 13, 2023
Who wouldn’t fall for their broody, tall, hot, muscular and tatted bodyguard?

Sign me up please! I was a goner for Joel right away. His ‘stone’ exterior, tattoos and muscles. It was so easy. Stella…made me mad on multiple occasions, however with that being said if I am not mad or annoyed with a FMC at one point or another- how can it even be a good book?

I had all the feels with this book, up and down, happy and sad. I smiled, was annoyed, you name it, Written in Stone made me feel it.

I can’t wait to learn more about Joel’s teammates, and who will capture their hearts. The family they have made together is a family thicker than blood. The best kind.
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