MR. STONE

Black Stone #2

by Nancy Brown

She had a rifle trained on him. Now he can't get her out of his mind.

Alex Stone has built a new life far from the Russian mafia world he was born into. He has a new name. A new identity. And absolutely no interest in the past he left behind.

Until a breathtaking blonde on a beach in Brazil stops him cold. Days later that same woman has a sniper rifle pointed straight at him.

He should walk away. Instead he needs to know everything about her.

Valentina Semonova is the daughter of one of Russia's most ruthless crime lords. She is dangerous. Off limits. And completely impossible to forget.

When Alex shows up at her door demanding answers neither of them is prepared for what they discover. The connection between them is undeniable. The secrets between them could destroy everything.

And the truth about who they are to each other will shake them both to their core.

Arranged marriage romance Enemies to lovers Russian mafia Romantic suspense Steamy Series

340 pages, Unknown Binding

About the author

Nancy Carolyn Brown is an author of contemporary romance, fond of writing love stories about hunky badass men endowed with massive hearts, and strong heroines with just the right mix of sweet and sass… flaming hot chemistry and thrilling nail biting suspense is always guaranteed!

She loves cosmos and chocolate and a swoony good book with a strong storyline.

She lives in sunny southern Alberta, Canada with her high school sweetheart husband and naughty Bengal cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys the simple things in life like spending time with family and friends, reading and running with her favorite playlist blasting in her ears.


Keep up with Nancy on all platforms:

Facebook ➜ https://bit.ly/3lEYnGF
Instagram ➜ https://bit.ly/38TvoLB
Goodreads ➜ https://bit.ly/36MMBnn
Website ➜ https://nancybrown.ca/

Reviews

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thrilling, edge-of-your-seat book was impossible to put down until I had read the last word. Alex and Niki (Valentina) are truly fated lovers. Betrothed as children, both murdered, one family went into hiding while the other was claimed by a tyrant and lived under his tight control. Nearly three decades later, Alex and his betrothed meet again, and though they are adversaries, at least at first, there is also an instant connection and awareness between them. Their story is action-packed, red-hot and spicy, with intriguing twists and lots of suspense. This is another book to add to my keepers list.

I highly recommend this book to all those who love suspense with their romance and don’t mind it spicy.

[Library.of.linds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Stone

This is book two in the Misters Series.

Alex is a partner of Darians. We met him in book one. Before coming to the US, he is betrothed to a daughter of the Russian mafia. He hasn’t thought of her since leaving until now.

Valentina is the daughter of a mobster. She has no idea who Alex is or that she was supposed to be married to him. When they keep running into each other in the randomest locations, they wonder if there is smithing more to their relationship.

I loved Mr stone in book one and again in this one. I can’t wait for more of Mr Bennett!!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

[Gail Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting read from start to finish. Niki is one bada$$ lady, who meets her match in Alex.
Gripping story, with all the feels. The sizzle is off the charts 🥵.
Beautifully written, the story is different and original, it will keep you glued until the end.

[Vanessa Hilario Mata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read intense mafia romance with secrets, lies, and a mystery that once solved, will shake them to the core. Alexis was born into the Russian mafia and was betrothed to Valentine. When he escaped with his mother and change his name Alex Stone. Twenty-nine years later he catches a beautiful woman and they can’t denied the spark. Page turner!

[Rose Helg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book, in the series. 💓 this book. 💓 Alex and Valentina. Love , Mr Stone in book one, but he's Awesome here. Some of the characters from Mr Black book, are here , also. This book is Awesome, has more spicy, than the last book, action, mafia arrange marriage romance. This book moves at a good pace and is intriguing. Going to read the next book, now. 💓 this series.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4 ⭐️
I couldn't get into the characters as much in this book as I did in book 1. I was really looking forward to reading Alex's story from his character in book 1. The story is good and all the angles of the story come together.
Mafia boss crime family
Instant love
He saves her (and her Mom)
Has some spice

[Dusty Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destiny or fate? Call it what you will. It's a beautiful tale of meant to be. Betrothed at birth by evil men, separated by unconditional love, brought back together in a chance meeting/tragedy, reunited by destiny or fate. This is quite the story of true love.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. Mr. Stone is the second book in The Mister series. This book is the story of Alex and Valentina. Both are from crime/mafia families from Russia.
There are flashbacks throughout the book that help the reader to connect all of the parts of the story. There is action, spice and a great love story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves crime/mafia romance.
Triggers: mention of suicide, shooting, alcohol, violence and murder.

[Mic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Stone is book #2 of the misters series! This was so good from a second opportunity in life to meet & the over the top protective & instant attraction in both the female who is a BADA$$ and the man who is a genius & bada$$ who also saves her momma 🥹🥹🩵🫶🏼 much love for this book!

[Cinder Ackerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

As amazing as the first book in the series!

I was hoping to hear more about Mr. Stone's life and I'm so glad I got to see his happy ending that he deserved. Our two main characters make an amazing power couple and I could spend all day reading about them.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow book 2 is as good as the 1st
Alex and his mother escaped Russia and the Black family helped them become USA citizens with a name change
He meets Valentina who’s a Mafia princess and there’s a Instant attraction, however she’s not allowed to be with someone of her own choosing
Fantastic storyline

[Allison Comis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexei was 5 years old when he left his life in Russia with his mom. He didn’t know why he had to leave. They moved to New York and moved in with Darian and his family. They were inseparable and went in to business together after they were done with their service jobs. Alex (formerly Alexei) was called to go to Brazil for work on an investigative assignment. He saw a beautiful woman while there. He found out later she was involved in the investigation. Things happened and she ended up getting shot by one of Alex’s guys. She ended up going back to Russia and her father told her that she was done with her job and she was going to have to be of service another way. While in the hospital her mother came clean to her and she ended up getting her out of Russia and she went to New York City to start a new life. Alex ended up finding her and they found out a lot of information about each other. This is a great continuation of the series. I highly recommend this book/series.

[Tracy ann Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex and his mum fled from their home when he was a young boy. And made a life in America. With the help of the Black family. and Darian has become his best friend and business partner. Valentina is controlled by her father she is a mafia princess. She will not marry any of the men he wants her to, so he uses her. to do shooting jobs but this one goes wrong. Her mother helps her to flee the country. how are Alex and Valentina connected you will have to read the story an amazing read

[Jenn M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Paced, Steamy Read!

This is book 2 of the series and brings us deeper into this world. Mr. Stone is hot and the storyline is intriguing. The book moves at a good pace and I was craving Mr. Stone even before this book as we first met him when Jordan ‘bumped’ into him in Mr. Black. This couple comes together out of coincidence but the more you read, the more you see that perhaps destiny had a hand in this. I’m truly enjoying this series and am looking forward to reading more!

[Kent Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on this story from the very first words. Nancy Brown does an amazing job of introducing this character in the Mr. Black book, and then re-introduces and expands on his story here. This is a great read. Great characters and a fast moving story. Lots of intrigue and action to go with the love story that forms the basis of the book. Highly recommended. 5 stars.

[Gayle Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Mr. Stone! It was well written with lots of action, in and out of the bedroom. This is Nancy’s second book and her growth as a writer is very evident. It left me wanting more, really looking forward to #3.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the series doesn’t disappoint. A gripping read from the first page. A great book with elements of suspense and a sexy romance. Nancy writes with an ease so you can picture the story and fall in love with the characters. Can’t wait for the third book!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read books where the playboy has fallen, and oh my, how the mighty have fallen. It's unbelievable how Alex and Niki came to find each other after meeting when they were just babies. I loved the story line, and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Sara.Hopeful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Brown brings us back to the world of The Misters Series with book two, Mr. Stone. Delighting readers again with more insight to characters we already started to get to know and looping in new ones, along with a new threat to keep the excitement going. Mr. Stone has the same elements we loved from book one with more fun, flirting, and a dash of danger. Spice with Mr. Stone isn't lacking either, readers should approach with caution as the level of heat Mr. Stone bring could get explosive (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️). Another must add to your reading list for 2024 as soon as you complete book 1!

MFC Valentina has grown up without blinders to the world around her, but with little ability to do as she wishes or get to do normal things most girls her age would. She knows the reality of what is expected as the daughter of one of the leading Mafia families, but she won't be forced to marry, she'd rather die. Forcing her dad into a decision, she is put to work if she refuses to marry. She has no issues as she can protect herself, but this most recent job proves to be more than her and her partners are prepared for and Valentina get's caught in the crosshairs. Little does she know how fate has stepped in to have her coming face to face with a past she doesn't even know exists. MMC Alex has a good life going for him. Job working for his best friend and helping grow a great business. Great apartment and can get any girl he wants when he wants, but all that is starting to feel empty. While on a job in Brazil, a beautiful girl catches his eye while running on the beach, but this is neither the time or place. Alex and the team are able to stop the terrorist, but they get away. While back home working on the details, Alex is shocked to see the girl again and can't believe his eyes. How is she here? Alex is drawn to her, but she is a prime suspect in a current case, he can't get involved with her. As Alex digs, more details come to light that neither he or Valentina are expecting or prepared to deal with. Can Valentina get a fresh start and find a life away from the Mafia? Can Alex sort out what fate has brought before him and save Valentina while stoping the Mafia at the same time? Check out Mr. Stone and find out if fate will be kind or cruel to Valentina and Alex.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Stone has something going on. Darian, his best friend and business partner, is off on his honeymoon. Of course things heat up. He is forced to go to Brazil for a job. While there he sees a gorgeous blonde woman. Imagine his surprise when days later, he is looking at that same woman with with sniper rifle trained on him. Fortunately, Alex is not hurt. After resolving the issue in Brazil, Alex comes back home to New York. He has to find out everything he can about this woman especially now that she is involved in his current investigation.

Valentina Semonova is the daughter of one of the most ruthless crime lords in Russia. Now, Valentina seems to have vanished. Valentina was forced into the life as a sniper. Her father felt like she could only benefit the family by being married into a powerful family. Valentina adamantly balked at the idea. She refused to be forced into marriage. The only other option was to do her father's bidding as a sniper. Getting shot saved Valentina's life.

Alex keeps seeing a woman that looks like Valentina in New York. This could not possibly be the same woman, right? Alex can't help but look into this woman and finds out where she lives. He impulsively knocks on the door and finds his future. Valentina has been set up with a new identity to get away from her father. She is lonely but loving the freedom that she has never had. When Alex Stone comes into her apartment, she feels safe with him. She pours out her story wanting to give him all of her. While telling her story, Alex discovers that she was previously betrothed to Alexi Petrov but he left Russia never to be seen again. His leaving prompted her father to try to force her to marry Alexi's much older uncle on her sixteenth birthday. Alex is happily surprised. He was that boy she was promised to. An uncanny coincidence. Valentina was his and was always supposed to be his. Destiny brought this forced couple back together with love.

[Dawn Litwiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well the second book in the series didn't slow down the wild ride at all! I loved Alex and Valentina's story so much!
Alex was a boy when he first met baby Valentina, but soon after, he mother and him moved to the U.S. to escape the Russian mafia. Twenty nine years later, while working a job in Brazil, he sees a beautiful woman and is instantly hooked. Little does he know who she really is and what her reason was for being in Brazil also.
When things go wrong in Brazil for Valentina, her Russian mafia father is on the warpath and is determined to marry her off to gain more power. With help from her mother, she escapes to New york city and resumes a new life with a new identity. Alex can't believe his luck when he sees the woman from Brazil in New York and does everything he can to find her. When they meet, it's is like they were always meant to be together. They both have secrets and things from their past they have to confront while getting to know one another and discovering every steamy, hot inmate moment they can.
Again, so much happens, that it's not just a romance and you never know what's going to happen next. Another great addition to the series.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people meet when they are just kids. Their families arranged a marriage for when they grow up. One thing leads to another, and they end up being separated. Alex and Valentina were supposed to grow up and get married. But that does not happen. Now Valentina is in trouble. Her mother does everything she can to get her out of the country after an incident. Valentina doesn't know what to think about all of it. But she does exactly what her mother tells her to do. Once in her new home Alex ends up seeing her again and can't seem to get her out of his head. He takes matters into his own hands and finds her.
Will these two be able to figure out exactly who they are to each other? Will Alex be able to keep her safe and help get her mother to the states? This was a very tense interesting story. I was gripped as soon as you realize who they really are. The chemistry between these two is off the charts and enjoyable to read. Nancy did an amazing job writing this couple. Highly recommend.

[Elisabeth Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has done it again with this arranged marriage/mafia romance. This is the story of Alexi (Alex) and Valentina (Nickie). Both born to rival Russian families, both with secrets that tie each other together since Valentina’s birth. When they meet sparks fly, family secrets are revealed, and former identities and new identities come together.

I really liked Valentina (Nickie) as the FMC. She was tough, smart, and was under no illusions when it came to her father. Alex as the MMC was just as good. I loved him the first Mister Book and his personality is perfect compliment to Valentina’s.

This author’s writing style is easy to read and keeps just enough action in her stories to keep the plot moving without detracting from the romance of the MCs. This is a must-read series.

[Macey Tissot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read mafia style story. In this book we meet Alex and Valentina. Two strangers entwined in each other’s world. Both characters are from crime families in Russia. The book makes a lot of connections to the past and present throughout the story making the plot flow really well. I loved reading about Alex and Valentina’s story. I loved the strength Valentina possessed as a female main character, often times the female is portrayed as a damsel in distress style and I loved that she was portrayed as a strong female who can hold her own. Overall, this was a great read, it had just the right amount of spice that the plot wasn’t taken over by it. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for more in the series.

[A.M. Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I picked up this book to read because it looked interesting and boy, it did not disappoint. It's a mafia-style book with some adventure and a touch of romance, and combined them all really well. It follows two scions of different mafia families as they escape the lives others have made for them and forge new lives. Meanwhile, like in all good adventure books, there are evil forces out for them. The two main characters, fated to be together from birth, also make a good romance story throughout the book. I love that it doesn't lean to heavily towards one particular element and instead, blends them all together well.

I didn't realize when I started this book that it was part of a trilogy, so now that I'm hooked I plan on reading the other two books. This book does stand alone well, so you don't need the first book to get hooked on this one, but reading this one definitely makes me want to go read the other books as well.

[TrashxQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story can definitely be read as a standalone; I hadn’t read the first book and didn’t realize it until the end.

Alex and Valentina are clearly meant to be. Betrothed as children and separated for years due to certain events, they end up in the same place when they're older. Alex is completely captivated by Valentina and begins pursuing her. Their journey is filled with twists and turns, but they emerge stronger together.

As a huge fan of mafia romance and stories where the hero falls first, I was really excited to dive into their tale. I especially loved Valentina as a strong female lead, and Alex's character was fantastic too.

Highly recommend if you love mafia romances! :)

[Clara R. Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Brown took everything that made Mr. Black incredible and somehow managed to turn the intensity up even higher with Mr. Stone and I was completely unprepared for how much this book would consume me. Alex Stone is brooding, dangerous and magnetic in a way that makes it impossible to look away from him for even a single page. Valentina is hands down one of the most fearless and fascinating heroines I have ever come across in any romance novel, a sniper who takes no prisoners and apologizes to absolutely nobody. The arranged marriage twist layered on top of the enemies to lovers tension made this story feel completely unique and addictive.

[Skye Lemar · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you read one you have to read both, you need to know if someone who can be burnt with Coffee get his own ever after.
Nacey doesn't disappoint with book two. I would have loved a bit more of a fight between the two mains, but sometimes people do fall that quickly; yes we are jealous.
But when you are met with a line like "her tits are more then a handful and I've got big hands" you know your in for the long run.
Happy to find that there is a third book to read cant wait it has been added to my TBR

[Liz Bumpous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Valentina were betrothed as small children, but when Alex's mother takes him from Russia as a small child he never expects to see her again. Alex is called to investigate a terrorist attack and never expected for Valentina to stumble into his life again.

Valentina has refused to marry the men her father has demanded. To keep her life she must become his weapon. Sparks fly when she meets Alex, but can they ever truly work out?

Will they be able to overcome their pasts to build a future together?"

[Mimiru Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Mister Trilogy by Nancy Brown that follows the partner of Darian, Alex. Betrothed to the daughter of the Russian Mafia, he flees and changes his identity. However, his plans to remain hidden start to come unraveled when he meets Valentine...the same woman he left to avoid...

I am a huge fan of thrilling mafia reads and this book does not disappoint! When sparks flare, they explode!

⚠️ What to expect:⚠️
✨Mafia
✨Suspense
✨Fantastic character development
✨Multi POV
✨Arranged Marriage
✨Plenty of Action
✨Strong FMC
✨🌶🌶🌶🌶