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Ruthless Creatures #2

Stone Cold Hearted: Ruthless Creatures

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To catch a cold-blooded killer, you must become a cold-hearted predator.

Growing up in a cult had its perks—no devices, no drama, no decisions. But education, opinions, and pleasure were punishable offenses, and women bore the crushing weight of responsibilities forced upon them by the men who demanded unconditional devotion. Then there was the cult leader, Jonathan Walker. Master. Manipulator. Monster...and my betrothed.

On the eve of our forced union, my mother led a desperate escape, sacrificing her life for my freedom. Her dying breath fueled my thirst for revenge, and for a decade, I’ve walked this perilous path alone.

Now I’m back and ready to take on Jonathan and his second-in-command—the brother I left behind. But I'm in over my head and need help.

Enter Hunter King, an enigmatic hurricane. Vice president of a powerful Texan motorcycle club, ex-military, focused, and precise. His sharp tongue delivers dirty words, igniting a fire within me as he attempts to slip beneath my defenses. The harder I try to ice him out, the hotter his determination burns.

Hunter wants to pull me into the light, but where I'm headed, he can't follow. To destroy a monster, you have to become one—and all monsters are destined for Hell.

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2024

190 people are currently reading
600 people want to read

About the author

Adaline Winters

25 books700 followers
Adaline Winters writes heroines who bite back and the alpha males who fall to their knees because of it. Known for weaving sizzling tension with deadly twists, she delights in leading readers through stories full of betrayal, desire, and the kind of cliffhangers that leave you cursing her name—and still begging for more. If there’s one promise she makes, it’s this: her heroines will never go quietly, and her heroes will never come out unscathed.

She lives in England’s Lake District, where the scenery is dramatic, the weather is stubbornly grey, and the dog in her house is somehow even more chaotic than her characters. Her husband and daughter are used to conversations being interrupted by sudden mutterings about plot twists or declarations like, “What if I just kill him instead?”

When she’s not plotting new ways to make her readers scream (and swoon), Adaline is probably crocheting blankets that never turn out quite square, or losing precious writing time to her daily Wordle obsession. She claims it’s brain training for crafting fiendish plot twists—but in truth, she just likes to win.

Romance novels are her first love, especially those where strong, sharp-tongued heroines drive alpha males to the brink of madness. That’s the energy she channels into every book she writes: sharp, sexy, a little ruthless, and completely addictive.
If you like your stories dangerous, your tension sizzling, and your heroes utterly undone by the women who refuse to bow… welcome to her worlds.

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5 stars
293 (54%)
4 stars
179 (33%)
3 stars
56 (10%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Donna.
1,400 reviews33 followers
October 16, 2024
another winner

I have really enjoyed this series. Fox is one hell of a hero and Elenor is the perfect heroine to take him on. There was a lot of humor in their banter and I loved it. It took a tough guy to break down Elenor’s walls and it was a very slow process, but when it happened it was all worth it. Lots of sex toys included. Predictable but enjoyable.
Profile Image for Sam.
64 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2024
This one grabbed me by the proverbial balls from the first chapter as we meet Eleanor and experience her escape from a vile cult. We see cameos from Fox and Honor from Beneath your Beautiful and snippets of the friendships Ghost builds and the family she didn't expect. This installment gives us action, adventure, wtf moments and even leaky eye moments too. It's got a great supporting cast and once again is written in a way that feels real. Another 5* read from Adaline Winters.
Profile Image for Alexis Heaverlo.
12 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2024
Again- her writing is amazing. This truly shows how trauma isolates you & why women feel the need to be so self sufficient. Loved it so much.
Profile Image for Adrianne.
164 reviews11 followers
May 28, 2025
The way Hunter was so patient with Elenor was beautiful he let her set the tone in everything and delivered every time!

These two were perfect
Profile Image for Lil.
222 reviews5 followers
November 9, 2024
'Somethings forced her deeper into the dark. Fate placed her into my path, weaving our destinies together. No denying it now, little hacker. I'm coming for you' - Yes SIR.

What to expect from this book -
- Forced proximity
- Mc, ex military mmc
- Smart, fiery hacker fmc
- spicy spice
- Tension
- Trauma (toward fmc - torture, abuse etc)
- Fmc on a revenge arc
- Gripping plot

Ellie makes me laugh. Misandrist queen. She goes through perverted, horrific horrors up to the age of 16. Being in a cult, groomed for violence and assault, with a restricted education (only taught to serve men, yuck, pass), only to lose her mother when she tried to save Ellie from such a fate. Then Ellie becomes absolutely hilarious. To put it simply, she becomes somewhat emotionally inept, people are a science project to her, and letting them in, is a whole other ordeal. She's more of a 'logic and numbers girl'.

"No one can love me. You cannot fall for someone who can't feel. It's impossible" - Oh how wrong she was.

Instead of hiding from her demons, Ellie hunts them with full force. Thanks to her mother she learned how to read, do maths, form her own opinions (god forbid), and thrive in normal society. Which she does, somewhat. I live for her fire and sarky humour. Honestly she's one of my top 3 fmc. She's so selfless yet cannot let anyone reciprocate the loyalty she has to those , very few, she is close to.

"i've never been anyone's anything, but he is my everything" - I SOB

I love hunter and Eleanor so much. From the banter, to the sass she throws his way left, right and centre. She has this man jumping through hoops and running circles around her instantly. He came to her rescue, and tore those walls she built right down. Hunter saw right through her mask and called her out on her cyborg, emotionless bullshit. He pulled her out of her darkness, refusing to lose her to it, and showed her it is okay to love. The way he was CONSTANTLY double checking if things were okay or if she was sure, without even knowing the extent of her trauma. AND the mouth on this man... Pure filth. Don't even get me started on the spice.
The way these two complimented each other so well, both damaged, riddled with shadows and guilt but also loving each part of each other, unconditionally.

"If you can't be selfish for yourself, then I will do it for you. Let me be your guiding light. Let me hold you up and be the immovable force at your back as you slay your demons" - This man is all for Ellie getting her revenge UGH.

"I am not some knight in shining armour looking to slay her demons - I'm the man who will protect her back while ensuring her blades are always sharp"

Fox, Honor and Gail, We love you. They all put up with Ellies hard exterior but know, deep down, that she isn't as strong as she seems. Allowing her to fight her demons is a big fat no from them. They are also absolutely hilarious. I need to read Fox and Honors story asap.
Profile Image for Niamhyyy12.
261 reviews8 followers
October 1, 2024
4 ⭐️

“And I find myself, for the first time in my life, complete in the arms of a man who gives me the stars.”

Man this book pull so many emotions out of me, I been giggling and kicking my feet throughout the book it’s been cuteee it is a slowburn but I actually like that, the build up with the sexual tension and energy and then it all come together and it was hottt

BuT BUT then BAM - chapter 49 and also last 20% of the book comes and ripped my heart out, I been screaming at my kindle- my heart was pounding trying to read and I also cried-
I cried not because of sadness but because I felt a connection with Ellie and related to her in some ways and even though she’s a character I felt happy and proud of her- i’m happy that she got her hea and proud that she she finally broke down that mask that she been hiding behind- maybe she haven’t fully released herself to the world but the way she was in the beginning then at the end made me feel so much for her and I’m glad she finally let someone see the real her

I could sit here and write a essay about why I loved Ellie she was quirky, strong and a overall 4⭐️ character I love that she couldn’t really get sarcasm and that everything had to be explained to her- I loved that she was socially awkward and didn’t give a fuck about the bluntness that she spit out but also that she stand her ground and didn’t let anyone made her feel small again
(literally me minus the brains 🤣 )

Hunter was a great mmc- he was gentle, confident, dirty, hot, kind and funny I’m glad he broke down Ellie’s walls and got into her heart-
his relationship with his sister was amazing he was a overall a genuine person and will always have your back


My only issue with the book that made me not give it 5⭐️ was due to too much internal monologue and a lot could have been avoided-
I was very surprised that even though the book was like 500pages that it wasn’t repetitive a lot happened in the book that I wouldn’t take away ( well i would’ve had Jonny death been build up better and maybe had him tortured for a few months) hm maybe years


This is my first book from this author and also my longest review 😂 I loved it! and I will have a look at others from them:)
Profile Image for Sian Rice.
863 reviews12 followers
December 6, 2024
.

𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨

Frosty The Hacker sort of but doesn’t need to be saved by MC Hunter

𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛

Dark
Intense
Thrilling

𝘽𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙛𝙛

Narcissistic douchebags and friends

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨/𝙨𝙪𝙗 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨

Dark Romance
Forced proximity
Fake Relationship
MC romance ish

𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨

Eleanor escaped a cult aged 16, though not without difficulty and sacrifices, so she spent the next 12 years of her life becoming a super hacker. Trying to track the cult - which is actually a global sex trafficking ring - and take down the leader and all things 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴.

She gets herself in a bit too deep one day, and kinda, sorta, possibly, maybe, but also maybe not, ends up needing to be saved by Hunter. The one she turned down on the last big mission. The one she’s convinced will disappoint her. The one she’s sure doesn’t want her past a one night stand. Maybe just the one.

Hunter isn’t so easily pushed away though. He’s spent months obsessing over Eleanor. Wondering about her, wanting to know her, wanting to find her again, just wanting her fullstop. So when he’s provided with the perfect cover to keep her close? Damn straight he isn’t letting her out of his sight!

Hoooo boy did these two have some serious chemistry! Buttery tension, meet knife!

I loved that Eleanor was so sexually forward, although secretly terrified of Hunter’s potential ability to ruin her view of men being lacklustre in bed. The fact that she was obviously neurodiverse and very literal and blunt in general made her such an endearing character! I both wanted to protect her and cheer her on from the sidelines.

Hunter could not have been a better match for her either. Because he was protective of her, but wanted to see her flourish. To show her that sex with the right partner could be amazing. To stop her from self-destructing whilst helping her to enact her revenge.

Eleanor was so unbelievably strong for what she’d been through and grown up with. And Hunter had his own 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘤 demons, but truly he was the perfect partner for her.

Don’t forget to check the trigger warnings though because a book centred on taking down a sex trafficking cult is never going to be a light read

𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨

🤤🤤🤤🤤
💦💦💦💧
🤣🤣
😭😭😭
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Duchess.
438 reviews32 followers
September 3, 2024
Loved this!! Both characters brought a sensitive and shattered side to them, along with their brilliant minds and tough exterior.

Ellie, has this innocence/naivety that was so fucking fun to read when she converses with people. She just says shit while missing context left and right lol. But she's also aware of who she is and doesn't allow others to try to take that from her. She survived so much and doesn't have time for bullshit to distract her.

In comes sexy fucking bullshit, I mean Hunter. He's been after her literal ass for months and he FINALLY has her where he can get it. But, nooooooooo. That's not what fucking happens!!! Slow burn walks in and fucks us. I wish! It didn't fuck us, cuz it's slow fucking burn. Don't get me wrong, the sex, when it finally happened and happened and happened . . . . . was fucking awesome! But Hunter deserved better. Just rude, if you ask me.

Let's have a moment of silence, please, for this book's bad guy. Not because he got fucked (all bad guys do, this ain't a goddamn spoiler). But because he had so much potential to be competition for the sexy fuckwad that was Gideon from book one. Don't get me wrong, if a napoleonic dick complex was a virtue, dude would've been a fucking saint. He pulled off a fucked up business with such gusto that if you breathed hard at his crotch, it would still go over his tiny weenies head. He needed to rule women and children, probably because his mother laughed at his tiny dick, who knows. The point is that dude did some fucked up shit to make little Johnny, er himself feel bigger. In the end, he just didn't cut it to be the bad man, I crave. BUT the death was so much fun to witness!!
Profile Image for D K.
591 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2024
Heartbreaking, Heartwarming and Powerful all at the same time! ❤️❤️❤️

Adaline Winters’ Ruthless Creatures series is one of the most compelling and amazing series to read. Each book of the series can be read as a standalone. I first read the first book “Beneath Your Beautiful” and totally fell in love with the characters and the story. This second book was just as incredible and powerful as the first one. Each book brings different sensitive and important subject matters that are not for the faint of heart. Both books are of course works of fiction that include action, humor, steam and all that makes the reader immerse themselves into it. The first book is about a woman who runs from her abusive and controlling husband and manages to create a new life for herself. This second book focuses on a smart, fierce woman who manages to escape from a cult life and becomes an avenging force by trying to destroy the man who harmed her and her family, as well as her relentless desire to destroy the human trafficking network he has built. The author did a terrific job of touching this heavy subject matter and yet create a story that is captivating, easy to read and that includes, action, love, steam and family. The characters of the first book do appear on this book, but like I mentioned before, they can still be read as a standalone, though I would recommend you read them in order. Even though this is a work of fiction, I truly admire authors that write about sensitive matters in such a beautiful way that give women their power back, but also give the reader a compelling, captivating and all around amazing story to sink their teeth in. Highly recommend 🥰💜😍
835 reviews8 followers
September 4, 2024
"I've never been anyone's anything, but he is my everything."

This is a heartstopping, action-packed, vengeance filled, emotional rollercoaster of a romance. We met our MCs in the previous book in the series. However, this book works as a standalone. Hunter is the vice president of the Desert Reapers. Eleanor is a master hacker and general all round kick ass FMC.

The romance is a gorgeous read. Hunter is a dirty talking, confident, patient lover. He knows Eleanor is it for him early on. There is nothing he won't do for her. Eleanor, on the other hand, is a tougher cookie to crack. She has years of mental and physical abuse at the hands of a cult to recover from. She has been on a quest of sexual exploration, which has largely left her unsatisfied. She is not willing to trust or give up control. And here lies the beauty of this story. Eleanor's survival, her growth, her self realisation, and her confidence to trust Hunter.

This book is a gripping and thrilling dark romance (with some potential triggers, so check TWs before reading). It works purely for the love or for the vengeance themes. But it was the characters and their bond and their emotional development that kept me hooked. This is a deliciously addictive read that I could not put down but simultaneously did not want to end.

Themes:

* MC Vice Pres
* Vengeance
* Cult survivor
* Building trust and exploring sexuality
* So many toys 🌶
Profile Image for Wills.Reads.
78 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2024
Adaline Winters - Stone Cold Hearted





4 🌶
5 🌟
3 💀

As always, please check trigger warnings before reading.
Elements of dark and mature features throughout this book.

However, that aside. I laughed, smiled, and wanted to cry at so many points. I literally wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall. But, luckily for me, I didn't.

I'm an absolute sucker for a dark romance, and Adaline delivered on a platter of all the good and the bad.. Perfectly wrapped up to finalise at the end.

(Just as well because if you left me on a cliffhanger, I'd have bombarded your inbox!)

Eleanor is so terrified to let someone in after the darkness of her past.. but little did she know that all she needed was a sexy biker to turn her world on its axis and make her see stars.
Not to mention, a furry four-legged friend to not only warm her bed but warm her heart.

Eleanor and Hunter both have demons that they fight with. They both share a past that has haunted them. But the best way to fight the demons of your past is to find someone who understands the problems that wrack your brain and find a way to ease them and to make you feel safe. A problem shared is a problem halved. Hey, Eleanor?
Nothing has to be scary if you find the right person to share them with. Who knows, life may surprise you and open your world to things you never knew you'd be able to feel.

Now excuse me while I cry that I have finished the world of Hunter and Eleanor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dorothy Tomkinson.
163 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2024
Where do I start with this book? I didn't think I could find a more beautifully broken couple than Fox & Honor until I met Hunter & Eleanor.
I was so invested in this book that I found myself picking it up at every available opportunity even if I could only manage a paragraph or two...it literally lived rent free in my head.
The author wrote Eleanor's character so incredibly well and some aspects of Eleanor's personality ie her stubborn independence, her fierce self protection and her defiance at being a victim of her circumstances that I related to on such a deep level that Eleanor became a very real person for me and Hunter, oh my gosh where do I start with him? A giant gruff of a man who is as soft as a marshmallow when it comes to her.
The enemies to lovers/touch her die tropes are my Roman empire and my goodness did this book keep me satiated.
There were no slow chapters in this book at all and I found it hard to put down in order to get some sleep, this was definitely a 'just one more chapter' read for me.
Take heed that this book is dark...but it is also funny, heartbreaking and spicy and if you like a happy ending then you won't be disappointed, but it will drag you on an emotional rollercoaster before you get there.

If you have gotten this far then thank you for reading my review and my final words are GO READ THIS BOOK!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ode to my book boyfriends.
530 reviews
September 18, 2024
Another addicting read from Adaline!

This is the second book I’ve read from the author and I continue to be blown away with the creativity of her plots and character development.

Ghost (Eleanor) and Hunter’s story had me immediately hooked. There’s so much to unpack in their history and I loved seeing their demons come into the light while they slayed them.

The only reason this isn’t a 5 star read for me is simply because it left me with lingering questions that I felt weren’t resolved. Otherwise, it’s a freaking masterpiece of a book!

Totally unrelated to my rating…I wish authors from other countries said something up front (similar to what Becca Steele and Shauna Mairead do) that states that they aren’t based in the US so there may be terms/phrases that don’t translate correctly. This book is supposed to be set in the US, but it refers to a diary when it really should be calendar. There were other references too, but the diary thing tripped me up and I had to reread a few times to figure out what the author meant. Again…didn’t impact my rating, but helpful to point out.

I’m really hoping Eleanor’s brother gets a book too! Eleanor and Ghost’s book was so good!
Profile Image for bookishfrag.
180 reviews10 followers
September 7, 2024
Stone Cold Hearted grabs you from the start and never lets go. It’s a thrilling continuation that dives straight into the intense world of dark romance and high-octane drama. Eleanor’s escape from a nightmarish cult propels the story into a gripping mix of heartache and triumph.

Adaline Winters excels in crafting a story that’s both emotionally intense and action-packed. Eleanor is a standout character, her journey from a life of abuse to a fight for justice is both tragic and inspiring. Her relationship with Hunter, marked by a slow-burning tension that eventually leads to electrifying moments, adds a deeply satisfying layer to the narrative.

Hunter, who starts as a determined protector, reveals his own complexities, making him a compelling love interest. The book also benefits from the brief but effective appearances of familiar characters from the previous installment, providing continuity and a touch of humor.

Stone Cold Hearted is a dark, emotionally charged read that will keep you on edge, with its blend of romance, suspense, and character-driven storytelling. It’s a must-read for fans of intense, emotionally rich romances with a touch of darkness.

- bookishfrag
Profile Image for the escape artist.
193 reviews
September 13, 2024
Wow Adaline, you did it again. This book is an excellent follow-up to Beneath Your Beautiful. The story of Hunter and Eleanor is so passionate and romantic. I was drawn in immediately.
Eleanor is a cult survivor and a genius computer hacker. Hunter is a former special forces MC vice president. Both characters are strong and determined, but also have deep vulnerabilities. While I have never escaped a cult, I felt deep empathy for Eleanor, and I really enjoyed watching her walls fall at she falls for Hunter.
What is really fantastic about the way Adaline writes these books is they are decidedly dark romance, no question, but they in no way glamourize abuse. Her female characters are not weak or damsels in distress, the men who love them, while morally grey in many ways are also people you wouldn't be afraid to be alone in a room with. This is a very delicate line, and I'm very impressed with how she wrote it.
If you like your dark romance with FMC's who are strong and brave and brilliant, and MMCs protective while also respectful, pick up this book. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Profile Image for Read With Ren.
39 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2024
Hunter and Eleanor are everything. Picture the perfect slow clap emoji. That’s me, right now.

This book has officially scrambled my emotions. It's like riding a roller coaster through a haunted house while holding hands with someone tall, dark, grumbly, and protective. Dark, twisty, and low-key disturbing? Absolutely. But it's also soft, squishy, and full of the kind of heartwarming chaos I didn't know I needed.

Let's talk characters. Adaline has crafted yet another MMC that the fandom will be fighting over for centuries to come. Dibs, by the way. And Eleanor—sweet, shattered Eleanor. Her journey left me wrecked in the best way possible. Watching her growth was both devastating and beautiful.

Special shoutout to Charlie, too. Dogs in books automatically steal my heart, and I’ll be dreaming about a Charlie of my own long after I’ve recovered from the emotional uppercut this book threw at me.

Long story short: Adaline has nailed it again. With romance, suspense, and enough tension to keep you on edge, this book is a must-read if you’re ready for a gut-punch of feelings wrapped in a beautiful, chaotic, slightly deranged bow.
Profile Image for Jules Just Reads.
258 reviews7 followers
September 2, 2024
“Passion isn’t being content, it’s the opposite. Volatile. Messy. Breathtaking.”

After barely escaping the cultist, misogynistic society that she grew up in, Eleanor spent 12 years developing skills to take down the organization. One misstep led the vile leaders right to her doorstep. Hunter helped her escape their grasp and hid her with his MMC for protection. With Hunter's help, Eleanor may just be able to complete her life's goal.

I loved Eleanor's straightforward personality and character. She's not your usual FMC. She's got some scars from her past, but doesn't let that stop her. She's intelligent, resilient, and not some damsel looking to be saved. Hunter is kind, compassionate, and brings levity to Eleanor's life. He provides the perfect balance and doesn't want to control her actions like so many others. I love the support he gives her. The side characters are amusing, especially Charlie (the dog) and his antics. Stone Cold Hearted was a page turning read and I'd recommend it if you like dark romance. It does have some dark themes so check your TWs.

✨️Dark Romance
✨️Dual POV
✨️Cult society
✨️Hacker FMC
✨️Ex-military MMC
✨️Found family
✨️Forced proximity

“I am not some knight in shining armor looking to slay her demons—I’m the man who will protect her back while ensuring her blades are always sharp.”
362 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2024
Unsurprisingly, Ms. Winters has done it once again! She’s written a book that had me so utterly engrossed in the story, it was next to impossible to put down! (It’s so unfortunate when life gets in the way of my reading! 😂)

This story takes place in the same world as Beneath Your Beautiful (one of my other favourite reads this year!), and while both stories had the same dark undertones, this one was completely different but just as addicting!

I loved both Hunter and Eleanor! The build-up and anticipation between the two was written to perfection! 👌 My favourite part about this whole story though, was that even though Eleanor is a fictional character who experienced an upbringing I could never truly fathom, she was written as such a real, relatable character. (Does that make sense? 🤔🤷🏼‍♀️😂) Bottom line - I just absolutely loved her!

I have no idea if this author plans to continue writing stories set in this world, but I truly hope she does! I’m loving these dark, suspenseful romances and am definitely up for more! 🙌
196 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2024
I LOVED book one so much.. I was a little afraid to read this one. I just didn’t want to be disappointed. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED! OMG another absolute masterpiece!! Ghost and Hunter are every bit as incredible as Honor and Fox were. I loved seeing them involved in this book too. 🙌🙌🙌
This Author has a gift. A true gift of bringing characters to life.. weaving a complicated and difficult story in such a way you find yourself slipping in to their world. I cried.. laughed (A LOT) and had to lay the book down and pace the room every now and then. I was hooked from the first paragraph. When I finished.. I said a Prayer that she is working on book 3.
⛔️Like book 1.. this book delves in to difficult subject matter and the trigger/content warnings should be taken seriously. This Author does her homework and is passionate about the what she writes. It is obvious in her writing. I appreciate that. Some stories aren’t easy to tell.. or read. This story isn’t about a victims. It is about SURVIVORS.
5⭐️ 4🌶️
Profile Image for Heather Douglas.
461 reviews19 followers
September 27, 2024
I knew Eleanor was going to be something else, but I wasn't expecting all the heartbreak and tears to come with it. Everything she went through in her past never define who she was. She is strong and determined and definitely doesn't need anyone coming to her rescue. She was practically "stone cold" until Hunter came along with the adorable pup Charlie. Hunter isn't like everyone else. He knew she was strong and didn't try controlling her, he just let her lead the way. He offered support when need and when it wasn't he was just there. Their antics was spot on and had me laughing at times. Hunter is a protector by nature and doesn't let anyone stop him from what he wants or shall we say who...

In all honesty Hunter and Eleanor's story may be rough and ragged but it was beautiful all the same. Through all the pain and hurt Eleanor had, she still found love and "a new life" with Hunter. Tears were definitely shed but completely worth it to read this story. Please check trigger warning before reading because there are some dark topics.
Profile Image for Michaella Dieter.
Author 13 books237 followers
September 2, 2024
Star Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶
Darkness Level: 💀💀

⚠️ Cults, tràffïcking, mentions of self harm, abü§e, control, dəāth, kïdŋapping, imprisonment, törtűre, můrɗêr, loss of limbs/body parts, mentions of ŕäpə

📣 Disclaimer: Everyone's darkness levels are subjective. Please see the author's full content list for a more comprehensive breakdown.


Can you give a book a standing ovation? Is that allowed? Well, I'm giving Stone Cold Hearted one. 👏

I almost don't know what to say. Mere words don't do it justice. I was immediately hooked, captivated, entranced (okay, I'm done) from the very first page. I couldn’t put this down if I tried. Maybe if the house caught on fire. And even then...

It's horrific. It's beautiful. It made me laugh and cry and rage. It had me at the edge of my seat and biting my nails. It made me mürđêrous and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. In other words...I had FEELINGS. Lots of them. And I loved every gorgeous second of it.

And the characters? *Dreamy sigh* I'm stealing Hunter and locking him in with the others. God, that man. I want to see the stars too! And Eleanor...totally my girl. Strong, courageous, walked through hell and got her happily ever after.

And let's not forget Charlie! He *almost* makes me wish I was a dog person. Such a good boy. Totally stole the show.

If you love dark romance with awesome characters, please give this one a try. You won't regret it. 5 great big shining stars all the way.
Profile Image for Megan.
461 reviews10 followers
August 31, 2024
4.5/5⭐️

This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster, in the best way!! I was completely hooked from the first chapter - it had me laughing, tearing up, raging & almost throwing my kindle at the wall😅

After reading Beneath Your Beautiful, I was so intrigued about Hunter & Ghost, and their story was just as good as I thought it was going to be!!

Eleanor is my newest girl crush! That girl deserves the whole world and more, my heart broke for everything she went through.

The defiance and sacrifice of her mother set her journey in motion, which was just so beautifully tragic. Eleanor had only ever received unconditional love from her mother, until Hunter.

And oh how Hunter did not disappoint either! That man had me grinning so hard & my heart racing! I completely love him & Eleanor, their story was everything.

Also I adored getting to see a bit of Fox & Honor (the MCs from book one) too, they will always have a special place in my heart!🥹
Profile Image for Katherine Elley.
559 reviews28 followers
September 2, 2024
Knowledge is power, and power is only for men.

Standalone MF.
Read the trigger warnings before diving into this story.

This is Ghost and Hunters story. The next story after Beneath Your Beautiful.

Eleanor is to be married to Jonathan a horrible narcissist and a cult leader. They are not allowed to let her read or write. She has no trust in men. Her mother helps her to escape the clutches of hell.

Years later, Eleanor is a fantastic hacker and works with Fox and Honor. Her hacker name is Ghost. She’s on a mission to find the people who made her life a misery. She finds out they are trafficking and responsible for countless disappearances. She needs to face her demons.

Hunter is a biker and from a MC. He finds Eleanor and decides to help her. He heals her and there relationship bond starts forming.
He will do anything for her.

I laughed, cried and became emotionally attached to this story. I didn’t want to put the book down. It had me gripped from the first page. Adaline has done it again and now I need therapy.

Charlie the dog was hands down the best character.
Profile Image for Mel.
316 reviews25 followers
September 1, 2024
⚠️ please be aware of the trigger warnings!

Another great standalone in this series, I loved the character cross over. Great characters that we had a glimpe of in beneath your beautiful. Beautifully written which had me captivated from the start.
Ghost/Eleanor was born into a cult but managed to escape, she struggles with social interaction and misses social cues but is highly intelligent hacker.
Hunter has a darkness in his past, ex military now VP in MC. This is there story about how they finally come together, there is a lot of spicy scenes. Great amount of humour. Loved the revenge element an how that all works out. I am hoping the next book is Stephanie's journey going forward as would love to see that along with James.
Highly recommend you experience this for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Shauni.
575 reviews
September 4, 2024
Loved it!

I didn’t know what to expect when it came to Ghost and Hunter’s story. I loved the glimpses of them in Honor and Fox’s book, their chemistry was off the charts so I expected a different kind of story. I am SO HAPPY that it was completely different to what I thought it would be. Eleanor (Ghost) and Hunter’s relationship made me swoon and go through a wide range of emotions, I laughed, I smiled, I got angry and I shed a couple of tears. My heart broke for them both, but I couldn’t be happier that they got their HFN ending. They deserved happiness after everything. This book does deal with some difficult/dark subjects but the romance itself is really sweet. They really are the perfect counterparts to each other.

I loved this book so much. I’m crossing everything in the hopes of more from this world
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,980 reviews62 followers
September 4, 2024
My advice before diving into this is to read the trigger warnings because there is some pretty dark content in it. So be warned.

Stone Cold Hearted follows on from book 1 - Beneath your Beautiful and some of the characters from that book pop up in this book. Bringing a bit of much needed humour with them.

Hacker Eleanor (Ghost FMC) lived through all sorts of abuse and trauma at the hands of a sadistic cult led by Jonathan. A man who gets pleasure from ruling the cult. When Eleanor manages to escape that life and puts all of her energies into bringing them down. So when a biker and VP - Hunter drops into her life to protect her he gets tangled up with not only her but the dangerous people that are after her.

Jam packed full of brilliant plot twists, fast paced action and a great dynamic Eleanor and Hunter had together. So bloody good!
Profile Image for Hannah Lowe.
42 reviews
September 4, 2024
I devoured this book it’s amazing !!!!
It’s a great continuation of beneath your beautiful !!
I love how Adaline makes the main character a victim but a powerful one.
Eleanor is so amazing and how she has grown during the book is just magnificent.
I liked the development of how hunters and Eleanor’s relationship progresses. There’s no rushing and it slowly develops at a perfect pace.
I adore this book, my only hang up is loose ends.
Somehow Eleanor goes back through a horrific experience but the next chapter she is perfectly fine. I would expect a little regression in her progress ?
Additionally I would want more information from James about how Eleanor’s mother somehow survives for multiple years ?
I just wish for more detail at then end bringing it all together.
But other than that it’s amazing and I will be rereading !!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Madeline S..
339 reviews15 followers
September 16, 2024
This was a great read, it was a beautiful story about a second chance at life after tragedy and trauma, and making your own path. Eleanor is the definition of survivor she went through so much in her childhood and made a name for herself. Hunter a VP biker, smooth talker and dog daddy. I absolutely loved Charlie!!! He made the funny moments hilarious and gave a sweet and soft side to the story and gave so much to Eleanor before she even knew it. The storyline was interesting I loved Fox and Honor cameos. There was so much tension in Eleanor and Hunters relationship it was like lick your fingers clean good. I am sucker for a good mc romance and the Desert Reapers are ruthless but they are some much more to them. The action was great, spice was delicious. Overall a great read I can’t wait to see what comes next for this series!
Profile Image for Tiffany Bumgardner.
Author 2 books3 followers
October 21, 2024
Decent

This was well written and I liked the story idea. I personally wished this would have been more focused on bringing down the cult and after math than a love story and yes that killed stars for me.

The beginning was powerful, the kidnapping powerful if not sort as a means to wrap the book with an HEA.

It’s the middle. This was almost 500 pages and most of it was repetitive I have a vendetta, bad ppl, he is so hot, she is hot, random flirting, no communication, smut, smut, smut, and then it’s like the author realized she had to roll in the conclusion and end the book so she did in the last 50 ish pages.

Sure they took the big bad down, but it was so anticlimactic. The ring still isn’t destroyed. The bad ass hacker didn’t dismantle the system I mean this could have been amazing if it just didn’t entirely focus on a relationship.
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