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Heart of Stone #5
Endurance
This book is a short novella intended for reading alongside the Heart of Stone series, but after Kade.
Sometimes, love is just that little bit too unyielding.
To save the ones you love, sometimes you have to sacrifice your hopes and dreams… and your soul. There is nothing truer, especially when your hopes and dreams for your children are to be the very thing you have to sacrifice in order to give them hope and dreams.
When friends become enemies, how far are Mason and Ava willing to go to fight for their honour and beliefs? But, a fight always has a loser and this time even the defeated may win, because when succeeding rips your family apart, was the fight worth the battle?
Warning: This book contains explicit sex scenes including group sex, strong language and intense violence… oh, and one hell of an alpha male and one hell of a hard woman.
Sometimes, love is just that little bit too unyielding.
To save the ones you love, sometimes you have to sacrifice your hopes and dreams… and your soul. There is nothing truer, especially when your hopes and dreams for your children are to be the very thing you have to sacrifice in order to give them hope and dreams.
When friends become enemies, how far are Mason and Ava willing to go to fight for their honour and beliefs? But, a fight always has a loser and this time even the defeated may win, because when succeeding rips your family apart, was the fight worth the battle?
Warning: This book contains explicit sex scenes including group sex, strong language and intense violence… oh, and one hell of an alpha male and one hell of a hard woman.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2014
About the author
D.H. Sidebottom
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 16, 2014
Wow...what a fabulous novella full of our favourite things...Mason & Ava, family,hot sex and heartbreak.
Even after all this time trouble is still just around the corner for this family but despite everything I absolutely adore the way Mason & Ava live for each other, their family and the unbreakable bond that they share.I love Mason's growth, he no longer hides behind addictions he is there fighting with all he has for his beloved wife.
This novella was breathtaking & emotional and the ending for me bittersweet.
I feel a little bereft now and that is testament to a great writer especially in a short story such as this.
Thanks once again Dawn Sidebottom!
Even after all this time trouble is still just around the corner for this family but despite everything I absolutely adore the way Mason & Ava live for each other, their family and the unbreakable bond that they share.I love Mason's growth, he no longer hides behind addictions he is there fighting with all he has for his beloved wife.
This novella was breathtaking & emotional and the ending for me bittersweet.
I feel a little bereft now and that is testament to a great writer especially in a short story such as this.
Thanks once again Dawn Sidebottom!
August 11, 2016
Rating: 2 Stars
More from Mason and Ava in a short novella that extends their book life. Really, I don't know how much more Ava's poor body can take. Same drama happened in previous books in the series. I think I continue to read this because I like Mason and Ava. I need to put this up for a while, we both need a break!
Why Not 5 Stars?
This is becoming stale for me. It's the same . I did not find anything new and creative. The foursome scene the next day after Ava's drama...boring, cheesy and unrealistic. Ava must be the new bionic woman. She does not need to go to the hospital to heal anymore. Just have sex and it's business as usual. Ugh!
More from Mason and Ava in a short novella that extends their book life. Really, I don't know how much more Ava's poor body can take. Same drama happened in previous books in the series. I think I continue to read this because I like Mason and Ava. I need to put this up for a while, we both need a break!
Why Not 5 Stars?
This is becoming stale for me. It's the same . I did not find anything new and creative. The foursome scene the next day after Ava's drama...boring, cheesy and unrealistic. Ava must be the new bionic woman. She does not need to go to the hospital to heal anymore. Just have sex and it's business as usual. Ugh!
February 18, 2014
This book had everything that you come to expect from DH Sidebottom. There was suspence and love, raw hunger and true emotion..We all love our Mason and Ava and on this journey we get see how their children are growing up, old friends stop by and we get a small catch up with them...I would definitely recommend this book and can not wait for the next chapter on The fox's, I am sure this is not the last time we seem them.
February 18, 2014
Fantastic novella
Back again wif my fave characters Mason and Ava Fox and they don't disappoint. This is filled with the usual emotion and tragic heartbreak that follows this couple around but their love for each other is so strong nothing can tear them apart not even family. Cried buckets at this fabulous short glimpse back in the heart of stone world I adore. D H Sidebottom has a fantastic style of writing and the heart of stone series is the best I've ever read.
Back again wif my fave characters Mason and Ava Fox and they don't disappoint. This is filled with the usual emotion and tragic heartbreak that follows this couple around but their love for each other is so strong nothing can tear them apart not even family. Cried buckets at this fabulous short glimpse back in the heart of stone world I adore. D H Sidebottom has a fantastic style of writing and the heart of stone series is the best I've ever read.
February 18, 2020
When I read the first page of the book, I started to tremble with fear. What has Mason done now?
“So beautiful. Always.”His suffering wrapped around me and squeezed deep, triggering paralysis in my lungs and trapping the little oxygen I had left in there, “Talk to me, baby.”“Why do you love me, Ava?” I frowned at him and reached up to cup his face, “You really don’t know by now?” He shrugged and twitched his lips slightly, “Humour me.” “Well, I can’t do this with your cock still buried deep inside me, it’s really distracting.”“Please,” he urged. “I just need to hear it.”His pain was suffocating and I knew, I knew what was wrong but held back my distress hoping my intuition was wrong, needing it to once be wrong. I couldn’t go there again. I refused to go there again yet I saw it, deep inside him. His need for it was strong and overwhelming confirming my suspicions and aching my soul. “Mason, please tell me you didn’t?” I didn’t need him to answer, his expression and the way his muscles tightened told me. Anger surged through me, the disappointment along with disbelief burning a whole straight through my heart. “Why? Why?”
Ava and Mason have been retired from criminal life for 10 years. Their 14th wedding anniversary is coming up,her sex life is great as always, their twins; Katie and George, are already 16 but their quiet life is threatened again.
“What needs to be done, Ava. I won’t have my family threatened, not any more. We don’t live like that now.”
“No, we didn’t live like that anymore but you have cranked it wide fucking open now. You have taken us back in time, shoved us through that bastard door once more.”
Mason’s relationship with his son George has always been distant ( there have been mentions in the other books), but now it hangs by a thread.
“Although George was my double in image, he was Ava’s replica in spirit and temperament, his stupid choices and constant need to see decency in people was his downfall, as had always been Ava’s ruin.”
“He hurts, dad. Go easy on him.” “How much do you know, Katie? How much does he know?”“He knows a lot. He knows about Kade.” My eyes snapped to hers. She swallowed heavily, “We both do. We know about the drugs, the women and . . .” “And what?” I urged when she paused. “And . . . Dane.” “Fuck!”“Dad, it’s okay. I know it’s all in the past. But George is kinda struggling with who you were . . . what you are, and what happened.”Georgie’s just angry, he doesn’t understand. He loves you, dad but he’s finding it hard. More stuff gets around and it breaks him a bit more. He thinks everything that happened to mom is your fault.”
Ava once again proves to be a survivor in this book. And how does Ava deal with traumatic things? With sex, in this case with a foursome with Greg and Courtney ( although I would prefer one with Ava, Mason, Kade and Grace😜).
The end as always leave you with a heavy heart.
“We’ll get through this, Ava.”“We always do, Mason.”
“So beautiful. Always.”His suffering wrapped around me and squeezed deep, triggering paralysis in my lungs and trapping the little oxygen I had left in there, “Talk to me, baby.”“Why do you love me, Ava?” I frowned at him and reached up to cup his face, “You really don’t know by now?” He shrugged and twitched his lips slightly, “Humour me.” “Well, I can’t do this with your cock still buried deep inside me, it’s really distracting.”“Please,” he urged. “I just need to hear it.”His pain was suffocating and I knew, I knew what was wrong but held back my distress hoping my intuition was wrong, needing it to once be wrong. I couldn’t go there again. I refused to go there again yet I saw it, deep inside him. His need for it was strong and overwhelming confirming my suspicions and aching my soul. “Mason, please tell me you didn’t?” I didn’t need him to answer, his expression and the way his muscles tightened told me. Anger surged through me, the disappointment along with disbelief burning a whole straight through my heart. “Why? Why?”
Ava and Mason have been retired from criminal life for 10 years. Their 14th wedding anniversary is coming up,her sex life is great as always, their twins; Katie and George, are already 16 but their quiet life is threatened again.
“What needs to be done, Ava. I won’t have my family threatened, not any more. We don’t live like that now.”
“No, we didn’t live like that anymore but you have cranked it wide fucking open now. You have taken us back in time, shoved us through that bastard door once more.”
Mason’s relationship with his son George has always been distant ( there have been mentions in the other books), but now it hangs by a thread.
“Although George was my double in image, he was Ava’s replica in spirit and temperament, his stupid choices and constant need to see decency in people was his downfall, as had always been Ava’s ruin.”
“He hurts, dad. Go easy on him.” “How much do you know, Katie? How much does he know?”“He knows a lot. He knows about Kade.” My eyes snapped to hers. She swallowed heavily, “We both do. We know about the drugs, the women and . . .” “And what?” I urged when she paused. “And . . . Dane.” “Fuck!”“Dad, it’s okay. I know it’s all in the past. But George is kinda struggling with who you were . . . what you are, and what happened.”Georgie’s just angry, he doesn’t understand. He loves you, dad but he’s finding it hard. More stuff gets around and it breaks him a bit more. He thinks everything that happened to mom is your fault.”
Ava once again proves to be a survivor in this book. And how does Ava deal with traumatic things? With sex, in this case with a foursome with Greg and Courtney ( although I would prefer one with Ava, Mason, Kade and Grace😜).
The end as always leave you with a heavy heart.
“We’ll get through this, Ava.”“We always do, Mason.”
February 23, 2020
😍😍
Yet again, this author has sucked me into another world.
I love the Fox family and extended family.
And now I got a piece of the Fox's next generation with their kids.
I know this isn't the last I'll read of them and I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
Every book in this series has had me gripped from start to finish.
I love all the twists and turns, you never know what is going happen.
Another 5 stars from me 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Yet again, this author has sucked me into another world.
I love the Fox family and extended family.
And now I got a piece of the Fox's next generation with their kids.
I know this isn't the last I'll read of them and I'm looking forward to more books in this series.
Every book in this series has had me gripped from start to finish.
I love all the twists and turns, you never know what is going happen.
Another 5 stars from me 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 17, 2014
I would like to point out that this review is totally unbiased.
This novella is hopefully not the last in the epic series; "Heart of Stone." If you haven't already read the previous books, it is highly recommended that you do as to avoid any confusion. The first being "Incineration", the second; "Tolerance", the third; "Resolution", and the fourth; "Atonement." I would also like to mention that by firstly reading "NCS Industries and then the Room 103 series." will also guide the reader towards a solid conclusion regarding an incredibly disconcerting sequence of events leading up to Ms. Sidebottom's last book. Truly a lot of reading but without a doubt, well worth the effort!
In the past, a roller-coaster ride of deceit, barbaric violation and broken promises seem to be against Mason and Ava's relationship but these two beautiful souls are not only bought together because of their strong physical attraction to each other, they are also two of a kind. She helps Mason defeat his addiction to heavy drugs and other obsessions, and he, in turn, makes Ava a stronger person. Undeniable love helps them put behind a traumatic past and they make a new life for themselves and their two children in Portugal where George, Ava's surrogate father, confident and best friend lives.
Endurance kicks in years later when Mason confesses to Ava that he has denounced their teenage son's girlfriend's father, Frank, to the authorities for trafficking young girls into slavery without realising his decision would put Ava's life in jeopardy. His interference puts even more strain on an already difficult father-son relationship as not only does he blame Mason for his mother's past suffering, he now finds out that his mother has told his father Etta is carrying his child. Etta's parents, Frank and Vickie were supposedly good friends of the family, however; Ava had never really trusted Frank because of his criminal background and possible malevolent influence on her husband. From here on in, the plot thickens to such extremes that if I told you more, you wouldn't bother reading it, so say no more!
The author's vivid imagination, her way with words and ability to describe her characters' personalities in this story revolving around an alpha male you'd wish you could meet in person, a heroin who doesn't give in regardless of the consequences, their children, Katie and George, Vickie, you'll just hate her! And their dearest friends, Greg, Courtney, Nate and Liv who we've met in previous books in this series, is beyond any doubt, outstanding. Be prepared for violent scenes that will have you biting your nails, aggressive language and hotter than hot sex.
I expected nothing less from Ms. Sidebottom. As always, brilliantly written and a well thought out plot. However; it would have been nice to know what happens to their son, George. Is he going to be the new hero in a any future books? Well, we'll have to wait and see what the author decides to do.
Favourite passage; "You're you Mason, f**k I have to fight damn Angel's every morning to keep you mine."
This novella is hopefully not the last in the epic series; "Heart of Stone." If you haven't already read the previous books, it is highly recommended that you do as to avoid any confusion. The first being "Incineration", the second; "Tolerance", the third; "Resolution", and the fourth; "Atonement." I would also like to mention that by firstly reading "NCS Industries and then the Room 103 series." will also guide the reader towards a solid conclusion regarding an incredibly disconcerting sequence of events leading up to Ms. Sidebottom's last book. Truly a lot of reading but without a doubt, well worth the effort!
In the past, a roller-coaster ride of deceit, barbaric violation and broken promises seem to be against Mason and Ava's relationship but these two beautiful souls are not only bought together because of their strong physical attraction to each other, they are also two of a kind. She helps Mason defeat his addiction to heavy drugs and other obsessions, and he, in turn, makes Ava a stronger person. Undeniable love helps them put behind a traumatic past and they make a new life for themselves and their two children in Portugal where George, Ava's surrogate father, confident and best friend lives.
Endurance kicks in years later when Mason confesses to Ava that he has denounced their teenage son's girlfriend's father, Frank, to the authorities for trafficking young girls into slavery without realising his decision would put Ava's life in jeopardy. His interference puts even more strain on an already difficult father-son relationship as not only does he blame Mason for his mother's past suffering, he now finds out that his mother has told his father Etta is carrying his child. Etta's parents, Frank and Vickie were supposedly good friends of the family, however; Ava had never really trusted Frank because of his criminal background and possible malevolent influence on her husband. From here on in, the plot thickens to such extremes that if I told you more, you wouldn't bother reading it, so say no more!
The author's vivid imagination, her way with words and ability to describe her characters' personalities in this story revolving around an alpha male you'd wish you could meet in person, a heroin who doesn't give in regardless of the consequences, their children, Katie and George, Vickie, you'll just hate her! And their dearest friends, Greg, Courtney, Nate and Liv who we've met in previous books in this series, is beyond any doubt, outstanding. Be prepared for violent scenes that will have you biting your nails, aggressive language and hotter than hot sex.
I expected nothing less from Ms. Sidebottom. As always, brilliantly written and a well thought out plot. However; it would have been nice to know what happens to their son, George. Is he going to be the new hero in a any future books? Well, we'll have to wait and see what the author decides to do.
Favourite passage; "You're you Mason, f**k I have to fight damn Angel's every morning to keep you mine."
February 18, 2014
WOW...I can't say enough how much I absolutely adore DH Sidebottom and her fantastic story telling. In my book, she's one of a kind! This is a short novella for the Heart of Stone series (my fave series ever, by the way) but it's packed with so much drama, heartache, passionate love and sex that it's well worth the read.
Ava and Mason are at it again, with their ability to attract trouble at every corner. Years later, and it's a wonder they're still alive and kicking, and boy is our girl Ava still kicking. She's the little warrior Mason has always called her, and she's the epitome of a woman who can handle life's ups and downs, and live to tell the stories.
Mason, the man at the head of everything, has his hands overflowing with troubles once again. This time it involves someone very near and dear to his heart. Will it destroy what's left of the relationship that's barely hanging on? God I love this hot, sexy, agressive man...even when you should be questioning his actions, which is quite frankly, more often than not!
Another absolute mind bender of a story, and I love the heart wrenching emotions this series always brings with it. Never a dull moment, and I'd be happy if it never ended!
Ava and Mason are at it again, with their ability to attract trouble at every corner. Years later, and it's a wonder they're still alive and kicking, and boy is our girl Ava still kicking. She's the little warrior Mason has always called her, and she's the epitome of a woman who can handle life's ups and downs, and live to tell the stories.
Mason, the man at the head of everything, has his hands overflowing with troubles once again. This time it involves someone very near and dear to his heart. Will it destroy what's left of the relationship that's barely hanging on? God I love this hot, sexy, agressive man...even when you should be questioning his actions, which is quite frankly, more often than not!
Another absolute mind bender of a story, and I love the heart wrenching emotions this series always brings with it. Never a dull moment, and I'd be happy if it never ended!
February 21, 2014
I received an arc in exchange for a honest review. First off let me start by saying this is a novella. Yes it's short, it's meant to be but as always with D.H.Sidebottom, so unbelievably good. I'll openly admit i am a massive Mason Fox fan and i feel you really get to know him a bit more in this book. We catch up with Mason, Ava and twins, George and Katie, when the twins are fifteen. As always with the Fox family life doesn't stay peaceful for long(if at all). Mason's dominating side is still alive and kicking, Ava is the usual bad ass we've all come to love(or hate) and George is NOT happy with his dad. Throw in a crazy bitch or two and you just know it's gonna kick off Fox style. I loved the insight into Masons relationship with both his kids but especially with George and can't wait to find out what happens next. As this is part of the Heart of Stone series you need to read the other books first. If you've already read and loved them, then you need to get this. Older Mason is hott!! Brilliant build up and has you wondering how it's gonna end this book is well worth every penny. I was shouting so much my hubby threatened to take my kindle away. Can't wait for the twins story later this year, especially after reading this.
June 25, 2014
This is a continuation of the Heart of Stone series and should be read after Kade. This is not a standalone book.
This next instalment sees the twins at 16, Ava and Mason and their family in Portugal looking forward to the twins birthday and their 14th anniversary. As always things never go smoothly and terrible atrocities effect their nearest and dearest way too personally for Mason. His past will ultimately tear his relationship with George apart in his way to save his son and family from a terrible secret.
As always theirs plenty of sex, guns and action but we get to see how Mason has grown to be more open to others and how Ava will stop at nothing to protect her family just like Mason.... A true little warrior.
This next instalment sees the twins at 16, Ava and Mason and their family in Portugal looking forward to the twins birthday and their 14th anniversary. As always things never go smoothly and terrible atrocities effect their nearest and dearest way too personally for Mason. His past will ultimately tear his relationship with George apart in his way to save his son and family from a terrible secret.
As always theirs plenty of sex, guns and action but we get to see how Mason has grown to be more open to others and how Ava will stop at nothing to protect her family just like Mason.... A true little warrior.
February 18, 2014
Another superb story from D. H. SIDEBOTTOM! Many of us have been infatuated with the Heart of Stone series since the first book (Incineration) and even though the Novella is fantastic at giving us more of Mason and Ava, I must admit I find myself having an insatiable need for more. D H Sidebottom has made me addicted to her books through her brilliant story telling and fabulous characters! A must read for everyone!!
February 18, 2014
another fantastic read from the amazing d h Sidebottom, have enjoyed all the heart of stone series...but this one might be my favourite,I cannot get enough of mason and ava and now their kids have been thrown into the mix it just keeps getting better and better.didn't think you could find a character scarier than the lovely Mrs Fox......enter Vickie!! 10/10 again.....had me the edge of my seat throughout.....
February 18, 2014
Well what i can say - as always Dawn Sidebottom has dazzled us again with another amazing Heart of Stone Novella...I absolutely loved this book, I laughed my butt off at some of the funny parts, she really has a great sense of humour and knows how to get us smiling, laughing and cringing at times......OUTSTANDING Dawn!!!
February 18, 2014
D H Sidebottom is my very favorite, I have 5-starred every one of her books, each one is better than the last, and I look even more forward to the next... Way to go for doing it again... Wonderful book, love these characters. My only complaint, is the same as always, is that I want there to be MORE!!!
November 25, 2014
Omg Dawn!!!! You must be trying to kill me with this!!!!! I am bloody mess after reading this,AND I need more! It was an amazing novella. I had every emotion go threw me while reading this. I really wanna hate you for doing that to me LOL But I can't,because no matter what your Masons creater ;) EVERYONE should read this!!!! It is a must read!!!!!!
February 16, 2014
Warrior? How on earth does Ava get up each day and carry on?
Endurance indeed, this was heart wrenching, action packed and emotional.
I love this series and all the characters, Dawn's writing, phenomenal yet again
A must read highly recommended
Endurance indeed, this was heart wrenching, action packed and emotional.
I love this series and all the characters, Dawn's writing, phenomenal yet again
A must read highly recommended
February 18, 2014
I will always love a a and mason there love for each other hard to read sometimes but so worth it and great novella by DHSidebottom she knows how to write a book and pull you in and touch all your emotions loved this book and a a and mason will always have a place in my heart x
Read
February 19, 2014The most unbelievably brilliant book. This is so different to the Rough Riders series. I wasn't sure which direction the story would go but, my god, Lorelei has excelled herself. Fascinating story, beautifully written as always. Can't wait for the next book.
February 22, 2014
Loved it!! my only complaint for this book was on the last page where the words said....the end.
I am massive Ava and Mason fan and was really looking forward to reading more from them and true to form D H Sidebottom did not let me down,she wrote a brilliant novella
I am massive Ava and Mason fan and was really looking forward to reading more from them and true to form D H Sidebottom did not let me down,she wrote a brilliant novella
February 25, 2014
Fantastic fantastic brilliant, some of the best books I have read by Dawn you are a star and I thank you so much for the books that you have wrote because I have enjoyed all of them and hope to read many more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2014
!Once again you blew me away D H Sidebottom. I hope and believe with Endurance there will be more to come with the characters that have captivated my heart! I could never get enough.10++++++!!! A MUST READ series!!!
May 6, 2014
Ava and Mason are back and In their true fucked up fashion nothing in their life is easy. Betrayed and beaten Ava faces losing one of the people that give her life meaning. Can't wait for the next one.
December 9, 2014
Another fantastic instalment from The Heart of Stone / NSC Series
This one had my heart stopping a couple of times !!!!
Heart in mouth moments really and truly enthralling.
Has Mason finally broken his family ? Will they all survive ?
Way to go DH Sidebottom !!!!!!
This one had my heart stopping a couple of times !!!!
Heart in mouth moments really and truly enthralling.
Has Mason finally broken his family ? Will they all survive ?
Way to go DH Sidebottom !!!!!!
May 17, 2016
Ok shit needs to quit happening to poor Ava!! And I really don't understand why George hates Mason so much?? And why does Mason allow it? Why did they not just tell him the truth about Etta?? I love how all the characters are in all the books!!
February 16, 2014
Sidebottom has done it again!! Ava is one lady of steel, Mason is the alpha male we all love, I've loved getting into their world again, so intense and emotional throughout, need more more more!!!!!
February 19, 2014
loved it!!
February 18, 2014
OMG love it love it love it, I want more more more, love Ava and Mason what a great team, now want the next one with more of Katie and George
February 20, 2014
I love Ava and Mason. Definitely some heart stopping moments, and the emotions between Mason and George is unbelievable. Loved every page!
February 20, 2014
Dawn never ever disappoints !!
March 22, 2014
5 stars
Loved it!
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews