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Dark Billionaires #1
Heart of Stone
Warren was the boy Kate always had a crush on as a girl. Her brother’s best friend.
And his murderer.
A decade after Warren was imprisoned, Kate’s life hasn’t quite turned out how she’d have liked. She works for her father’s seedy nightclub-turned-casino, trying to outrun her suicidal thoughts, knowing that eventually she’ll run out of breath.
But when her father loses the business—and their house with it—Kate’s breathing finally begins to stutter.
Kate was the little sister Warren had always wanted.
And the daughter of the man who framed him.
Finally free, Warren’s only goal is to enact revenge on the man responsible for ruining his life. A twist of fate made him a billionaire, but ruthless tenacity will ensure he gets what he wants.
Except he finds Kate where he left her all those years ago, and suddenly his feelings for her aren’t so sisterly after all…
WARNING: Heart of Stone is a dark romance so there are triggers scattered throughout: false imprisonment, being framed for a crime, abortion, pregnancy, knife play, spanking, drug addiction, gambling addiction, car accidents, loss of limbs, torture, poverty, revenge porn, physical violence, depression, suicidal thoughts, suicidal actions, murder, rape, human trafficking, CSA, prison, foul language, and, of course, explicit sex.
And his murderer.
A decade after Warren was imprisoned, Kate’s life hasn’t quite turned out how she’d have liked. She works for her father’s seedy nightclub-turned-casino, trying to outrun her suicidal thoughts, knowing that eventually she’ll run out of breath.
But when her father loses the business—and their house with it—Kate’s breathing finally begins to stutter.
Kate was the little sister Warren had always wanted.
And the daughter of the man who framed him.
Finally free, Warren’s only goal is to enact revenge on the man responsible for ruining his life. A twist of fate made him a billionaire, but ruthless tenacity will ensure he gets what he wants.
Except he finds Kate where he left her all those years ago, and suddenly his feelings for her aren’t so sisterly after all…
WARNING: Heart of Stone is a dark romance so there are triggers scattered throughout: false imprisonment, being framed for a crime, abortion, pregnancy, knife play, spanking, drug addiction, gambling addiction, car accidents, loss of limbs, torture, poverty, revenge porn, physical violence, depression, suicidal thoughts, suicidal actions, murder, rape, human trafficking, CSA, prison, foul language, and, of course, explicit sex.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
1801 people are currently reading
7168 people want to read
About the author
Stevie Sparks
11 books301 followersStevie Sparks is a British author and long-time copy editor from Windsor, England (where Windsor Castle is).
She suffers from a terrible medical condition that has left her incapable of reading books without smut. She also has multiple sclerosis. When it comes to books, she prefers the phrase 'full steam ahead.'
Stevie writes both contemporary and historical romance.
She suffers from a terrible medical condition that has left her incapable of reading books without smut. She also has multiple sclerosis. When it comes to books, she prefers the phrase 'full steam ahead.'
Stevie writes both contemporary and historical romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
June 16, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Not really, though the last chapter feels like one
Percentage mains are first on page together:
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy in e-book form
Should I read in order?
This is Spark’s debut contemporary novel (If you read historical, be sure to check out Surrender to the Duke by her as well!)
Basic plot:
After being released from prison, Warren is determined to get his life back and get revenge on who wronged him. Even if it’s his childhood love.
Give this a try if you want:
- Contemporary romance
- some dark themes/elements (more in the plot than the relationship, if that makes sense?)
- childhood friends to enemies (very short) to lovers
- revenge
- kidnapped heroine
- some mystery-ish elements and lots of action/plot points
- brother’s best friend
- some feelings of instalust between the mains though they’ve known each other since childhood
- higher steam (9 full scenes) with some orgasm denial, praise kink, spanking, a bit of sadism, toys
Ages:
- Kate is 22, I didn’t see the hero but he’s a bit older because he was friends with the heroine’s older brother
First line:
”Dad,” Kate whispered, horrified.
My thoughts:
So, I don’t read contemporary too often but I was really excited to try something that might be a little dark. This is a fast paced, super steamy, high drama read that will keep you on your toes – and Spark’s debut into the contemporary romance world.
I was really into the beginning of this book. It put me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what the background was. And Kate and Warrens first meeting? I was so in love with it. I felt his pain and betrayal and was so eager to see where their relationship would go.
Warren was believed to have caused the accident that killed Kate’s brother and sent to prison. Upon his release, revenge is what’s foremost on his mind. Warren is a dominant yet caring character and his treatment of Kate for *most of the book, I ate it up. I really liked Warren, though the all is lost moment – well I may still be a bit mad at him haha.
Kate was a really sweet character and I loved her. She has had quite a few bad relationships in her life including her own father and brother. Warren was her childhood hero and best friend. I loved Kate’s strength and compassion and how she never stopped fighting to help everyone she could. I loved how she held her ground at the end of the story and brought Warren to task for his behavior.
The things I struggled with the most with this one is purely personal – I thought it had too many plot points. I tend to prefer more simple books that focus on a couple plot points that are really developed deeply and the relationship growth and focus takes over most of the book. To me, there was a lot of stuff going on and I don’t think it all was needed – Sparks had some really great relationship dynamics and plot points going and I think it took away from some of the build up or the strength of some of those themes by adding more in. (But again, that’s just my opinion). I would have preferred that time spent on their relationship.
The steam though, was so damn good and engaging. I adored every one of those scenes! There is more to come in this Billionaire bad boy series with Jensen’s story.
These are some things that personally didn’t work for me and definitely won’t matter to most people. They are also specific and I don’t recommend reading them until you’ve read the book :)
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Author given content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: Yes, a bit
Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Not really, though the last chapter feels like one
Percentage mains are first on page together:
Format: voluntarily read an advanced reader copy in e-book form
Should I read in order?
This is Spark’s debut contemporary novel (If you read historical, be sure to check out Surrender to the Duke by her as well!)
Basic plot:
After being released from prison, Warren is determined to get his life back and get revenge on who wronged him. Even if it’s his childhood love.
Give this a try if you want:
- Contemporary romance
- some dark themes/elements (more in the plot than the relationship, if that makes sense?)
- childhood friends to enemies (very short) to lovers
- revenge
- kidnapped heroine
- some mystery-ish elements and lots of action/plot points
- brother’s best friend
- some feelings of instalust between the mains though they’ve known each other since childhood
- higher steam (9 full scenes) with some orgasm denial, praise kink, spanking, a bit of sadism, toys
Ages:
- Kate is 22, I didn’t see the hero but he’s a bit older because he was friends with the heroine’s older brother
First line:
”Dad,” Kate whispered, horrified.
My thoughts:
So, I don’t read contemporary too often but I was really excited to try something that might be a little dark. This is a fast paced, super steamy, high drama read that will keep you on your toes – and Spark’s debut into the contemporary romance world.
I was really into the beginning of this book. It put me on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what the background was. And Kate and Warrens first meeting? I was so in love with it. I felt his pain and betrayal and was so eager to see where their relationship would go.
Warren was believed to have caused the accident that killed Kate’s brother and sent to prison. Upon his release, revenge is what’s foremost on his mind. Warren is a dominant yet caring character and his treatment of Kate for *most of the book, I ate it up. I really liked Warren, though the all is lost moment – well I may still be a bit mad at him haha.
Kate was a really sweet character and I loved her. She has had quite a few bad relationships in her life including her own father and brother. Warren was her childhood hero and best friend. I loved Kate’s strength and compassion and how she never stopped fighting to help everyone she could. I loved how she held her ground at the end of the story and brought Warren to task for his behavior.
The things I struggled with the most with this one is purely personal – I thought it had too many plot points. I tend to prefer more simple books that focus on a couple plot points that are really developed deeply and the relationship growth and focus takes over most of the book. To me, there was a lot of stuff going on and I don’t think it all was needed – Sparks had some really great relationship dynamics and plot points going and I think it took away from some of the build up or the strength of some of those themes by adding more in. (But again, that’s just my opinion). I would have preferred that time spent on their relationship.
The steam though, was so damn good and engaging. I adored every one of those scenes! There is more to come in this Billionaire bad boy series with Jensen’s story.
These are some things that personally didn’t work for me and definitely won’t matter to most people. They are also specific and I don’t recommend reading them until you’ve read the book :)
Endearments
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Author given content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
August 14, 2025
RATTING: 3 ⭐ rtc
Page 250: it's HER baby, HER body and HER choice
Page 180: perfect example of smut ruining the book
Page 120: okay but ignoring the smut, this is an okay book..
Page 50: wait wait wait wait wait wait wait but WAIT, i genuinely dont hate this its fine for now 😭
PRE-READ:
wait so her brother's name was Aaron.. and the love interest name is Warren.. (AARON WARNER THAT YOU IN TWO DIFFERENT PPL *delulu*)
anyway i expect to hate this book and prediction is: 2.75 ⭐ bc im reading this between long reads so 🤷♀️
Page 250: it's HER baby, HER body and HER choice
Page 180: perfect example of smut ruining the book
Page 120: okay but ignoring the smut, this is an okay book..
Page 50: wait wait wait wait wait wait wait but WAIT, i genuinely dont hate this its fine for now 😭
PRE-READ:
wait so her brother's name was Aaron.. and the love interest name is Warren.. (AARON WARNER THAT YOU IN TWO DIFFERENT PPL *delulu*)
anyway i expect to hate this book and prediction is: 2.75 ⭐ bc im reading this between long reads so 🤷♀️
May 26, 2025
The story had depth,but I wasn’t totally hooked. I didn’t fully connect with the characters. An average read with a few standout moments.
July 9, 2023
Not My Cup of Tea
I found this book to be extremely frustrating.
Warren’s trauma makes him slow to trust, and therefore it was believable that he assumed the worst of Kate in the beginning. He hadn’t seen her in years, so it made sense to originally believe that she had been working for her father. However, for someone who insisted he loved this woman, he sure was quick to assume that she was the bad guy once again towards the end of the story. What he said to her was disgusting and she had every right to step away from him.
What made me mad was (1) the lack of actual groveling in the book; and (2) how quick she forgave him. All we know of the groveling is that he gave her gifts. Okay, and? He said he was going to put you in prison and put your kid into the system. But suddenly she finds out that he never really intended to do that to their daughter and she could just forgive him? No, I’m sorry that isn’t good enough for me. That just honestly made me angry. I was all for it when she kicked him out of bed, thinking that she’d actually tough it out, but it didn’t last. I really would’ve liked to see actual groveling.
The spice scenes were alright. They’re definitely for people who like darker spice scenes. Unfortunately for me, I just wasn’t able to keep interest and ended up skipping through some of the scenes to just move on.
As for the writing itself, I had a bit of trouble keeping up with the skipping through time. A chapter would end and I’d think the next would be picking up right away only to find out that it’s weeks or months later. It just didn’t feel like it flowed together enough, at least for me. Sometimes the dialogue felt a little choppy. I do want to give it some grace, though, because the author is British and I’m used to reading American English writing, so the difference could have added to my being a bit unsure. I do feel like there was a lot of repeated dialogue and some things could have been cut down to limit the repetition.
Overall, I do think the author has great potential, I just don’t think they’re for me.
I found this book to be extremely frustrating.
Warren’s trauma makes him slow to trust, and therefore it was believable that he assumed the worst of Kate in the beginning. He hadn’t seen her in years, so it made sense to originally believe that she had been working for her father. However, for someone who insisted he loved this woman, he sure was quick to assume that she was the bad guy once again towards the end of the story. What he said to her was disgusting and she had every right to step away from him.
What made me mad was (1) the lack of actual groveling in the book; and (2) how quick she forgave him. All we know of the groveling is that he gave her gifts. Okay, and? He said he was going to put you in prison and put your kid into the system. But suddenly she finds out that he never really intended to do that to their daughter and she could just forgive him? No, I’m sorry that isn’t good enough for me. That just honestly made me angry. I was all for it when she kicked him out of bed, thinking that she’d actually tough it out, but it didn’t last. I really would’ve liked to see actual groveling.
The spice scenes were alright. They’re definitely for people who like darker spice scenes. Unfortunately for me, I just wasn’t able to keep interest and ended up skipping through some of the scenes to just move on.
As for the writing itself, I had a bit of trouble keeping up with the skipping through time. A chapter would end and I’d think the next would be picking up right away only to find out that it’s weeks or months later. It just didn’t feel like it flowed together enough, at least for me. Sometimes the dialogue felt a little choppy. I do want to give it some grace, though, because the author is British and I’m used to reading American English writing, so the difference could have added to my being a bit unsure. I do feel like there was a lot of repeated dialogue and some things could have been cut down to limit the repetition.
Overall, I do think the author has great potential, I just don’t think they’re for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
June 1, 2025HOOK: she despises her brothers best friend who walks in on her masturbating. She tells him to get out but he doesn’t listen, steps inside the took and shuts the door
Read
September 14, 2023dnf at 30%
I don't understand where we're going with this. I also got whiplash with the hot and cold act with Warren. So, bye
I don't understand where we're going with this. I also got whiplash with the hot and cold act with Warren. So, bye
June 9, 2023
This book has me shook, and I can’t wait to see what else the author gives us from this dark billionaire world she’s created. In Heart of Stone, Warren has set out on a mission to clear his name all while trying to take down the man who ruined his life. What he doesn’t count on is Kate, the girl he helped take care of from his childhood, dropping back into his life.
This book is dark and comes with a heavy list of trigger warnings, but if you can get past those, this book is worth the read. The story comes back with more twists than a roller coaster, and the steam is top notch.
~Lauren💜
This book is dark and comes with a heavy list of trigger warnings, but if you can get past those, this book is worth the read. The story comes back with more twists than a roller coaster, and the steam is top notch.
~Lauren💜
June 18, 2023
Kate is fed up with her dad‘s gambling in on responsible parenting she is 22 years old and has always wanted a proper family it doesn’t help that her dad still treats her deceased brother Aaron like he’s the favorite child but when gangsters break in their home and kidnap her they bring her to a lavish apartment and she has no idea why. So when her childhood friend Warren walks in she is surprised, not only because he was in prison but also because he was the one driving the car when her brother had the accident that killed him. What does Warren want with her and does he really think calling her kitten is going to soften her resolve? I loved the ending of this book and although I found somethings inside the book questionable I ultimately couldn’t put it down and did I say how much I love the ending. I usually do not read books like this but I must say I just thought this was a great book and if you can get past all the triggers then I would definitely recommend you read it as well. This is a great romance and a solid four-star read. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2023
Ahhh, this book had me intrigued all the way through! As soon as Kate met her brother’s best friend Warren, she was immediately in love but when tragedy takes him away from her life she is left to deal with the fallout. Warren always saw Kate as a little sister and while he is sent away he never forgets about her and how much she meant to him. When they unexpectedly come back into each other’s life it wasn’t a good surprise for Warren. In fact, he thinks she’s responsible helping the man who hurt him and sent him away all those years ago but somehow he can’t fight the attraction towards Kate. He doesn’t see Kate as his little sister anymore but someone who is his. After all the twists and turns, gory details, punishments, dominance, lots of spice, heartbreak, feelings of worthlessness, and a surprise pregnancy, will Kate and Warren make it or will the damage caused leave them apart for good? So so so intriguing, love the dark romance aspect and of course the spice is up there making one go woahhhh 🥵 I received this as an ARC and I want to thank Stevie for the opportunity for me to read it before it’s release. Please do check for trigger warnings, it might not be suitable for everyone.
July 6, 2023
I had a really hard time with this book, mainly because I felt like I couldn’t connect with the main characters and it didn’t make it better that the book was written in third person’s POV. I usually avoid stories that are written in that POV but I thought that I still should give this one a try, but no.
The story over all was quite meeeeeeh. I couldn’t connect with the characters, I felt like there was too many lose ends. Nothing was throughly explained. For example what happened to the prostitute that poisoned the MMC and escaped with his watches? And no, I’m not gonna read the rest of the books to find out that answer. And then there was the whole baby-gate situation. Like seriously… how stupid could one be. That entire part of the book is so lousy written. So no, this was really not my cup of tea. I just skimmed through the last chapters after that!
The story over all was quite meeeeeeh. I couldn’t connect with the characters, I felt like there was too many lose ends. Nothing was throughly explained. For example what happened to the prostitute that poisoned the MMC and escaped with his watches? And no, I’m not gonna read the rest of the books to find out that answer. And then there was the whole baby-gate situation. Like seriously… how stupid could one be. That entire part of the book is so lousy written. So no, this was really not my cup of tea. I just skimmed through the last chapters after that!
November 9, 2023
so, you didn't saw him\heard about him for a decade, you believe that he killed your brother, you was kidnapped... and what you did IN THE FIRST MINUTE you saw him?! let's kiss! oh he's so hot! I wanna kiss him!
giiiiirl....
Spicy scenes was... frustraiting. Not hot.
Because they did jokes in the middle of. And he was possesive in a bad way! I don't know how to explan it. AND just after strange sex scene JUST THE NEXT SENTENCE they're talking about his mother with a cancer... who'll die soon. Argh....
I didn't finished it.
giiiiirl....
Spicy scenes was... frustraiting. Not hot.
Because they did jokes in the middle of. And he was possesive in a bad way! I don't know how to explan it. AND just after strange sex scene JUST THE NEXT SENTENCE they're talking about his mother with a cancer... who'll die soon. Argh....
I didn't finished it.
December 31, 2024
I wish this book caught fire
June 11, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨Dark Romance
✨Age-Gap
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Brother’s Best Friend
•Dual POV
*Check TW/CW*
This book was just SO GOOD! From the forbidden romance to the spice, I loved it! 🥵🔥
Warren & Kate knew each other when they were younger. Kate was always his “kitten”. But, one horrible car crash left Kate’s brother dead and Warren in jail for drunk driving & manslaughter. Years later, Kate is now in trouble because her dad is in so much debt. She is taken and realizes that the man who took her is Warren. Warren thought Kate was directly involved, but when he founds out she’s not, all the old feelings come rushing back. There is a pull and connection that neither of them can deny and they can’t help but give in to each other. But the demons of Kate’s dad comes to haunt them and there are some twists involved.
The chemistry between Warren & Kate was hot and explosive. They have this connection that was so intense, even after all these years. There were all references to GOT and the last season and I was here for that! ❤️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨Dark Romance
✨Age-Gap
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Brother’s Best Friend
•Dual POV
*Check TW/CW*
This book was just SO GOOD! From the forbidden romance to the spice, I loved it! 🥵🔥
Warren & Kate knew each other when they were younger. Kate was always his “kitten”. But, one horrible car crash left Kate’s brother dead and Warren in jail for drunk driving & manslaughter. Years later, Kate is now in trouble because her dad is in so much debt. She is taken and realizes that the man who took her is Warren. Warren thought Kate was directly involved, but when he founds out she’s not, all the old feelings come rushing back. There is a pull and connection that neither of them can deny and they can’t help but give in to each other. But the demons of Kate’s dad comes to haunt them and there are some twists involved.
The chemistry between Warren & Kate was hot and explosive. They have this connection that was so intense, even after all these years. There were all references to GOT and the last season and I was here for that! ❤️
June 16, 2023
Talk about a book that is incredible and intriguing. Heart of Stone is the start of a fantastic Dark Billionaires series, and I was 100% here for it. Kate and Warren just make sense, and I loved every second of those two. I was so invested in this story and what would happen next. This book is a wild ride, and I can't wait to get my hands on book two.
November 17, 2024
Not for me it was very one tone and dull! Could most give it a half star
June 2, 2023
The start of the Dark Billionaires series can’t wait for the next one to come out this is addictive in fact it wasn’t my plan to read this book but read the insert and just kind of kept going but I will say hang out and buckle up this is one wild ride. Kate didn’t have the best life her mother died giving birth to her leaving her with a father who didn’t have the ability to love anyone outside of her brother who incidentally was following right into his footsteps not in a good way either and the only one who ever paid attention to her was her brother’s best friend a foster kid but he took the time to show her some care, kindness, and she fell in love with him before she even knew what love was but he was also arrested for her brother’s murder in an accident that wasn’t of his doing he was falsely accused by his best friends father. Her life is a hot mess because of that same father who set him up for murder, went into debt so much so that he guilt tripped her into taking all kinds of debt out in her name all in the name of helping him but being kept in the dark about who he really was and what he was doing behind the scenes but it all comes to light one evening after he loses the business, their home in a gambling game. Enter into this hot mess sexy as all get out Warren the boy now a man who has spent half his life in prison because he was falsely accused coming out of prison a billionaire because of a small investment made prior to going in and one main thought revenge thinking she is a part of her father’s dealing puts her on his radar as well. But upon kidnapping her and imprisoning her father he integrates her only to find out her father lied to him about her involvement pinning the blame of human trafficking of young …very young girls on her which only makes him all the angrier because they want the head of the snake when he is just the middleman. Be prepared to be on the edge of your seat trying to read faster to find out where all of it is going and throw in the intense attraction between them the magnetic pull that continues to grow and the fight within himself because she is no longer the little sister but a full gown women that he can’t deny he wants and the pull continues to grow stronger the more they get to know each other’s as adults but with the looming questions of who is behind the trafficking, will her father get what he deserves (everything he has done to others should be done to him…js) he was so evil, will they be honest about their feelings for one another or will outside events, past stop them, will she learn to forgive herself for not knowing, and can they find happiness so where on this wild ride?.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2023
This is my first book by Stevie Sparks and is the first book in the Dark Billionaire series.
I love a good billionaire romance and then add a dark wounded MMC and I am here for it!
Warren was framed for the murder of his best friend Aaron by Aaron's father. Once he gets out of prison, he is set on revenge against the man who framed him and the cop who helped.
Kate is Aaron's sister and she used to be really close to Warren when they were kids, she hasn't seen him since he went to jail. When Warren's men come for her father, they take Kate as well. Kate is happy to see Warren but Warren thinks that Kate is involved in the shady business of her father. He starts out keeping her as prisoner, but softens his stance toward Kate when he realizes she had no idea what her dad was into. They slowly start to form a relationship, while Warren continues to seek his revenge.
There are a few things I liked about this book, I really liked Kate's character. She has had a very difficult life with her father, especially after her brother died, but she also really wanted to help all of the people she came across. She also wouldn't take much from Warren and he really would dish it out toward her. I also really liked the spice in this book, Warren was really domineering in his life, but also in the bedroom with Kate. I also really liked the side characters in this book. Warren has an adopted family and I really liked them. I also liked Warren's bodyguard, the man who would torture enemies and then have tea parties with his daughter. He also took good care of Kate, when Warren wasn't able or wouldn't.
There were a lot of different parts of this story and I felt like some of them were not fully explained or wrapped up. I am hoping since this is the first book in the series that we will get some closure on some of those story lines.
This is a good book if you are looking for a dark, spicy romance!
January 31, 2024
3rd person
I could not get into this because 3rd person is just hard to read. You can’t really emotionally connect with the characters.
I could not get into this because 3rd person is just hard to read. You can’t really emotionally connect with the characters.
June 12, 2023
**ARC REVIEW**
I really enjoyed reading my first book of Stevie Sparks!!
If you love a dark romance, second chance, billionaire romance book, you are going to enjoy this one!
Kate has always had a crush on Warren since she was a young girl and Warren was her brother Aaron’s best friend. Kate always thought that Warren was the one who caused the car crash that killed her brother.
Kate works at her father’s nightclub-turned-casino as the bookkeeper and has to keep helping her father get out of debt. Her relationship with her dad hasn’t been the greatest since Aaron died. Things escalate when her father loses the business and their house, and men break in to kidnap them both.
Kate is shocked when she comes face to face with one of men who kidnapped her - Warren, who she thought was still in prison.
Warren has always looked at Kate as the little sister he always wanted. She is also the daughter of the man who framed him. Now that Warren has been released from prison he wants to get revenge on Kate’s dad as he ruined his life. He is the one who kidnaps Kate and her dad. Warren thinks that Kate has been a co conspirator on her fathers illegal ventures.
What started as revenge slowly turns into love!
The friendship is still there from when they were younger but Warren slowly realises he doesn’t have very sisterly thoughts about Kate 🔥
I loved every time he called Kate “his kitten” 😍
“Good girl. I’m tempted to mark you here with the blade, just in case you forget who you belong to.”
“Come for me kitten, And have the fucking decency to look me in the eye when you come on my cock.”
Some of the revenge scenes were full on but it added to the suspense!
My rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level is 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m hoping Rhys and Saffron get a potential story if this series continues!!
Thanks to Wordsmith Publicity and Stevie Sparks for the ARC. This review is my own honest opinion on the book 😊
I really enjoyed reading my first book of Stevie Sparks!!
If you love a dark romance, second chance, billionaire romance book, you are going to enjoy this one!
Kate has always had a crush on Warren since she was a young girl and Warren was her brother Aaron’s best friend. Kate always thought that Warren was the one who caused the car crash that killed her brother.
Kate works at her father’s nightclub-turned-casino as the bookkeeper and has to keep helping her father get out of debt. Her relationship with her dad hasn’t been the greatest since Aaron died. Things escalate when her father loses the business and their house, and men break in to kidnap them both.
Kate is shocked when she comes face to face with one of men who kidnapped her - Warren, who she thought was still in prison.
Warren has always looked at Kate as the little sister he always wanted. She is also the daughter of the man who framed him. Now that Warren has been released from prison he wants to get revenge on Kate’s dad as he ruined his life. He is the one who kidnaps Kate and her dad. Warren thinks that Kate has been a co conspirator on her fathers illegal ventures.
What started as revenge slowly turns into love!
The friendship is still there from when they were younger but Warren slowly realises he doesn’t have very sisterly thoughts about Kate 🔥
I loved every time he called Kate “his kitten” 😍
“Good girl. I’m tempted to mark you here with the blade, just in case you forget who you belong to.”
“Come for me kitten, And have the fucking decency to look me in the eye when you come on my cock.”
Some of the revenge scenes were full on but it added to the suspense!
My rating is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level is 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I’m hoping Rhys and Saffron get a potential story if this series continues!!
Thanks to Wordsmith Publicity and Stevie Sparks for the ARC. This review is my own honest opinion on the book 😊
January 6, 2025
Heart of Stones the first book in the Dark Billionaires series. It's dark, an age gap, best friends sister, revenge and graphic. IMO the book is interesting but lacking a Wow factor. A ex con turned Billionaire searching for proof and bringing down a despicable humans in the process.
TW: false imprisonment, being framed for a crime, abortion, pregnancy, knife play, spanking, drug addiction, gambling addiction, car accidents, loss of limbs, torture, poverty, revenge porn, physical violence, depression, suicidal thoughts, suicidal actions, murder, rape, human trafficking, CSA, prison, foul language, explicit sex, false identity.
Warren loved Kate like a little sister until one night his life changed forever and he went to jail for the murder of her brother, his best friend.
Warren is seeking revenge for being falsely accused and the little girl, Kate, he once adored will not be spared.
Kate thought her life would be different but she has nothing to show for it but debt and despair of her father never loving her. Warren wants info that she doesn't have and the man she once had a crush on is got a heart of stone.
Lies and betrayal are exposed all while searching for proof of false accusations. Forced proximity has the lost souls finding happiness in each other.
TW: false imprisonment, being framed for a crime, abortion, pregnancy, knife play, spanking, drug addiction, gambling addiction, car accidents, loss of limbs, torture, poverty, revenge porn, physical violence, depression, suicidal thoughts, suicidal actions, murder, rape, human trafficking, CSA, prison, foul language, explicit sex, false identity.
Warren loved Kate like a little sister until one night his life changed forever and he went to jail for the murder of her brother, his best friend.
Warren is seeking revenge for being falsely accused and the little girl, Kate, he once adored will not be spared.
Kate thought her life would be different but she has nothing to show for it but debt and despair of her father never loving her. Warren wants info that she doesn't have and the man she once had a crush on is got a heart of stone.
Lies and betrayal are exposed all while searching for proof of false accusations. Forced proximity has the lost souls finding happiness in each other.
June 7, 2023
Well written but be aware of all the triggers this author tells you about. This book may not be for all. Fast paced , action filled, has lots of emotions good and bad. Lots of steam, romance, suspense, crime, drama, lies and revenge. Kate has a lot of things going on both in her life and in her head. Warren gets out of prison after being there for things he didn't do. Revenge is what he wants but see Kate in a different light. All the characters play a special part in this book that will keep you sitting on the edge of your chair, keeps you wanting more. Would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2023
This book has me shook, and I can’t wait to see what else the author gives us from this dark billionaire world she’s created. In Heart of Stone, Warren has set out on a mission to clear his name all while trying to take down the man who ruined his life. What he doesn’t count on is Kate, the girl he helped take care of from his childhood, dropping back into his life.
This book is dark and comes with a heavy list of trigger warnings, but if you can get past those, this book is worth the read. The story comes back with more twists than a roller coaster, and the steam is top notch.
This book is dark and comes with a heavy list of trigger warnings, but if you can get past those, this book is worth the read. The story comes back with more twists than a roller coaster, and the steam is top notch.
June 12, 2023
Excellent, Emotional Story with many twists.
My rating: 4.5
Tropes: Second Chance - Crime
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 7/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating - No ow/om sex
No Cliffhanger
"Heart of Stone" is a very emotional read.
I enjoyed the story, the writing, the steam and the emotions.
There are a few twists in the plot to keep you interested.
The characters are nicely described.
There is violence.
I will definitely read more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My rating: 4.5
Tropes: Second Chance - Crime
Heat: 7/10
Emotion 7/10
Story: 8/10
Characters: 7/10
Interest: 7/10
POV: Dual
No Cheating - No ow/om sex
No Cliffhanger
"Heart of Stone" is a very emotional read.
I enjoyed the story, the writing, the steam and the emotions.
There are a few twists in the plot to keep you interested.
The characters are nicely described.
There is violence.
I will definitely read more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2023
Love This Story
I had no idea if I was going to like this story. I saw it on my FB doom scrolling, and the premise intrigued me. I’m so so glad I added it to my TBR pile. If you enjoy dark romances with second chance redemption arc, I think you’ll love this one. I’m excited to explore more of Sparks’ stories.
I had no idea if I was going to like this story. I saw it on my FB doom scrolling, and the premise intrigued me. I’m so so glad I added it to my TBR pile. If you enjoy dark romances with second chance redemption arc, I think you’ll love this one. I’m excited to explore more of Sparks’ stories.
October 27, 2024
I'm not sure what I expected when I started reading this book, but I really enjoyed it! Stevie Sparks managed to keep my interest from the first page until the last word.
January 20, 2025
Heart of Stone is a Dark Billionaire Romance & overall it was enjoyable. Some parts were a bit slow & other parts were SOO suspenseful. The nickname the MMC gave the FMC wasn’t for me but I did enjoy the spice! I also giggled a few times & that’s always a plus+
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
dnf
April 17, 2025dnf at 50%
he calls her kitten, its written in 3rd pov, it was just too cringe, I couldn't do it. reading the rest of these reviews has shown me that I made a good choice
he calls her kitten, its written in 3rd pov, it was just too cringe, I couldn't do it. reading the rest of these reviews has shown me that I made a good choice
October 30, 2024
I really loved the first half! But what threw me off was that 3rd act breakup :( it was so dumb tbh the H pissed me off.
Summary
Kate’s father owns a club high he funnels human trafficking through. Kate is the unsuspecting bookkeeper. Warren is Kate’s brother’s best friend who went to jail for killing her brother in a car accident when he was drunk at 18. Kate’s dad racks up a crazy debt and Warren kidnappers both of them. He realizes very quickly that Kate knows nothing about her father’s crimes and they fall in love very quickly. They seem super happy and in love. Warren gets poisoned but recovers and comes home. Kate gets pregnant. She goes to tell Warren but he’s an asshole so he’s like “I need a paternity test”. The reason he doubts her is because he recently saw a video of Kate with her ex “Daniel” who is actually the sec trafficking mastermind who Warren has been trying to catch. Turns out Kate didn’t know who we was. Warren basically threatened to imprison Kate for the trafficking stuff and put her daughter up for adoption. IM SORRY IF A MAN SAID THAT TO ME ID CHOP HIS BALLS AND FEED THEM TO HIM. But of course she forgives him 🙄 because he planned to adopt the girl all along even if she wasn’t his daughter 🙄 and they lived HEA.
The second half ruined the book.
Ended kind of abruptly.
We never saw how Graves was found and captured.
She forgave him wayyyyy too easily.
Summary
Kate’s father owns a club high he funnels human trafficking through. Kate is the unsuspecting bookkeeper. Warren is Kate’s brother’s best friend who went to jail for killing her brother in a car accident when he was drunk at 18. Kate’s dad racks up a crazy debt and Warren kidnappers both of them. He realizes very quickly that Kate knows nothing about her father’s crimes and they fall in love very quickly. They seem super happy and in love. Warren gets poisoned but recovers and comes home. Kate gets pregnant. She goes to tell Warren but he’s an asshole so he’s like “I need a paternity test”. The reason he doubts her is because he recently saw a video of Kate with her ex “Daniel” who is actually the sec trafficking mastermind who Warren has been trying to catch. Turns out Kate didn’t know who we was. Warren basically threatened to imprison Kate for the trafficking stuff and put her daughter up for adoption. IM SORRY IF A MAN SAID THAT TO ME ID CHOP HIS BALLS AND FEED THEM TO HIM. But of course she forgives him 🙄 because he planned to adopt the girl all along even if she wasn’t his daughter 🙄 and they lived HEA.
The second half ruined the book.
Ended kind of abruptly.
We never saw how Graves was found and captured.
She forgave him wayyyyy too easily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
Needed so much more grovel! FMC should have had the MMC on his knees! Even the Reddit stories of men who doubt their kids paternity face more of a karma/consequences than this! The least Warren could have given us was a little more sincere grovel!
I wanted Warren to cry! To weep! To be on his knees and beg!!!
The main issue was trust, from the very beginning Warren was full of distrust (understandably so) but to continue the same behavior till the end.... Yeah that's a big NOO for me. And after the truth of all is discovered him being so happy and so quick to normal is more frustrating, maybe if I had read his inner monologues that he was suffering that would have been good but none of those things happen and here I sit ranting about it!
For someone who claims to love Kate so much he sure jumped the boat the quickest! Even Barx had more trust in Kate than her apparent lover and what makes me more mad is that this isn't even a concern for our naive little Kate.
You know not once does Warren actually gives a heartfelt apology just keeps saying how he loves them both. I would have settled if he at least just once said “I would spend rest of my life making up for the hurt I caused! ” , but no, no such luck in this book 🤡
I wanted Warren to cry! To weep! To be on his knees and beg!!!
The main issue was trust, from the very beginning Warren was full of distrust (understandably so) but to continue the same behavior till the end.... Yeah that's a big NOO for me. And after the truth of all is discovered him being so happy and so quick to normal is more frustrating, maybe if I had read his inner monologues that he was suffering that would have been good but none of those things happen and here I sit ranting about it!
For someone who claims to love Kate so much he sure jumped the boat the quickest! Even Barx had more trust in Kate than her apparent lover and what makes me more mad is that this isn't even a concern for our naive little Kate.
You know not once does Warren actually gives a heartfelt apology just keeps saying how he loves them both. I would have settled if he at least just once said “I would spend rest of my life making up for the hurt I caused! ” , but no, no such luck in this book 🤡
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