In shadows of Hollywoods glamor and fame, two souls find themselves entangled in a tumultuous dance of desire and vulnerability.
At the pinnacle of her facade, Sunnie Austin, a mean girl with a heart scarred by past wounds, hides a vulnerable heart, yearning for love but hesitant to relinquish her guarded exterior. Her world collides with that of Ezekiel Donovan, a man whose name echoes through the corridors of adult entertainment, reigning supreme as the industry's crown jewel. Their connection is immediate, yet fraught with the weight of their individual burdens.
However, their path to love is burdened with challenges as they grapple with letting go of the personas they’ve crafted for themselves. Sunnie struggles to shed her mean girl image and embrace vulnerability, while Ezekiel wrestles with leaving behind the allure of his adult entertainment career for a chance at true intimacy.
As they navigate the treacherous waters of their desires, their bond deepens, fueled by shared traumas and unspoken desires.
But beneath the veneer of their budding romance lies a tapestry of pain and longing. Ezekiel's struggle to relinquish the allure of his past threatens to tear them apart, while Sunnie grapples with the demons of her persona and the relentless pursuit of self-worth. Their love is a fragile beacon amidst the storm, tested by the stones they cast at each other and themselves.
Chelsea Maria is rebirthing the idea of love for the millennial generation. Armed with a desire to define the union of faith and love, Chelsea Maria writes relatable stories that challenges society’s warped view of love. With a clearly defined purpose, Chelsea puts her passion and talents to use for the betterment of the generation. Tasked with changing the narrative, Chelsea gives it her all. With no abandon, she pens fervently the stories of her heart and the hearts of her readers. Using her God-given talent, she employs wit and artistry to plant seeds of conviction and force reflection of her readers. Every addition to her growing catalog is penned with the purpose to revive the faith in love. Now, with an arsenal of love-inspiring chronicles she is claiming her spot in the world of fiction. Bringing a new wave to the industry and reshaping the twisted perceptions.
Whew! There is so much to unpack after this read! 🤯 It was heavy, sad at times, but God was very present. Between Bishop and the prayer sessions, it made me look at myself and do some deep thinking about how I'm living.
Both Ezekiel and Sunnie found fame, money, and stardom in Hollywood, but lost themselves, their souls, and relationships with their families while on the rise. They thrive on being the center of attention, the one making the most money, and proving to family that they are good enough. Until it isn't good enough anymore! 💔
God begins to show them that they aren't living right, by the nightmares they continually have. They feel unsettle and fearful. When people close to them begin to leave, they understand it is time to make some serious changes.
The love these two share is solid, although they are only the best of friends. They bond over shared trauma, living the fast life, and family dysfunction. However, when things really begin to fall apart, they lean on each other more than ever; and a different type of relationship is formed.
Now, I'm glad that they have each other to help keep them strong while healing, but they have a long way to go. Will they be able to continue to move forward, now that the baby is here? Will Crystal keep up her end of the bargain, or will she become the baby momma from hell? What will Ezekiel do with his company? I need to see Sunnie "really" do the work to turn her life around, as that ish with her sister was foul as hell! What secrets was Hillary hiding, and is Sunnie involved? I am invested in this series and cannot wait to see how this all unfolds.
Let me first say that Ezekiel owned and stared in film produced out of his studio. The book began with one of his movies. His BDE was wholly displayed in this story. Then there was his bed buddies and his friend Sunnie. I wasn't always sure what to make of their relationship. The dreams they both experienced fell off as the story progressed. Humm. Did I miss something? I'll just say that Sunni and Ezekiel had a lot of demons, and in the end, they were in a good place. Look out for Crystal in the next book, I see her.... Ijs... Ezekiel's dad needs to be shown a way out of the storyline, we won't miss his toxicity. Overall, a good read 4.5 stars.
So much is going to happen to you when you read Chelsea’s work. You’re going to laugh, cry, learn, and love. In no particular order and in more than one instance. The one thing I refuse to include with the others: You gon pray/praise. Every knee shall bend. There’s a whole sermon in here that made me see some things differently, it will do the same for you!
This title was perfect for this introduction into Ezekiel and Sunnie. The story was filled with them casting stones on themselves and having others cast stones on them because they disagreed or didn’t like something they did or said or just to plain call them out on their bs. Sunnie and Ezekiel have a great friendship and amazing chemistry and I can’t wait to see how their relationship continues to flourish. There were some questions that were left unanswered with Sunnie but I have confidence those will be answered going forward.
This book looked at love, forgiveness, acceptance, faith and changing from your wicked ways and putting and keeping God first in your life. I loved how Ezekiel and Sunnie supported and loved on each other during their hard times dealing with their grief and their conviction of how their actions affected themselves and those around them. The way they prayed for each other was so beautiful and brought me to tears. The message from Bishop Cambridge was a word that was so necessary for the characters and for me. There are several triggers in this book surrounding death, but thankfully all the scenes happened back to back, which helped to get through them because they were extremely heavy.
I would definitely recommend this book but also advise to take heed of the trigger warnings that were provided. Now I need to start a book that’s all hearts and flowers to detox from the heaviness that parts of this book had.
Chelsea Maria’s new series #Castingstones is going to be a roller coaster for sure. Sunnie and Ezekiel have been vibing for forever. When life gets real they call on each other to get through it. Now to be clear, Ezekiel and Sunnie are very complexed characters that do unlikable things.
Ezekiel truly is the cornist of cornballs. The way he treats Candice and Crystal is madness. Although he is a gentleman to the women in his immediate family, those daddy issues are weighing him down something crazy. His anger in many of the areas in his life is displaced.
Sunnie seems to have it all but the jealousy and animosity she holds against Aleyah is demonic. There is no other way to put it.
Hillary was the first likable character and I hope she gets her own book. I wanna know what happened to her 🥺. Aleyah’s presence is weighted. I know her story is gonna be one for the book ( literally). How does Khiver fit into it all? Oh, and he don’t play, Sunnie betta listen 😬.
⭐️ trigger warning: suicide, suicide attempt, parental death, spiritual warfare, and dysfunctional family relationships 👀
This is a romance story like no other. Purest in every way. This story demonstrated how we think we know people, think what we see is really what it is, & how we can allow a peek into someone’s life, fool us into thinking they got it better somehow. Ezekiel & Sunnie wanted for nothing, gorgeous people, everybody desired them, lived the life many envied, but misery consumed them. Many people poured into their lives, but those were not the voices they followed, until God had enough.
They took us on their journey of truth. One that said, regardless to how merciful and graceful our God is, He gets tired us playing in His face. Whewwww… In their stand of accountability they experienced consequences and losses that felt crippling. Being redeemed, renewed in strength, with the reassurance they were still covered by The Blood! Gloryyyyy… This is an outstanding read by Chelsea and I look forward to Khiver & Aleyah’s story! Congratulations Chelsea on this well written love story!
I really enjoyed Ezekiel and Sunnie's story. I love how they not only lean on their faith but each other to get them through their darkest times. They are definitely tested in this book but also seeking forgiveness from family. I love how the author leaves us with a few gems to remember throught this book. I didn’t see the situation with Crystal turning out the way it did. Very mature and drama free. I hope things continue on a positive note between Ezekiel, Sunnie and Crystal for the sake of EJ. I also hope that Sunnie and her sister can heal and mend their relationship. This was an emotional roller-coaster of a read but it was worth it. Looking forward to what happens in part 2.
Zeek was so hurt that his father wanted nothing to do with him after his injury in college and the career he chose really pissed his dad off, mom loved him anyway never stopped to add that she was sick and her husband didn't give a heck about her. Sunnie had serious issues that went deep and to treat her sister like dirt was terrible cause she loved Sunnie with her whole heart. Zeek and Sunnie had to ask God for help and forgiveness to get through this and here is a baby that's been added to this relationship. I love this book and can't wait to read number 2 and thank you for showing up and showing out .
Oh yes ma’am! Now this was a read! So many gems and sooo many lessons. I love that it wasn’t all roses and sunshine. Sunnie and Ezekiel had ALOT going on personally, but still held on to one another through it all. While we all hope for resolution quickly in family matters, I was pleasantly surprised at not getting it at this moment. Both Sunnie and Zeek have some real issues to work through and one book isn’t enough to solve them. I’m going to be searching for part two like a mad woman. Well done, Chelsea Maria!
I was crying and praying throughout this book too, it was so relatable to our everyday lives. I hope Sunnie fixes the relationship with her sister cause Khiver ain't playing bout her also just to have that bond between them would be great. That dad is a lost cause. I love Crystal her and Sunnie are gonna be bffs I can see it. I'm looking forward to he sequel, wishing them peace and love.
Listennn.... this book was heavy with some light moments! The words between the pages spoke to my heart and provided enjoyment. The bond between Sunnie and Ezekiel was something to behold. I like ld that the characters were not dressed up and that the author allowed me to feel how I want to feel about them. Another great release and amazing story! I can't wait to read Book 2.
WOW, that was an intense read …and never a dull moment 🥲☺️‼️”The Stones We Cast (Casting Stones - Book 1)” my goodness that a fantastic read. However, Ezekiel a warning ⚠️ from an unbiased (outsider) and woman, Sunnie Mae (and her unresolved jealousy issues) will be a challenge in this new phase of life as a father. She’s never had to share & or compete for Ezekiel attention/affection. Hmmmm⁉️ She is your calm before the storm. 🤷🏾♀️
What a wonderful trip on an emotional roller coaster ride 🎢💞
Wow, words cannot express how much I enjoyed this book!! I found myself loving, hating, crying and rooting for the characters. The spiritual elements interwoven throughout the story spoke strongly to my heart. Which is why Chelsea Maria will always be one of my favorite authors. “God did His big one” with you when He blessed you with the gift to write. 😁👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I cannot wait to continue the ride!
What a Beautiful Blessing to read! 🥰 My goodness, there are so many things to say and I don't know where to start. The realism and THE WORD is so intricately woven throughout this book, it's so filling! Thank you Author Chelsea Maria for sharing your gifts which include His word that flowed like a river all over me. 🙌🏾 May you be abundantly Blessed for being a Blessing‼️ Amen
They are going to crash out, undoubtedly. I’m hoping they’ll recognize and fix it before it occurs. I cannot wait to see the rest of their journey.
I was initially taken back by Sunni’s parents response to the fallout of her and her sisters relationship. Why I know people aren’t mean just because, there’s always an underlying reason. I hope this is explored in book 2.
Good read. I love the role faith and trying to overcome one’s personal conviction for sin played in the characters lives. Zeek was really the central character that impacted hood or bad all the others. His love for Sunnie was enviable. His responsibility towards Crystal was admirable. His disdain for Candice almost felt unfair.
The author killed this one!! This story will have you rethinking where you are currently in life, your relationship or lack of one with God and what it's going to take to become a better version of you that God desires you to be. I'm super excited for this series and the evolution that will occur not only for the characters but for the reader as well!!
This book was so good. Omg Sunnis and Zeek they were a mess. They both had to grow and learn to be honest with themselves. What Sunnie did to her sister was wrong. What Zeek dad did to him was wrong. God turned things around for Sunnie and Zeek. I can't wait for the next story in this series.
In more ways than one! But this story right here was inspirational, spiritual and encouraging! So I was determined to see it through even though real life was trying it's best to not let that happen. Looking forward to hearing more from Ezekiel and Sunnie Mae. And possibly Khiver and Aleyah too? I suspect their tumultuous journey is just getting started!
Wowwww. The emotional rollercoaster. This was good!!! Just what I needed. It was spoke to me. The safety, covering, and vulnerability is what spoke to me. Good read! Can't wait for the next!
I'm conflicted on how I feel. I love that they were grounded in their faith and owned up to their mistakes. Something tells me though they are still going to have some tough times before it goes good. I don't know part two me quickly
Man I don’t normally leave reviews but this book right here? Baby had me going through so many emotions! But all were good! I love that Chelsea included God’s good qualities and almost every aspect! Can’t wait for the rest of this series.
Sister Girl you did us right. Please hurry with Book 2. Talk about real love (God) and earthly love. This book kept it real. Ezekiel and Sunnie kept avoiding their feelings for each other. I had to forgive my questions about Crystal we will see.
Beautiful story about Sunnie and Zeek and life's ups and downs. The good, the bad, and the ugly. How a person overcomes tragedy even when they can't see their way.
Chelsea did an amazing job of making the reader empathize with these two extremely flawed characters, illuminating the complexities of the human experience and how being overly consumed with worldly favor can lead to a road of detriment. I’m always amazed at authors who can effectively weave faith into a story like this—faith, love, and redemption. Despite the heaviness, there was something deeply human about Zeek and Sunnie’s connection, a solace they found in each other amidst their personal battles.