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Family Stone #7

Cold as Stone

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Cold As Stone (Family Stone #7 John) Nothing is ever set in STONE... Former Marine, John Pulaski, the surprise half-brother of the Stone siblings, takes a trial job at Stone Consulting with hopes of making it permanent. Given a mission to find two missing women, John will stop at nothing to uncover the secrets to their abduction. His stunning and driven partner is the only hitch in his plan. After a tragic incident two years ago, former FBI agent, Rissa Evans freezes at any sign of conflict, but she's bound and determined to overcome her personal obstacles to prove to her irresistibly sexy and infuriating partner that she's got what it takes to solve the case. As John and Rissa dig deeper into the case, their unwanted attraction intensifies, taking them both by surprise. But the two wounded souls have to put aside their desires in order to find the monster who steals the lives of innocent women. With time running out and so much on the line, can they let go of the scars of their past to discover what they're really looking for?

216 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2015

44 people are currently reading
341 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Hughey

85 books668 followers

USA Today Bestselling Author Lisa Hughey started writing romance in the fourth grade. That particular story involved a prince and an engagement. Now, she writes about strong heroines who are perfectly capable of rescuing themselves and the heroes who love both their strength and their vulnerability. She pens romances of all types—suspense, paranormal, and contemporary—but at their heart, all her books celebrate the power of love.

She lives in Cape Ann Massachusetts with her fabulously supportive husband, two out of three awesome mostly-grown kids, and one somewhat grumpy cat.

Yoga, hiking, and traveling are her favorite ways to pass the time when she isn’t plotting new ways to get her characters to fall in love.

You can find her on the web at http://www.lisahughey.com
Instagram: @lisa.hughey
FB https://www.facebook.com/LisaHugheyRo...
Email: lisa@lisahughey.com

She loves to hear from readers!
Happy reading!

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5 stars
83 (52%)
4 stars
55 (35%)
3 stars
16 (10%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Alyse.
318 reviews26 followers
October 25, 2015
I didn't connect with ANY of these characters. Probably because I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, but reading this didn't make me want to read any others...

Luckily, this book was so short because I almost stopped reading it and just skimmed through it.

**I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Rating: 2 out of 5
Profile Image for Susannah Carleton.
Author 7 books31 followers
January 29, 2016
A story about a former Marine, who lost a leg to an IED and who learned, just before his mother died, that all the stories she told him about his dead hero father were just that---stories. He promises to look up his father, but instead finds a family of warm, welcoming half-brothers and -sisters, the Stones. Now on a trial assignment for Stone Consulting, he wants to succeed, but his attraction to his beautiful partner, a former FBI agent whose partner was killed in the line of duty, may be a hindrance.

This story is not a romance, in my opinion. There's attraction, with minor, short-lived attempts to ignore it; there's sex (lots of that); there's working together (for less than a week); then, suddenly, they don't want to live without one another. There's a hopeful ending, but there's no emotional development of the characters.

I have not read the earlier books in the series, so I don't know if this one is unusual in that regard or not.
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,179 reviews35 followers
November 6, 2015
I enjoyed this book and it's theme of second chances for a meaningful life. Both main characters are on a path of reinventing themselves from tragedies of their past. The author did a good job of tailoring their insecurities to their individual struggle, while doing an admirable job of proving heroes are ordinary people exhibiting extraordinary bravery, self-sacrifice and commitment to the greater good. I felt the pain and heartbreak of all 3 of the main characters and their drive to overcome their pasts was inspiring. There were a few typos throughout but they were not overly distracting and the author did a great job on this story!

While this is a standalone novel, it is part of a larger series. I recommend reading the series to understand the other characters and their connection to this storyline.

I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,167 reviews9 followers
December 17, 2015
John & Rissa are both still trying to overcome their battle scars and although they appear somewhat healed on the outside, the inside needs work. They're both able to see pass the attitude because they can relate plus they can't fight/hide their attraction.

The case they are working on is very important to them and they are both willing to press through their insecurities or at least try to in order to help save young girls from forced prostitution. John is determined to show his half-brother that he can solve the case & earn a permanent position but he needs Rissa's expertise so he never gives up on her even though she is convinced that she's too broken to ever successfully do this type of work again.

It was also great to read about the family coming together for the wedding & the surprises.
Profile Image for Linda Quick.
1,330 reviews30 followers
October 16, 2015
LOVED this book! A great plot that focuses on John, a former marine with a prosthetic leg, and Rissa, a former FBI agent with a loss of confidence. The story on its own was great - a well done blend of suspense and romance - but what really sets it apart is the way the author was able to weave in a likely struggle a disabled vet might face and its impact on his life.

This is a fast paced mystery that has John and Rissa investigating missing women that were kidnapped and forced into sexual slavery. While they investigate, John and Rissa must also face their attraction to each other and overcoming their own weaknesses. This one will keep you engaged and turning pages just as quickly as possible.
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,521 reviews9 followers
January 27, 2017
Loved the connection between Rissa and John, both broken on their own way. Rissa's ordeal has left her traumatized, and unlike most depictions of trauma, this one described symptoms clearly and accurately.
John's injury during war is also well described, and I love that Rissa doesn't pity him, ever, nor him her.

John is likeable, fits with the rest of the Stones, and is passionate about his assignment. This book concludes the horrible storyline of the 4 kidnapped girls and the men behind it all.

The best part is the epilogue, with Jack and Bliss' wedding rehearsal and reception. Really nice wrap up with all the siblings and partners involved.

Profile Image for Carol Everson.
504 reviews
November 2, 2015
When it's right its right

I'd heard so much about the man who was my father I did what I could to protect and defend that when I heard the truth I couldn't believe what I was told. Yet I promised I would look, what I found was the family and love I never had. Great addition to th Family Stone Consulting.
Profile Image for Ree.
2,518 reviews53 followers
November 18, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I was shocked to find out that it has six predecessors! I was never confused throughout, but I had the intense urge to go all the way back to book one to find out all I'd missed. It's actually a book that I would re-read.

P.S. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy in exchange for my review.
Profile Image for Natalie.
2,102 reviews
October 16, 2015
The final Family Stone book. I missed the last two books in the series, but the main story was easy to follow. Half-brother John and Rissa, who appeared in previous books, find romance on a mission to find two missing girls. Overall a quick, suspenseful read with some steamy scenes.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,056 reviews8 followers
October 9, 2015
A great conclusion to this series. A family of action heroes, what a concept. John seems to fit right in with his siblings. This story was definitely high on the romance and suspense meter.
74 reviews
November 18, 2015
Great book

I enjoyed John and Rissa's story. It has the right amount of action and romance to satisfy all readers. I will be on pins and needles waiting for the next book.
723 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2020
INTERESTING & RIVETING STORY!!!

This was an excellent read! John and Rissa were two injured souls who fought their way back from their individual tragedies. They helped each other to finish the healing process and move on with their lives. Their love story was very passionate and heartwarming at the same time. The mysterious happenings and twists and turns kept me reading non-stop to see what happened next. Every time I put the book down I had to pick it back up again for just one more chapter 😁.... I am writing this review at 2 AM!!! We got updates on all of the Stone children and their partners and the book had the most wonderful and moving ending..... It made my so happy, it was a perfect surprise ending to a very entertaining series. I highly recommend this book and the whole Stone series. It was a highly pleasurable and cleverly interwoven series!!!!!
Profile Image for Diana E Jackson.
90 reviews3 followers
November 1, 2020
Family Ties

Considering I read this book out of order, the plot was very interesting.I love the story line and the characters. John was an amazing character. The family accepting of a long lost brother was interesting.
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,681 reviews98 followers
November 6, 2015
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this book and it's theme of second chances for a meaningful life. Both main characters are on a path of reinventing themselves from tragedies of their past. The author did a good job of tailoring their insecurities to their individual struggle, while doing an admirable job of proving heroes are ordinary people exhibiting extraordinary bravery, self-sacrifice and commitment to the greater good. I felt the pain and heartbreak of all 3 of the main characters and their drive to overcome their pasts was inspiring. There were a few typos throughout but they were not overly distracting and the author did a great job on this story!

While this is a standalone novel, it is part of a larger series. I recommend reading the series to understand the other characters and their connection to this storyline.
Profile Image for Glenda Bettin.
4,405 reviews30 followers
May 31, 2018
awesome as usual, loved this series, sorry to see it end
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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