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The Stone Brothers #1
Stone Rules
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01M09FHOJ.)
CHARLIE DOESN'T PLAY BY THE RULES . . .
She likes sleeping with men . . .
Sometimes it's not a choice . . .
Life hasn't been easy for Charlie.
Her mother was a monster.
And when Charlie left home,
there wasn't always a warm bed, food, or a hot shower.
She figured out how to get by on her looks.
When her mother dies,
and she comes home,
to put that part of her life behind her,
she finds the diary.
It fills her with rage.
She's out for revenge.
But along the way she meets HIM.
Ethan DOES play by the rules . . .
And at the top of his list is - "Don't get involved with clients."
Will he break his rules for Charlie?
CHARLIE DOESN'T PLAY BY THE RULES . . .
She likes sleeping with men . . .
Sometimes it's not a choice . . .
Life hasn't been easy for Charlie.
Her mother was a monster.
And when Charlie left home,
there wasn't always a warm bed, food, or a hot shower.
She figured out how to get by on her looks.
When her mother dies,
and she comes home,
to put that part of her life behind her,
she finds the diary.
It fills her with rage.
She's out for revenge.
But along the way she meets HIM.
Ethan DOES play by the rules . . .
And at the top of his list is - "Don't get involved with clients."
Will he break his rules for Charlie?
392 pages, ebook
First published October 14, 2016
8555 people are currently reading
3733 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Christy
44 books3,584 followersDespite the fact that she is a romance writer, Samantha Christy's favorite television show of all time is The Walking Dead.
And contrary to the fact that her heroines drink things like wine and Cosmos, she prefers Bud Light.
She also loves fan mail and answers all of it.
She went to college and all that, getting a degree in something she never uses. She's also got a gaggle of kids (4) and a pretty decent husband.
And contrary to the fact that her heroines drink things like wine and Cosmos, she prefers Bud Light.
She also loves fan mail and answers all of it.
She went to college and all that, getting a degree in something she never uses. She's also got a gaggle of kids (4) and a pretty decent husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 668 reviews
February 10, 2017
This is just a little book I wrote. Actually, it's kind of a long-ass one, so settle in.
A girl meets a guy and they go through stuff.
There's some sex. Some angst.
I tried to throw in a bit of humor from time to time.
Oh, and there are some visits from past characters.
It gets a little deep at times. I even shed a few tears writing it.
But now I've read it so many times, I want to claw my eyes out.
I hope other people won't claw their eyes out when they read it.
A girl meets a guy and they go through stuff.
There's some sex. Some angst.
I tried to throw in a bit of humor from time to time.
Oh, and there are some visits from past characters.
It gets a little deep at times. I even shed a few tears writing it.
But now I've read it so many times, I want to claw my eyes out.
I hope other people won't claw their eyes out when they read it.
January 15, 2018
Here are my New Year's resolutions:
If I have to put up with one more book written by a clueless author who thinks all twenty-somethings have nothing better to do than get falling-down drunk and hook up, I'll slap her silly!
If I find myself reading one more book whose sole story line is a pregnancy, I am going to find the author, tie her down on an examination table and leave her there!
If I have to put up with one more book written by an author too lazy to look up the definitions of the word she uses and proofread her own sentences, I'm going to super glue her hands to an eighth-grade English textbook, because Honey, you should have learned that by eighth grade!
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
The story line is packed full of so many contrivances it's like walking through an old-time five- and ten-cent store. The characters aren't complex; they're ridiculous caricatures. Is the billionaire hero carrying the burden of a tragic past? Is he a player? Is he a lover or a lout? Does the heroine suffer from the injustices of an abusive childhood, or is she a skank? And by the time we're halfway through, who cares? I just wasted my time.
I get it. You're young, your life experiences have been limited and your writing reflects that. Well, guess what! We're tired of reading the deficient works of unenlightened minds.
My suggestion: forget about web pages and social media. Get out in the real world and actually speak face-to-face with one hundred people. Make some real, live friends and have some real experiences. Then choose one of those experiences or something you've learned from a living human being to write a truly engaging story.
On the other hand, maybe you're an older, experienced writer who's been dumbing-down her work on purpose. Congratulations--you've succeeded.
If I have to put up with one more book written by a clueless author who thinks all twenty-somethings have nothing better to do than get falling-down drunk and hook up, I'll slap her silly!
If I find myself reading one more book whose sole story line is a pregnancy, I am going to find the author, tie her down on an examination table and leave her there!
If I have to put up with one more book written by an author too lazy to look up the definitions of the word she uses and proofread her own sentences, I'm going to super glue her hands to an eighth-grade English textbook, because Honey, you should have learned that by eighth grade!
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
The story line is packed full of so many contrivances it's like walking through an old-time five- and ten-cent store. The characters aren't complex; they're ridiculous caricatures. Is the billionaire hero carrying the burden of a tragic past? Is he a player? Is he a lover or a lout? Does the heroine suffer from the injustices of an abusive childhood, or is she a skank? And by the time we're halfway through, who cares? I just wasted my time.
I get it. You're young, your life experiences have been limited and your writing reflects that. Well, guess what! We're tired of reading the deficient works of unenlightened minds.
My suggestion: forget about web pages and social media. Get out in the real world and actually speak face-to-face with one hundred people. Make some real, live friends and have some real experiences. Then choose one of those experiences or something you've learned from a living human being to write a truly engaging story.
On the other hand, maybe you're an older, experienced writer who's been dumbing-down her work on purpose. Congratulations--you've succeeded.
November 21, 2016
Wow! This book!! I loved the Mitchell Sisters series, so was thrilled that Charlie was getting her story in a spin-off, and what a story. My heart broke for her so many times, to be cursed with the revolting specimen of a woman that was, as her mother, supposed to love and nurture her. What I really loved about Charlie is that despite the horrific childhood she had, she was still prepared to open herself to others. Her strength and courage is totally remarkable.
If I'm honest, Ethan pissed me off a number of times ..... until the book switched to his POV about 60% in and got the reason he was so terrified to get close to anyone and I forgave him. Still, what he did to Charlie wasn't right BUT he grovelled hard, and worked to get back in there at her pace, never wavering or giving up no matter what guards Charlie had in place. I love it when a character totally redeems themselves and Ethan did that in spades.
Another amazing read from SC.
If I'm honest, Ethan pissed me off a number of times ..... until the book switched to his POV about 60% in and got the reason he was so terrified to get close to anyone and I forgave him. Still, what he did to Charlie wasn't right BUT he grovelled hard, and worked to get back in there at her pace, never wavering or giving up no matter what guards Charlie had in place. I love it when a character totally redeems themselves and Ethan did that in spades.
Another amazing read from SC.
December 16, 2021
3.5 Stars
Having a hard time choosing what to rate this book😅 i enjoyed it overall and I'm glad for the om drama because I don't think I've ever read a book like this. The hero wasn't book boyfriend material to me and he made a lot of mistakes but he did make up for a lot of them when he wanted to marry Charlie right away and knew he would love the baby like his own even if it wasn't his, was actually really sweet and the pregnancy moments were cute. It is a good amount of drama though, and I while it was a good enough book to distract me and keep me up all night while I'm procrastinating for two finals due tomorrow 😅 it also low-key made me stressed while I'm trying to procrastinate, so it might not have been the best book to read right now🙃 currently, I'm not sure if I will continue in this world or not, especially because many of them are second chances which isn't my jam😅
Edit: after reading more reviews, this author likes her ow/om drama A LOT, so I'm out🙃
Safety:
Heroine has been sexually assaulted many times and it's a pretty big part of the story
Heroine has previously slept with a lot of guys, and flirts a lot too
Hero has a receptionist that he had a "thing" with months before meeting the heroine, and she causes drama (and hero should have fired her long ago🙃)
Hero had a daughter that died years before, and no current relationship or appearance from the ex
Hero pushes heroine away multiple times and heroine drunkenly has sex with a guy. She gets pregnant and a big chunk of the book the baby is 50/50 chance his or the heros which causes drama.
Hero doesn't sleep with anyone else since meeting heroine.
Having a hard time choosing what to rate this book😅 i enjoyed it overall and I'm glad for the om drama because I don't think I've ever read a book like this. The hero wasn't book boyfriend material to me and he made a lot of mistakes but he did make up for a lot of them when he wanted to marry Charlie right away and knew he would love the baby like his own even if it wasn't his, was actually really sweet and the pregnancy moments were cute. It is a good amount of drama though, and I while it was a good enough book to distract me and keep me up all night while I'm procrastinating for two finals due tomorrow 😅 it also low-key made me stressed while I'm trying to procrastinate, so it might not have been the best book to read right now🙃 currently, I'm not sure if I will continue in this world or not, especially because many of them are second chances which isn't my jam😅
Edit: after reading more reviews, this author likes her ow/om drama A LOT, so I'm out🙃
Safety:
Heroine has been sexually assaulted many times and it's a pretty big part of the story
Heroine has previously slept with a lot of guys, and flirts a lot too
Hero has a receptionist that he had a "thing" with months before meeting the heroine, and she causes drama (and hero should have fired her long ago🙃)
Hero had a daughter that died years before, and no current relationship or appearance from the ex
Hero pushes heroine away multiple times and heroine drunkenly has sex with a guy. She gets pregnant and a big chunk of the book the baby is 50/50 chance his or the heros which causes drama.
Hero doesn't sleep with anyone else since meeting heroine.
February 6, 2017
Only a little bit of SPOILERS
I decided to read Stone Rules after meeting Charlie in Piper and Mason’s story, Black Roses. I enjoyed Black Roses much more than Stone Rules. Even though I was conflicted about if I liked the book and the writing, etc, I knew that I liked Piper and Mason. Sometimes that’s all that really matters--that you like the main characters and enjoy reading their story.
Both Black Roses and Stone Rules are written in a first-person present perspective. I enjoy this perspective but understand that it is very challenging to write because it is pretty limited as to where the writer can take you in the story. And there are concerns with repetition and the book having that play-by-play feeling. But, in writing this review, I’m not really critiquing that because they way I see it, I knew what I was getting into when I read it and first person-present doesn’t bother me. But I would say if that kind of perspective does bother you, I wouldn’t recommend this book. Because the first person-present wasn’t executed that great. In fact, sometimes I felt like the writer broke some rules when it came to the first-person present. That annoyed me. It annoyed me in Black Roses too.
What do I mean by breaking the rules? I mean that, at least I think, first person present is a very intimate experience with a character. Because when you read it, you are in the character’s head the whole time in real time. So I think if the writer executes it to it’s full potential, you get to see a character’s many emotions, thoughts, and growth throughout the story. But, especially in Stone Rules, this didn’t happen.
Charlie is a young woman (22 or 23 I think) coming from a very abusive past. She was physically and verbally abused by her mother, abandoned by her father, and raped and molested over and over most of her growing up. That’s a lot going on. That’s a lot to take on for a writer and, in an effort to not be too critical, I respect her for trying.
Maybe I’m really critical about this subject matter because of my awareness about it (not so much personal experiences so I don’t want to assert myself too strongly here). But it didn’t make sense to me that Charlie was so static. The only emotion (in regards to her trauma) she seemed to experience was rage and wanting to confront her attackers. That makes no sense to me. Because I know that a girl who was only 6 years old when her mother started abusing her and telling her things like she was unlovable, would have struggled greatly with self esteem. Being abandoned by her father-figure would have only contributed to that more. And the rape and stuff, especially in the intensity that the author built it up as (she has 12 guys who assaulted her and one of them raped her 10 times). I just don’t find it believable that Charlie wouldn’t have PTSD, Rape Trauma Syndrome, anxiety, or something! The writer even goes out of her way to say Charlie has no trouble sleeping (I don’t even know why she put that in there. Trying to touch on depression or something?) But the only thing Charlie seems to struggle with is rage and promiscuity. The promiscuity thing with her is also sketchy. Because I can’t tell if the writer brought it into the picture to talk about survival sex (Charlie admits over and over that she did it to keep her and Piper off the street during their time in Europe). Or is the promiscuity thing a more believable result of Charlie's being a sex abuse survivor? I don’t really know. Because it wasn’t executed that great. I felt like the writer couldn’t make up her mind about it.
There was really so much potential here and so much to bring to the conversation about being a survivor. So many girls could have related to Charlie who have been through what she’s been through but … they won’t be able to because she isn’t a believable survivor. If I’m going to be in the head of someone like this, I want it to … be believable. If her abuse is going to be on almost every page of the book … Then I wish the author spent more time researching what it’s actually like overcoming trauma …
There are other things that bothered me about the book, but honestly this reason alone is why I can’t say I liked it even a little bit. Maybe it’s a romance fiction and it doesn’t matter that it wasn’t believable. I can kind of get that. I guess I’m just touchy about someone taking such serious subject matter so lightly. Because … overcoming pain is … very difficult. It takes a lot of purpose and awareness of your trauma. Not some hot guy that you can all of the sudden be whole for. Okay, I’ll let it go now. I liked Black Roses for the most part. It was more believable to me and more sensitive to its subject matter. But this one … I’d pass.
I decided to read Stone Rules after meeting Charlie in Piper and Mason’s story, Black Roses. I enjoyed Black Roses much more than Stone Rules. Even though I was conflicted about if I liked the book and the writing, etc, I knew that I liked Piper and Mason. Sometimes that’s all that really matters--that you like the main characters and enjoy reading their story.
Both Black Roses and Stone Rules are written in a first-person present perspective. I enjoy this perspective but understand that it is very challenging to write because it is pretty limited as to where the writer can take you in the story. And there are concerns with repetition and the book having that play-by-play feeling. But, in writing this review, I’m not really critiquing that because they way I see it, I knew what I was getting into when I read it and first person-present doesn’t bother me. But I would say if that kind of perspective does bother you, I wouldn’t recommend this book. Because the first person-present wasn’t executed that great. In fact, sometimes I felt like the writer broke some rules when it came to the first-person present. That annoyed me. It annoyed me in Black Roses too.
What do I mean by breaking the rules? I mean that, at least I think, first person present is a very intimate experience with a character. Because when you read it, you are in the character’s head the whole time in real time. So I think if the writer executes it to it’s full potential, you get to see a character’s many emotions, thoughts, and growth throughout the story. But, especially in Stone Rules, this didn’t happen.
Charlie is a young woman (22 or 23 I think) coming from a very abusive past. She was physically and verbally abused by her mother, abandoned by her father, and raped and molested over and over most of her growing up. That’s a lot going on. That’s a lot to take on for a writer and, in an effort to not be too critical, I respect her for trying.
Maybe I’m really critical about this subject matter because of my awareness about it (not so much personal experiences so I don’t want to assert myself too strongly here). But it didn’t make sense to me that Charlie was so static. The only emotion (in regards to her trauma) she seemed to experience was rage and wanting to confront her attackers. That makes no sense to me. Because I know that a girl who was only 6 years old when her mother started abusing her and telling her things like she was unlovable, would have struggled greatly with self esteem. Being abandoned by her father-figure would have only contributed to that more. And the rape and stuff, especially in the intensity that the author built it up as (she has 12 guys who assaulted her and one of them raped her 10 times). I just don’t find it believable that Charlie wouldn’t have PTSD, Rape Trauma Syndrome, anxiety, or something! The writer even goes out of her way to say Charlie has no trouble sleeping (I don’t even know why she put that in there. Trying to touch on depression or something?) But the only thing Charlie seems to struggle with is rage and promiscuity. The promiscuity thing with her is also sketchy. Because I can’t tell if the writer brought it into the picture to talk about survival sex (Charlie admits over and over that she did it to keep her and Piper off the street during their time in Europe). Or is the promiscuity thing a more believable result of Charlie's being a sex abuse survivor? I don’t really know. Because it wasn’t executed that great. I felt like the writer couldn’t make up her mind about it.
There was really so much potential here and so much to bring to the conversation about being a survivor. So many girls could have related to Charlie who have been through what she’s been through but … they won’t be able to because she isn’t a believable survivor. If I’m going to be in the head of someone like this, I want it to … be believable. If her abuse is going to be on almost every page of the book … Then I wish the author spent more time researching what it’s actually like overcoming trauma …
There are other things that bothered me about the book, but honestly this reason alone is why I can’t say I liked it even a little bit. Maybe it’s a romance fiction and it doesn’t matter that it wasn’t believable. I can kind of get that. I guess I’m just touchy about someone taking such serious subject matter so lightly. Because … overcoming pain is … very difficult. It takes a lot of purpose and awareness of your trauma. Not some hot guy that you can all of the sudden be whole for. Okay, I’ll let it go now. I liked Black Roses for the most part. It was more believable to me and more sensitive to its subject matter. But this one … I’d pass.
October 29, 2020
Such an emotional storyline. Charlie and Ethan are the main characters. Charlie has had a horrific childhood at the hands of her mother. Her mom passed away and left her her condo and some money. She finds a notebook/diary and now she is out for revenge. In comes gorgeous Ethan Stone, Private Investigator. She hires his help, and wow 🔥🔥 their sexual attraction is hot and alive at their first meeting.
But, Ethan also has suffered. He and Charlie have secrets. But what they’ve been through will make them stronger!?
I found myself getting mad at him. Because of his behavior a lot of stuff happens with Charlie. But I really loved Charlie, she is a tough and strong young lady!
But, Ethan also has suffered. He and Charlie have secrets. But what they’ve been through will make them stronger!?
I found myself getting mad at him. Because of his behavior a lot of stuff happens with Charlie. But I really loved Charlie, she is a tough and strong young lady!
July 20, 2020
...
h has sex with another man after sleeping with the Hero and having feelings for him.
Then he discovers that she is pregnant but does not know who the father is.
H blames himself. She was just a poor victim (Irony)
And from there, the strange-possible-father is dedicated to making the life of H and h impossible and threatening to demand his rights if the baby is his. The man really just wants to get the most out of the situation.
By the way. h used to have sex with men before H in exchange for favors... It even seems funny to her that many of those men were older, married ...
(...) (...) (...)
La h tiene relaciones sexuales con otro hombre después de acostarse con el héroe varias veces y de sentir algo por él.
Luego descubre que está embarazada pero no sabe quién es el padre.
El H se culpa a sí mismo de que la h se bajara las bragas con un completo extraño. Ella era solo una pobre víctima (ironía)
Y a partir de ahí, el extraño-posible-padre se dedica a hacer imposible la vida del H y h y amenazar con exigir sus derechos si el bebé es suyo. El hombre realmente solo quiere sacar el máximo provecho de la situación.
Por cierto. La h solía tener anteriormente al H sexo con hombres a cambio de favores... Incluso parece divertirle que muchos de esos hombres fueran mayores, casados...
h has sex with another man after sleeping with the Hero and having feelings for him.
Then he discovers that she is pregnant but does not know who the father is.
H blames himself. She was just a poor victim (Irony)
And from there, the strange-possible-father is dedicated to making the life of H and h impossible and threatening to demand his rights if the baby is his. The man really just wants to get the most out of the situation.
By the way. h used to have sex with men before H in exchange for favors... It even seems funny to her that many of those men were older, married ...
(...) (...) (...)
La h tiene relaciones sexuales con otro hombre después de acostarse con el héroe varias veces y de sentir algo por él.
Luego descubre que está embarazada pero no sabe quién es el padre.
El H se culpa a sí mismo de que la h se bajara las bragas con un completo extraño. Ella era solo una pobre víctima (ironía)
Y a partir de ahí, el extraño-posible-padre se dedica a hacer imposible la vida del H y h y amenazar con exigir sus derechos si el bebé es suyo. El hombre realmente solo quiere sacar el máximo provecho de la situación.
Por cierto. La h solía tener anteriormente al H sexo con hombres a cambio de favores... Incluso parece divertirle que muchos de esos hombres fueran mayores, casados...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2016
This book had a very strange split personality. I spent over half the book hating the main character. I was empathetic to her plight to the point where I totally understood why she was who she was, but I just didn't like her. I got frustrated with the push and pull, not from her, but from her love interest. I just didn't feel it from either of them. The book was a bit dark and tangled and snarled, certainly not a lighthearted read. I didn't mind the story, I just didn't like the heroine, Charlie.
Then the book completely changed. It was like reading a completely different book with a different set of characters who both seemed to do a complete one-eighty. Rainbows and unicorns and cupcakes and glitter spewed all over the place. Where the first part was over-the-top angst, the second was equally OTT love. Yeah, there was some residual angst, but it was just there for show because it was so obvious how it would end.
I know the author is planning more books in the series, but a bit of an epilogue would be appreciated, especially to see what happened to the dude who caused the mild angst in the second half of the book. It ended abruptly, and it would have been nice to see the jerk in question get his comeuppance.
Then the book completely changed. It was like reading a completely different book with a different set of characters who both seemed to do a complete one-eighty. Rainbows and unicorns and cupcakes and glitter spewed all over the place. Where the first part was over-the-top angst, the second was equally OTT love. Yeah, there was some residual angst, but it was just there for show because it was so obvious how it would end.
I know the author is planning more books in the series, but a bit of an epilogue would be appreciated, especially to see what happened to the dude who caused the mild angst in the second half of the book. It ended abruptly, and it would have been nice to see the jerk in question get his comeuppance.
December 11, 2020
Charlie has used sex as a tool, sleeping with men to survive. When her mom dies, a mom she wasn't close too but leaves her a big inheritance, she hires a PI to find men from her past. A dark past. She hires Ethan, a PI, a man who likes by rules and ethics, until her. He seems to always be breaking his own rules when she is around.
As he does his job finding the men on the list his worry level increases when small injuries keep increasing. When he learns more the rules go out the window, and he is intent on keeping her safe and making her happy.
I loved Charlie from a previous series by Ms Christy and so happy we got her story. Also, I loved the connection the builds between her and Ethan. The self realization of herself by herself. I am a fan of Samantha Christy's writing.
As he does his job finding the men on the list his worry level increases when small injuries keep increasing. When he learns more the rules go out the window, and he is intent on keeping her safe and making her happy.
I loved Charlie from a previous series by Ms Christy and so happy we got her story. Also, I loved the connection the builds between her and Ethan. The self realization of herself by herself. I am a fan of Samantha Christy's writing.
October 19, 2018
I finished this book because I had already invested so much feeling and time when I came to the point where I wanted to stop. I finished it on my highest speed yet: 1.75
This book annoyed me so much. And it is probably just a case of the author having completely different values and interests from mine. So that when she gives me what she thinks is super sexy and hot and meaningful, it reaches me in totally the wrong way.
At first I was I interested. Charlie, the female main character, has a dark backstory. When she starts out on her revenge scheme I thought it ill advised but understandable, and I was interested to see how things would develop. Would the story take the way of suspense and action, or the way of personal growth and healing? The writer decided on the latter, but in a way that I did not believe in or like much.
There is some psycho-talk along the way, and the things said were ok. It is the actual actions of nearly everybody that annoyed me.
While I did understand why Charlie used sex in the way she does in the beginning, I was disappointed in Ethan to actually follow through. The idea is that the attraction between them is so huge, even his fabled self-control broke.
Then there is the sex in the swimming pool that totally grossed me out. Do you know what is in that water?
Both Charlie’s adopted family and Ethan’s family are great. Picture perfect great in fact, so that I still cannot really visualize them as real people. But I was glad for them being there.
Charlie’s tragic backstory of abuse by her mother and numerous men is horrible. The mother and most of the other abusers are the worst people you can imagine, and very one dimensional. I was not satisfied with Charlie’s way out of her childhood trauma, it seemed somehow too easy. But ok, this is a Romance, so at least some „true love and mind blowing sex solve all“ must be allowed.
The book is kind of in three parts. First there is the mostly internal conflict between Charlie and Ethan because of their past. When they resolved that and decided to be together (and finally do something else than just the one thing together) I was so ready for this to be the end. But no, there had to be the pregnancy conflict. And when that was resolved there was the legal conflict with the one night stand from the cupboard. I had a lot of questions about the legal difficulties, as it seemed very strange to me that someone of such little import could have so much power in this situation.
Most of the side characters were not in the story for their own reasons (or so it felt to me) but because of things the author wanted to show us about the main characters.
The nice old lady in the beginning shows us how kind and polite and respectful Charlie and Ethan are. And when she dies she gives them an occasion to wail about life’s injustices.
The father is there to give Charlie at least a little peace with her childhood, and also to give Ethan a way to show us how deep and empathetic he is.
Gretchen is there to be the mean bitch from Ethan’s past that never meant anything, and the way both main characters treat her throughout the book just made me wince again and again.
Ethan is very verbose throughout the book, especially after he has decided he loves Charlie. He says and thinks the cheesiest things, that I found sometimes just plain hyperbole and sometimes demeaning of other women less perfect than his love. And I have a hard time just going along with it because it is so nice believing a man who is super rich, super successful and super handsome might say such things to his women. I am maybe not romantic enough, because I see no way he can keep that up through the rest of their lives - and that is exactly what he promises her anytime he opens his mouth. Also he does not always mean what he says, even to himself. Take the baby for example: he declares how little it matters who is the biological father - and in the next moment admits that yes, it matters very much to him, but, being the wonderful human being he is, he will still love the child with all his heart.
I could go on for some length on what annoyed me in the actions and words of the characters, why I do not think certain things are sexy or a sign of maturity, and why I want my heroes (female and male) to be better people in general, not only to each other and their friends. But I will stop now.
If your sexual fantasies, your taste in men and your views and ideas of the world align with those of the author you might enjoy this book very much.
So it comes down to the old adage: it was just not for me.
I listened to the audio version which is split in half. The first part is from the point of view of Charlie and read by a female narrator, the second part is from Ethan’s POV and read by a man. Both did a good job, although the Charlie in the second part did seem very different from the Charlie from the first part.
This book annoyed me so much. And it is probably just a case of the author having completely different values and interests from mine. So that when she gives me what she thinks is super sexy and hot and meaningful, it reaches me in totally the wrong way.
At first I was I interested. Charlie, the female main character, has a dark backstory. When she starts out on her revenge scheme I thought it ill advised but understandable, and I was interested to see how things would develop. Would the story take the way of suspense and action, or the way of personal growth and healing? The writer decided on the latter, but in a way that I did not believe in or like much.
There is some psycho-talk along the way, and the things said were ok. It is the actual actions of nearly everybody that annoyed me.
While I did understand why Charlie used sex in the way she does in the beginning, I was disappointed in Ethan to actually follow through. The idea is that the attraction between them is so huge, even his fabled self-control broke.
Then there is the sex in the swimming pool that totally grossed me out. Do you know what is in that water?
Both Charlie’s adopted family and Ethan’s family are great. Picture perfect great in fact, so that I still cannot really visualize them as real people. But I was glad for them being there.
Charlie’s tragic backstory of abuse by her mother and numerous men is horrible. The mother and most of the other abusers are the worst people you can imagine, and very one dimensional. I was not satisfied with Charlie’s way out of her childhood trauma, it seemed somehow too easy. But ok, this is a Romance, so at least some „true love and mind blowing sex solve all“ must be allowed.
The book is kind of in three parts. First there is the mostly internal conflict between Charlie and Ethan because of their past. When they resolved that and decided to be together (and finally do something else than just the one thing together) I was so ready for this to be the end. But no, there had to be the pregnancy conflict. And when that was resolved there was the legal conflict with the one night stand from the cupboard. I had a lot of questions about the legal difficulties, as it seemed very strange to me that someone of such little import could have so much power in this situation.
Most of the side characters were not in the story for their own reasons (or so it felt to me) but because of things the author wanted to show us about the main characters.
The nice old lady in the beginning shows us how kind and polite and respectful Charlie and Ethan are. And when she dies she gives them an occasion to wail about life’s injustices.
The father is there to give Charlie at least a little peace with her childhood, and also to give Ethan a way to show us how deep and empathetic he is.
Gretchen is there to be the mean bitch from Ethan’s past that never meant anything, and the way both main characters treat her throughout the book just made me wince again and again.
Ethan is very verbose throughout the book, especially after he has decided he loves Charlie. He says and thinks the cheesiest things, that I found sometimes just plain hyperbole and sometimes demeaning of other women less perfect than his love. And I have a hard time just going along with it because it is so nice believing a man who is super rich, super successful and super handsome might say such things to his women. I am maybe not romantic enough, because I see no way he can keep that up through the rest of their lives - and that is exactly what he promises her anytime he opens his mouth. Also he does not always mean what he says, even to himself. Take the baby for example: he declares how little it matters who is the biological father - and in the next moment admits that yes, it matters very much to him, but, being the wonderful human being he is, he will still love the child with all his heart.
I could go on for some length on what annoyed me in the actions and words of the characters, why I do not think certain things are sexy or a sign of maturity, and why I want my heroes (female and male) to be better people in general, not only to each other and their friends. But I will stop now.
If your sexual fantasies, your taste in men and your views and ideas of the world align with those of the author you might enjoy this book very much.
So it comes down to the old adage: it was just not for me.
I listened to the audio version which is split in half. The first part is from the point of view of Charlie and read by a female narrator, the second part is from Ethan’s POV and read by a man. Both did a good job, although the Charlie in the second part did seem very different from the Charlie from the first part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
Okay...didn't get very far on this one as Charlie was way way too oversexed, wanting sex and I don't know what to say. Did not like this at all and DNF. So that tells me the other two in this series are proably going to be the same.
1 Star and that's being nice.
1 Star and that's being nice.
June 17, 2021
3.5 stars
I tried reading the Mitchell sisters stories and only liked Piper's story. Figured I would try another series and found myself liking this one. My heart broke for Charlie and everything she had gone through. Another review had said that it didn't make sense for someone to have gone through what Charlie had and feel nothing but rage and wanting to confront her attackers. How she wasn't a believable survivor. I call bullshit on that. Maybe that reviewer would be surprised to learn that everyone reacts differently to any given situation. Just because someone doesn't react the way we feel they should, doesn't make them or their reactions wrong. I think in terms of this story, I appreciated that Charlie was a complex character who was guarded and vulnerable all at the same time. I loved that she wasn't perfect and made mistakes (like, seriously fucked up...because I am seriously over the perfect, virginal heroine who can do no wrong), but I also loved how Ethan stepped up in the 2nd half (finally!).
There were things I didn't love about this story...like the Gretchen storyline which didn't make any real sense or serve any real purpose. Or how the intensity of the 1st half seemed to disappear in the 2nd. The first half really gripped me...but I found myself skimming over things in the 2nd half. I don't know if it was because it was in Ethan's POV and I didn't feel as connected to him as I did Charlie, or if the author decided it was too much to continue delving into such serious subject matter that she ended up skimming over important parts of the healing process. Either way, this is about two people who have gone through different kinds of hell, find each other making many mistakes along the way to their HEA.
Lots of people aren't going to like this one but I did.
I don't think I'll read the other books in the series, though. I've read the blurbs and some reviews of the next 2 books and they are definitely not for me.
I tried reading the Mitchell sisters stories and only liked Piper's story. Figured I would try another series and found myself liking this one. My heart broke for Charlie and everything she had gone through. Another review had said that it didn't make sense for someone to have gone through what Charlie had and feel nothing but rage and wanting to confront her attackers. How she wasn't a believable survivor. I call bullshit on that. Maybe that reviewer would be surprised to learn that everyone reacts differently to any given situation. Just because someone doesn't react the way we feel they should, doesn't make them or their reactions wrong. I think in terms of this story, I appreciated that Charlie was a complex character who was guarded and vulnerable all at the same time. I loved that she wasn't perfect and made mistakes (like, seriously fucked up...because I am seriously over the perfect, virginal heroine who can do no wrong), but I also loved how Ethan stepped up in the 2nd half (finally!).
There were things I didn't love about this story...like the Gretchen storyline which didn't make any real sense or serve any real purpose. Or how the intensity of the 1st half seemed to disappear in the 2nd. The first half really gripped me...but I found myself skimming over things in the 2nd half. I don't know if it was because it was in Ethan's POV and I didn't feel as connected to him as I did Charlie, or if the author decided it was too much to continue delving into such serious subject matter that she ended up skimming over important parts of the healing process. Either way, this is about two people who have gone through different kinds of hell, find each other making many mistakes along the way to their HEA.
Lots of people aren't going to like this one but I did.
I don't think I'll read the other books in the series, though. I've read the blurbs and some reviews of the next 2 books and they are definitely not for me.
nfmaa
March 12, 2025Note to self
H treated h like trash
Doormat h
OW drama
h hooks up with OM after H breaks things off with her and she ends up pregnant and not knowing who the daddy is
H treated h like trash
Doormat h
OW drama
h hooks up with OM after H breaks things off with her and she ends up pregnant and not knowing who the daddy is
November 19, 2024
Story 4 stars. Narration 4.5 stars
This book ended up being a good listen. It had been in my to be listened to for a really long time. It certainly went a lot deeper than most contemporary romances and was pretty dark at times. Having said that, I should mention that the romance was anything but dark. It was a good romance even if a little out there when it came to the mmc and how wonderful to the mfc he ended up being. Kind of over the top. But I was there for it since she had had a horrible life until him. Trigger warning for sexual abuse and rape off the page but told about. Recommended to adult romance readers over 18.
This book ended up being a good listen. It had been in my to be listened to for a really long time. It certainly went a lot deeper than most contemporary romances and was pretty dark at times. Having said that, I should mention that the romance was anything but dark. It was a good romance even if a little out there when it came to the mmc and how wonderful to the mfc he ended up being. Kind of over the top. But I was there for it since she had had a horrible life until him. Trigger warning for sexual abuse and rape off the page but told about. Recommended to adult romance readers over 18.
October 16, 2016
Holy Canoli....WOW .....Omg this book totally gutted me, I had to take a couple of pauses because of the roller-coaster of emotions that it brought of me. I love the Mitchell sisters series but I think this just might be my new favorite.....Samantha really knows how to hit you in the heart, I mean her stories are so heartbreaking, sweet, endearing, but all have very powerful messages. This book will be really hard to top, I mean just when I thought I knew the plot or had figured something out just BAM twist, and it was in no way too overly done. The whole book flowed so organically. I dare anyone not to fall in love. These characters were amazing, they just called to each other, the chemistry, the connection everything was so beautiful, made me believe even more in Soulmates.
I fell in love with Charlie on Black Roses but here she just made me love her even more, she felt so real, and I just wanted to be her friend, and protect her, I mean you could feel her pain.
Ethan just wow, he made me hate him in the beginning I just kept saying dude shit or get off the pot. He made me want to slap him ALOT, I knew there was something a out him thou and when we got to know just wow gut wrenching. He won me over so fast. I loved his protective side, his sweet side, romantic side, and most definitely his Sexy side.
Another thing that pushes this book to the top is that I loved how the book was broken in two parts, so part one we get Charlie and part two we get Ethan, but wait it's not the way you think it does not backtrack, it keep going good just from his side. So what I'm saying is GO get your copy asap. Oh and Kleenex.
if I could give it more than 5 stars I totally would.
p.s. Don't forget the Rules...... #69 will always be my favorite.
I fell in love with Charlie on Black Roses but here she just made me love her even more, she felt so real, and I just wanted to be her friend, and protect her, I mean you could feel her pain.
Ethan just wow, he made me hate him in the beginning I just kept saying dude shit or get off the pot. He made me want to slap him ALOT, I knew there was something a out him thou and when we got to know just wow gut wrenching. He won me over so fast. I loved his protective side, his sweet side, romantic side, and most definitely his Sexy side.
Another thing that pushes this book to the top is that I loved how the book was broken in two parts, so part one we get Charlie and part two we get Ethan, but wait it's not the way you think it does not backtrack, it keep going good just from his side. So what I'm saying is GO get your copy asap. Oh and Kleenex.
if I could give it more than 5 stars I totally would.
p.s. Don't forget the Rules...... #69 will always be my favorite.
June 24, 2020
I couldn’t finish this book. I hated the story. I think the writing was ok, but the story was just... depressing, hurried, and not very original. I personally read fiction to escape the depressing really world for a bit and don’t really want to read about rape, child abuse, babies dying, etc in a fiction novel. Also, boring sex scenes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
"I have already been broken... By so many other men. I’ve been broken so much, I’m not even sure all of my pieces will fit back together..."
I loved the first half of this book. It would have easily made it to my top favorites. But, the plot changed midway and became a whole other book involving the main characters. If it didn't derail from the original story, it would've been perfect.
I loved the story of Charlie (the heroine) she has suffered in her life so much. She seeks a private investigator (Elliot Stone) to seek revenge on all those who hurt her. And ends up falling for the private detective. Their chemistry was really good. The story was good so far like this. Then, the twists and turns that occurred, kind of ruined it for me, because other drama occurred, and changed the plot.
Not sure how to rate this book. But since I enjoyed the first half so much, I'll try to be more fair with the ratings.
Ratings 3.5 stars 🌟
I loved the first half of this book. It would have easily made it to my top favorites. But, the plot changed midway and became a whole other book involving the main characters. If it didn't derail from the original story, it would've been perfect.
I loved the story of Charlie (the heroine) she has suffered in her life so much. She seeks a private investigator (Elliot Stone) to seek revenge on all those who hurt her. And ends up falling for the private detective. Their chemistry was really good. The story was good so far like this. Then, the twists and turns that occurred, kind of ruined it for me, because other drama occurred, and changed the plot.
Not sure how to rate this book. But since I enjoyed the first half so much, I'll try to be more fair with the ratings.
Ratings 3.5 stars 🌟
June 9, 2019
Stone Rules is the second Samantha Christy read for me and honestly now I've finished this I just want to gobble up all the rest in the series and more. I will definitely be reading more of Samantha Christy's work.
I loved Stone Rules. This book was full of twist and turns and so damn hot!.
Stone Rules was like a book of two halves, the push and pull, Ethan trying to remain professional as he investigates something for Charlie, she's persistent but keeps getting knock backs but later in the plot it's like Ethan has a Hallelujah moment and the transformation in Ethan when he finally gives in to the feelings he has for Charlie is so swoon worthy.
Both have a heartbreaking or hurtful past, both have healing they still need to go through and you could say Charlie and Ethan help each other face that healing together, its a book about timing, finding the right person at the right time, forgetting the past and entering a new relationship that leads to forever love.
A great book filled with everything I love in a contemporary romance, angst, hotness, a good plot, characters that grow on you and have you rooting for them and a hea for two people who deserved to find it.
I listened to this in audio and it was brilliantly narrated.
EXCERPT
“I’m not sure I like the fact that millions of other men have seen you naked.”
It’s hard not to find his jealousy endearing. “I wasn’t naked. I wore a G-string. Plus, it’s a European publication. I hardly think millions of men have seen it. It’s not like I posed for Playboy or anything.”
“My goddamn brother saw it,” he pouts.
“So what?” I ask. “I’m not your girlfriend, Ethan. You have no right to an opinion on those kinds of matters.”
His hard stare burns down on me. “I still don’t like it, Charlie.”
“Then don’t ever look at it,” I say.
“Right.” He laughs. “Kind of like telling a kid not to eat the cookie in the cookie jar. If he didn’t know the cookie was in the jar, he wouldn’t ever want it. And now that you’ve told him it’s there, but that he can’t eat it, it’s all he can think about.”
“So in this scenario, you’re the kid and I’m the cookie?” I ask, amused.
He smirks at me.
“Nobody is saying you can’t eat the cookie, Ethan. Eat the fucking cookie. I’m handing it to you on a platter.”
“Are we still talking about the photo spread?” he asks.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M09FHOJ
I loved Stone Rules. This book was full of twist and turns and so damn hot!.
Stone Rules was like a book of two halves, the push and pull, Ethan trying to remain professional as he investigates something for Charlie, she's persistent but keeps getting knock backs but later in the plot it's like Ethan has a Hallelujah moment and the transformation in Ethan when he finally gives in to the feelings he has for Charlie is so swoon worthy.
Both have a heartbreaking or hurtful past, both have healing they still need to go through and you could say Charlie and Ethan help each other face that healing together, its a book about timing, finding the right person at the right time, forgetting the past and entering a new relationship that leads to forever love.
A great book filled with everything I love in a contemporary romance, angst, hotness, a good plot, characters that grow on you and have you rooting for them and a hea for two people who deserved to find it.
I listened to this in audio and it was brilliantly narrated.
EXCERPT
“I’m not sure I like the fact that millions of other men have seen you naked.”
It’s hard not to find his jealousy endearing. “I wasn’t naked. I wore a G-string. Plus, it’s a European publication. I hardly think millions of men have seen it. It’s not like I posed for Playboy or anything.”
“My goddamn brother saw it,” he pouts.
“So what?” I ask. “I’m not your girlfriend, Ethan. You have no right to an opinion on those kinds of matters.”
His hard stare burns down on me. “I still don’t like it, Charlie.”
“Then don’t ever look at it,” I say.
“Right.” He laughs. “Kind of like telling a kid not to eat the cookie in the cookie jar. If he didn’t know the cookie was in the jar, he wouldn’t ever want it. And now that you’ve told him it’s there, but that he can’t eat it, it’s all he can think about.”
“So in this scenario, you’re the kid and I’m the cookie?” I ask, amused.
He smirks at me.
“Nobody is saying you can’t eat the cookie, Ethan. Eat the fucking cookie. I’m handing it to you on a platter.”
“Are we still talking about the photo spread?” he asks.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M09FHOJ
October 7, 2018
Stone Rules is the first Samantha Christy read for me. I can honestly say that I will be reading more of her work. I loved Stone Rules. This book was full of twist and turns.
Charlie who has been through hell and back has come back to town for her mother funeral. While at the funeral she runs into one of those demons from her past. From that point on Charlie’s vows revenge. However, unexpected things or people can steer you on to better things.
“Never rely on a man to put food on the table. Never rely on a man for an orgasm.”
Ethan is the PI Charlie hires to help find the 12 men who wronged her when she was a child. Ethan lives his life by rules. There isn’t a rule he is willing to break. That is until Charlie walks into his office.
Can opposites really attract? A rule breaker and a person who lives by all his rules. This a total must read.
“We can’t control tomorrow. We can’t change the past. All we can do is make today the best we can make it, and go on from there.”
However there maybe some trigger.
Charlie who has been through hell and back has come back to town for her mother funeral. While at the funeral she runs into one of those demons from her past. From that point on Charlie’s vows revenge. However, unexpected things or people can steer you on to better things.
“Never rely on a man to put food on the table. Never rely on a man for an orgasm.”
Ethan is the PI Charlie hires to help find the 12 men who wronged her when she was a child. Ethan lives his life by rules. There isn’t a rule he is willing to break. That is until Charlie walks into his office.
Can opposites really attract? A rule breaker and a person who lives by all his rules. This a total must read.
“We can’t control tomorrow. We can’t change the past. All we can do is make today the best we can make it, and go on from there.”
However there maybe some trigger.
October 9, 2017
Y’all I’m a fan! Again these stories cut me deep. They are not cookie cutter or for the faint of heart. They are raw and real and deal with some crazy hurt but the HEA is so worth it. This one had some OW/OM stuff that for me is always a no go but it worked so well for the story that I didn’t even wanna throw my kindle and that’s saying something.
October 14, 2016
Amazing emotional roller coaster of a book. A must read!
July 16, 2017
Another enjoyable read
Lots of sex, lots of love and lots of drama that works and entertains the reader. It was good to see Charlie get her happy ending.
Lots of sex, lots of love and lots of drama that works and entertains the reader. It was good to see Charlie get her happy ending.
December 27, 2021
I normally don't read romance books, but this one gets my vote. One thing I didn't like was that one of the first scenes was a sex scene. That just didn't make sense to me. I love the way it played out, however. You find yourself truly rooting for love.
February 3, 2025
First 5 stars book in 2025 for me 😍
I loved this story so much. Charlie deserves all the happiness in the world, what she endured at the hands of her mother it was so awful but i like how she grows up as a lovely person and didn't shut herself from the people and btw her list revenge make me remember lana from mindf*ck series in some way.
Ethan stone and his rules i loved how he was possessive and protective for Charlie. He messed up with her at some point but his grovelling was so satisfying. Their banter with each other was great too.
I think i found a new favorite author for me for sure i will read more from Samantha christy.
Tropes:
Billionaire Hero
Possessive/otp hero
Insta lust
Surprise pregnancy
Tw:
Abusive mother
Losing child in the past
Sexual assault (not between the main couple)
I loved this story so much. Charlie deserves all the happiness in the world, what she endured at the hands of her mother it was so awful but i like how she grows up as a lovely person and didn't shut herself from the people and btw her list revenge make me remember lana from mindf*ck series in some way.
Ethan stone and his rules i loved how he was possessive and protective for Charlie. He messed up with her at some point but his grovelling was so satisfying. Their banter with each other was great too.
I think i found a new favorite author for me for sure i will read more from Samantha christy.
Tropes:
Billionaire Hero
Possessive/otp hero
Insta lust
Surprise pregnancy
Tw:
Abusive mother
Losing child in the past
Sexual assault (not between the main couple)
May 18, 2018
2.5 Stars
I felt like parts of this book were unnecessary. When I feel like there is info that I don't need to read, drama that didn't need to be included, I end up rushing through pages and chapters not caring about anything but getting to the end.
The issues I had with the story:
I felt like parts of this book were unnecessary. When I feel like there is info that I don't need to read, drama that didn't need to be included, I end up rushing through pages and chapters not caring about anything but getting to the end.
The issues I had with the story:
October 16, 2018
I would really have liked to be able to rate this book higher but I just can't. It was just okay to me. This was a dark read and I get it. But there is no real depth to either of these characters. Don't get me wrong I felt horrible for Charlie's childhood and what Ethan has gone through. But the author doesn't let you get to know either of them. It's either sex, or swimming or nothing. The times I thought I would learn more about them, the author skirts over it in a couple of lines just saying that they talked and got to know each other better. Great, but how about us readers. Let us in on it too. I wanted more and I wanted stronger main characters. Charlie was portrayed a lot stronger in Piper's book.
May 30, 2018
Yikes!
I have become a true fan of Samantha Christy. It's a given when I read one of her books that I'm going to get teary eyed. I have not come across one book where she hasn't addressed a sensitive subject. Heads up, if you have not read her books, you will get an HEA. The journey to get HEA is the tough part. I admire the author because she doesn't shy away from giving the you the ugly. Unfortunately for some, this may hit closer to home than others. Buy the book, read it and feel empowered.
I have become a true fan of Samantha Christy. It's a given when I read one of her books that I'm going to get teary eyed. I have not come across one book where she hasn't addressed a sensitive subject. Heads up, if you have not read her books, you will get an HEA. The journey to get HEA is the tough part. I admire the author because she doesn't shy away from giving the you the ugly. Unfortunately for some, this may hit closer to home than others. Buy the book, read it and feel empowered.
November 29, 2023
Stone Rules (A Stone Brothers Novel)
By: Samantha Christy
Audiobook 🎧
Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Erin Mallon
Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
I found it hard to love Charlie, probably because she didn't love or respect herself much at all, sadly.😔
Ethan, although damaged from loss himself, played with her emotions once too often for me. I found the second time, especially, unforgivably selfish!😢😠
I was extremely happy with this story's outcome. I do wish there was less pain getting there. However, the narrators did an excellent job with the emotional material.👏
Debbie, 1970, UK
By: Samantha Christy
Audiobook 🎧
Narrated by: Jason Clarke, Erin Mallon
Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
I found it hard to love Charlie, probably because she didn't love or respect herself much at all, sadly.😔
Ethan, although damaged from loss himself, played with her emotions once too often for me. I found the second time, especially, unforgivably selfish!😢😠
I was extremely happy with this story's outcome. I do wish there was less pain getting there. However, the narrators did an excellent job with the emotional material.👏
Debbie, 1970, UK
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