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He's a natural born leader and as Commander of a Seal team, spent most of his adult life doing just that. Now he's training men to become fighting machines -- still in command. At least of the men in his charge. When it come to his love life, he is about to find himself spinning out of control, and he's not quite sure what to do about it. It's rare he meets a woman he wants more than a night or two of pleasure with. Rarer still to find one that intriques him. To meet a woman who surpasses those expectations is unexpected, exciting. And something he can't let himself indulge in. He won't let himself become involved. She has other ideas.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2018

174 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Ciana Stone

135 books257 followers
Ciana Stone has been reading since the age of three, and wrote her first story at age five. Since then she enjoyed writing as a solitary form of entertainment, before coming out of the closet to share her stories with others. She holds several post graduate degrees and has often been referred to as a professional student. Her latest fields of interest are quantum mechanics and Taoism. When she is not writing (or studying) she enjoys painting (canvas, not walls), sculpting, running, hiking and yoga. She lives with her longtime lover in several locations in the United States.

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5 stars
140 (62%)
4 stars
55 (24%)
3 stars
21 (9%)
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5 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Terri Eaches.
571 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2018
As a friend of mine would say...Sweet Baby Jesus!!! A very big Thank You to Ciana Stone for taking the time to create such an amazing series that will transport you to the small town of Cotton Creek, Texas where once upon a time nothing exciting ever happened. Also for repeatedly thanking the men and women for their service to our country, hats off to you ALL. This story of Deacon Johns and Mica Gray Horse is so exceptionally written that you would swear you were there to witness the events as they happen. We met Deacon in the previous books as a man with few words and loyal to those who knows him. When he gets word that Mathias Gray Horse moved to Cotton Creek and bought the smithy he stops by to see his former team member. What he gets instead is Mathias' sister Mica and as time stops he knows one thing...she is the one who could break his heart. When Mica meets Commander Johns she gets a feeling of home with his look of "I'll take you there." There are secrets all around but some are about to come knocking and life is about to change. Mica just wanted to live a peaceful and quiet life and protect her younger brother, Matty from her past and help him heal from a mission gone wrong. Deacon has a problem with the age difference of 12 years between him and Mica but she has other plans and is just as determined as he is. The attraction and chemistry is enough to light the sky and raise the temperature and make your heart beat faster. When Mica's past shows up with savage threats Deacon no longer worries about the age difference, he will lay his life on the line for the who captured his heart. You will get to visit with some of your favorite characters from previous books and the town gossip Nellie Mae Baker most definitely redeems herself in this book. I would most definitely recommend this book and any other by Cianna Stone, you will not be disappointed. A couple things I love about Ciana's books are there's no cheating, his/her POV, no cliffhangers, a much deserved HEA, new friends at the end of the book with more to come. Hanging on for Brodie Judge next and already ordered it!!!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Thank You Ciana Stone XOXO
214 reviews
March 6, 2018
Cotton Creek was on the precipice of drying up and blowing away when the oil field shut down. Instead, the property was bought and turned into a natural gas production site and wind farm. Not long after that, construction began on a large facility for the military, specializing in Special Forces training over at Sanctuary. And Etta Whitestone just learned Mathias Gray Horse had bought the Dawson place and was now running the blacksmith shop. Things at Cotton Creek were definitely looking up!

Upon hearing the news about the Gray Horse acquisition, Etta called Deacon Johns for confirmation because Deacon had been Mathias's commanding officer at one time. Etta also reached out to her former father-in-law and requested a file on Mathias...seems she knew something about him and wanted confirmation.

Deacon made a stop by the shop to welcome Mathias to town and that's when he came face-to-face with Mica Gray Horse, Mathias's sister, and the man was stopped in his tracks. The mutual attraction was palpable. In fact, she could be "the one"... and that scared the living daylights out of him because in that moment, he knew this woman had the power to break his heart. It seems the feelings were mutual for Mica...Deacon felt like "home" to her and she wanted him.

In addition to the instant attraction between Mica and Deacon, there is some snappy repartee the reader will enjoy along with a hint of something mysterious hiding in the background. You will meet some new characters and revisit locations and other townsfolk you may remember from other books in this series...and somewhere along the way chaos and evil enters and puts everyone on high alert and that is when everything shifts into high gear!

Broken souls are no stranger to Cotton Creek and they are welcomed by old and new friends alike. As a recipient of a reader copy of this book, I can honestly say I would have not problem recommending it to anyone who is open to read an totally engaging story, filled with believable characters who you would be pleased to call friend and neighbor. My heart is full and my thanks go to the author for delivering such an engaging story.
Profile Image for Dolly.
404 reviews22 followers
January 24, 2020
Not Quite Enough and A Little too Much

This is the 2nd book from this series that I have read by this author, and I really like her character development and even the way the romance evolves. She is really great at creating a feeling of anticipation in the reader that mimics the anticipation and chemistry of falling in love. However, she describes relationships in a way that is somewhat magical and unrealistic, as well as, co-dependent. This caused a disconnect for this reader, and I also felt teased and let down, when the sensuality and intimacy was left with no real description. It was like in a PG-13 movie where the sex scene fades to black...and boom they wake up naked together contemplating breakfast. This is exactly what happened in this book, and I was, frankly, angered I’d wasted my time with what promised to be some edgy sexy times....Grrr!

I gave 3 stars for the character development, the romance evolution, and the secondary suspenseful theme, but that only makes it a good story, not a realistic, steamy romantic escape. I wanted details about the sexy side of Deacon Johns, the Seal Commander! Also, as an aside, Etta, the psychiatrist, would have lost her license in the last book, but somehow she continues to make flagrant ethics violations. I’m a psychotherapist, and her boundaries and ethics are beyond inappropriate-definite malpractice, and really criminal for breaches of confidentiality. I’m chalking up these deplorable ethics and boundaries to creative license, but maybe the author should have a note about that, so folks don’t think this is typical practice. So, this will be my last book by this author.
Profile Image for Kanyon.
398 reviews
March 23, 2018
THIS. BOOK. Wow. I just love everything about this story, from the romance to the slight suspense. The author has written a beautiful and flowing story of two characters who despite their past, strive to find happiness again. The interactions between the wide cast of characters was my favorite part of this book. They really brought the book to life. I’ve read all the books so far in the series, but this one has to be my favorite so far. Each story connects slightly to the last, but they can be read as a standalone too.

Deacon Johns is the fourth book in the Heartbreakers & Heroes series. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading contemporary military romance.

I voluntarily received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Final Rating: 5 Stars


Grady Judd (Heartbreakers & Heroes #1) by Ciana Stone Mason James (Heartbreakers & Heroes Book 2) by Ciana Stone Jasper Jacks (Heartbreakers & Heroes Book 3) by Ciana Stone Deacon Johns (Heartbreakers & Heroes Book 4) by Ciana Stone Brody Judge (Heartbreakers & Heroes Book 5) by Ciana Stone
1,708 reviews13 followers
March 7, 2018
Deacon John's works at Sanctuary and working on a new training facility for training the military he comes by the smithy shop to visit an old friend Mathias Gray-Horse who was one of his Seals who has just moved to Cotton Creek. He meets and is attracted to Mathias's sister Mica who was very talented with metal work mostly exquisite knives . Deacon was impressed with her craft and her in general, Mica knows as soon as she shakes his hand that he is the man for her and he knows it too but he will not acknowledge it because he thinks she to young for him. Mica makes it her business to change his mind by talking with his best friend Etta who makes it clear he needs to open up. Then he finally comes to terms with his conscious and they are seen around town showing lots of PDA and they both are very happy with their relationship. Deacon doesn't let on that he has an investigator checking the brother and sister out, one evening a Texas Rancher comes to check on Cipriana Juliani and Mica knows something is deadly wrong. This is one of the best books in the series since Grady and Charli's book. I was given a copy as a gift from author. I am providing an honest review without obligation.
Profile Image for Dawn Herrera.
704 reviews11 followers
March 16, 2018
Wow what a great book Deacon Johns by Ciana Stone. Another great book added to Heartbreakers and Heroes series it was dramatic with a bit of mystery some suspense and definitely some hot and sexy characters. I was drawn in from the very beginning and hooked till the last word. I absolutely love how well written this story was I just couldn’t put it down. The characters are very special you just felt so much for them, It was like you knew them as friends. Deacon Johns is a man in his fifties and living his life, A Navy Seal working with others who severed their country at Sanctuary a kind of rehabilitation ranch for wounded soldiers. A good and loyal man.
Mica Gray Horse and her brother just moved to Cotton Creek and opened a blacksmiths shop. Mathias her brother also a Navy Seal gets a visit from Deacon his old commander who live here. When Mica and Deacon meet there are some major sparks. There are a few secrets that are being kept by Mica. Soon things come out and that is where the excitement starts. I absolutely recommend this fantastic book. I hope you will enjoy as much as me.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews367 followers
March 21, 2018
I love the Cotton Creek stories! The characters are outstanding and the story lines are always intriguing. Deacon has very obvious qualities that the reader can admire. He is a strong leader, bringing safety and security to those around him. He is part of Sanctuary, a rehabilitation center opened in Cotton Creek by Mason James and Grady Judd, using his military expertise in helping with the training facility.

Deacon and Mica each have their own issues to overcome, but the entire community has the welcome feel of family and is a perfect place to find healing and commitment. The characters are very realistic and you easily care about them, which of course pulls you deeper into the story. Don’t miss the bumps along the way that these two deal with and see if they can find a future together!

This is another well-written story by this author, containing twists and turns, suspense, and ultimately love. I highly recommend any of these books. This series is definitely one you won’t want to miss and will re-read often just for the joy of it!
271 reviews
March 22, 2018
Deacon Johns who we met in Jasper Jack’s book (#3 in the series) has his time in the barrel here. Deacon is a retired Seal and works as the foreman at Sanctuary and is an old friend and protector of Etta. When Matthias Grey-Horse and his sister Mica buy the blacksmith shop and set up in town, Etta, Jasper and Deacon rekindle old and new friendships. Mica and Deacon have a chemistry that won’t be denied, even though Deacon refuses to get involved with the younger Mica. Geez (rolling my eyes!), age is just a number and the years between them isn’t that much! When Mica’s past catches up with her in the small and quiet Cotton Creek, thank God that the town has more than its’ share of Seals! Deacon can’t overcome his protective streak for ‘his’ woman when her life is endangered.
This was an excellent read that went by much too quickly. I so wanted to slap Deacon about his problem with age differences. But then, Mica was busy keeping her secrets as well. A very well written story. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this whole series!
Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews12 followers
February 27, 2018
This author did me in again with Deacon Johns. I had been waiting for his story so when I got to get into it I ate it up. Actually scarfed it up is more like it because he is one character that you could keep on reading. His time has come also that we see who will capture him with leaving us sad on that. Added to this is someone he knows Matty the blacksmith even though now he is a bit changed and his sister Mica. The sister is unusual who captures your attention especially one that I had to see what will be the factors that will carry her into that category. The mystery that will surround her comes also creeping into everyday. The banter that goes on between them will have you giggling at times. When the danger takes over I am pulled to the edge but given relief. Now dang nab it this author has me wanting a story on her brother. Love also what happens to Deacon with where he ends up.
Profile Image for Patricia Baxes.
3,050 reviews30 followers
March 19, 2018
Be still my heart...this book will knock your socks off! Ciana Stone continues to amaze me with each new story she spins. Her work is simply some of the finest writing available today. Deacon Johns is just the latest hot gift to us in the Heartbreakers and Heroes series. The story is masterfully crafted; the characters are fully developed and so real you can literally touch them; the plot twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat—holding your breath and wanting more. The HEA? Totally incredible. Make sure you have tissues ready before you start this one...you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be amazed. Definitely 1-Click this one today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was totally swept away. Believe me...5 Stars is not enough!) ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,599 reviews29 followers
March 20, 2018
ARC for honest review with no compensation

Deacon Johns is book 4 in the Heartbreakers and Hero's series by Ciana Stone and another fantastic story. A former Seal Commander who is helping to train at the Sanctuary facility meets up with a former seal who was under his command and his beautiful sister which Deacon is attracted to on many levels. Except he thinks she is way to young for him so he is determined to put her in the friends zone. He's 52 she's 39... Mica on the other hand knows deep in her heart that he is her one true love and is determined to prove it!!

This book has so many feels that you just keep turning the pages to see what happens next..laughs, suspense, swooning, redemption and finding a HEA...can't wait for the next book in this series!!!
Profile Image for Debs.
1,189 reviews13 followers
March 24, 2018
I was so excited to see Deacon get his story! Watching him fighting his attraction for Mica, working with his team to keep her and her brother safe, was a real page turner for me. I especially love all the books in the 'Heartbreakers & Heroes' series, and as an older reader, I couldn't wait to read Deacon's HEA. I love the drama and suspense, the romance, as well as the twists and turns, and the revisiting of old and new characters of a well written story. As a standalone book, each story in this series has a depth and richness to the characters as their story unfolds. Ciana Stone gives me that with every one of her books I have read. Highly Recommend! I would like to thank Ari Stone @ Candid Book Reviews for gifting me "Deacon Johns". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 5 Stars!!

Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews23 followers
March 12, 2018
This is suspenseful, intriguing and entertaining. Deacon is stubborn, protective and confident. Mica is bold, brave, determined and caring. They don't really have a relationship through most of the storyline, just a few hit and runs that were intense and dramatic. I liked the premise of the story, but it's not the most exciting book in the series. There's not enough Deacon I'm the storyline to know what he's like, and Mica is a little strange. The supporting characters did add some real twists and fun to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
Profile Image for Isis Ray-sisco.
760 reviews
March 13, 2018
I quite enjoyed reading Deacon and Mica's story. This is not surprising to me since I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author. I liked that Mica was strong and she never really played the damsel in distress. Even when things went bad she kept her head on her shoulders in the presence of her fear. I enjoyed the dynamic between Deacon and Mica. I thought it was kind of comical though that he felt like he was old enough to be her dad when they were not really that far off in age. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and many more books by this author. I would recommend this book and series to those who enjoy military romances and romance in general.
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews6 followers
March 17, 2018
Deacon is an ex-seal Commander who protects those he loves. He has a code of ethics that he will not violate. The author has done a great job with his story by capturing the essence of the man. He is silent but deadly least anyone forget that. When he meets that woman that calls to him emotionally he decides that she is to young and vows to stay away.

Etta is a woman of many facets will she ever show her true self to Deacon? Loving her is dangerous.

With his story you get secrets, danger, revenge and accidental death. If you don’t find any of this interesting you may not like this book.
Profile Image for Sandie.
683 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2018
I love the hot hunks in Cotton Creek, I love the new ones as they move there and love the ones I get to revisit. I really loved Deacon because he is a mature man, he is a caretaker and very loyal. I loved the pairing of Mica and Deacon, both have a troubled past. These two characters as well as all the Cotton Creek residents have such depth and are very well written. I feel like I'm part of this large extended family in cotton creek. This is a well written story with some twist and turns, suspense, a few smiles and lots of different types of love. I can easily recommend this whole series as must reads.
1,727 reviews14 followers
December 24, 2018
Deacon is a gruff, Navy SEAL who believes that his one love came and went when he want able to love fully. Until Mica comes to town. He tries to stay away because she is younger than him, but he can't hold to his convictions.
Mica knows who she wants and she was wants Deacon. Unfortunately, she has secrets, and Deacon doesn't like liars. When he overhears part of a confidential conversation, he blows up. Will Deacon let her explain what he overheard? Will she stop believing in him? What will happen when her past comes back and interrupts her present? Will Deacon be able to help her and will he want to?
Profile Image for Nancy Bodie.
1,125 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2018
Stories just keep getting better!

I think all of Ciana's books are very well written! This story is THE ONE I have been waiting for. I loved the characters, and how the storyline weaves through each of the person's lives causing love, redemption, growth, happiness and peace to evolve. All the while we get the to end with the knowledge that the series will continue to bring us the same! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I purchased my own copy outright to support this authors work. I only receive an early release copy to read each book asap!
Profile Image for Fran.
1,057 reviews11 followers
March 20, 2018
Mica Gray Horse is one strong woman.

And I loved her strength of character and determination to go after what she wanted. And boy does she want Deacon John's! Deacon is older and is mutually attracted to Mica from their first eye contact but he has long entrenched hangups. Whoa there. Did I say "attraction"? More like:. Saddle up and ride baby ride. I really liked the strength of conviction these two had (as if you didn't guess already) but read this for yourself and enjoy the drama and white knight excitement.
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,743 reviews9 followers
March 3, 2018
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
I was waiting patiently for Deacon't book
I was not disappointed.
As soon as you start reading the book, it will grab you + never let you go.
Deacon deserve his HEA.
Mica was the perfect pairing for Deacon.
They complimented each other.
They were so cute together.
I loved the storytelling + the characters
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
Profile Image for BP34.
6,325 reviews47 followers
March 5, 2018
Deacon John's is top of his game as a Seal commander and has everything in control. He's a born leader and his men respect him. This is book four in the Heartbreak and Heroes series and features Deacon and Mica. Mica was adorable and she and Deacon were so suited for each other, even fi he thought he was too old for her. The book was humorous at times with their back and forth banter. I read a reader copy and voluntarily chose to write a review.
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2018
Once again Ms. Stone has written a story that grabbed my attention from the start and didn't let go until the final page. Actually it didn't let go then either just got me excited for the next book. Deacon is a true Alpha male and made my heart go "pitter-patter". I loved the chemistry between him and Mica. Ok...I'm ready for the next book.

*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
Profile Image for Annette.
3,174 reviews9 followers
March 20, 2018
Deacon is strong-willed, straight to the point, always 100% commander. His seal life and past has harden him to the point that he doesn't think he deserves to find love again. Mica is bold, strong-willed, very independent and not really looking for love. They clash, their connection will not be denied. Their story is heartwarming and intense, as her past gets stirred up, Deacon is determined to be her warrior.

I was provided a copy by Candid Book Reviews.
1,124 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2018
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SUSPENSE DRAMA

An intense thriller about secrets, vengeance, a military family and love. Welcome to Cotton Creek. A small community that now houses a future military training site under the management of Deacon Jones. This community contains a diverse group of men and women all current or former military and their families. One of the residents is under the witness protection program. Suspense and action begin when evil comes to town.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,672 reviews6 followers
May 6, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I loved it so much that I purchased a copy.

I just love this book. It is a great compliment to the series. I love the dual POVs. It really helps me to identify with the characters better. The plot is great. This book was hard for me to put down. The story is so captivating. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It will be a book that you will want to read again and again.
71 reviews
July 7, 2019
If I could give it six stars, I would. Ciana Stone has delivered yet another masterpiece. I have LOVED each and every book in this "Heartbreakers and Heroes" series and this extraordinary piece of literature has joined the fold. The angst, suspense and unexpected action all add up to a great storyline with the chemistry evident from the beginning of the ultimate love story despite all the ups and downs. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Profile Image for Jodi Bobbett.
129 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2018
Wonderful

Though the beginning seemed to kind of drag to me, it did get a whole lot better. Man thinks he's too old for the woman and she refuses to accept that. There is a lot more to the story and a lot of hidden aspects to each character but that is the simple basis of the story. Grwat read and well worth the time to read. Highly recommend.
353 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2018
Deacon

A Book you cannot put down, covers time told with in this Book of a time when Young and a Road well travelled! Cutting edge of the Love between a Older Man and younger Woman. Will He finally give in? Danger lurks on the edge, in Her Life. Should she run? Should She stay for the Strong Love she feels? Easy to give this 5🌟
621 reviews
June 6, 2019
Fantastic story. Awesome characters.

Amazing plot line. This author is truly gifted. Mica and Deacon practically jump off the pages. This story is so interesting. And i love how each book intertwines favorite characters from the previous stories. These are stories to get lost in. You wont be disappointed.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,398 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2018
Deacon has met his match in Lena, native american and a black smith. She wants him and he say he's too old. Her brother isn't coping well after the war and she's hoping Deacon may bring him around. This is another great reat and action to go with it.
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