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Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B08FXVH7G9

I’ve already killed one man for her and I’ll do it again if I have to.

Bonnie
Being a perfect little angel all my life has caused me nothing but pain.
I did everything I was told with a smile on my face.
Communion, serving others, keeping my virtue intact.
But when I get accused of a crime I didn’t commit; they all turn on me.
My friends, my family, the church.
So I flee, straight into the underworld of Glitz, NV.
And the big strong arms of Calvin Ashby.
He’s super rich, super smart and annoyingly attractive.
And this is where we get complicated.
He’s a criminal. A killer.
And I’m in love with him.
The fight between my head and my heart is real.

Calvin
Bonnie Byrne is so good, she’s bad.
Bad for me, bad for the family and definitely bad for the ache in my pants.
You see, she’s a church girl. A virgin church girl.
Prim, proper and too good for this bad boy.
Until she takes a wrong turn and almost gets killed.
I’ve felt her pain. She doesn’t deserve it.
I have to pull her back in from the darkness.
If she’ll let me in.
I have to save her. Again and again.
And I’ll protect her until my dying day.

Warning: This book touches on the world of addiction and abuse.

234 pages, ebook

Published August 13, 2020

188 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

K.B. Winters

154 books901 followers

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5 stars
181 (62%)
4 stars
72 (24%)
3 stars
28 (9%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,118 reviews50 followers
August 17, 2020
This is the second book in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Calvin and Bonnie’s story is fast paced with lots of drama and emotion. When Bonnie is in trouble and no one believes her, she goes to Calvin for help. Great characters with intense chemistry and an entertaining story. I really liked it.
882 reviews9 followers
August 17, 2020
3 1/2 stars.....

You’ve heard of good cops vs bad cops. Well, once agin here we have good crooks vs bad crooks. Oh yeah, both families are riddled in crime and underground activities, but there is a line which The Ashbys won’t cross. They are the good crooks. And the bad crooks? Well, as it turns out they are not so easy to chase out of town. They are back and their leader has risen from the ashes … literally, and he’s locked and loaded for revenge.

Remember Bonnie, sweet innocent Bonnie from Velvet Fire? She’s back and not so sweet and innocent at all. Those bad crooks saw to that.

What does it take for someone sweet and innocent but yet full of herself to go to being an addict? For Bonnie it was betrayal, false accusations and losing everything and everyone.

Following her from that self-righteous, arrogant, uptight, people pleaser into a downward spiral of drugs and booze, is hard to see. What does it take to break that spiral? Who will be there for her? If you read the first book in this series, you will remember Maisie. Maisie is the only friend Bonnie has left. Ahhhh, but Cal Ashby is there too. He knows firsthand how that spiral goes.

👁 OBSERVATIONS:
… I was confused as to why Bonnie was a threat to the Ashby family. We met Bonnie in the first book. It would’ve been nice to have a ‘refresher’ at the beginning of this book concerning Bonnie. It took me a while to recall things, and those who can’t ‘recall’ will stay confused.

… Any recovering addict knows that alcohol is a drug. Just because you’re not popping pills and doing other drugs doesn’t mean its okay to drink alcohol.

… Once again, the foul language is over the top. Yes, crime and criminal mentality is understood but just about every other word is a cursing.

… Hmmmm….. the riddle is…. who is Jack? Just what does he have to do with all this? He, his daughter (the FBI agent) and that new crime ring … are they all interconnected? Guess time will tell.

… Reading the first book in this series will be helpful.

... The people of faith that I know would not have treated Bonnie the way she was treated. They would not have turned their backs on her even if she had been guilty.... (she was proven innocent). They would have been there for her, trying to help bring her back to the 'fold'.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,385 reviews33 followers
April 8, 2021
A great addition

I have really enjoyed this series so far, and can't wait to read the rest of it. There are a lot of terrific characters in the series, but unfortunately I just found it extremely difficult to like Bonnie. I do sympathize with everything that she had gone through, even though most of it was brought on herself &/or by her poor choices. (Unfortunately, I personally know exactly what happens when you make the wrong choice regarding drugs and alcohol. I was fortunate enough to be one of the lucky ones, to get away from it all before it took everything away, including my life. However, I didn't get away without damage, to myself, friends, and especially my family, which is what I regret the most.) Yes, this book hits home in many ways, but that's not why I had such a difficult time with Bonnie's character. I think it was the way she went from the perfect Catholic daughter with the "I'm better than everyone" attitude (which I absolutely hated), to the "oh poor me" phase, then it just got worse from there. I don't want to give away too much cause I refuse to give away spoilers.
Overall, it was a terrific story with lots of ups and downs, unexpected twists, and suspenseful situations. Just because I had an issue with Bonnie's character, doesn't mean that everyone will feel the same, and I hope you won't. It was a story that you won't want to miss.
If you haven't already read the other seriesby this author, I would highly recommend that you do! Obviously it's not necessary to do so in order to enjoy this series. I have read the others, and they're absolutely fantastic. The Reckless Bastards MC and the Restless MC Opey, Texas series' are by far my favorites!
I would love to see more stories like these, especially if they're available in the KU program!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Profile Image for Megan Jacob.
442 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2020
A long road from light to dark and self worth

I have to say for not being a super long story she packed a lot in this book. This story definitely hit a soff spot for me coming from a family with somebody who had addiction. I thought she did a very very good job of showing what addiction can do, make a person do and how far it can destroy a family if not helped. The fact Bonnie had the Ashby's and Maisie for support, even with Cal's tough love it could've been a true story. Meaning even though Ms. Winters didn't take the spiral to a horrific level, she still took it to a point that you could see what happens if you spiral. Not everyone has support and more often than not does family or friends figure out that you have something going on. I thought this was very well written and told the multiple stories and the main story without throwing way to much at you. So I'm giving it 5 stars. I think it's well worth the read especially when you know what's probably coming within the 1st chapter. If you read the previous story its even better, however even as a stand alone you'll find it a good story. This is my honest review for a book I volunteered to read. I still purchased for my collection
1,263 reviews11 followers
August 16, 2020
I was expecting a passionate couple with intense chemistry after reading the great blurb to this story.
Bonnie and Cal made for a messy couple in this dark drama with little romance.
The storyline dealt primarily with Bonnie’s disillusionment in her current state after trying to be the good catholic girl all her life. Disowned by her cold, narrow minded, and selfish parents after being unjustly accused of murdering her priest, Bonnie’s spiral down into drugs and alcohol was not a pleasant read. I was hoping Cal would be able to help her being a recovered addict himself but was appalled with the awkward way he handled her. Denying his feelings for her till the bitter end, pushing her away and wiping his hands of her when he found she had not been clean during his time with her was painful to read. To add salt to the romance wound, he didn’t bother looking for her when she left him hurt and rejected.
Everything kind of came together at the very end but by this time I was in downer of a mood and the rushed but tidy HEA could not pull
me out of my funk.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
8,793 reviews63 followers
February 14, 2022
Book 2 in the Ashby Crime Family series. Thisbis Bonnie and Calvin's story. Bonnie grew up with strict religious parents and lived her life in innocence until she gets arrested and interrogated on suspicion of murdering her own priest, disowned by her family and community she only has her friend Maisie and the Ashby family to help her out, in particular Calvin Ashby. Having been mugged and beaten after a night out Bonnie ends up staying at the Ashby family manor, where drink and pain killer drugs become her solace. A solace Calvin knows to well himself. When Bonnie gets in debt to a drug dealer of the Crusaders, Calvin is the one to save her but is she wanting to be saved? When Bonnie decides to go it alone and danger comes for her will Calvin be able to get to her In time and will they be able to accept their feelings for one another. Well written with a great story plot, engaging characters that are well developed. Filled with action, suspense, desire and romance. Contains drug use.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,528 reviews27 followers
August 18, 2020
This is the second book in this latest series from the very talented KB Winters her books always flow so well drawing you deeply into the story I just know if I don't start it early enough I will be reading into the early hours of the morning because there is no way I can put one of her books down and walk away once I start it.

We met both of the characters in this book in the first book in the series Velvet Fire and I do think you will enjoy this book more if you read that first. At the end ion that book Bonnie is accused of killing a priest her story continues in this latest offering Calvin Ashby is drawn to Bonnie but he knows he isn't good for her and he also knows he has to stay neutral if he hopes to protect her Somehow that all goes out the window and soon he is enthralled in her Can they build a future together You will have to read to see
Profile Image for LuDena .
2,415 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2021
Stone

I do not get where the public gets the idea that a person goes to a pain control clinic and they are automatically given a bunch of narcotics. You can not just walk into a pain clinic and be seen they do not treat acute pain you are physically and mentally examined . ,drug tested every time you go in & they try non narcotic methods first . when the CDC realized that people with real chronic pain and pain clinics were being blamed, people cut off cold turkey, our suicide rates climbing they tried to correct that view but this book shows that no one paid attention and people are dying because they can't live in constant never ending severe pain without any relief in sight funny thing is walk methadone clinics for drug addicts thrive passing out methadone with very little over sight yet little is said about them.
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
August 17, 2020
O. M. G.
KB writes a winner! I am so enamored with this Family! I'm digging this series! It is a new perspective for me and I have enjoyed it immensely. It reads just like a good flowing book would and yes it is a bit on the scanty but it packs a wallop of a story! It may be a trigger for some but it so eloquently written I do not believe anyone will have a problem getting through this magnificent story! Great story! realistic and great world building. The characters are not to be taken lightly, they are strong yet weak and you might find some beauty out of all that. This story may rock your foundation. It is THAT GOOD! Get ready to be Stone Cold!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,814 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2020
Bonnie always was trying to do the right thing, by her parents, but they drop her on the street the moment there was a hint of scandal (she got arrested and let off about murdering someone). She is hurt and her life seems on a downward spiral. Cal (Calvin) is the youngest Ashby, and he still feels a bit left out of things, but he is a wiz with a computer (so the family does need him). Cal has wanted Bonnie for a while, will he save her or just add to her problems? I enjoyed this romance, although it's hard to read about all of Bonnie's misfortunes, and Cal doesn't always do the right things (but they both are easy to like, even though a little broken).
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received, and giving my thoughts and opinions on it.
4,145 reviews25 followers
Read
August 17, 2020
Excellent and dark
As usual, this KB Winters romance is excellent: it's the story of how Bonnie, a wise young girl from a good pastor's family, ended up with nothing and assaulted within days following a false murder charge on a priest against her. Only Calvin, a mmember of a mob family whose brother is dating Bonnie's best friend will try to help her both solve the murders, but also to save her from the addiction she falls into.
The story analyzes Bonnie's feelings very well, her descent to hell but also the moments when she decides to take charge of herself, the moments of doubt, but also the moments when Calvin discovers how far he could go to save her.
The story is quite dark, intense, but fascinating.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Profile Image for Judy.
1,791 reviews
August 31, 2020
I loved Bonnie and Calvin so much!!! This story had me at the first paragraph! Bonnie is sweet and innocent and gets wrongly accused of a crime. Even though she's a preacher's daughter, the whole town turns against her, including her family. She does the only thing she knows to do and that's flee. But, because she's never been on her own, she's so naive to the outside world and quickly learns that.

Calvin is rich, hot and unfortunately a killer. When he meets Bonnie, he's knows she's so innocent and good, but she's stirring things in him that shouldn't be. But, when she takes a turn for a certain death if he can't reel her back in, it's then he knows his heart is in trouble and he'll do anything to protect her.
Profile Image for Ellen YS.
345 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2020
Dealing with some heavy emotional issues
by EllenYS

This second book in the Ashby crime family series can be read as a stand alone, but would be better read as part of the series. A slow burn romance, the story details Bonnie's very difficult journey _ dealing with addiction and its consequences. Calvin recognises some of himself in Bonnie and tries to help.
Although the reader gets to know Bonnie and her motivations well, the same depth is not achieved for Calvin. I did not feel the chemistry between the 2 and their relationship lacked a certain level of passion. This was disappointing as overall the book is well written

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,352 reviews18 followers
August 18, 2020
This is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand alone book but after reading this one you'll want to read the previous book.

The author does a fantastic job drawing the reader in, captivating their attention and holding it until the last word is read. You may find it hard to put down so either you'll be reading in to the early morning hours or you'll put the housework on hold and tell your hubby it's his turn to make dinner and watch the kids so you can read this fabulous story.

It's intense at times but oh so good. Highly, highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

2,545 reviews22 followers
August 24, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "STONE COLD" KB Winters you did a fantastic job writing this very realistic story full of emotional heartbreak, angst, betrayal, intrigue, murder, secrets, addiction, hot steamy scenes, you can't put this dark intense book down until finished reading.
Bonnie is a good church going good girl always doing the right thing until something happens and she's accused of a murder she didn't commit so she ran to the Underworld of Glitz, NV right into Cal Ashby's arms everyone has turned against her family, friends & the church.
There's a war coming to Glitz between two crime family's the Ashby's and Crusaders things get worse for Bonnie she becomes addicted spirals out of control she only has her BF Maisie Nilsson , Cal Ashby and even Virgil Ashby to support her she's been taken in by the Ashby family temporarily.
I definitely recommend to get this well written book so much happens your glued to the pages until the end the characters were well developed so well worth the read one you don't want miss I thoroughly enjoyed Bonnie and Calvin's journey I sooo can't wait for the next book in this fantastic series.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,287 reviews70 followers
February 13, 2022
Bonnie has found herself in quite a situation. She's landed herself in a huge legal mess and the only one she can depend on is her best friend Maisie. Being disowned  by her family leaves her penniless and homeless. Needless to say she can't afford a decent place to live and after getting assaulted on her way home she ends up being taken to Ashby Manor by Cal. From there things are extremely intense. These two have a huge love-hate relationship and they seem to always be in each other's way, until they're not.  KB Winters has written an "on the edge of your seat" book and that's exactly where you'll stay right down to the last page. 
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,952 reviews63 followers
August 16, 2020
Stone cold 😱

Wow, this book was so not where I saw Bonnie and Cal’s story going, at all, but definitely intriguing and tumultuous❣️Bonnie is arrested for the murder of a Priest and suddenly her life is in free fall.....disowned by her parents, homeless and jobless and suddenly living on a precipice no one could’ve foreseen.

Ups and downs in this book and an ending that will have you begging for more from this Ashby Crime Family😍🧨 Really enjoyed this story and keen to see what happens next😜 I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and I voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
6,577 reviews35 followers
August 18, 2020
Wow so much happened in this book! A compelling read! The story pulled me in from the first page and I was held captivated until the end. An emotional roller coaster, it is a well written, fast pace nail-biting page-turner with a well developed story-line that is unique, consistent, and very interesting. There is action, drama, suspense, humour, sadness, heart break, and more. The characters are amazing, strong, broken, and you will love them. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,540 reviews9 followers
October 21, 2020
This is book two in this series. It is absolutely captivating! The characters and storyline will keep you glued to your kindle. The demons and tragedy that they face will leave you feeling like you went thru the storm of the century with them. You can not help but be drawn in. Excellent job and skill demonstrated by this author for the complexity and emotions that she gives the characters that convey to the readers deep emotions and feelings without sacrificing the story. It is one that will stay on your mind long after you have finished it. I can not wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Rene .
739 reviews11 followers
August 14, 2020
The Power of True Love or The Power of Persuasion and Stubbornness!!💙 Cal & Bonnie's story is one of addiction and the push and pull of stubbornness and chemistry. This book is most definitely a 10🌟! You will definitely get sucked into it from the very beginning to the end. It is an amazing storyline! Congrats KB Winters on another fantastic read!💙
I received this book as an ARC copy for a voluntarily honest review.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,576 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2020
This is an amazing, exciting, full of drama, so intense at times. Bonnie is thrown into a whirlwind of intense emotional upheaval, as her parents are so cruel to her, her life takes a turn she never expected. An event finds her being helped by Calvin, whom is unsure of what he is feeling, all he knows, he has to help here. This is an absolute must read, I just loved it. Now cannot wait for bk. 3. Thanks for the ARC, allowing me to read for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sharon Noble.
2,192 reviews6 followers
August 17, 2020
O.M.G.

There's a war coming to Glitz, between the Ashby's & the Crusaders.
Bonnie has been cut off by her parents & the Ashby's have taken her in, but she can't stay with them any longer because she not a charity case.She at rock bottom, ends up being mugged. Calvin finds her & brings her back to Ashby Manor.
This book is full of all the thing you expect from K.B. You get so hooked that you can't put it down!
Profile Image for Deb.
7,543 reviews36 followers
August 25, 2020
A fantastic story that dealt with addiction and just how wide the impact it has on the people surrounding the addict and their own view of the world. Highly emotional, the author plants an image in your mind of the darkness and the differing reactions of the characters. The story is filled with memorable scenes and conflict. All of it done so well, the story flew by. Given the length of the story, it was amazing that so much detail and depth was able to be conveyed. Great story
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
August 29, 2020
Betrayal, mystery, suspense, drama, intrigue and some dark themes make this a brilliant book to read. I haven’t read book 1 in this series and I was still able to follow and enjoy reading this book. The author takes Bonnie and Calvin through a wonderful journey in this well written story that was a joy to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christy.
462 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2020
Rough story

I will start by saying the author was mostly true to the story of an addict. There are a few places she didn’t go and I am truly glad for that. It would have been more heartbreaking. I did not like this as much as I liked the first book, but that was because it was gritty and painful. I also struggled to see an emotional connection between the main characters. Not sure who is up next but hopefully it will be better.
2,136 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2021
Stone Cold...

Ashby Crime Family book 2. This was Calvin and Bonnie story. Although written extremely well and full of drama. It left me sad and confused. Bonnie's dilemma drive her to some extra destructive path. Calvin has been down this path but seems to be so cold at times. Yes he tries to help her.Yes they fall for each other. But now add in the bad guys, drugs lie and some Ashby family rules.
1,811 reviews24 followers
May 12, 2024
What a ride! I have read other novels in this series and really enjoyed them and this novel did not disappoint. From the first chapter I was pulled into this novel. I loved jumping back into the Ashby family. Bonnie had been thru so much in her life it made my heart hurt for her. I loved Cal. I loved watching Bonnie and Cal fall in love. I loved their chemistry it was so good. I can't wait to see what this author has coming next.
200 reviews
August 17, 2020
I give this book 10 stars, 5 isn’t enough

Epic story, KB WINTERS has done it again. She wrote another book that I just could not put down. The story of Calvin and Bonnie is written so well I felt as though I was part of the story. As always with KB’s books it’s 1:00am and now I need to unwind so I can go to sleep. Thank you, as always KB WINTERS.
Profile Image for tabitha bradshaw.
718 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2020
“Believe in this. Believe in me. Believe in us.”

Bonnie went from having a family and a great life to being disowned and drugs and having nothing. Cal knows some of what she’s going through and wants to help, but she hasn’t reached bottom yet.... This one had me reeling. Strong characters that I wanted to hug one minute and beat up the next. Awesome read! Enjoy!!!
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,456 reviews26 followers
August 22, 2020
Calvin and Bonnie's romance is no easy ride. She's using drugs to escape her physical and mental pain, on a downward spiral. He's from a criminal family, they have their own rules and dramas.
This book was not as good as the first one and I'm not sure why, I think I couldn't connect with the characters. Their chemistry was not doing it for me.
Interesting series, I look forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews

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