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May-December Hearts Collection #2
Heart of Stone
alternate cover edition of ASIN B08GM7SQNS
“Hi! I’m Dr. Dream, and I’m probably the hottest guy you’ll ever meet. I have silver hair, but I’m young at heart. I have lots of fans, but I’m looking for my Number One. Is it you, younger guy? Hit me up!”
ER Deputy Chief Stone Dooley got the surprise of his life when he learned his twin daughters had signed him up for a gay dating site, without his knowledge, three years after he became a widower.
What was supposed to be a quick drink and an apology for his daughters’ prank, turned into tentative friendship and an agreement to swap services—Stone would take care of the younger man’s ailing grandfather, if the young guy would help out with childcare for his daughters over the summer.
Twists and turns test their blossoming friendship. Grief, loss, secrets, and a threat to tear his family apart all test Stone’s limits to his breaking point.
What is the key to weathering the storms heading in Stone’s direction? Maybe a blond-haired young man with jade green eyes could crack the Heart of Stone?
This book is an age-gap MM romance. It is part of the May-December Hearts Collection, but it is a stand-alone story that ends with a happily ever after.
“Hi! I’m Dr. Dream, and I’m probably the hottest guy you’ll ever meet. I have silver hair, but I’m young at heart. I have lots of fans, but I’m looking for my Number One. Is it you, younger guy? Hit me up!”
ER Deputy Chief Stone Dooley got the surprise of his life when he learned his twin daughters had signed him up for a gay dating site, without his knowledge, three years after he became a widower.
What was supposed to be a quick drink and an apology for his daughters’ prank, turned into tentative friendship and an agreement to swap services—Stone would take care of the younger man’s ailing grandfather, if the young guy would help out with childcare for his daughters over the summer.
Twists and turns test their blossoming friendship. Grief, loss, secrets, and a threat to tear his family apart all test Stone’s limits to his breaking point.
What is the key to weathering the storms heading in Stone’s direction? Maybe a blond-haired young man with jade green eyes could crack the Heart of Stone?
This book is an age-gap MM romance. It is part of the May-December Hearts Collection, but it is a stand-alone story that ends with a happily ever after.
ebook
First published September 10, 2020
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72 people want to read
About the author
Sam E. Kraemer
83 books227 followersI grew up in the rural Midwest before moving to the East Coast with a dashing young man who swept me off my feet, and we've now settled in the desert of Nevada. I write M/M contemporary romance, subgenres: sweet low angst, age-gap, cowboys, mysteries, and military/mercenary to name a few. I am a firm believer in "Love is Love" regardless of how it presents itself, and I'm a staunch ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!
I have a loving, supportive family, and I feel blessed by the universe and thankful every day for all I have been given. I’m old enough to know how to have fun, but too old to care what others think about my definition of a good time. In my heart and soul, I believe I hit the cosmic jackpot. Cheers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 14, 2020
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`They were making a family—a new kind of family.★*´¨✫*
I was 87% deep into this book, when I stopped and said, oh my gawd, this is so real. All the while, I was waiting for something, unsure of what it was I was expecting. And there it was, hitting me square between the eyes. There was no big explosion of sexual fusion (although with these guys, once the slow roll was lifted, they couldn't keep their hands to themselves!) There wasn't the drama one would expect from all the guilt and other issues to arrive. No. Here were two men trying to navigate fields they had never ventured into before. Stone, losing a husband who had been very alpha and now having to step up to the plate to support his family. Theo, much younger and falling fast; but having such a big shoe to fill, even if he put it all on himself. The cast of characters were fantastic. I loved Grandma Hope and Grandpa Gerald. I felt their presence dictated Stone's and Theo's upbringing and what they faced together.
But, I digress. Everything was real. Yes. I even cussed Theo out too many times and begged Stone to man up and see what was right in the front of him. The language I used against Barron, Stone's dead husband, was not one a lady should ever repeat...but then again, have I ever claimed to be a lady? The fusion of hurts, lies, confessions and drama made this a good story. The avenue this new-to-me author took would have scared most, but she stood by her beliefs and did a great job.
Why did I chose this book? One, it is good to be challenged. And finding good new-to-me authors have become that. I always said, it is good to find a new author who gets me to four star level on the first try and be ready to read another book by them. Two, when I read the backstory, I was intrigued. I needed to know more and I wanted to know if the direction would be met. My conclusion is...I will recommend this book. Be warned, it does not end after three hours so be prepared for over 5 hours of reading. But it will make you appreciate love, death and the ones left behind.
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`They were making a family—a new kind of family.★*´¨✫*
I was 87% deep into this book, when I stopped and said, oh my gawd, this is so real. All the while, I was waiting for something, unsure of what it was I was expecting. And there it was, hitting me square between the eyes. There was no big explosion of sexual fusion (although with these guys, once the slow roll was lifted, they couldn't keep their hands to themselves!) There wasn't the drama one would expect from all the guilt and other issues to arrive. No. Here were two men trying to navigate fields they had never ventured into before. Stone, losing a husband who had been very alpha and now having to step up to the plate to support his family. Theo, much younger and falling fast; but having such a big shoe to fill, even if he put it all on himself. The cast of characters were fantastic. I loved Grandma Hope and Grandpa Gerald. I felt their presence dictated Stone's and Theo's upbringing and what they faced together.
But, I digress. Everything was real. Yes. I even cussed Theo out too many times and begged Stone to man up and see what was right in the front of him. The language I used against Barron, Stone's dead husband, was not one a lady should ever repeat...but then again, have I ever claimed to be a lady? The fusion of hurts, lies, confessions and drama made this a good story. The avenue this new-to-me author took would have scared most, but she stood by her beliefs and did a great job.
Why did I chose this book? One, it is good to be challenged. And finding good new-to-me authors have become that. I always said, it is good to find a new author who gets me to four star level on the first try and be ready to read another book by them. Two, when I read the backstory, I was intrigued. I needed to know more and I wanted to know if the direction would be met. My conclusion is...I will recommend this book. Be warned, it does not end after three hours so be prepared for over 5 hours of reading. But it will make you appreciate love, death and the ones left behind.
November 23, 2023
Stone and Theo ❤️
4 Stars ⭐️
I really appreciated this story. It was such a beautiful read, I felt like this book was so much more than romance. The relationship build was perfection, friends first and the rest followed. It was not without twists and turns but in the end this was all about family and love ❤️ It made my heart truly happy. I would most definitely recommend, it's just a wonderful & feel good read with fantastic characters.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
I really appreciated this story. It was such a beautiful read, I felt like this book was so much more than romance. The relationship build was perfection, friends first and the rest followed. It was not without twists and turns but in the end this was all about family and love ❤️ It made my heart truly happy. I would most definitely recommend, it's just a wonderful & feel good read with fantastic characters.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
October 17, 2020
“A Gripping, May-December, Heartwarming Love Story”
Heart of Stone, by Sam E. Kraemer, is a gorgeously beautiful, highly emotional, powerfully intense love story. I am floored at the magnitude of this touching story as it wound up leaving me breathless with stunned encompassing thoughts which left me motionless. This new story is not what I had originally thought would take over my thoughts as its storyline and plot are pleasantly deceptive. Heart of Stone turned out to be one of the most powerfully emotional and poignant stories for 2020.
This gripping yet breathtakingly uplifting emotional story is one that is filled with heart-breaking, desperate, endlessly reaching moments. Moments where love, dedication, and, strength were the balm necessary to heal the broken-hearted.
With its lengthy plot containing numerous flashbacks, and a deeply developed meaningful storyline, I found the characters to be wonderful, loving, snarky, and, wise beyond their years. I found myself getting attached to individuals as their development was beyond realistic and either had me close to throwing my kindle or wrapping myself around it tightly. It was quite the reaction to a simple young man meets physician initial mindset.
Wow, Heart of Stone was definitely not the story I thought I was going to read. Not by a long shot. With its lengthy chapters and such a deeply descriptive and varied plot, my head did spin for a bit at the seemingly endless direction and pace, and the unpredictability of such twists and turns wound up being shocking, incredibly devastating and endlessly glorious. But, collectively, it was one cohesively staggering storyline with addicting characters and such needy heartwarming moments which craved that happily-ever-after.
I am beyond words with how much I love Barron, Stone, Theo, and their immediate family. It was brutal to read through their journey with such thorns almost at every corner. And, those thorns hurt. I ugly cried. I was also desperate for something. When I saw it, I giggled and then I grinned like a buffoon. This story brought out all of the emotions. Emotions that left me emotionally drained and hopeful.
While I wasn’t really crazy for the direction and depth of the plot, at times, as well as the lengthy pace, this was a stunning story. With wet eyes, I can exhaustingly say I really, really liked it. :)
*star rating: 4.40 ‘I really, really liked this story’ stars*
September 7, 2020
Stone Dooley is a successful doctor, depute chief of emergency medicine, father to twin girls Megan & Madison, and a widower.
3 years after his husband’s death Stone’s daughter decides he needs a new husband, a younger man who he can love & who will stay with them for a long time. She signs him up to an online dating site, then arranges a date for him.
Unhappy about the setup Stone meets with the young man to explain & apologise. The quick drink Stone has planned turns into a meal, but friendship is all he feels willing to offer.
Theo Hill is a freelance writer & editor; his life is not exactly going the way he wanted. The story he is trying to write is not going to plan. So when Stone makes an offer Theo finds it hard to refuse. Theo becomes manny to Stone’s girls & Stone’s becomes Theo’s grandad's’ doctor.
There are a lot of twists & turns to their story. Secrets discovered, grief & loss, homophobia & rejection from a parent, as well as threatened custody which are well handled by the author. The secondary characters are varied and developed. There were a couple of plot points which I wanted to read about which were not developed into full scenes, such as Theo’s first meeting with the twins. I really would have loved to read in full.
The epilogue is a little confusing, a lot of new names are introduced, I had to read it twice to get them straight. It does give a good conclusion to the story, though. Giving future insight into the stories of the main & secondary characters.
Overall, this a good story which I enjoyed reading.
ARC received from the author in return for an honest review.
3 years after his husband’s death Stone’s daughter decides he needs a new husband, a younger man who he can love & who will stay with them for a long time. She signs him up to an online dating site, then arranges a date for him.
Unhappy about the setup Stone meets with the young man to explain & apologise. The quick drink Stone has planned turns into a meal, but friendship is all he feels willing to offer.
Theo Hill is a freelance writer & editor; his life is not exactly going the way he wanted. The story he is trying to write is not going to plan. So when Stone makes an offer Theo finds it hard to refuse. Theo becomes manny to Stone’s girls & Stone’s becomes Theo’s grandad's’ doctor.
There are a lot of twists & turns to their story. Secrets discovered, grief & loss, homophobia & rejection from a parent, as well as threatened custody which are well handled by the author. The secondary characters are varied and developed. There were a couple of plot points which I wanted to read about which were not developed into full scenes, such as Theo’s first meeting with the twins. I really would have loved to read in full.
The epilogue is a little confusing, a lot of new names are introduced, I had to read it twice to get them straight. It does give a good conclusion to the story, though. Giving future insight into the stories of the main & secondary characters.
Overall, this a good story which I enjoyed reading.
ARC received from the author in return for an honest review.
November 13, 2023
A good start with a prolog of a naughty twin daughter setting her father up for a date via a dating app.. A good story for friends to lovers and a second chance themed book. Written well although this does have a far amount of narrated telling which spoilt it a bit for me. I didn't feel they had any connection or spark.
Stone's mother helps care for his 12 yrs old girls but he gives her a vacation and that's when Theo steps in. Grandpa Gerald had a few secrets too holding back. Drama begins with a miscommunications for them both and the past is brought back for Stone. Surprise visitors make trouble for Stone and the girls. A great ending for them all for a HEA finish. Includes both POVs, dramas and homophobia and more.
• silver foxy doctor
• confessions time
• friends to lovers
• age gap romance
• a story twist and surprises
Dr Stone 45 yrs had lost his husband a few years ago and his twins want him to find love again.
Theo 26 yrs an a freelance journalist/writer. When his elderly grandfather has a bad turn Theo calls Stone for help.
Stone's mother helps care for his 12 yrs old girls but he gives her a vacation and that's when Theo steps in. Grandpa Gerald had a few secrets too holding back. Drama begins with a miscommunications for them both and the past is brought back for Stone. Surprise visitors make trouble for Stone and the girls. A great ending for them all for a HEA finish. Includes both POVs, dramas and homophobia and more.
• silver foxy doctor
• confessions time
• friends to lovers
• age gap romance
• a story twist and surprises
Dr Stone 45 yrs had lost his husband a few years ago and his twins want him to find love again.
Theo 26 yrs an a freelance journalist/writer. When his elderly grandfather has a bad turn Theo calls Stone for help.
April 21, 2022
Rounded up
This was a 2.5 star for me. It was just too much. Too much rambling by the characters, too many people involved, too much drama every where, and that epiloque was too much thrown in all at once. The characters emotions seemed to be all over the place, one minute laughing the next angry and cussing. And I know Grandpa was suppose to be old and a huge flirt which is fine but hands off. Pinch my backside and I don't care how old you are, it's not cute or flirty.
I'd have enjoyed this book more if it was half the length, as I enjoyed the premise of it.
This was a 2.5 star for me. It was just too much. Too much rambling by the characters, too many people involved, too much drama every where, and that epiloque was too much thrown in all at once. The characters emotions seemed to be all over the place, one minute laughing the next angry and cussing. And I know Grandpa was suppose to be old and a huge flirt which is fine but hands off. Pinch my backside and I don't care how old you are, it's not cute or flirty.
I'd have enjoyed this book more if it was half the length, as I enjoyed the premise of it.
November 24, 2023
I enjoyed this book, it spoke to me having lost a spouse 4 years ago, and the time needed to process and accept is different for everyone. The more clues that are revealed about Barron, Stone’s dead husband, the easier it is to see why Stone is still so devastated. I adored the two daughters, especially Megan, and the way she orchestrated the meeting with Theo. Those two girls could be a handful when they got something in their mind, and I could see it getting worse in their teens. Grandpa Gerald added an extra layer to the dynamic in the family and to the impact on the relationship between Stone and Theo. All of the major supporting characters had what I thought was a bigger impact on the relationship of the two men and the family than is common in so many books. Taking any of them out could have had a big impact, I think.
The development of the relationship wasn’t particularly smooth due to Stone’s indecision and lack of confidence at times, but eventually it did become what both needed, developing over time in a more natural way. I agree with the epilogue comment of others, too much information was revealed but without the fleshing out that would have made it more of a part of the story than a quick add on. I did adore this family and the dynamic by all 4 characters plus Stone’s mother. I was also surprised by the number of secrets kept by secondary characters that had big impacts on the main characters. I am looking forward to the third book in this series and the couple that will be the main characters — will they be as interesting and charismatic as the ones in the first two books.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
The development of the relationship wasn’t particularly smooth due to Stone’s indecision and lack of confidence at times, but eventually it did become what both needed, developing over time in a more natural way. I agree with the epilogue comment of others, too much information was revealed but without the fleshing out that would have made it more of a part of the story than a quick add on. I did adore this family and the dynamic by all 4 characters plus Stone’s mother. I was also surprised by the number of secrets kept by secondary characters that had big impacts on the main characters. I am looking forward to the third book in this series and the couple that will be the main characters — will they be as interesting and charismatic as the ones in the first two books.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
December 11, 2023
Meet Stone Dooley, a top-notch doc and a super dad to his twin girls, Megan & Madison. After losing his husband, life has been pretty tough for him. But his daughter thinks it's time for a change and she wants a new man in her dad's life. So, she sneakily signs him up on an online dating site and even sets up a date!
Stone, not too thrilled about this surprise date, decides to meet the guy just to clear things up. What was supposed to be a quick drink turns into dinner but Stone isn't ready for anything more than friendship.
Enter Theo Hill, a freelance writer whose life isn't exactly going as planned. His latest story is stuck in limbo and when Stone makes him an offer he can't refuse - becoming the manny to his girls - he jumps at the chance! Plus, Stone gets to be Theo's grandad's doc! Talk about killing two birds with one stone!
Their journey is filled with surprises and secrets waiting to be uncovered. From dealing with loss and homophobia to facing rejection from parents and custody threats - it's all handled beautifully by the author! And let's not forget about the well-drawn secondary characters who add so much depth to the story.
There were certain parts I wish were more fleshed out though, like Theo's first meeting with the twins. Would've loved to read that in detail!
The ending had me scratching my head a bit with all those new names. It wrapped up everyone's story nicely!
Big shoutout to GRR for giving me an early look at this gem! Just thought I'd share my thoughts on it!
Stone, not too thrilled about this surprise date, decides to meet the guy just to clear things up. What was supposed to be a quick drink turns into dinner but Stone isn't ready for anything more than friendship.
Enter Theo Hill, a freelance writer whose life isn't exactly going as planned. His latest story is stuck in limbo and when Stone makes him an offer he can't refuse - becoming the manny to his girls - he jumps at the chance! Plus, Stone gets to be Theo's grandad's doc! Talk about killing two birds with one stone!
Their journey is filled with surprises and secrets waiting to be uncovered. From dealing with loss and homophobia to facing rejection from parents and custody threats - it's all handled beautifully by the author! And let's not forget about the well-drawn secondary characters who add so much depth to the story.
There were certain parts I wish were more fleshed out though, like Theo's first meeting with the twins. Would've loved to read that in detail!
The ending had me scratching my head a bit with all those new names. It wrapped up everyone's story nicely!
Big shoutout to GRR for giving me an early look at this gem! Just thought I'd share my thoughts on it!
November 26, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a really difficult story to read. Both Stone and Theo are likable characters, and Stone's daughters are precocious but well-meaning preteens who love their dad but need him to move on from his husband Barron's--their other father's--death. The love that grows, unwillingly at first for Stone, between him and Theo, is sweet and hot at the same time. However, the drama of Barron's parents' reappearance in the lives of Stone and the girls, as well as the complicated issues around Barron's deception, which all come to light at the same time as his parents' arrival in Stone's life, are distressing not only to Stone, the girls, and Theo but also to me, as a reader. I was emotionally exhausted by the time I made it to the end of the story between all that drama and Stone's hot-and-cold responses to Theo, as well as his reactions to the woman who had been his and Barron's surrogate. And even there we find a lot that Stone allowed Barron to get away with that could have completely ruined his life going forward. It was just too much for me. Too, sometimes I wasn't sure I believed Stone was older, given his frustrating behavior with Theo. I didn't like that at all--I like my older guys to act their age--though it was par for the course, given how he had been with Barron.
This was a really difficult story to read. Both Stone and Theo are likable characters, and Stone's daughters are precocious but well-meaning preteens who love their dad but need him to move on from his husband Barron's--their other father's--death. The love that grows, unwillingly at first for Stone, between him and Theo, is sweet and hot at the same time. However, the drama of Barron's parents' reappearance in the lives of Stone and the girls, as well as the complicated issues around Barron's deception, which all come to light at the same time as his parents' arrival in Stone's life, are distressing not only to Stone, the girls, and Theo but also to me, as a reader. I was emotionally exhausted by the time I made it to the end of the story between all that drama and Stone's hot-and-cold responses to Theo, as well as his reactions to the woman who had been his and Barron's surrogate. And even there we find a lot that Stone allowed Barron to get away with that could have completely ruined his life going forward. It was just too much for me. Too, sometimes I wasn't sure I believed Stone was older, given his frustrating behavior with Theo. I didn't like that at all--I like my older guys to act their age--though it was par for the course, given how he had been with Barron.
September 9, 2020
This books is absolutely beautiful.
Don’t be fooled into thinking it may be the cute rom-com the opening scene may lead you to believe it is.
The story is very deep and emotional, it’s a beautiful love story surrounded by loss, grief and family (biological, found and extended family).
I fell in love with nurturing and persistent Theo, young enough to connect with Stone’s almost teenaged twins, but mature enough to understand Stone’s grieving process and help him through it.
Stone is a very complicated character: he’s obviously used to following someone’s lead in his private life (not in his work where he has a managing position), so now that he has lost his husband, he often turns to his mother for advise, despite being in his mid-forties. So when he finds Theo, to lean on, it’s a match made in Heaven. Stone tends to mess up and act before thinking, but he’s also very good at make it up to the ones he pisses off.
Don’t be fooled into thinking it may be the cute rom-com the opening scene may lead you to believe it is.
The story is very deep and emotional, it’s a beautiful love story surrounded by loss, grief and family (biological, found and extended family).
I fell in love with nurturing and persistent Theo, young enough to connect with Stone’s almost teenaged twins, but mature enough to understand Stone’s grieving process and help him through it.
Stone is a very complicated character: he’s obviously used to following someone’s lead in his private life (not in his work where he has a managing position), so now that he has lost his husband, he often turns to his mother for advise, despite being in his mid-forties. So when he finds Theo, to lean on, it’s a match made in Heaven. Stone tends to mess up and act before thinking, but he’s also very good at make it up to the ones he pisses off.
November 17, 2023
Chief Stone ends up on a blind date after his daughters sign him up on a gay dating site. He ends up going in order to apologize for the ruined evening, but ends up becoming friends with Theo. Eventually, it’s decided that Theo will help with Stone’s girls for a few months, & Stone will help with Theo’s grandfather.
Their friendship ends up being tested in a few different ways, & it was interesting to read about it progressed into something more...
I really liked Theo’s grandfather, too.
The only thing that gave me pause was how Stone first described Dix’s possible feelings towards having kids. It’s Stone’s husband that caused the issue, but this didn’t mean it was at all Dix’s fault, & she’s allowed to live her life as she sees fit. It kind of felt like he was blaming her, but she had nothing to do with the promises that she had been given.
Still, though, this was a great book, worth reading.
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
Their friendship ends up being tested in a few different ways, & it was interesting to read about it progressed into something more...
I really liked Theo’s grandfather, too.
The only thing that gave me pause was how Stone first described Dix’s possible feelings towards having kids. It’s Stone’s husband that caused the issue, but this didn’t mean it was at all Dix’s fault, & she’s allowed to live her life as she sees fit. It kind of felt like he was blaming her, but she had nothing to do with the promises that she had been given.
Still, though, this was a great book, worth reading.
I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.
November 19, 2023
This book! 😍
First, you have a Stone, a man grieving the loss of his partner and husband, Barron. He’s the father of twin girls, just trying to keep it together. Then, we have Theo. He’s juggling several jobs, taking care of his feisty grandpa, hoping to find some direction in the world.
When one of Stone’s daughters sets him up on a dating app, he meets with Theo to explain the situation. The two hit it off, and become friends, and later they find that they both need one another. Theo needs help with his grandfather, and Stone needs help with his girls.
I loved Stone and Theo’s story, it was heavy at times, and lighter at others. I was NOT a huge fan of Barron. He sounded like a manipulative control freak, and he kept a lot of secrets from Stone during their marriage. The more you learn, the less you’ll like him. Ugh! Overall a great read though.
First, you have a Stone, a man grieving the loss of his partner and husband, Barron. He’s the father of twin girls, just trying to keep it together. Then, we have Theo. He’s juggling several jobs, taking care of his feisty grandpa, hoping to find some direction in the world.
When one of Stone’s daughters sets him up on a dating app, he meets with Theo to explain the situation. The two hit it off, and become friends, and later they find that they both need one another. Theo needs help with his grandfather, and Stone needs help with his girls.
I loved Stone and Theo’s story, it was heavy at times, and lighter at others. I was NOT a huge fan of Barron. He sounded like a manipulative control freak, and he kept a lot of secrets from Stone during their marriage. The more you learn, the less you’ll like him. Ugh! Overall a great read though.
November 21, 2023
2.5⭐️
I am a fan of this author and I enjoyed the first book in the series. This one unfortunately didn’t work for me. I liked Theo’s character, he is amazingly supportive and kind, not quite sure Stone was great for him. The mess created by Stone’s deceased husband Barron was so unpleasant, just so many secrets and lies. For me, Barron was too front and center in the story. I liked the premise and the set up was cute, Stone’s daughter Megan wants a partner for her dad and makes a profile for him on a dating site. Stone’s twins are a little confusing, sometimes they seem older and other times they act very young. I’m not even sure what to say about the epilogue, other than it felt like a dramatic and messy way to end, not really a happy wrap up to Stone and Theo’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I am a fan of this author and I enjoyed the first book in the series. This one unfortunately didn’t work for me. I liked Theo’s character, he is amazingly supportive and kind, not quite sure Stone was great for him. The mess created by Stone’s deceased husband Barron was so unpleasant, just so many secrets and lies. For me, Barron was too front and center in the story. I liked the premise and the set up was cute, Stone’s daughter Megan wants a partner for her dad and makes a profile for him on a dating site. Stone’s twins are a little confusing, sometimes they seem older and other times they act very young. I’m not even sure what to say about the epilogue, other than it felt like a dramatic and messy way to end, not really a happy wrap up to Stone and Theo’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 27, 2021
4.3 ⭐s Cover Update
I downloaded a Sample of the story based on a blurb by the author. I kept skipping over it though because I just did not find the cover of this contemporary romance enticing. Imagine my surprise when as I was clearing my Kindle of some Samples and I opened this book to reveal the beautiful cover which popped up.
I meant to only read a few chapters but ended up finishing the entire book. The other cover let me know this was a story about a doctor (one of my favorite tropes). The new cover was more in line with the doctor's nickname Dr Dream - a sexy silver fox.
This is ultimately a family drama with loads of angst, misinformation, twin teen antics, overcoming grief, loving family relations, awful parental behavior, and lots of surprises!
I downloaded a Sample of the story based on a blurb by the author. I kept skipping over it though because I just did not find the cover of this contemporary romance enticing. Imagine my surprise when as I was clearing my Kindle of some Samples and I opened this book to reveal the beautiful cover which popped up.
I meant to only read a few chapters but ended up finishing the entire book. The other cover let me know this was a story about a doctor (one of my favorite tropes). The new cover was more in line with the doctor's nickname Dr Dream - a sexy silver fox.
This is ultimately a family drama with loads of angst, misinformation, twin teen antics, overcoming grief, loving family relations, awful parental behavior, and lots of surprises!
May 12, 2022
This should be sub-titled 'Stone fucks up', because, Holy Smokes! This bloke fucks up! A lot! He speaks first, then thinks, then he realizes he's fucked up.
One thing that bugged me happened several times, here's an example, they are about to have sex for the first time when one suddenly feels guilty and sadness for his lost love, they agree to just sleep for now, next chapter picks up weeks later, what the heck!!! That was an important moment in their relationship and we just skim past it???
But, on the whole this was an interesting read, very angsty, touching in places, sad at times, but a solid story. The hated parents of Barron will make you grind your teeth with their homophobia and pompous, 'holier than thou' attitude.
One thing that bugged me happened several times, here's an example, they are about to have sex for the first time when one suddenly feels guilty and sadness for his lost love, they agree to just sleep for now, next chapter picks up weeks later, what the heck!!! That was an important moment in their relationship and we just skim past it???
But, on the whole this was an interesting read, very angsty, touching in places, sad at times, but a solid story. The hated parents of Barron will make you grind your teeth with their homophobia and pompous, 'holier than thou' attitude.
November 9, 2023
Not sure how I feel about this one. I liked the characters of Theo and the twin girls, but Stone and his late husband Barron were not the most likable people. Stone just didn’t deal with his grief and then gets blindsided by a lot of lies and secrets. The dead husband Barron is just as much of a character in this story as the other two men and part of this made me a little uncomfortable. I did NOT like Barron or his memory. He was a liar who did stuff his own way without really thinking of the consequences of his secrets. Stone has every right to some bad feelings there. I felt some folks were taken advantage of in this story and I had a hard time enjoying it. It had a lot of potential but I just couldn’t connect with this one.
November 29, 2023
Hard to let go when fist is clenched! Stone, gets the surprise of his life when his twin daughters sign him up at a gay daying site. Megan and Maddy, are a hoot! Stone has only been a widower for 3 years. He meets Theo to apologize and gets a surprise when his date isn't really that bad. They start a tentative friendship that can develop into more. They each carry a bit of baggage that keeps getting in the way of moving forward. Great main and support characters. Their effort toward a solution along with the families of both men adding input makes a fun, funny sweet story. A bit of confusing content, but the overall story is great. Nicely done. Totally hot cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2023
This book was an absolute delight to read. The MC’s had a sweet meet-cute, and I loved how Stone’s daughters are the ones that arranged for him to meet someone as they could see that he was ready to move on, even if he was not quite ready to let go. The MC’s had amazing chemistry. You could tell how much they were attracted to each other from the start and then recognized their draw to each other, which helped a friendship bond grow, and it was very satisfying to watch their feelings develop and evolve into something real and lasting. I like this author’s writing style, and this was another book that was well worth the read.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2023
I was expecting a Parent trap like cutesy Rom Com but this story is much more. Stone is a widower and father to twin girls who are a bit too smart for their good. They decide that their father has been alone for long enough and not only sign him up on a dating website but accept a date on his behalf. Theo was just a freelance writer trying to write an article with a new way to look at the local dating scene. Despite the shaky start, the men become friends and soon are being drawn to become more. I loved that this story was able to show how Theo and Stone were able to find love and build their life during trying times. And I really loved that Stone's deceased husband was a flawed presence in the story.
November 7, 2023
Another winner and tearjerker from Sam. Stone is a widower whose teenage daughter set him up online with a younger Theo. Stone is still grieving after three years and needs the push of his attraction to Theo to let himself live again. Theo goes through tough times himself and Stone's hot and cold doesn't help. There are so many shocking secrets ahead for Stone to handle and Theo is probably more supportive than he deserves but it's all the better for them. Their happiness and overcoming their problems makes you cry. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
November 9, 2023
This was such a real life read. All of the angst, chaos and love that comes from family of all shapes, sizes and age. Maddy and Megan the 12-year daughters that get the ball rolling for their widowed Dad Stone to meet Theo were genuine sweethearts. I actually enjoyed Theo's flirty Grandpa! Theo is a young writer in his 20's and Stone is the silver fox doctor in his 40's that Theo realizes he wants to know even more about then just for his story. Theo had a lot of insecurities and Stone needed to learn how to move on with a new life. Lots of angst, emotion and drama in their story. As the title states though, there romance and found family have a lot of heart!
November 10, 2023
It’s funny how people perceive age gap romances. This book has an age difference and Stone struggles a little while Theo embraces it from the start. This book offers some drama so there’s some waiting to see how things unfold, adding a different element into the mix. There’s some waiting for the romance to bloom while the heroes figure things out, there’s support, some rather nasty people and a love story that gets a happy ending that’s much deserved. Another love story that you get attached to, characters you root for and futures you feel connected to because this author pulls you into the story. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
November 19, 2023
Grandpa Gerald & Martha Stewart
Another great story from Sam E Kraemer! The way she crafted this story is masterful! Every emotion, every thought, and, every, heck, everything was told in a clear, vibrant, and colorful manner.
Stone and Ted are May/December main characters who do a long and tentative dance. Both have dark clouds in their past. They tiptoe around these while trying to see if they are compatible. They encounter many obstacles that threaten their relationship and have them questioning whether each can get past those road blocks. It's steamy and has a HEA.
I recommend reading this. I believe you will enjoy it too.
Another great story from Sam E Kraemer! The way she crafted this story is masterful! Every emotion, every thought, and, every, heck, everything was told in a clear, vibrant, and colorful manner.
Stone and Ted are May/December main characters who do a long and tentative dance. Both have dark clouds in their past. They tiptoe around these while trying to see if they are compatible. They encounter many obstacles that threaten their relationship and have them questioning whether each can get past those road blocks. It's steamy and has a HEA.
I recommend reading this. I believe you will enjoy it too.
September 17, 2020
Set up on a date he never knew he had, Dr Dooley's daughter sets in motion life changing events. Theo and the good doctor come to some kind of understanding and part as friends and an offer of employment but there are feelings involved which get very complicated. I was not expecting such shocks to this tale and the twists will definitely keep you on your toes. I was sad at the attitude and hatred that was shown by some characters and the deceit, it was rather sweet and you really wanted to knock the two main characters heads together but hope was certainly blossoming in tragedy.
April 4, 2023
Heart of Stone
A lot happened in this book where Stone and Theo loved hard in all their relationships. There were times when I wanted to shake the hell out of Stone for being a jerk but at the same time I understood his confusion and pain. Theo is strong and his heart is tested throughout this story. Theo helps heal Stone's family but they also help him back in receiving all the love he deserves. This book will hit you in the feels, especially if you've lost any close family members.
HEA: Yes
Verse: Technically yes (small mention of switch), but mainly No
A lot happened in this book where Stone and Theo loved hard in all their relationships. There were times when I wanted to shake the hell out of Stone for being a jerk but at the same time I understood his confusion and pain. Theo is strong and his heart is tested throughout this story. Theo helps heal Stone's family but they also help him back in receiving all the love he deserves. This book will hit you in the feels, especially if you've lost any close family members.
HEA: Yes
Verse: Technically yes (small mention of switch), but mainly No
November 14, 2023
The story started well and had me gripped. However, it felt like it dragged on a bit and I began to lose interest. Theos constant back and forth had me confused never mind anyone else, and they were like that as Stone didnt seem to know what he wanted. On the other hand and Im sure Im gonna be hated for this..... my heart was broken for Stone and the kids, Barron made so many decisions and choices and Stone and Theo were left with the consequences. I actually disliked Barron a bit, due to what he and his parents put them all through.
November 22, 2023
Stone is a widower whose teenage daughter set him up online with a younger Theo. What could possibly go wrong with that!
Theo is a young writer in his 20's and Stone is the silver fox doctor in his 40's that Theo realizes he wants to get to know.
This book has an age difference and Stone struggles a little while Theo embraces it from the start.
They encounter many obstacles that threaten their relationship and have them questioning whether each can get past those road blocks. It's steamy and has a HEA.
Theo is a young writer in his 20's and Stone is the silver fox doctor in his 40's that Theo realizes he wants to get to know.
This book has an age difference and Stone struggles a little while Theo embraces it from the start.
They encounter many obstacles that threaten their relationship and have them questioning whether each can get past those road blocks. It's steamy and has a HEA.
November 22, 2023
This is book two in the May/December series and it was another really good story. I really liked Theo and Stone together but it was long slow emotional road on Stone’s part, I thought Theo’s relationship with the twins was great, the storyline is emotional and does have some angst but it kept my attention from the beginning to the end and I loved the unconventional family they made and that the epilogue was set several years later, well worth a read looking forward to reading more from this series in the future.
May 2, 2022
THIS IS AMAZING
This is another AMAZING Book. I loved the premise of this Book. I really enjoy May-Dec romances. Stone is the December half and a widower raising his twin daughters. Theo is the May, breath of fresh air. These two characters were wonderfully written. This is a complete story from beginning to end. I love the flow of this Author. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
This is another AMAZING Book. I loved the premise of this Book. I really enjoy May-Dec romances. Stone is the December half and a widower raising his twin daughters. Theo is the May, breath of fresh air. These two characters were wonderfully written. This is a complete story from beginning to end. I love the flow of this Author. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
November 9, 2023
Heart of Stone started out really well. Unfortunately, it read as though it needed one more serious edit, plus it has some continuity issues around the ages of the twins (were they eight or nine when Barron died; are they now tweens or teens?) I finished the book but, like some other reviewers, was surprised by how much happened in the epilogue, as in, too much. I appreciated that grief process was a central part of the story. I received an advanced copy. This is my own opinion.
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