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Stone River #2
More Than Love
Previously published as Under the Mountain Moon, as Her Unwanted Protector, and as Through the Valley
Can two tortured souls find solace in each other?
Jolie Carter is haunted by secrets from a past she’s never revealed. Her friends know nothing of that time or why she moved to town, and she wants to keep it that way. But Nathan Quinn challenges her as much as he intrigues her, and while his interest is flattering, she pushes him away out of deep-seated fear. What would he think of her if he knew her dark past?
Nathan Quinn is battle-scarred and tough-as-nails. Maybe that’s why he sees through Jolie’s lies and evasions. He’s been there, and he recognizes the wounded look in her eyes. The pain of whatever she’s hiding is eating her up inside and he can’t stand by and watch. But it means Jolie tries harder to push him away when he gets close, even as she clutches him closer…
When her past catches up to her they’re put to the test. What will it take to win the biggest battle of his life--and the only woman who has ever made him want more?
Can two tortured souls find solace in each other?
Jolie Carter is haunted by secrets from a past she’s never revealed. Her friends know nothing of that time or why she moved to town, and she wants to keep it that way. But Nathan Quinn challenges her as much as he intrigues her, and while his interest is flattering, she pushes him away out of deep-seated fear. What would he think of her if he knew her dark past?
Nathan Quinn is battle-scarred and tough-as-nails. Maybe that’s why he sees through Jolie’s lies and evasions. He’s been there, and he recognizes the wounded look in her eyes. The pain of whatever she’s hiding is eating her up inside and he can’t stand by and watch. But it means Jolie tries harder to push him away when he gets close, even as she clutches him closer…
When her past catches up to her they’re put to the test. What will it take to win the biggest battle of his life--and the only woman who has ever made him want more?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2015
330 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Kay Stockham
32 books70 followersKay Lyons Stockham is an award-winning author of 25+ books published by Harlequin Enterprises, Berkley Publishing and Kindred Spirits Publishing. She has also been a Book Buyers Best, HOLT Medallion and RITA Award finalist with a million books in print.
For more information on Kay's work, please visit her website at http://www.kaystockham.com or find her at one of the following:
Kay Lyons Stockham, Author (FB)
@KayStockham (Twitter)
Kay Stockham (Authorgraph)
Kay Lyons Stockham (Pinterest)
For more information on Kay's work, please visit her website at http://www.kaystockham.com or find her at one of the following:
Kay Lyons Stockham, Author (FB)
@KayStockham (Twitter)
Kay Stockham (Authorgraph)
Kay Lyons Stockham (Pinterest)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 4, 2023
3.5 Stars
September 4, 2023
3.5 Stars
July 2, 2023
I didn't plan on continuing with the "Stone River" series. I liked the setting and the side characters in the first book, but I didn't feel particulary drawn to the blurb-hinted premises of the sequels.
Except for one character.
Nathan Quinn cracked me up whenever he spoke in "Not by Sight" because his demeanour and manner of speaking irresistibly reminded me of Ice Bear from "We Bare Bears".
This guy:
Every. Single. Time. XD
And since Ice Bear is my favourite and I could already clearly hear Quinn's "voice" in my head, I decided to read his story, as well.
Was it an amazing, 5-stars-worthy read? - No.
Did I enjoy it? - Yes, I really did. I flew through the pages, and I find I am not as easily sucked into books as I used to be.
Then, again... I have to pause and examine my impression of Quinn's intense overprotectiveness related in the novel.
In real life, if somebody zeroed in on me like that, I would feel annoyed at best, suffocated most likely, unsafe and threatened at worst.
Wouldn't be having a good time.
I didn't mind it in this story, however. Kay Lyons managed to get it across as caring (albeit a fair bit annoying, tbh).
I did mind it in some other books, though. Male (over)protectiveness can easily read as degrading and mysoginistic. So, how did Kay Lyons pull it off (for me, at least) in this novel?
It definitely helped that she had already established him as a good guy in the previous title (plus gruff and mysterious, intriguing).
And the series is set in a somewhat idealistic, hallmarky storyworld where you know everybody'll get a happy ending.
Also, he continually reminded me of an endearing cartoon character - a not-so-icy little stoic, reserved and polite. :D
I know that "damsel in distress" trope is heavily frowned upon these days - antifeminist and antiwoke - but I actually like reading it, done well.
Of course, there is nothing charming or swoonworthy in having a controlling guy boss a girl around "with her best interests at heart". It is offputting when you can sense that the guy assumes a Hero-role to puff his own ego, and that he looks down upon her as inferior and incapable to go about her day... -.-
But having somebody notice you need a hand and take the time out of their day to give you said hand - someone who sees you and cares, who is willing to invest time and energy into meeting your needs... - that's attractive.
And it goes both ways: male to female, female to male.
I like seeing it in non-romantic settings, as well. Friendships and frenemyships, especially!
So, all in all, maybe I prefer "damsel in distress" trope done in a broader sense, since the narrow definition can be repetitive and limiting in execution. In any case, when you look at it as "people saving people" and not strictly as "men saving (helpless) women" - there's nothing problematic with it at all. :)
Except for one character.
Nathan Quinn cracked me up whenever he spoke in "Not by Sight" because his demeanour and manner of speaking irresistibly reminded me of Ice Bear from "We Bare Bears".
This guy:
Every. Single. Time. XD
And since Ice Bear is my favourite and I could already clearly hear Quinn's "voice" in my head, I decided to read his story, as well.
Was it an amazing, 5-stars-worthy read? - No.
Did I enjoy it? - Yes, I really did. I flew through the pages, and I find I am not as easily sucked into books as I used to be.
Then, again... I have to pause and examine my impression of Quinn's intense overprotectiveness related in the novel.
In real life, if somebody zeroed in on me like that, I would feel annoyed at best, suffocated most likely, unsafe and threatened at worst.
Wouldn't be having a good time.
I didn't mind it in this story, however. Kay Lyons managed to get it across as caring (albeit a fair bit annoying, tbh).
I did mind it in some other books, though. Male (over)protectiveness can easily read as degrading and mysoginistic. So, how did Kay Lyons pull it off (for me, at least) in this novel?
It definitely helped that she had already established him as a good guy in the previous title (plus gruff and mysterious, intriguing).
And the series is set in a somewhat idealistic, hallmarky storyworld where you know everybody'll get a happy ending.
Also, he continually reminded me of an endearing cartoon character - a not-so-icy little stoic, reserved and polite. :D
I know that "damsel in distress" trope is heavily frowned upon these days - antifeminist and antiwoke - but I actually like reading it, done well.
Of course, there is nothing charming or swoonworthy in having a controlling guy boss a girl around "with her best interests at heart". It is offputting when you can sense that the guy assumes a Hero-role to puff his own ego, and that he looks down upon her as inferior and incapable to go about her day... -.-
But having somebody notice you need a hand and take the time out of their day to give you said hand - someone who sees you and cares, who is willing to invest time and energy into meeting your needs... - that's attractive.
And it goes both ways: male to female, female to male.
I like seeing it in non-romantic settings, as well. Friendships and frenemyships, especially!
So, all in all, maybe I prefer "damsel in distress" trope done in a broader sense, since the narrow definition can be repetitive and limiting in execution. In any case, when you look at it as "people saving people" and not strictly as "men saving (helpless) women" - there's nothing problematic with it at all. :)
February 15, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars Quinn and Jolie' s Violent Childhoods Revisited! 4.25***** Spoiler Alert¡
Quinn kept an eye on Emma's dog business, Tucker, and Jolie, while she and Ian honeymooned in the Caribbean. Secretly, he fell into love with quiet Jolie, as he unearthed her self-cutting habit, and the cause post her rape at fourteen. All these feelings rise up as, Blake, one of her accusers arrived in town as the new deputy. Her new hire, Kaylee is also experiencing abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, Damien. Jolie bravely intervened to protect the girl, even though she was experiencing her rape flashbacks. Together, Austin and Jolie located the badly beaten Kaylee in her grandfather's cabin, and Quinn, with Blake's help rescued Jolie from the cabin, and arrested Damien for his physical abuse of Kaylee. Austin is not only a great, old friend, to Jolie, but needs, no deserves a love interest in this series!
Great story with characters providing an intriguing insight into self-mutilation, post rape in young girls and the life long guilt they carry, as well as childhood trauma and abuse. Quinn, despite his horrendous, abusive childhood at the hands of his addicted mother, turned out to be a caring, compassionate man, who made the perfect mate for Jolie. Those two deserved a HEA! A MUST-READ!
02/13/20-02/14/20'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2020
Her unwanted protector
The story was good as far as it went.There was a good sub plot to add some tension.However we waited for a whole book for Jolie and Quinn to get together. There were couple quick scenes and that was it. I did not give you the feeling that the book concluded satisfactorily. I think it would have raised a lot more sexual tension if Quinn helped her be more comfortable with a man touching her. - A foot rub for a lady who stood too much, maybe a finger and hand massage for the hard worker, a head massage for a headache, a shoulder rub for an achy body lifting supplies, watching a movie together with her head in his lap while he stroked her hair. - these small things driving both of them a bit crazy. He takes her out for line dancing, then a slow dance starts and eventually they are body to body. He tells her She is going to need to be able to kiss someone eventually so he goes to kiss her check but she quickly turns her head and they are lips together. Meanwhile the story develops around them. He lets her take tHe lead and they go slowly, maybe over time. Drive the reader crazy too!!
The story was good as far as it went.There was a good sub plot to add some tension.However we waited for a whole book for Jolie and Quinn to get together. There were couple quick scenes and that was it. I did not give you the feeling that the book concluded satisfactorily. I think it would have raised a lot more sexual tension if Quinn helped her be more comfortable with a man touching her. - A foot rub for a lady who stood too much, maybe a finger and hand massage for the hard worker, a head massage for a headache, a shoulder rub for an achy body lifting supplies, watching a movie together with her head in his lap while he stroked her hair. - these small things driving both of them a bit crazy. He takes her out for line dancing, then a slow dance starts and eventually they are body to body. He tells her She is going to need to be able to kiss someone eventually so he goes to kiss her check but she quickly turns her head and they are lips together. Meanwhile the story develops around them. He lets her take tHe lead and they go slowly, maybe over time. Drive the reader crazy too!!
August 6, 2017
Read under Her Unwanted Protector
To be confusing, I got this book not realising it was book 2, so went back to read book 1 (Not By Sight) first... NBS was ok, but fairly heavy on the 'god rulz' for my tastes. Normally, I would have simply dropped the series, but since I already had this one, I decided to read it.
And I'm glad I did. There is still god sprinkled in, but it's enough to let you know they believe without trying to shove it in my face.
As for the story, it was good. Seemed like a fairly realistic look at the aftermath of assault, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and about finding closure.
Plus, I like both the characters. Even if Emma (the h from bk1) needed to pull her head in.
Not sure if I'm willing to pay $7ea for the rest of the series (I'm a cheapskate and have a weird grading scale for what I'll pay for books ;). If I'd just read bk2, I might just take the leap, but bk1 is making me stop.
To be confusing, I got this book not realising it was book 2, so went back to read book 1 (Not By Sight) first... NBS was ok, but fairly heavy on the 'god rulz' for my tastes. Normally, I would have simply dropped the series, but since I already had this one, I decided to read it.
And I'm glad I did. There is still god sprinkled in, but it's enough to let you know they believe without trying to shove it in my face.
As for the story, it was good. Seemed like a fairly realistic look at the aftermath of assault, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and about finding closure.
Plus, I like both the characters. Even if Emma (the h from bk1) needed to pull her head in.
Not sure if I'm willing to pay $7ea for the rest of the series (I'm a cheapskate and have a weird grading scale for what I'll pay for books ;). If I'd just read bk2, I might just take the leap, but bk1 is making me stop.
September 18, 2019
Trigger warning: This is talk of assault, rape, abuse, and cutting.
You feel for Jolie, as she opens her coffee shop only to find a man from her past that was a part of one of the worst days of her life. This leads her to slip on her recovery. Quinn sees her reaction and doesn't know why but wants to find out. Quinn has his own scars from his past, and opening up to Jolie isn't as scary as he thought.
The more they open up to each other the more the are connected. When Jolie hires a young girl who comes in with bruises and fighting with her boyfriend she tries to intervene. Maybe if she can help her, she can heal herself.
A lot of trauma in these characters and a lot of healing to do. It was a tough read but also enjoyed seeing them talk about it, and trying to heal.
You feel for Jolie, as she opens her coffee shop only to find a man from her past that was a part of one of the worst days of her life. This leads her to slip on her recovery. Quinn sees her reaction and doesn't know why but wants to find out. Quinn has his own scars from his past, and opening up to Jolie isn't as scary as he thought.
The more they open up to each other the more the are connected. When Jolie hires a young girl who comes in with bruises and fighting with her boyfriend she tries to intervene. Maybe if she can help her, she can heal herself.
A lot of trauma in these characters and a lot of healing to do. It was a tough read but also enjoyed seeing them talk about it, and trying to heal.
February 17, 2020
Quinn likes Jolie, but feels unworthy and that he can’t offer her what she needs. So he tries to be a friend. Jolie is not sure about Quinn but is starting to care for him. She feels she can’t love because she has a secret of being raped as a teen and has become a cutter when she feels overwhelmed. Quinn and her besties will help her face her pass and over on. This story was great. If rape is hard for you to read about you may want to get someone to read it first to see if you can handle it. I recommend victims of violence read this as a way of giving them hope and knowing that help is out there.
July 24, 2020
My review is based on the more sexy version of this book. There are two versions of this series under different pen names - which is confusing. Same plot and the same story but one is more pure/innocent and wholesome (no sex) and the other has more passion and sex scenes.
So far I like this series (after I realized there were different versions, etc). This was a good follow up and like the depth of emotions and troubled background. None of these are you typical chic lit books and that is a plus. Characters have depth
So far I like this series (after I realized there were different versions, etc). This was a good follow up and like the depth of emotions and troubled background. None of these are you typical chic lit books and that is a plus. Characters have depth
July 4, 2020
Unexpectedly engaging romance. The heroine is traumatised and the story plots how she comes to terms with what happened and overcomes her demons.
The male protagonist's story is less convincing and his character arc isn't so well developed. There is a supporting cast of friends, but they are thinly drawn and feel as if they are there to just to trigger interest in other books in the series.
Nonetheless, the story is an enjoyable one, good for a bit of light reading.
The male protagonist's story is less convincing and his character arc isn't so well developed. There is a supporting cast of friends, but they are thinly drawn and feel as if they are there to just to trigger interest in other books in the series.
Nonetheless, the story is an enjoyable one, good for a bit of light reading.
February 13, 2020
It was a good read
The first book of the series Emma and Ian was fantastic. This one wasn’t a fave for me but I did read finish it. I think I was just missing a piece that made Jolie uniquely her. The characters just weren’t as strong as Ian and Emma but maybe I’m biased. Good read. Loved the plot.
The first book of the series Emma and Ian was fantastic. This one wasn’t a fave for me but I did read finish it. I think I was just missing a piece that made Jolie uniquely her. The characters just weren’t as strong as Ian and Emma but maybe I’m biased. Good read. Loved the plot.
November 22, 2018
Two broken souls willing to take a chance on each other.
A tape victim. An abused kid. Both years into the past but never forgotten. They had to learn to accept the imperfections in themselves before they could become one.
A tape victim. An abused kid. Both years into the past but never forgotten. They had to learn to accept the imperfections in themselves before they could become one.
August 12, 2019
Great series
I am reading the entire series and enjoying each book. I love that many of the characters have overcome trauma and rise above. It has been a while since I have found an author I like this much.
I am reading the entire series and enjoying each book. I love that many of the characters have overcome trauma and rise above. It has been a while since I have found an author I like this much.
March 17, 2022
Good but
The besties aspect ruined the hell out of this! They literally contributed nothing, sort of felt like very shallow, performative friendship based on being nosey. This story would've been stronger had they played a smaller role.
The besties aspect ruined the hell out of this! They literally contributed nothing, sort of felt like very shallow, performative friendship based on being nosey. This story would've been stronger had they played a smaller role.
July 12, 2017
Book 2 of 6
*Loved it!
*Loved it!
December 24, 2017
Great reading,
This read was extremely exciting, it was not as I thought but as I read holy Miley, great I am going to have my daughter and her daughters read it
This read was extremely exciting, it was not as I thought but as I read holy Miley, great I am going to have my daughter and her daughters read it
July 24, 2019
They’re both survivors of their pasts. They’re made for each other
October 11, 2019
I loved this book!!
Read
February 23, 2020Wonderful!
I'm reading through this series too fast! Each book is as good or better than the on t before! I don't want the series to end!
I'm reading through this series too fast! Each book is as good or better than the on t before! I don't want the series to end!
November 21, 2025
More than in love with the book
Its a beautiful book my words can't express how much I loved it. Finished it in 4 hours. Truly a work if art
Its a beautiful book my words can't express how much I loved it. Finished it in 4 hours. Truly a work if art
December 25, 2025
honestly wasn’t expecting to like this very much but i didn’t have a book on me and now i’ve downloaded another one 🤷♀️
September 9, 2022
Plot/story line: 8/10. This story is about 10 years old but the scenes are timeless. I would’ve enjoyed more relationship building scenes from the MCs
Characters: 8/10. Simple but interesting personalities for the MCs
Story flow: 6/10. Everything kind of moved fast. Not really any fillers to build up the scenes and dynamics
Writing style: 7.5/10 More cohesive and better vocab/grammar usage than most romances nowadays
Steamy scenes: 6.5/10. The push and pull of their relationship was there but the scenes felt lacking
Pages: 220. For this minimal amount of pages from a romance, nothing felt rushed
Overall: Would reread. One of the better, simple romances novels
Characters: 8/10. Simple but interesting personalities for the MCs
Story flow: 6/10. Everything kind of moved fast. Not really any fillers to build up the scenes and dynamics
Writing style: 7.5/10 More cohesive and better vocab/grammar usage than most romances nowadays
Steamy scenes: 6.5/10. The push and pull of their relationship was there but the scenes felt lacking
Pages: 220. For this minimal amount of pages from a romance, nothing felt rushed
Overall: Would reread. One of the better, simple romances novels
December 10, 2025
This is an interesting story of 2 folks who both have serious secrets about their past lives. Eventually they are able to overcome their secrets with the help of each other.
October 31, 2024
An emotional roller coaster
This book is going to pull at your heartstrings. This is Jolie and Quinn’s story and what a story it is. They’ve both dealt with some tough issues, but they’re both still standing. Emma one of Josie’s best friends marries Quinn’s best friend, Ian. When they go on their honeymoon, Emma asks Quinn to look after her besties and keep them safe. During this time, Jolie and Quinn grow closer and he learns her secrets, that not even the besties know. After she reveals her secrets, he tells her his. This book handles the tough issues beautifully, although there’s nothing beautiful about what happens. No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens. I will say if you don’t want to read about childhood trauma and how some people deal with it, you should give this book a pass.
This book is going to pull at your heartstrings. This is Jolie and Quinn’s story and what a story it is. They’ve both dealt with some tough issues, but they’re both still standing. Emma one of Josie’s best friends marries Quinn’s best friend, Ian. When they go on their honeymoon, Emma asks Quinn to look after her besties and keep them safe. During this time, Jolie and Quinn grow closer and he learns her secrets, that not even the besties know. After she reveals her secrets, he tells her his. This book handles the tough issues beautifully, although there’s nothing beautiful about what happens. No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens. I will say if you don’t want to read about childhood trauma and how some people deal with it, you should give this book a pass.
August 9, 2015
The best Christian Fiction series I have read in a long time. This is not what I call Christian Fiction fluff. This series has real life issues and how God can help heal us from our past. I can't wait to continue reading the series. So glad I decided to read the 1st book. This book I finished in under a week. A great read!
August 11, 2019
I love this story because of the character building in the story along with the updates of the other characters from previous stories.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews