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The Stone Saga #4

Wishing Stone

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He could give her anything her heart longed for—except one thing.

Alexander
I refused to be trapped in hell ever again.
But even devils have dreams.
If I had one wish this Christmas, it would be to give Krystina what she desperately wanted more than anything—a baby.
I would do anything for my wife, but that was before the world fell into chaos.
Too much had changed and fear of the madness surrounding us was all-consuming.
I had to protect the woman I loved above all else—even if it meant keeping her locked in a gilded cage.

Krystina
Alexander was as controlling as he was handsome, but we’d finally found our groove.
There were no more secrets and no more lies.
At least, that was what I told myself.
But some secrets were meant to be kept hidden—even if only for a little while.
After all, the best gifts weren’t always found under the tree.

From International Bestselling Author Dakota Willink comes the fourth book in The Stone Series, a Christmas novel that sets the stage for the final installment of Alexander and Krystina’s epic love story.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 11, 2022

957 people are currently reading
2022 people want to read

About the author

Dakota Willink

95 books1,550 followers
Dakota Willink is an Award-Winning USA Today Bestselling Author. She loves writing about damaged heroes who fall in love with sassy and independent females. Her books are character-driven, emotional, and sexy, yet written with a flare that keeps them real. With a wide range of published books, a magazine publication, and the Leave Me Breathless World under her belt, Dakota's imagination is constantly spinning new ideas.

The Stone Series is Dakota's first published book series. It has been recognized for various awards and bestseller lists, including USA Today and the Readers' Favorite 2017 Gold Medal in Romance, and has since been translated into multiple languages internationally. The Fade Into You series (formally known as the Cadence duet) was a finalist in the HEAR Now Festival Independent Audiobook Awards. In addition, Dakota has written under the alternate pen name, Marie Christy. Under this name, she has written and published a children's book for charity titled, And I Smile. Also writing as Marie Christy, she was a contributor to the Blunder Woman Productions project, Nevertheless We Persisted: Me Too, a 2019 Audie Award Finalist and Earphones Awards Winner. This project inspired Dakota to write The Sound of Silence, a dark romantic suspense novel.

Dakota often says she survived her first publishing with coffee and wine. She’s an unabashed Star Wars fanatic and still dreams of getting her letter from Hogwarts one day. Her daily routines usually include rocking Lululemon yoga pants, putting on lipstick, and obsessing over Excel spreadsheets. She enjoys traveling with her husband and debating social and economic issues with her politically savvy Generation Z son and daughter. Two spoiled Cavaliers are her furry writing companions who bring her daily smiles.

Official Website: www.dakotawillink.com

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5 stars
1,785 (58%)
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807 (26%)
3 stars
382 (12%)
2 stars
70 (2%)
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23 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Coastie  Mom.
1,450 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2022
I am so glad that Dakota Willink decided to continue this series! This is the continuation of Krystina and Alexander’s story. This takes place now, in real time as everyone is coping with e pandemic. Krystina and Alexander have been married for a few years and are desperately trying to get pregnant. Krystina has had a few miscarriages and Alexander being the control freak he is, will only try to get pregnant again if Krystina follows his rules. The main rule being, she can no longer leave their house and no one can come over.

Krystina is hiding a secret from Alexander, but at the same time she is starting to feel “trapped”. Things are going on with the foundation and she needs to get there and fix it! Drama entails, emotions are high, but will Alexander realize what he’s taking away from his wife? Great story and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book! Will Krystina and Alexxander get their happily ever after?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,491 reviews22 followers
July 23, 2022
Throughout this series I have become invested in Alexander and Krystina's story and this book is no different, if anything I have become even more so invested. This is an emotion read that played with my heartstrings and was heart-wrenching at moments. This trials and tribulations that are Alexander and Krystina are realistic and relatable. Emotions are running high and are palpable, the chemistry between this couple is present.
106 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2022
Was ist nicht gut für die Seele?
Übermäßiger Schutz und Isolation sind verletzend für die Seele...geschweige denn für die Beziehung zwischen Krystina und Alexander. Vier Jahre sind sie zusammen, haben Höhen und Tiefen gemeinsam gemeistert. Doch nach drei Fehlgeburten jeweils in den ersten zwölf Schwangerschaftswochen haben Alexander zum Kontrollfreak ohne Gleichen gemacht. Die Pandemie tut dann noch ihren Rest, sodass Krystina seit einem Jahr in ihrem gemeinsamen Haus außerhalb von New York in Isolation lebt. Alle Einkäufe und Bestellungen werden ausschließlich online getätigt und werden an der Einfahrt gebracht und hinterlassen...Alexander will seine Frau vor der Pandemie und einer weiteren Fehlgeburt schützen...doch an dieser absoluten Isolation droht Krystina zu zerbrechen und belastet ihre Beziehung auch in ihrer körperlichen Form ungemein. Alexander versucht alle Gefahren abzuwenden und behandelt seine Frau wie eine willenlose, zerbrechliche Puppe...doch das will sich Krystina nicht mehr gefallen lassen. Sie ist jetzt zum vierten Mal schwanger und verschweigt es allen. Sie will die ersten zwölf Schwangerschaftswochen abwarten, bevor sie Alexander einweiht...dennoch macht sie sich Sorgen über die gemeinsame Zukunft als Familie und als Paar...
Wunderbar geschrieben, spannend und mit sehr guten Charakterdarstellungen. Wenn man die vorherigen drei Bücher gemocht hat, dann ist das ein Muss und es endet mit einem Cliffhanger. Ich bin gespannt auf den letzten Band der Pentalogie. Eine Reihe, die ich mir immer wieder zu Gemüte führe...einziger Stern-abzug ist für das fehlerhafte Lektorat.

Ich habe ein Freiexemplar über Booksprout erhalten und hinterlasse freiwillig eine Rezension.

What's not good for the soul?
Overprotection and isolation are hurtful to the soul...let alone for the relationship between Krystina and Alexander. They have been together for four years and have mastered ups and downs together. But after three miscarriages, each in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, Alexander has become a control freak without equal. The pandemic then does the rest, so that Krystina has been living in isolation in their shared house outside New York for a year. All purchases and orders are made exclusively online and are brought and left at the driveway...Alexander wants to protect his wife from the pandemic and another miscarriage...but this absolute isolation threatens to break Krystina and puts an immense strain on their relationship, even in its physical form. Alexander tries to avert all dangers and treats his wife like a helpless, fragile doll...but Krystina won't put up with that anymore. She is now pregnant for the fourth time and keeps it a secret from everyone. She wants to wait for the first twelve weeks of pregnancy before she lets Alexander in on it...yet she worries about their future together as a family and as a couple....
Wonderfully written, suspenseful and with very good character portrayals. If you liked the previous three books, this is a must read and it ends with a cliffhanger. I am eagerly awaiting the final volume of the pentalogy. A series I keep coming back to...only star deduction is for the flawed editing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
936 reviews28 followers
April 9, 2025
"Wishing Stone" by Dakota Willink, the fourth installment in "The Stone Saga," continues the tumultuous and passionate relationship between billionaire Alexander Stone and his wife, Krystina. Set against the backdrop of the Christmas season and the burgeoning chaos of a global pandemic, the novel delves into themes of enduring love, the challenges of commitment, and the secrets that can still exist even in the most intimate of relationships.

Willink crafts a narrative where Alexander, the commanding and protective alpha male, grapples with his desire to give Krystina the one thing she desperately wants – a baby – while the external world descends into uncertainty. His protective instincts intensify, leading him to consider keeping Krystina safe within their privileged world, even if it means isolating her. Krystina, for her part, believes their bond is stronger than ever, free of past secrets, yet she harbors her own hidden truths.

The novel expertly blends intense romance with suspense, keeping the reader engaged with the push and pull of Alexander and Krystina's dynamic. Their connection remains fierce, characterized by undeniable attraction and a deep-seated love that faces new trials brought on by both personal desires and external crises. Willink's writing is described as emotional and sexy, with a realistic edge that grounds the often larger-than-life circumstances of a billionaire romance.

"Wishing Stone" serves as a pivotal book in the series, setting the stage for the final chapter of Alexander and Krystina's epic love story. It explores how their established "groove" is tested by new vulnerabilities and the overwhelming fear of an unpredictable future, proving that even the strongest love must adapt and confront unexpected challenges.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Nastasio.
2,661 reviews19 followers
July 29, 2022
After being married for a few years now and all issues have been resolved and working together is just an extra perk and now they want a baby but this is proving to be a huge problem after Krystina has suffered a few miscarriages and now the pandemic has hit and Alex’s controlling ways are causing problems between them but all he wants is to keep her safe and healthy and so they make an agreement that he will try again to have a baby if she works from home and has no visitors but she must follow the rules. The foundation she is working on has hit some issues and she needs to be there to fix then and being taken hostage was not in her plans. Now that everything had settled down again and with Christmas just around the corner Alex has some surprises her leading up to Christmas Day the first is getting both there family and friends together for a celebration after the pandemic but Krys knows nothing about it as he leads her blindfolded to the pond once there his surprise was revealed and Krys couldn’t believe her eyes at everything and everyone being together but Alex had more to give her it’s the 12 days of Christmas gifts start with this dinner and the list went on but she stopped him to give him her gift and when he unwrapped it he was in shock and scared to believe this was happening Krystina was pregnant but he was worried that it would fail and they would lose the baby but Krys is 13 weeks pregnant well past most danger zones and everyone cheered for them and it was the perfect present she could give him. How does it all turn out is it a boy or girl and is this the HEA they have been chasing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,724 reviews42 followers
January 12, 2022
This is book four in The Stone Series and it continues Alexander and Krystina's story and it is definitely a must read. Since Alexander and Krystina have been married they have had a lot of heartache and they have suffered with not being able to carry a baby to full term and now she wants to try for a baby yet again even though it was starting to take it's toll on her. Alexander would do give and do anything for his wife but seeing what she had gone through before he is a bit unsure what to do next as he couldn't see her to through all that again especially with all the chaos in the world at the moment. The connection and chemistry between them is still so strong and intense but will they get what they want without it breaking them apart. I absolutely loved this book and even though it has some difficult subjects in it I still couldn't put it down and had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next between them and I can't wait to read the final book in this amazing of but remember that they are not standalone books and you will have to start reading from book one through to now so that you can get all the background history but it is definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kristina Gehrls.
278 reviews
August 16, 2022
This is book four in the series and you need to have read the previous books to follow the story.

At the time when the pandemic hit and after trying and failing to have a baby, Alex’s controlling tendencies really sky-rocket. Alex wants to give Krystina anything she wants, but he doesn't want to risk her health in the pandemic. They finally come to an agreement, they will try again for a baby, if she works remotely from home and has minimal contact with the outside world. Krystina understands Alex's worry, but she is feeling caged. But I love this couple and I couldn't read this story fast enough. Their love is stronger than ever and the emotions they are facing bring a lot of heartache.

Then I got to the end and read the first chapter of book 5, Breaking stone, I can’t wait to read it!!! This is a must read because it shows their happily ever starting!!! I’m so excited and I can’t wait to see how their story ends!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
626 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2022
Book 4 continues the story of Alexander and Krystina. They have been married a couple of years and want to grow their family. Alexander has control issues. He needs to control everything. Due to the pandemic and his concerns for his family’s health, he basically mandated Krystina and his mother’s staff be homebound, and not go out. Krystina has had three miscarriages. She finds herself pregnant again but chooses not to share this info with Alexander, at least not right away. Their story is intense. Some may find Alexander’s behavior to be a trigger, being domineering.
I enjoyed this book. The story is well written, and flows naturally. The characters are well developed. You can clearly see each person as an individual with their own thoughts and needs. I used the audiobook version. The narration was good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
970 reviews
January 25, 2022
And I like that you choose to write about them in this troubled times.
It was a holiday story full of hope.
And can’t wait for Breaking stone!

But seriously? Kristina’s behaviour was mindblowing! In a bad way…
In the past she has a lot of moments when she's been rude, and even selfish in her way of demanding answers. And she was childish and even dumb at some time, but I loved her sassy and feisty attitude balancing Alex’s controlling one.
But right now, in the time of the pandemic, and most of all being pregnant, her attitude angry me!
To consider going outside and not protecting herself (like Alex did all this time) was preposterous!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
116 reviews
May 28, 2022
Alexander and Krystina are back in the 4th book of The Stone Series.

This book takes place almost in current time .. they're dealing with affects of a pandemic and what that means for over protective and broody Alex.. and his wife who likes to test the fates.

They've been trying to start a family for quite a long time now.. but will their dreams come true or will they just end up more heart broken?

When someone attempts to cause trouble in Krystina's work life, she goes against the rules that her husband has so strongly put in place to deal with it on her own.. but will that cause her more troubles in her home life as well?

Another excellent book by Dakota.. anxiously awaiting the next installment!
Profile Image for J.
4,122 reviews21 followers
June 3, 2022
This is book 4 in Willink's The Stone Series and a continuation of Krystina and Alexander’s story. These two have seemingly found their HEA in book 3 but here we have a bonus where we get a glimpse of these two since they've been married a couple of years...both desperately want a baby and after several miscarriage's and now a pandemic Alexander is going over the top in his controlling to keep Krystina safe and happy. Another wonderful page turning romance that's full of heartbreak and hope. Love that this read takes place during Christmas and our most recent pandemic period. Great job and so looking forward to more!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda.
978 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2024
Wishing for More 🤓 3.5/4

I dove into Wishing Stone, eager to continue Alexander and Krystina's journey. The story delivered on its promise of drama, sensuality, and love, with a healthy dose of Alexander's signature controlling tendencies.
However, I couldn't shake the feeling that the plot felt a bit monotonous at times. Despite this, the intense moments scattered throughout kept me invested. As a reader, I felt the book didn't quite live up to its potential, but the story was still engaging.
Overall, Wishing Stone was a good read, even if it didn't blow me away. If you're invested in Alexander and Krystina's story, you'll likely want to continue with this installment. There is one more book left in this series and I’m hoping to be “WOWED” like I was on the first 3.

A note for sensitive readers: the book tackles the difficult topic of miscarriage.
Profile Image for Sharon.
314 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2026
The trials and tribulations everyone faced during the pandemic are emphasized in this installment of the Stone Saga. In his obsession to protect Krystina, he restricts her to the house and their 30+ acre homestead during the pandemic.
They have privately struggled through three miscarriages, when Krystina becomes pregnant. Not wanting to stress Alexander, she keeps the pregnancy a secret.
Of course, as always Krystina finds herself in a hostage situation at the Women's Shelter when she decides to sneak out and go to the shelter in the days before Christmas. Though all ends well, Alexander is angry. But, begins to see how his rules have harmed her psychologically.
When Alexander surprises Krystina with a "rule-based" family and friends Christmas Eve party/dinner, she surprises Alex with her pregnancy announcement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carmela Dimattia.
1,933 reviews22 followers
July 23, 2022
Wow! I was not expecting this book to be heartbreaking for Krystina and Alexander but this tore at my heartstrings. Their journey to be parents is not an easy road and they have encountered some heartbreak but this book also includes the current pandemic sweeping the world and how some communities are affected. What a journey it has been and I am so glad to have been a part of it. Alexander is romantic as ever and always wants to give his ‘angel’ the best of live and all it has to offer. Loved this entire series and am looking forward to reading more about these characters.

I received an arc copy from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,408 reviews119 followers
February 13, 2023
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Krystina and Alexander story continues in this short book. This story broke my heart many times over. I love these characters so much and as I have progressed reading the series I've fallen in love with them, so they feel like family to me and when they hurt, I hurt for them. This story is real, gritty, and contains some pretty intense real-world problems. This was truly a story that moved me to tears many times over and I love Krystina and Alexander's story so much. This series in book is highly recommended as is the author, Dakota Willink. This series will knock your socks off!!!
Profile Image for Midnightfairies.
256 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2025
This book was heart breaking and heart warming all at once!
I loved it being set at Christmas time too.
Here's my thoughts...

What I liked...

* Krystina...I've really warmed to her character now, and I think she's adorable!

* The Christmas setting, perfect to read this time of year!

* Reading about their struggles with becoming parents was so sad, but was also handled in a sensitive manner.


What I didn't like as much...

* The covid-19 setting...I appreciate it was something that was happening at the time, and it was written well. I just wasn't a fan.

I cant believe I'm now onto the final book!
1,756 reviews8 followers
February 8, 2022
Alex wants to give Krystina anything she wants but he doesn't want to risk her health in the pandemic. They come to an agreement - they will try again for a baby if she works remotely from home, with minimal contact with the outside world. Are they going to manage to stay pregnant after Krystina's several miscarriages?'

This is book four in the series and you need to have read the previous books to follow the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
March 7, 2022
Wishing Stone is book four in The Stone Series. For some reason, I thought Set in Stone book three was the last book in the series so I was happy to see Wishing Stone. I loved getting more of Alex and Krystina's story and the journey they have been on to get married was great. This story fits right into today's crazy times with the pandemic and working from home. I definitely recommend you start this series from book one Heart of Stone to fully understand Ale and Krystina's story. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
1,251 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2022
Alexander continues his controlling, possessive ways. Now that it's the pandemic, he makes.sure Christina is in lockdown. No visitors, no going to stores or to her company. Christina is going stir crazy. She is kept in the dark. Her life is in danger when she decides to venture out on her own to the women's shelter.
Secrets, lies, hostage. There are many factors happening in theIr steamy, continuing love story..
Lacy Laurel and Jeffrey Kafer narration brings all the emotions in this amazing story. well done
578 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2025
Could they finally get their HEA?

Wishing Stone is book 4 in The Stone Saga series. You definitely need to read this series from the beginning. The story continues from book to book. There is a Christmas theme here but the relationship between this angsty couple continues as they face more challenges, disappointments and discovery.

I would advise that you check any trigger warnings the author may provide as there is some serious and emotional elements here that may be sensitive to some readers. I can’t wait to see if this couple does indeed get their Christmas wish so I will jump right into the next book in the series, Breaking Stone!
878 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2022
Christmas gave them a great gift !!

This book was a delightful expression of two people wanting something more in their relationship but the new norm we live in today kept them from it. Alexander trying his best to keep Krysrina from the virus and keeping himself under control was very challenging. I recommend you read this continuous book in the series, it is really good. I give it a 5 Stars review
40 reviews
February 9, 2022
Alex and Krystina's story continues in the fourth installation of this series. The story takes place in the middle of the pandemic and Krystina is frustrated with how Alexander is trying to keep her in a bubble, but he has his reasons. Their love is stronger than ever and the emotions they are facing bring a lot of heartaches. This is a must read because it shows their happily ever starting!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodie Lauren.
1,962 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2022
More from Krystina and Alex’s study. Whilst it was good to see not everything was plain sailing, I can’t help but feel like this could have been summed up in the last book with an epilogue. I must admit whilst I got her frustrations from being kept in during the pandemic, I can’t help but feel like she wanted the most important thing and was willing to sacrifice it. It felt drawn out abs a bit pointless for me

Xx
Profile Image for Keza Campbell.
788 reviews12 followers
July 1, 2022
Wow. I think I have started by saying this with almost all 4 books so far...but this one was on the more emotional side.

At the time when the pandemic hit and after trying and failing to have a baby. Alexander's controlling tendencies sky-rocket.
Krystina understands Alex's worry but is feeling caged.

But I love this couple and I couldn't read this story fast enough.

Then I got to the end and read the first chapter of book 5, Breaking stone! Gahhhh I cannot wait.
Profile Image for Renee.
955 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2022
After rereading the first three books, I was totally looking forward to getting more of Alexander and Krystina as a married couple. That doesn't happen enough in book-land. This was a harder read as it hit close to home of pregnancy issues and pandemic madness. But I couldn't put it down. I cannot wait for the next book! I was spoiled to read one after another to this point!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Hollie Senn Bookish Reviews.
400 reviews10 followers
September 4, 2022
This is the fourth book in the series and omg as if the third book didn't bring a lot this one brought it double. The Rollercoaster I was just put on in the book had me all over in emotions trying to guess what's going to happen holding my breathe. Then bam twist... Alex and Krys really do fight for one another no matter what or who decides to interview with there love. This book was amazing.. im desperate for the next book..
Profile Image for Abigail the Reading Pharmer.
74 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2022
I initially gave this book 3 stars because it was just ok. After reading the first couple chapters of book 5, I changed it to 1 star because it's totally pointless. The good things that happen in book 4 are all negated within the first few chapters of book 5. I have dealt with miscarriages and infertility and get sick of the women in romance books getting knocked up so easily but what's been said in book 5 is good enough. Save yourself the time and read a review with spoilers to get the gist and move on the book 5.
20 reviews
June 23, 2025
This book wasn't as good as the first three...

There was no real mystery or suspense like the first two books in the series and because of the ongoing pregnancy issues, minimal BDSM. This book was more of your mushy "Lifetime romance story" than anything and I sort of feel like it veered off the rails from the rest of the series. I still enjoyed the characters and their development but the pandemic storyline, much like the actual pandemic, just seemed to drag on and on.
Profile Image for Bea  Rush.
290 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2025
📖 Wishing Stone
This book brings new emotional layers and external conflicts as the couple faces lingering fears and unexpected challenges. Their love feels stronger, more mature, but still vulnerable to the ghosts of their pasts. The tone is emotional, suspenseful, and romantic, balancing heartache with hope. The spice level remains high 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, and the book ends with tension still in the air, preparing readers for the finale.
1,636 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2022
Kept me Guessing
Intense from start to finish with outstanding edgy chemistry that at times had me burning through the pages and having a hard time putting it down. It kept me guessing throughout with incredible twists and turns filled with an array of emotions. This is amazing continuation of Krystina and Alexander's story that i enjoyed and definitely has me wanting to read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews

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