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The Stone Saga #3

Set In Stone

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9 hours, 27 minutes

Two declarations of love. And a past that won’t set them free.

Alexander 

I had rules. Krystina broke them. That’s just the way things were. But that didn’t mean I didn’t want to make her my wife. She exemplified the triskelion, representing my past, my present, and my future. Without her, I am nothing. 

But then the past returns to rear its ugly head. As it turned out, I wasn’t the only one with a secret. Everything I believed is nothing but a lie. The strangling grip of chaos squeezes until I can’t breathe. I don’t know who I am anymore.

The only thing I can do is go back to being the man I once was—to the only place where I once knew control.

Krystina 

Alexander was the glue holding my shattered soul together. This should’ve been one of the happiest times in my life, but the darkness still looms. I thought I knew the man I committed myself to but more questions continue to arise.

I don’t know if Alexander is who he says he is.  It all happened so fast. Everything we fought so hard to overcome is threatened in the blink of an eye. 

Now I’m faced with a terrible decision: go against Alexander in order to save him or sit idly by and watch as his world shatters around him. No matter my choice, it could destroy the very thing our relationship was built on. 

Trust. 

The heart-wrenching and seductive story of Alexander and Krystina concludes with 'SET IN STONE', the powerfully moving finale to The Stone Series.



©2018 Dakota Willink (P)2018 Dakota Willink

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 19, 2018

1253 people are currently reading
2340 people want to read

About the author

Dakota Willink

100 books1,544 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
2,313 (58%)
4 stars
1,152 (29%)
3 stars
400 (10%)
2 stars
64 (1%)
1 star
21 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
Profile Image for Diana.
638 reviews18 followers
January 21, 2018
5++++ Angel Stars

Set In Stone is the final book in The Stone Series, and by far, my favorite. I adore Alexander and Krystina, and I really am a little sad that their story is over.

Krystina and Alex are now living together, and after a few little bumps, their relationship is stronger than ever. Alex still has him dominant ways, but he came to realize that although he enjoyed Krystina’s submission in the bedroom, he liked her spirit outside the bedroom

” She was perfect and, at times, I wondered if she were real or if she was an angel sent to save me.”

“I want to give you everything you need. I never want you to feel afraid, but only safe and cherished.~Alexander


Alex’s childhood still haunts him, yet he is still keeping secrets from Krystina. When Alex’s past comes back, it is not only a threat to their relationship, but also a threat to everything Alex has worked so hard for. Krystina decides to try and jump in and save Alex, which angers Alex even more. Finally, the truth is revealed, and Alex is broken. Krystina knows she must be there for him, but she is heartbroken at Alex’s reaction. Can their relationship survive?

I loved this story, and I could not turn the pages fast enough. The mystery was finally revealed, and I must say, I was totally shocked and it was definitely not what I expected. I also enjoyed how the author included music and a playlist at the end of the book. It was fun to look up the music while reading, and it was a nice touch to set the mood for what was going on in the story.

This is not a stand alone, but I highly recommend this entire trilogy because it certainly has become one of my favorites.

ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.-THANK YOU!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews129 followers
Want to read
July 27, 2018
💝FREE on Amazon today (7/27/2018)!💝

Blurb:
Two declarations of love. And a past that won’t set them free.

Alexander had rules. Krystina broke them. Together, they learned the hard way that life was too short to play the game. Choosing to not leave their relationship to Fate, they fell completely and irrevocably into one another. As two shattered souls, wrapped in each other’s arms, it was as if the world and all its troubles did not exist.

However, committing to love each other was only the beginning. Caught up in their blazing desire, they unexpectedly find themselves facing the shadows of the past once again. Just when Krystina thought she knew the man she committed to, more questions arise, causing her to wonder if Alexander is who he says he is. It should have been one of the happiest times in their lives, but the darkness still loomed, threatening everything they fought so hard to overcome.

Now Krystina is faced with a terrible decision: go against Alexander in order to save him or sit idly by and watch as his world shatters around him. For her greatest battle was the very thing their relationship was founded upon. Trust.
Profile Image for Bellereader.
733 reviews52 followers
January 22, 2018
Alex and Krystina have it coming at them from all sides in what is a non-stop rollercoaster of intrigue - the conclusion we have been pining have doesn't disappoint. Krystina should be on top of the world, Alex is determined to make her his in every conceivable way, but lately her mercuical man has become even more reticent and controlling. While she never minds ceding control to Alex in all matters in the boudoir, he has become so domineering in all other aspects of their lives she has been feeling suffocated. Krystina is determined to find out what has Alex at such odds with the man she fell in love with. Alex loves Krystina more than his own life, but plagued by his ghosts he is becoming more haunted by the fact that he is dragging his Angel down into his darkness. The more he tries to shield her from his darkness the further he distances himself from her. When it becomes clear that his past is not as buried as he thought, he worries about his past and his future colliding. The gripping conclusion of this sensational tale will have you on your toes from beginning to end.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,193 reviews123 followers
January 24, 2021
Set in Stone, by Dakota Willink is a master piece in writing. Once again Dakota
has captured this readers attention with the most erotic love and passion between a couple in a book. The romance affair between Krystina and Mr. Alexander Stone is very hot and very steamy. The scenes definitely leaves a lot to the imagination in the naughty bedroom. The writer truly has a gifted talent at telling a story.
This book reads at moderate pace, while bringing so much entertainment to each page. I found the book to be very realistic. I like how the writer explained things to the reader that they may not be to familiar with. Yes the drama is heavy, but that’s what I loved about the book. The story of Krystina’s and Alexander’s is so riveting.
It’s easy to get caught up in this wonderful story, so be prepared. I found the book more of a love story than a erotic story. I enjoyed everything about it. I am so excited and I look forward to more books coming from this author. My fellow readers, I recommend this love story. Until next time... read on!
22 reviews
March 5, 2025
By the time I reached Set in Stone, the third book in a five-book series, I realized I had no desire to continue. What could have been one—maybe two—books at most was stretched unnecessarily into five, repeating the same story, scenes, and character dynamics over and over.

The biggest issue for me was the complete lack of growth in the FMC. By book three, she was still making the same judgments, facing the same conflicts, and showing no real development. Maybe there’s some change by book five, but by this point, I had lost all interest in finding out.

The writing itself isn’t the problem, but the redundancy made it impossible to stay invested. With no desire to spend more time on a storyline that refused to evolve, I decided to DNF the series. Unfortunately, this book—and the series as a whole—failed to hold my attention.
Profile Image for Billy J Stratton.
1,877 reviews12 followers
January 26, 2018
I enjoyed this trilogy so much.

Alexander Stone was a very rich man, extremely good looking and very cocky. Krystina meets him while she has tripped,spilt her coffee and fell down on the floor. When she spots Alex she is tongue tied and shocked that she did all that in front of him. They both have a lot of baggage from their past but they are attracted to each other. This couple will take you through so many emotions in this three book ride. Highly recommend it though. A good series.
6,476 reviews22 followers
July 23, 2022
This is such a powerful third book I'm Alexander and Krystina's story. It deals with heavy and powerful emotions that will hit you in gut. It is so easy to become re-invested in their story as soon as you starts this book. The passion is palpable and along with the emotion filled drama it is easy to see why I it was a riveting read. I am loving this series and highly recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Ida Jolley.
738 reviews17 followers
January 21, 2018
Alexander and Krystina have a love story that many people would like to have. But it seems that things were not as they appeared to be. There was tension between the couple that both were feeling and neither knew what the cause was. Was it just their upcoming plans for a future together, Alexander’s need to be so bossy and controlling over everything that Krystina felt she had no say in anything anymore, or was it from the accident and Alexander was afraid of things coming out about his past. So many things were weighing him down that made him lose his temper. Krystina couldn’t understand why he was having so many restless nights and nightmares, what was going on inside of him that he wouldn’t talk about it with her. Where was the man she fell in love with? So many questions she needed answers to, before she could walk down the aisle to the man she loved. And soon she got those answers and it was not at all what she expected
Profile Image for Deolinda M. Ruela.
1 review
January 26, 2018
I love love this book!!!!

The love Alex and Krystina is fearless and unbreakable the love that make everything better.

As strong and Dominant that Alex it Krystina is no to far way they are perfect together

I recommend this book to all the romantics out there... True love is eating to fulfill your heart
40 reviews12 followers
January 26, 2018
Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot line was full of twist and turns. This is the 3rd book of the series and it ended great. I recommend this series and will read more from Dakota
465 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2018
Another BRILLIANT read from this author. I have loved this trilogy. Full of heated emotional, sensual, anger, forgiveness and love on every level of the spectrum. This author brings the characters alive because they have so much depth. Her word skills just flow from the page, pulling we, the reader right into the story. I read this book over two evenings and kept going until 2 a.m. just to finish it. The whole series is well worth a rad. LOVED it. Shame I can't give 6*.
4 reviews
January 20, 2018
Love the Stone Series Books.

The Series was so written and the descriptions area very vivid like watching a movie. I was in lust and suspense throughout the books and read all three in less than one day.
I hope she writes another series sion. I can't wait!
13 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2018
Awsome

This conclusion was awesome. I almost cried in some parts. But it was all worth it in the end!! Amazing
Profile Image for Sahara.
94 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2018
What do is say..... this is the end of a long journey with two of my favorite characters. You have Kristen who have been with so much but still able to love and fight for her man. Alexander who is complicated but I so love him... He has so many secrets that come out and You never seen them coming . This is a epic conclusion to this series. Dakota that you for sharing this story with us. I am sad it over. But all great things come to an end. #teamAlexander
Profile Image for Jenny Prose.
746 reviews10 followers
December 14, 2017
4.5 Stars

Simply incredible conclusion to the Stone Series! I absolutely love Dakota's writing and the fact that you get such a meaty story with dynamic characters that you get emotionally invested in. I loved every second of this book, I couldn't put it down, and was sad in a way when it ended. But it was such a beautiful story and a satisfying ending.
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,108 reviews
January 20, 2018
I love this series! I fell in love with Krystina and Alexander’s story. I felt like I was watching this as movie as I read, the details the author gave about the characters and places were amazing. The secrets, lies, suspense and sex scenes that are so hot kept me interested in the story. Nothing is as it seems or is it, hmmm. An amazing series! This author has became a favorite of mine.
Profile Image for Elaine.
735 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2020
OMG!! This book had my heart pounding the entire time especially when things went haywire for Krystine and Alex, I was mad and devastated and knew things weren't going to be easy for them but in the end I was pieced back together!
Will these two people ever have a normal or will it be the end?
To find out you will need to read the final book in the series!!
Profile Image for Liz Lawson.
729 reviews29 followers
January 24, 2018
Loved this trilogy. Stone has his secrets, Angel is trying to be his saviour. He’s “dark” with looks to die for, a no commitment hero. She’s sassy, innocent and needs to be tamed but she’s changing him, topping from the bottom. Is he a monster ..... she has to show him he’s not who he thinks he’s become. Push and pull tensions but she won’t be tamed .... or will she?
Profile Image for Shannon.
386 reviews14 followers
December 30, 2017
Mr. Stone
How I love thee. Seriously, an excellent conclusion to Alex and Krystina's story. If you have not started this series, you need to! It's also on audio and an excellent audio at that. I can't wait to see more work from Dakota.
Profile Image for Kaye.
Author 9 books23 followers
February 12, 2020
Almost a direct copy of fsog. I loved fsog but this was a poor replica. I listened via audible and while I enjoyed the male narrator the female had an irritating voice that made it hard to keep listening.
Profile Image for Carissa.
3,371 reviews90 followers
January 9, 2019
4.5 stars

This was a great conclusion to a great trilogy. I'm also glad it didn't go in the route/plot that I thought it might. I highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
882 reviews25 followers
April 6, 2025
"Set In Stone" by Dakota Willink, the third installment in "The Stone Saga," delivers a potent blend of dark romance, suspense, and emotional turmoil that will keep readers thoroughly engaged. Willink masterfully continues the tumultuous journey of Alexander Stone and Krystina Cole, a couple whose intense connection is constantly tested by their shadowy pasts and present dangers.

The narrative picks up with Alexander and Krystina seemingly on the verge of a more stable future, yet the secrets they harbor threaten to shatter their fragile peace. Willink expertly weaves a complex web of lies, betrayals, and shocking revelations, ensuring that the suspense remains high throughout the book. The plot twists are genuinely surprising, adding layers of intrigue that prevent the story from becoming predictable.

Beyond the suspense, the strength of "Set In Stone" lies in its character development. Alexander, the damaged billionaire, continues his evolution, grappling with his inner demons while fiercely loving Krystina. Krystina, in turn, demonstrates remarkable resilience and agency as she confronts her own vulnerabilities and fights for her relationship. Their dynamic is raw, passionate, and often fraught with conflict, making their journey all the more compelling.

Willink's writing is sharp and evocative, effectively conveying the emotional intensity of the story. The darker elements of the romance are balanced with moments of genuine tenderness and connection, creating a nuanced portrayal of a couple fighting for their love against formidable odds. While the series is best enjoyed in order to fully appreciate the intricate backstory and character arcs, "Set In Stone" stands as a powerful and addictive read for fans of dark romance with a strong suspenseful edge.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DanielleAndHerSmutBooks.
450 reviews55 followers
March 20, 2020
Set in Stone by Dakota Willink is the 3rd and final book in The Stone Series trilogy. It is a continuation series, so please go read Heart of Stone and Stepping Stone prior to reading this one!

My star rating here shows 4 stars, but it is more like 4.5...maybe I should have rounded up in the actual stars.
This trilogy started off with a little too many similarities to 50 Shades. Enough differences to make it it's own unique story, but too many things were a bit too similar. As the story progressed, it truly became it's own, and by the end, I didn't feel those similarities at all anymore.

Set in Stone dives deeper into the past of Alex. Apparently, he is not the only one keeping secrets. We find more answers than I think we even knew we were looking for.

Of course, you can continue to count on Krystina to be her independent, stubborn self, but she's learned more about why Alex is the way he is. She embraces their lifestyle a bit more, but maintains that feisty edge that Alex fell in love with.

I love their relationship and devotion to one another.
My stomach was in knots during part of the story...I really hoped a certain someone wasn't going to F everything up (you'll have to read to find out if this person did or not).
Like in Stepping Stone, I feel like I need to go do a re-read just to be able to highlights some scenes to send to my husband!!
Profile Image for Coastie  Mom.
1,418 reviews8 followers
November 9, 2020
I am kind of sad that this series has come to an end. I loved the story of Krystina and Alex from the beginning of the series. They have so much passion and chemistry together. Even though they are different from each other, they found a way to be together.

The emotion, mystery and drama throughout the story keep you intrigued. There were parts throughout the story where I wanted to slap the crap out of Alex because of his actions and then I wanted to shake Krystina for not being more vocal about her concerns with Alex being more controlling outside of the bedroom.

This book has it all – secrets, lies, deception, drama, passion, romance and mystery. I will definitely be looking for more books from this author to read. I’m hoping that maybe there is a series involving Allyson and Mateo!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Booksprout ARC’s for an honest review.
1,250 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2020
Alex is concerned about the distance that has come between them. Kristina is concerned about his over controlling ways in every aspect of her life. He has one major secret he hasn't told her. Will this secret that he has been hiding destroy their relationship? He must tell her before it comes out in the newpaper. But there is something his sister find out and kept from him? How will that news effect him emotionally! Can Alex and Kristina overcome the odds, and create something magical together?
Lacy Laurel and Jeffrey Kafer tell the story with such emotion. Both are outstanding narrators. They bring the angst, raw emotion and personality to each character.
🎧audiobookobsessionreview🎧
1,019 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2021
Set In Stone (The Stone Series :A Billionaire Romance Book 3)

Things changed throughout this story, keeping you on edge what was going to happen next with Alexander and Krystina. Everything came full circle with each of their own secrets and dreams. The chemistry between these two were incredibly powerful. They seemed to be made for each otherwise, but trouble brewed grew between them soon enough throughout the story. This author had a deep impact on her story of Alex Stone. Krystina was physically attractive to Alexander and stubborn about everything he wanted for her. Can't let the storyline come out, you need to read this book to find out what happens between those two, their friends and family. Definitely worth reading, delicious in every single way. ENJOY!!!!!!
Profile Image for Kristina Gehrls.
278 reviews
August 16, 2022
Just when things are finally starting to come together for Krystina and Alex, the past rears its ugly head. Alex and Krystina endure abduction, recovery, deceit, betrayal and question themselves more than necessary throughout their journey.

I didn't want the story to be over. Characters were well written and there was a well thought out plot. Set In Stone is a page-turner that's an emotional rollercoaster ride full of secrets, suspense, twists and steam. This series has been highly addictive with plenty of drama and suspense and of course lots of steamy encounters.

Excellent continuation to Krystina and Alex’s story!!! Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. What a fantastic series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,249 reviews15 followers
November 14, 2020
What an end although I hope there will be more, maybe down the road please. This is the conclusion of Alex and Krystina. There is some BDSM in the book and Alex wants things they way he wants them. There is betrayal and secrets that are revealed. There are things that could blow this whole thing apart. This is a must read, the whole series is a must read. The characters were flawed but that made them and the story who and what it was. The story flowed well. I was sad when I finished the book, because this could be the end. The ride to get here was wonderful and worth reading.

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