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Stone Cold
From #1 Amazon and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Winter Renshaw comes a scorching hot forbidden romance ...
The most humiliating moment of my life begins with an early morning message from my ex’s notoriously heartless best friend.
Jovie—
In no way does this mean my opinion of you has changed.
I’m reaching out because sometime in the middle of last night you tagged yourself in Jude and Stassi’s engagement photo.
I don’t care if you were drunk or it was unintentional. I suggest you remove it immediately since the wedding is in two months (which I’m sure you know since you were clearly FB stalking them). The damage is done, but no reason to make things more awkward.
You’re welcome.
Stone
I waste no time removing my accidental tag before the sharp-tongued novelist in me fires off a response to the man who harbored extreme and inexplicable hatred of me during the three years I dated his best friend in college.
Only I didn’t expect him to respond.
And nothing could have prepared me for what he would say …
… or for all the ways this gorgeous villain with cruel icy blues would become the biggest plot twist my life had ever known.
The most humiliating moment of my life begins with an early morning message from my ex’s notoriously heartless best friend.
Jovie—
In no way does this mean my opinion of you has changed.
I’m reaching out because sometime in the middle of last night you tagged yourself in Jude and Stassi’s engagement photo.
I don’t care if you were drunk or it was unintentional. I suggest you remove it immediately since the wedding is in two months (which I’m sure you know since you were clearly FB stalking them). The damage is done, but no reason to make things more awkward.
You’re welcome.
Stone
I waste no time removing my accidental tag before the sharp-tongued novelist in me fires off a response to the man who harbored extreme and inexplicable hatred of me during the three years I dated his best friend in college.
Only I didn’t expect him to respond.
And nothing could have prepared me for what he would say …
… or for all the ways this gorgeous villain with cruel icy blues would become the biggest plot twist my life had ever known.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2022
1433 people are currently reading
2255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 601 reviews
July 19, 2022
unexpectedly great. not the deepest relationship development but god DAMN i love a man who pines for years.
July 23, 2022
2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: I struggled with this one. I felt like the overall premise and the author’s ideas were good, but they didn’t get executed in the best way. The characters were kind of meh. I felt zero chemistry between them (other than an awkward friendship) and that made their sexy times kind of weird if I’m being completely honest. Then they both , which did not feel believable and kind of out of left field. The big conflict was thrown in at the very end, there was a resolution (I guess?), then it was the epilogue. Those of you that follow my reviews know that this writing style is definitely not my favorite! Oh well. If you like low angst forbidden love stories with instalove — this could be for you. It just wasn’t my cuppa.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jovie and Stone’s story. Jovie wakes up after a NyQuil-drugged sleep to find she tagged herself on her ex college boyfriend’s Facebook post about his engagement to the woman he left her for. She also gets a message from his best friend asking her to remove it. After some back and forth messaging, and some bumping into one another, they end up deciding to be friends again. There are some lines crossed, some big secrets revealed, and some sexy times…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Jovie and Stone’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part, it just ended rather abruptly after the main conflict. It does jump between flashbacks and current time.
Instalove: Yes, because it didn’t feel developed or it was already (? See above overall opinion spoiler tag) present when this begins
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Stone. I appreciated his loyalty and how he was the voice of reason and tried to do the right thing.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Jovie. Cute name, kinda meh character.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some tension and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. I felt like the scenes were a little awkward and I didn’t feel chemistry between them tbh.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: No, once they get together they stay together
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place for the couple but with still some pretty big unanswered questions and right after the conflict (kinda) resolution. I would call this a HFN but I know others might be fine calling this a HEA
Safety: This one is probably either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
Overall Opinion: I struggled with this one. I felt like the overall premise and the author’s ideas were good, but they didn’t get executed in the best way. The characters were kind of meh. I felt zero chemistry between them (other than an awkward friendship) and that made their sexy times kind of weird if I’m being completely honest. Then they both , which did not feel believable and kind of out of left field. The big conflict was thrown in at the very end, there was a resolution (I guess?), then it was the epilogue. Those of you that follow my reviews know that this writing style is definitely not my favorite! Oh well. If you like low angst forbidden love stories with instalove — this could be for you. It just wasn’t my cuppa.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jovie and Stone’s story. Jovie wakes up after a NyQuil-drugged sleep to find she tagged herself on her ex college boyfriend’s Facebook post about his engagement to the woman he left her for. She also gets a message from his best friend asking her to remove it. After some back and forth messaging, and some bumping into one another, they end up deciding to be friends again. There are some lines crossed, some big secrets revealed, and some sexy times…and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Jovie and Stone’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Alright. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part, it just ended rather abruptly after the main conflict. It does jump between flashbacks and current time.
Instalove: Yes, because it didn’t feel developed or it was already (? See above overall opinion spoiler tag) present when this begins
H (Hero) rating: 3.5 stars. Stone. I appreciated his loyalty and how he was the voice of reason and tried to do the right thing.
h (heroine) rating: 3 stars. Jovie. Cute name, kinda meh character.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Moderate. They have some tension and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. I felt like the scenes were a little awkward and I didn’t feel chemistry between them tbh.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not between mcs
Separation: No, once they get together they stay together
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place for the couple but with still some pretty big unanswered questions and right after the conflict (kinda) resolution. I would call this a HFN but I know others might be fine calling this a HEA
Safety: This one is probably either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences
October 3, 2022
This is a good NA-ish book with some fun, enjoyable and also sensible and sensitive writing.
The characters are all in their late 20s, settling into careers few years after college.
'Stone Cold' of course refers to the H, who comes across as heartless, cold and reserved to people. But in reality is anything but. As the h slowly learns in the present.
I love the h, Jovie for being such a sweet, good-natured, loving and lovable h.
And yes, it's a triangle (and more) of sorts between Jovie, Stone and her ex, Jude.
*Spoilers*
The characters are all in their late 20s, settling into careers few years after college.
'Stone Cold' of course refers to the H, who comes across as heartless, cold and reserved to people. But in reality is anything but. As the h slowly learns in the present.
I love the h, Jovie for being such a sweet, good-natured, loving and lovable h.
And yes, it's a triangle (and more) of sorts between Jovie, Stone and her ex, Jude.
*Spoilers*
July 12, 2022
So this is a bit of an it’s not you, it’s me situation. This book had two things that I personally dislike in my stories, an excruciatingly slow burn and innumerable flashbacks. It was a very quick read, more of a novella than a book, and had a very abrupt ending. The author spent A LOT of time building angst and conflict in this love triangle between the hero, his best friend and his best friend’s ex-girlfriend. A love triangle from five years ago, mind you. So the actual present day love story was hung up on this dude’s best friend who has moved on and is getting married to someone new. I liked the parts of the book that focussed on the couple in present day, but honestly that was probably only a small fraction of the story. As a result, this book felt unbalanced for me. It read more of a dissection of Jovie and Jude's relationship and Jude’s failures as a friend and a romantic partner not as a love story between Jovie and Stone. It needed more chapters at the end with Jovie and Stone together and less flashbacks about Jude’s cheating or present day angst over his current relationship. So this is another book that had potential but failed in execution. I might read this author again, but I will definitely be checking reviews and spoilers beforehand.
June 6, 2024
I haven’t met a Stone I disliked yet 😍
This was average but swoony and cute.
I loved both MC’s.
This was average but swoony and cute.
I loved both MC’s.
June 24, 2022
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The balance was a bit off for me as far as the build-up to their reconnection and once they reconnected.
But overall this was a solid read.
Likable main characters.
Cute storyline.
No unnecessary drama.
The balance was a bit off for me as far as the build-up to their reconnection and once they reconnected.
But overall this was a solid read.
Likable main characters.
Cute storyline.
No unnecessary drama.
May 14, 2022
Ex’s Best friend!!! A different take on the forbidden romance trope, sign me up!
Stone and Jovi! 🤌
The banter, the tension, the history of it all! I was not prepared for this. What I thought was going to be a typical enemies to lovers is turning out to be so much more! This has easily become one of my top favorite Winter Renshaw books, and I honestly can’t get enough. The history they share, and getting to see what brought them to the present, paints a vivid picture in your head.
It’s been a while since I found a book that I wanted to drop everything for, the type of book you could get in trouble for sneaking chapters while at work. I was hooked from the very beginning and I’m still hooked now.
This is the story of Stone and Jovie. Stone is a closed off divorce lawyer who is loyal to his best friend, to a fault. While Jovie see’s the best in people, writer, who believes in love. Two characters who on paper couldn’t be more different, but as you read the story opinions shift.
This is a sweet ex’s Best friend romance, slightly forbidden, with a good amount of angst. I found it to be the type of book you will devour within hours. These are the type of stories I enjoy reading. Stories that contain the past present and future of the characters. I’d say this is a pretty light read, Technically an enemies to lovers, with some fun banter. I definitely recommend this story.
Stone and Jovi! 🤌
The banter, the tension, the history of it all! I was not prepared for this. What I thought was going to be a typical enemies to lovers is turning out to be so much more! This has easily become one of my top favorite Winter Renshaw books, and I honestly can’t get enough. The history they share, and getting to see what brought them to the present, paints a vivid picture in your head.
It’s been a while since I found a book that I wanted to drop everything for, the type of book you could get in trouble for sneaking chapters while at work. I was hooked from the very beginning and I’m still hooked now.
This is the story of Stone and Jovie. Stone is a closed off divorce lawyer who is loyal to his best friend, to a fault. While Jovie see’s the best in people, writer, who believes in love. Two characters who on paper couldn’t be more different, but as you read the story opinions shift.
This is a sweet ex’s Best friend romance, slightly forbidden, with a good amount of angst. I found it to be the type of book you will devour within hours. These are the type of stories I enjoy reading. Stories that contain the past present and future of the characters. I’d say this is a pretty light read, Technically an enemies to lovers, with some fun banter. I definitely recommend this story.
May 12, 2022
While at a college party stone meets jovie. There's an instant attraction to her but before he can ask her out she sips on a drink and has to run to the bathroom because she finds her self sick. While trying to get sick she runs right into jude. Next thing she knows she finds her self eating breakfast with him. When she goes to his apartment she meets her roommate. Its stone. Except he pretends he doesn't know her. Jude and movie date for 3 years. Then he breaks up with her. This story had a few twists and a wonderful story. I loved the connection between her and stone. I love all of winters books and so happy I got to read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2022
love the author
Annoyed with the ending. It should have been longer or have given the characters more time together as a couple.
Annoyed with the ending. It should have been longer or have given the characters more time together as a couple.
April 23, 2023
2.75✨
☄️ felt way too monotoned to feel like an actual full written novel. writing, main characters, side characters, story telling, convos, description, things that both happened and didnt, everything. so fucking flat for what
☄️ no relationship development i consider a relationship development. looks to me stone & jovie were the only decent beings around n the author just paired em up together coz theres noone better left
☄️ the whole jude situation was frustrating n plays a huge part on why i couldnt enjoy it more. (while also being the only plot there is in the book?) but its actually the reason i made it far up to the end as well. do i wish the mcs didnt have to be surrounded by the stupidity that is jude’s circumstances? ofc, i feel like they would go so much further in life w/o this waste of air, but he’s also the only thing their romance story got. so i rlly wouldve dnf much sooner had it was just ab stone n jovie remeeting
in conclusion i didnt acc like the book, barely tolerated it. but i finished smth yey (barely)
☄️ felt way too monotoned to feel like an actual full written novel. writing, main characters, side characters, story telling, convos, description, things that both happened and didnt, everything. so fucking flat for what
☄️ no relationship development i consider a relationship development. looks to me stone & jovie were the only decent beings around n the author just paired em up together coz theres noone better left
☄️ the whole jude situation was frustrating n plays a huge part on why i couldnt enjoy it more. (while also being the only plot there is in the book?) but its actually the reason i made it far up to the end as well. do i wish the mcs didnt have to be surrounded by the stupidity that is jude’s circumstances? ofc, i feel like they would go so much further in life w/o this waste of air, but he’s also the only thing their romance story got. so i rlly wouldve dnf much sooner had it was just ab stone n jovie remeeting
in conclusion i didnt acc like the book, barely tolerated it. but i finished smth yey (barely)
May 14, 2022
The minute I read the blurb to Stone Cold I knew I had to read it! I was absolutely hooked on their connection and the past and present glimpse of their lives and what led them both to their present circumstances. Stone and Jovie were amazing! I enjoyed their banterific exchanges and the connection between them (that spanned years!) that neither one could deny.
I will admit that this story was also heartbreaking at times as Renshaw does an exceptional job showcasing missed opportunities and having the readers play the What If? card.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, slow-burn story that will completely win you over. I loved Stone and Jovie together and how they ultimately found their once in a lifetime kind of love with each other! This is one of my favorite Winter Renshaw stories to date and I seriosuly could not devour this book fast enough! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
I will admit that this story was also heartbreaking at times as Renshaw does an exceptional job showcasing missed opportunities and having the readers play the What If? card.
Overall, this is a fast-paced, slow-burn story that will completely win you over. I loved Stone and Jovie together and how they ultimately found their once in a lifetime kind of love with each other! This is one of my favorite Winter Renshaw stories to date and I seriosuly could not devour this book fast enough! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
September 25, 2022
5 Jovie and Stone Stars
Nostalgia is a beautiful liar. It let's us paint the past any way we want.
I loved this book. From the plot , the characters, the writing style to the intermittent emotional punches to my kindle heart, I was hooked on Jovie and Stone's story.
Have you ever wondered how your life might have turned out if one meeting had never happened? Stone met Jovie in College , saw her first , connected with her first but one little twist of fate put her with his best friend , Jude.
'I've been in love with Jovie from the moment I saw her...and I saw her first."
Throughout College , Stone had to watch his closest friend in a relationship with Jovie. He spent three years convincing Jovie that he disliked her and yet all the time his brooding heart was being broken. When Jovie and Jude split up, ( such well written scenes that my heart hurt for Jovie) Stone thought he would never see her again but true love will always win in the end and after some serendipitous. intervention, their paths collide. And what a delicious collision it was.
Oh my goodness, if you love to read about Heroes that are reserved and coolly aloof on the outside but an absolute hotbed of emotion underneath then Stone Atwood is your man...actually he's mine...I read about him first. =0)
As the Hero , Stone ticked every box for me. He is a lawyer because he likes sticking up for people. He is loyal to the nth degree and that is the reason why , when he and Jovie meet again , he feels guilty about pursuing anything with her. At 27ish he has carved a successful professional life but he is very much a lone player in life. He avoids romantic entanglements - brief liaisons are his thing and there is a tiny bit of OW drama (nothing major at all) with one of his previous hookups. Stone and Jude share the loss of a parent (Jude's mum died when he was 5yrs old and Stone's mum died of cancer when he was 10yrs old) and Stone lives with Jude and Jude's dad Paul , from the age of 10.
The boys go to College together and always have each others backs but as years pass it becomes clear that the only man with true integrity is Stone. Loyal, hot , broody Stone...
Jovie is a really lovable heroine. I liked her from the very start and I relished how she never let the break up with Jude break her. Yes , she was heartsore but she pushed forward in life and the fact that she is a successful Historical Romance Author absolutely delighted me. Jovie is strong , sweet , funny , kind and when she put adult Jude in his place I was cheering.
The style of writing is really well done. The chapters are all fairly short and the present is interspersed with flashbacks to when they were all in College. I don't usually like flashbacks but it works very well in this novel and the whole thing flows beautifully.
Jovie and Stone have some serious chemistry although they don't get intimate in the book until the 79% mark on my Kindle. The build up is pretty amazing though.
I didn't think this was a love triangle at all. It was a gorgeous love story about fate handing a second chance to two soul mates who should have been together from the start.
I read it on Kindle Unlimited and listened on audible -narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Wayne Mitchell - listening time 6hr 20m).
HEA? Yes - one of the very best epilogues ever - I couldn't stop smiling. I would love a little novella of their future but this ending was very satisfying and I'm just a greedy reader!
Cheating? Not between Stone and Jovie.
Although I got the book initially on KU , I loved it so much , I bought it to keep. I will definitely be reading more by this 'new to me' author.
Many thanks to Kristi J , who mentioned this book in another review which prompted me to try it.
My musical muses for this novel are:
Treat You Better - Shawn Mendes
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police
Thing For You - Hinder
Die From A Broken Heart - Maddie and Tae
She Won't Be Lonely Long - Clay Walker
Nostalgia is a beautiful liar. It let's us paint the past any way we want.
I loved this book. From the plot , the characters, the writing style to the intermittent emotional punches to my kindle heart, I was hooked on Jovie and Stone's story.
Have you ever wondered how your life might have turned out if one meeting had never happened? Stone met Jovie in College , saw her first , connected with her first but one little twist of fate put her with his best friend , Jude.
'I've been in love with Jovie from the moment I saw her...and I saw her first."
Throughout College , Stone had to watch his closest friend in a relationship with Jovie. He spent three years convincing Jovie that he disliked her and yet all the time his brooding heart was being broken. When Jovie and Jude split up, ( such well written scenes that my heart hurt for Jovie) Stone thought he would never see her again but true love will always win in the end and after some serendipitous. intervention, their paths collide. And what a delicious collision it was.
Oh my goodness, if you love to read about Heroes that are reserved and coolly aloof on the outside but an absolute hotbed of emotion underneath then Stone Atwood is your man...actually he's mine...I read about him first. =0)
As the Hero , Stone ticked every box for me. He is a lawyer because he likes sticking up for people. He is loyal to the nth degree and that is the reason why , when he and Jovie meet again , he feels guilty about pursuing anything with her. At 27ish he has carved a successful professional life but he is very much a lone player in life. He avoids romantic entanglements - brief liaisons are his thing and there is a tiny bit of OW drama (nothing major at all) with one of his previous hookups. Stone and Jude share the loss of a parent (Jude's mum died when he was 5yrs old and Stone's mum died of cancer when he was 10yrs old) and Stone lives with Jude and Jude's dad Paul , from the age of 10.
The boys go to College together and always have each others backs but as years pass it becomes clear that the only man with true integrity is Stone. Loyal, hot , broody Stone...
Jovie is a really lovable heroine. I liked her from the very start and I relished how she never let the break up with Jude break her. Yes , she was heartsore but she pushed forward in life and the fact that she is a successful Historical Romance Author absolutely delighted me. Jovie is strong , sweet , funny , kind and when she put adult Jude in his place I was cheering.
The style of writing is really well done. The chapters are all fairly short and the present is interspersed with flashbacks to when they were all in College. I don't usually like flashbacks but it works very well in this novel and the whole thing flows beautifully.
Jovie and Stone have some serious chemistry although they don't get intimate in the book until the 79% mark on my Kindle. The build up is pretty amazing though.
I didn't think this was a love triangle at all. It was a gorgeous love story about fate handing a second chance to two soul mates who should have been together from the start.
I read it on Kindle Unlimited and listened on audible -narration by Samantha Brentmoor and Wayne Mitchell - listening time 6hr 20m).
HEA? Yes - one of the very best epilogues ever - I couldn't stop smiling. I would love a little novella of their future but this ending was very satisfying and I'm just a greedy reader!
Cheating? Not between Stone and Jovie.
Although I got the book initially on KU , I loved it so much , I bought it to keep. I will definitely be reading more by this 'new to me' author.
Many thanks to Kristi J , who mentioned this book in another review which prompted me to try it.
My musical muses for this novel are:
Treat You Better - Shawn Mendes
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police
Thing For You - Hinder
Die From A Broken Heart - Maddie and Tae
She Won't Be Lonely Long - Clay Walker
July 10, 2022
"Let’s go back to square one… have you ever been in love?” “Once,” I say without hesitation. Jovie’s brows arch, and her face turns crestfallen for half of a moment. “Good for you,” she says. “Is she still in the picture?” I’m looking at her …"
I loved Stone & Jovi so much. In a way they were very similar. Both of them were taken advantage of by a person who didn't deserve them. Difference is, Jovie got rid of Jude while Stone had to tolerate his ass and bear the weight of his immature decisions until Jovie came back into his life five years later. Undoubtedly, Stone had always been the better man, he just took one wrong decision and let the love of his life slip away. But what he didn't realise that he had been the best choice all along. Overall, I liked the plot, there was no unnecessary drama just the shit that Jude spewed annoyed me a lot but I was happy that Jovi payed him no attention because he absolutely deserved it. It was about time that Stone finally got the one girl he always loved.
I loved Stone & Jovi so much. In a way they were very similar. Both of them were taken advantage of by a person who didn't deserve them. Difference is, Jovie got rid of Jude while Stone had to tolerate his ass and bear the weight of his immature decisions until Jovie came back into his life five years later. Undoubtedly, Stone had always been the better man, he just took one wrong decision and let the love of his life slip away. But what he didn't realise that he had been the best choice all along. Overall, I liked the plot, there was no unnecessary drama just the shit that Jude spewed annoyed me a lot but I was happy that Jovi payed him no attention because he absolutely deserved it. It was about time that Stone finally got the one girl he always loved.
September 23, 2022
I like this book. I mean I really, really like it. I like it a lot. I’ve read quite a few books by Winter Renshaw and with the exception of one, I really enjoyed them. But then for some reason she kind of slipped off my radar. Well, I’m ever so glad to say she’s back on it. I was watching a Book Tube video recently where this book was recommended and since it was on KU, I picked it up that night to add to the TBR pile. In the meantime I read some so, so books and did a bit of book hopping trying to figure out what I was in the mood for.
Jovie, yes, she was named after the band, Stone and Jude were in college when both Stone and Jhi buddies Jude met her at a party the same night and both fell for her. But because Jude was the first to speak up about “this girl he met”, Stone backed off. Because Stone and Jude were closer than brothers, they were raised together when Stone’s mother died, they were roommates. And because Jovie and Jude were seeing each other, it was often the three of them. But Stone was always somewhat aloof so Jovie wasn’t sure if he even liked her enough.
Fast forward to present time and while drunk, Jovie tags Jude on Facebook even though she hasn’t had anything to do with him in over five years when he dumped her for another. Stone, still being Jude’s best friend, sends her a rather snarky message asking her to untag him, which she had already done and it’s on. They send each other snarky, yet flirty messages back and forth. It turns out that Jovie had also been attracted to Stone that night but things went nowhere. But now????
I love a pining hero and Stone has been pining for years. What makes him even more appealing is he’s a somewhat reserved hero, who keeps his feelings hidden.
And I love Jovie. She’s a writer who is quite successful writing historical romances. She’s very positive and upbeat and now years later, interested in getting the truth from Stone.
I have a number of Winter’s books waiting to be read and I’m thinking it’s their time. I very happily recommend this book for your reading pleasure.
Jovie, yes, she was named after the band, Stone and Jude were in college when both Stone and Jhi buddies Jude met her at a party the same night and both fell for her. But because Jude was the first to speak up about “this girl he met”, Stone backed off. Because Stone and Jude were closer than brothers, they were raised together when Stone’s mother died, they were roommates. And because Jovie and Jude were seeing each other, it was often the three of them. But Stone was always somewhat aloof so Jovie wasn’t sure if he even liked her enough.
Fast forward to present time and while drunk, Jovie tags Jude on Facebook even though she hasn’t had anything to do with him in over five years when he dumped her for another. Stone, still being Jude’s best friend, sends her a rather snarky message asking her to untag him, which she had already done and it’s on. They send each other snarky, yet flirty messages back and forth. It turns out that Jovie had also been attracted to Stone that night but things went nowhere. But now????
I love a pining hero and Stone has been pining for years. What makes him even more appealing is he’s a somewhat reserved hero, who keeps his feelings hidden.
And I love Jovie. She’s a writer who is quite successful writing historical romances. She’s very positive and upbeat and now years later, interested in getting the truth from Stone.
I have a number of Winter’s books waiting to be read and I’m thinking it’s their time. I very happily recommend this book for your reading pleasure.
August 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this one and I enjoy this author’s style. Stone’s character was soooo hot and I really appreciated that the MC’s had so much emotional maturity and that they weren’t idiots. Jovie was such a sweetheart and I loved how she was so brave in her pursuit of Stone. I was not rooting for Jude and I was glad he got his comeuppance, especially because of how he hurt Jovie. He was so selfish!
Highly recommended feel-good contemporary romance.
Highly recommended feel-good contemporary romance.
May 14, 2022
Absolutely adored this slow burn romance. Jovie and Stone were made for each other; it just took some time to get there. I just wish there were more scenes of them as a happy couple. 4.5 stars!
ARC
ARC
May 17, 2022
I first saw this book months ago in the author's newsletter. I knew from the moment I read the blurb I needed this book in my life. A book I hadn't read put me in a funk. All I could think about was this book. Even when I couldn't remember the title or author, I remembered the cover and that blurb. I cant tell you the number of times I stalked the author's social media hoping for news on this book. Then, the most amazing thing happened...I was telling my bff about this book I was dying to read, amd I went to my email to find the news letter...and a new newsletter had come out that morning. The book was live. I immediately bought it and was so excited. This would be the perfect distraction for my moms birthday weekend, like a gift from my mom for her birthday.
I should be ashamed to admit this, but I'm not...I couldn't put this book down. Nikki and I were going to buddy read this and I decided to start it this afternoon because I had some down time and once I started, I couldn't stop.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. I loved how Stone and Jovie met. I loved seeing the past as well as the present. I loved that it was both slow burn and also steamy. And most of all, I loved Stone. I have absolutely no complaints about this book. It was pure perfection.
I should be ashamed to admit this, but I'm not...I couldn't put this book down. Nikki and I were going to buddy read this and I decided to start it this afternoon because I had some down time and once I started, I couldn't stop.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. I loved how Stone and Jovie met. I loved seeing the past as well as the present. I loved that it was both slow burn and also steamy. And most of all, I loved Stone. I have absolutely no complaints about this book. It was pure perfection.
May 31, 2022
I enjoyed this one. After a string of books that haven't been able to keep my attention, this one sucked me right in. There were a few things that I didn't like, such as some of the flashback chapters seeming kind of random and not really adding anything to the story, and the ending being a little too cheesy, but there was enough enjoyable to make up for it. I liked Stone a lot. And I really liked that the big misunderstanding I was expecting played out in a way more mature way. This was my first book by Renshaw and I'm definitely going to check out more from her.
June 21, 2022
4 stars ⭐️ a very enjoyable story!
February 17, 2024
OMG THIS BOOK
STONE has my heart literally
I was sobbing just by reading this book>>
-A man in love? Okay!
-A man obsessively in love? Okayy!
-A man who desperately wants her but can't have her? Okayyy!
-A man who was in love with her for 8 years? Okayy damn
-A man in unrequited love? OMG
-A man who start reading novels just for her to see her smile?? Ouff God!😭
-A man in love with her best friend's Girlfriend? Damnn!!!
Damn this book
I wasn't really expecting it to turn out this good and I'm so glad it turned out way more amazing than my expectations>>>
STONE has my heart literally
I was sobbing just by reading this book>>
-A man in love? Okay!
-A man obsessively in love? Okayy!
-A man who desperately wants her but can't have her? Okayyy!
-A man who was in love with her for 8 years? Okayy damn
-A man in unrequited love? OMG
-A man who start reading novels just for her to see her smile?? Ouff God!😭
-A man in love with her best friend's Girlfriend? Damnn!!!
Damn this book
I wasn't really expecting it to turn out this good and I'm so glad it turned out way more amazing than my expectations>>>
December 16, 2022
4,5✨
can you imagine tagging yourself on your ex’s engagement photo on facebook? and worst! only seeing this one day later when all yours and his friends have already seen it?
and can you imagine the feeling of shame when his best friend - who you think never liked you - sends you a message asking you to just remove your name from the photo? i think i would just k1ll myself……… 💀
the first time i read a winter renshaw’s book was with “the best man”, one of her standalones. THE FIRST TIME I READ THIS AUTHOR she became one of my favorites (of course this means that TBM became one of the most specials books i’ve ever read)
this is the second book i read from her and i have to say… i love her writing. it doesn’t have to be a long book and she gets me hocked just fine, she is capable of developing all of characters perfectly and i connect so much with them!
jovie and stone were amazing characters and i loved their story… i would highly recommend this book if you like a little bit of:
- my ex’s best friend / my best friend’s ex
- slow burn
- enemies to friends to lovers
- i’ve always loved you
- grumpy and sunshine
can you imagine tagging yourself on your ex’s engagement photo on facebook? and worst! only seeing this one day later when all yours and his friends have already seen it?
and can you imagine the feeling of shame when his best friend - who you think never liked you - sends you a message asking you to just remove your name from the photo? i think i would just k1ll myself……… 💀
the first time i read a winter renshaw’s book was with “the best man”, one of her standalones. THE FIRST TIME I READ THIS AUTHOR she became one of my favorites (of course this means that TBM became one of the most specials books i’ve ever read)
this is the second book i read from her and i have to say… i love her writing. it doesn’t have to be a long book and she gets me hocked just fine, she is capable of developing all of characters perfectly and i connect so much with them!
jovie and stone were amazing characters and i loved their story… i would highly recommend this book if you like a little bit of:
- my ex’s best friend / my best friend’s ex
- slow burn
- enemies to friends to lovers
- i’ve always loved you
- grumpy and sunshine
January 16, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to start trusting my own opinion and not to let what the others say affect it so much to the point of changing it unnecessarily (unless its facts or constructive criticism)
Well believe it or not this book with a random shirtless man in the cover is the start of that change for me.
I can fully say i adored this book, the characters were interesting (and somewhat cliche but thats my fav) the plot was interesting, there was someone i wanted to punch and that luckily the people in the book world also wanted to, and the ending was good.
Was it 5 star worthy for me? No, because thats reserved for the best of best, but it still deserves a high rating. I enjoyed it, it was well written (as far as i can tell) and many of the characters acted the way i would.
Would i had liked to see more evidence to why stone was cold and and less sudden change with him and jovie? Yes but for the length of the book we got a decent amount
So yeah, i recommend this book, there was a tiny amount of 🌶️ but idk i liked that amount
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to start trusting my own opinion and not to let what the others say affect it so much to the point of changing it unnecessarily (unless its facts or constructive criticism)
Well believe it or not this book with a random shirtless man in the cover is the start of that change for me.
I can fully say i adored this book, the characters were interesting (and somewhat cliche but thats my fav) the plot was interesting, there was someone i wanted to punch and that luckily the people in the book world also wanted to, and the ending was good.
Was it 5 star worthy for me? No, because thats reserved for the best of best, but it still deserves a high rating. I enjoyed it, it was well written (as far as i can tell) and many of the characters acted the way i would.
Would i had liked to see more evidence to why stone was cold and and less sudden change with him and jovie? Yes but for the length of the book we got a decent amount
So yeah, i recommend this book, there was a tiny amount of 🌶️ but idk i liked that amount
May 16, 2022
Having read Ms.Renshaw's work many times before i always look so forward to her books! As soon as Stone Cold was announced i couldn't wait to get into it! I picked it up as soon as i could and was pulled in right away. I so enjoyed this story!
Jovie and Stone's journey hooked me! Stone was Jovie's ex's best friend. As these two are brought back into each other's lives in quite the memorable way, i couldn't wait to see how everything would go for them.
I liked getting to see how these two were in the past and now in the present. Jovie is a romance author which i so loved and Stone is a divorce attorney. I wasn't sure how these two would tackle things and that got me into their story even more. Their banter and chemistry were great! I felt so many things throughout!
With Stone Cold, Ms.Renshaw has created such a good read that brought all kinds of feels! I can't wait to read what she comes up with next!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Ardent Prose PR / the author*
Jovie and Stone's journey hooked me! Stone was Jovie's ex's best friend. As these two are brought back into each other's lives in quite the memorable way, i couldn't wait to see how everything would go for them.
I liked getting to see how these two were in the past and now in the present. Jovie is a romance author which i so loved and Stone is a divorce attorney. I wasn't sure how these two would tackle things and that got me into their story even more. Their banter and chemistry were great! I felt so many things throughout!
With Stone Cold, Ms.Renshaw has created such a good read that brought all kinds of feels! I can't wait to read what she comes up with next!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Ardent Prose PR / the author*
December 14, 2022
Listen. If you’re looking for low angst, low drama, and no third act breakup - this is your book. I loved this so much it made my heart happy. 🥰
June 6, 2025
4 solid stars
Tell you what, Stone could do any ungodly thing to me, an i'd still love that guy.
ABSO FUCKING LUTELY LOVED IT!
But babe, gimme the all the dirty deets of THE doing since I waited all the book to get into that part.
That PG13 ain't gonna cut it for me.
Hence the 1 star missing.
But still LOVED it!
Tell you what, Stone could do any ungodly thing to me, an i'd still love that guy.
ABSO FUCKING LUTELY LOVED IT!
But babe, gimme the all the dirty deets of THE doing since I waited all the book to get into that part.
That PG13 ain't gonna cut it for me.
Hence the 1 star missing.
But still LOVED it!
May 15, 2022
Amazon
Jovie waking up to a million voicemails and texts was not how she wanted to start her day. Then finding out she had, in a cold medicine induced fog, accidentally tagged herself in her ex's engagement photo, yeah, really not fun. But it was the disdainful, condescending message from her ex's best friend that really made her day worse. But now she and Stone are somehow messaging back and forth and things are looking...up? Or are they? After all, Stone still hates her for reasons she still doesn't know, and this little thing she and Stone have developed has nothing on his friendship with her ex. She can't, won't, come between them, so whatever they're doing can't possibly last.
Stone has been in unrequited love with Jovie since the first time he laid eyes on her. But she formed a connection with his best friend, so he stepped back in respect to their friendship. He's watched in agony as Jovie was with Jude, and when Jude broke her heart. But Jovie's single now and Jude's about to get married to the woman he cheated on Jovie with. This is the time for Stone to finally let Jovie know how he feels, how he's always felt. Even if Jude doesn't approve, Stone has to finally be with the woman he loves. Now he just has to get Jovie on the same page. Easy peasy...
This is one of my favorite Winter stories lately. Jovie and Stone's back and forth dialogue is so fun and snarky and witty, barely masking the attraction that was there. Stone, though he had long worn a mask of contempt around Jovie, is obviously a great guy who had been in love with Jovie forever. Jovie is sweet, funny and kept Stone on his toes. I loved them and their story.
ARC provided by Ardent Prose PR for an honest review.
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May 4, 2025
Reread because I completely forgot to leave a review when I read it. Completely forgot the plot and enjoyed the second read more perhaps as I was starting to remember. Really liked Stone and Jovie. They meet at a college party and Stone is immediately taken by Jovie. She get's sick though and while in the bathroom meets Stone's bff Jude the douche. He immediately get's his hooks in and starts to date Jovie. Stone is left watching for three years while Jude and Jovie are together. Jude cheats twice and on the second time Stone convinces Jude to break-up with Jovie. Which he does after coming back from Tulum. This asshole has Jovie pick them up at the airport that was two hours away from where she was staying. Breaks up with her. She's in tears, but asks if she can stay the night because she's exhausted. He says NO! She drives home, but get's in a car accident. This guy was a piece of work. Stone felt some bro code for Jude because they both lost their mothers at a young age. When Stone was left as an orphan Jude's dad took him in so you can understand why he held off on how he felt about Jovie. fast forward 5 years and she accidentally tags herself in Facebook post on Jude and Stassi's engagement photo. This is the girl he cheated with on vacation. Shit hits the fan and Stone reaches out for her to un tag herself. From there it's a slow burn until the end, but a super sweet story. Some time flopping between past and present, but those chapters were super short, but were needed to see how the characters were thinking and being perceived. Jude ends up not marrying Stassi, but doesn't really move on because he's hung up with Stone and Jovie being together. In the end Stone and Jude's relationship isn't what it used to be because of Jude's immaturity and him changing women like he changes his underwear. A very unlikable character.
Overall a very sweet and enjoyable read
Overall a very sweet and enjoyable read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2022
Storyline :
What follows is the tale of Jovie and Stone. While under the influence of NyQuil, Jovie fell asleep and woke up to find that her college ex-boyfriend had posted on Facebook that he was engaged to the woman he had left her for. His best friend also contacts her, pleading with her to take it down. They decide to reconcile after some texting back and forth and running into each other. Some boundaries are crossed, major secrets are exposed, and some steamy moments occur.
My thoughts :
This story......omg I love when there is pining and omg the heroine and hero were so perfect for each other that the heroine's best friend commented on it I swear you dated the wrong guy/friend" and I completely agree with the friend, cuz you can see the heroine dating the main hero's best friend and when they are together in one room you can see the main hero and the heroine having so much in common that I was like get together already
What i like :
1. the pining ..... my heart
2. I loved the heroine and the hero ...i miss them already
what i hated :
1. the guy the heroine was dating ..... he cheated on the heroine and got mad at the hero when he knew they are together
what to expect :
1. grumpy/sunshine
2. hero fell first
3. pining
What follows is the tale of Jovie and Stone. While under the influence of NyQuil, Jovie fell asleep and woke up to find that her college ex-boyfriend had posted on Facebook that he was engaged to the woman he had left her for. His best friend also contacts her, pleading with her to take it down. They decide to reconcile after some texting back and forth and running into each other. Some boundaries are crossed, major secrets are exposed, and some steamy moments occur.
My thoughts :
This story......omg I love when there is pining and omg the heroine and hero were so perfect for each other that the heroine's best friend commented on it I swear you dated the wrong guy/friend" and I completely agree with the friend, cuz you can see the heroine dating the main hero's best friend and when they are together in one room you can see the main hero and the heroine having so much in common that I was like get together already
What i like :
1. the pining ..... my heart
2. I loved the heroine and the hero ...i miss them already
what i hated :
1. the guy the heroine was dating ..... he cheated on the heroine and got mad at the hero when he knew they are together
what to expect :
1. grumpy/sunshine
2. hero fell first
3. pining
October 1, 2023
Me gusto tanto Stone, es un protagonista tan contenido y sabes que una vez que saque todo a relucir será en grande, desde ya lo amo.
Jovie, ufff tengo conflictos en estas situaciones que se presentan en muchos libros y soy tan masoquista que los leo pero no estoy de acuerdo con el actuar de las mujeres ¿Porque nunca esperan? Tan simple como alejarte, ay no sé, no quiero ser malas con ellas porque luego los hombres también son brutos.
Dejando de lado eso, considero que es una buena lectura, me agrado la relación entre Jovie y Stone, todo sucedió con tiempo y hasta da alivió, la historia no tiene desperdicio, recomendado.
*
I liked Stone so much, he is such a contained protagonist and you know that once he brings everything out it will be big, I already love him.
Jovie, ufff I have conflicts in these situations that are presented in many books and I am such a masochist that I read them but I do not agree with the actions of women. Why do they never wait? As simple as walking away, oh I don't know, I don't want to be mean to them because then men are also brutal.
Leaving that aside, I think it is a good read, I liked the relationship between Jovie and Stone, everything happened in time and even gives relief, the story is not wasted, recommended.
Jovie, ufff tengo conflictos en estas situaciones que se presentan en muchos libros y soy tan masoquista que los leo pero no estoy de acuerdo con el actuar de las mujeres ¿Porque nunca esperan? Tan simple como alejarte, ay no sé, no quiero ser malas con ellas porque luego los hombres también son brutos.
Dejando de lado eso, considero que es una buena lectura, me agrado la relación entre Jovie y Stone, todo sucedió con tiempo y hasta da alivió, la historia no tiene desperdicio, recomendado.
*
I liked Stone so much, he is such a contained protagonist and you know that once he brings everything out it will be big, I already love him.
Jovie, ufff I have conflicts in these situations that are presented in many books and I am such a masochist that I read them but I do not agree with the actions of women. Why do they never wait? As simple as walking away, oh I don't know, I don't want to be mean to them because then men are also brutal.
Leaving that aside, I think it is a good read, I liked the relationship between Jovie and Stone, everything happened in time and even gives relief, the story is not wasted, recommended.
May 6, 2025
4.5 Stone Cold Stars
Ok can we have both an enemies to lovers and friends to lovers trope tagged in one book? Yep. I think so. Plus be a angsty romance com? Yes , I would state again.
Jovie was dumped by her college boyfriend 5 years prior when he cheated on her on a spring break type trip and told her he was leaving her for the other woman.
After Jovie accidentally tags herself in their wedding announcement Instagram post after a rough night ( which she need nyquil to sleep). She
Wakes up to several messages including the future grooms best friend, Stone. She hasn't heard from Stone in 5 years and they start to communicate again..throwing insults and heavy on the sarcasm.
Oh and did I mention the ex is marrying the other woman he cheated with? Jovie really seems to be over him but noone..especially the new bride to be believe that after her mistake.
What Jovie doesn't know is Stone always regretted not dating Jovie as he met her first at a party when they were 19. He always pretended to hate her while mainaining a roommate/ friendship situation while dating her ex.
This story was hilarious and Stones and Jovies relationship development is chefs 💋 kiss.
Ok can we have both an enemies to lovers and friends to lovers trope tagged in one book? Yep. I think so. Plus be a angsty romance com? Yes , I would state again.
Jovie was dumped by her college boyfriend 5 years prior when he cheated on her on a spring break type trip and told her he was leaving her for the other woman.
After Jovie accidentally tags herself in their wedding announcement Instagram post after a rough night ( which she need nyquil to sleep). She
Wakes up to several messages including the future grooms best friend, Stone. She hasn't heard from Stone in 5 years and they start to communicate again..throwing insults and heavy on the sarcasm.
Oh and did I mention the ex is marrying the other woman he cheated with? Jovie really seems to be over him but noone..especially the new bride to be believe that after her mistake.
What Jovie doesn't know is Stone always regretted not dating Jovie as he met her first at a party when they were 19. He always pretended to hate her while mainaining a roommate/ friendship situation while dating her ex.
This story was hilarious and Stones and Jovies relationship development is chefs 💋 kiss.
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