At 430 pages and a cliffhanger ending, Heart of Stone takes too long to tell what could have been a compelling, heart stopping romance.

This is the first book that I have read from Dakota Willink and I am very impressed with her writing, the way she hooks the reader.While his character demonstrates constant emotional growth, Krystina’s growth is only physical, taking place in the bedroom as Alex introduces her to the world of BDSM.

Although this book is reminiscent of others currently on the market, the writing style makes it an altogether refreshing change. I had to protect the woman I loved above all else—even if it meant keeping her locked in a gilded cage. I enjoyed that what Alex initially meant to be an occasional thing a few nights a week suddenly became a need to have her with him always. There is a developing story which made me warm to the main characters immediately and with their connection came a special story which underpinned the essence of the book. These two characters take you through an emotional roller coaster ride of emotions as they figure out their relationships and emotions.Her quick wit and firecracker attitude was the complete opposite of what he wanted in a woman, and his instincts failed him at every turn. Alex, however, opens up quickly to the idea of a relationship and works hard to change who he is, to become a man who Krystina could open up to. And while I have an abhorrence to cliffhangers, I’m secretly thrilled that Alex and Krys’ story isn’t over yet. She's setting up displays and that's where she meets Alexander when she makes a complete idiot of herself.