Heart of Stone (The Stone Series Book 1)

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Mr. Stanley. You startled me," she managed after a minute, once her vocal cords had unclenched and restored her power of speech. "I had no idea anyone was still here. The event ended almost an hour ago." From what Bea had told her, Ella knew that the sculpture had a long and slightly murky history. Obviously French in origin, it had likely adorned the battlements of some abbey or castle for centuries before making its way to England during the Enlightenment, and subsequently along a convoluted trail that had finally delivered it into Western Canada.

Book Series In Order Dakota Willink - Book Series In Order

Her first series would go on to be translated into five different languages, and she is constantly being recognized for various awards. This acclaim has seen her become a bestselling novelist, and she also writes under the name of Marie Christy for several different projects. She is an outspoken member of the literary community, contributing to different outlets, such as the ‘Blunder Woman Productions’ project. Without warning, Stanley jerked away, releasing her mouth and leaving her with the taste of her own blood in her mouth. He also creeped Ella the hell out, especially when she caught him repeatedly staring at her the way he'd been doing all evening. She'd thought he left with the other guests. She'd thought she could relax.And that wasn't even considering what other things might happen here in this place full of history and artifacts. Old things, especially old things full of talent and beauty, held power of their own, and they could be destroyed if she was so weak as to lose control. If she couldn't hang on, those same things could feed the madness.

Heart of Stone (2023 film) - Wikipedia Heart of Stone (2023 film) - Wikipedia

All across the USA, people are showing up dead. The deaths don't appear to be connected in any way until one particular death occurs and gets the Secretary of Defense's attention. He arranges for a task force to investigate. Everyone who caught a glimpse of it marveled at its condition, for nearly a millennium of exposure to the elements had smoothed away remarkably few of the details that made it such an impressive work of art. The museum's director had supposedly gloated for weeks after acquiring it a couple of years ago, and frankly, Ella couldn't blame him. Ella listened to her friend and colleague's laughter follow her through the hall and into the historic mansion's stately ballroom, which now housed an impressive collection of paintings, antique furniture, and historic objets d'art. She'd worked for the assistant curator for more than two years now, and Bea knew her well enough to understand that when Ella said she hated crowds and that making small talk with strangers gave her hives, she wasn't kidding. Most days, things went perfectly smoothly. It was only at times like this, when she had to deal with a special event and potential donors, that Ella ended her day feeling as if she'd been dragged behind a car over a field of broken glass.Stanley's eyes, pale blue and cold, hardened along with his grip. His fingers dug into the flesh of her upper arm with enough force to leave bruises. "I'm sure Dr. Boucher would be the first to tell you that alienating one of this museum's largest benefactors is a poor way to do your job, Ella, my sweet. But even if she were shortsighted enough not to, I'm more than happy to correct her oversight." Continuing the story of Alexander and Krystina, this sees them both dealing with several years of marriage and the obstacles to overcome. With Krystina trying to become pregnant, this is set in real-time, as they both face the pandemic’s effects. Feeling trapped by Alexander, Krystina learns that there are things going on with the foundation. What exactly is going on, will Krystina ever become pregnant, and how will things come to pass as they hope for a wishing stone? The lighting out here was dim, especially with the caterer's lamps removed and the museum shut down for the night. A full moon partially obscured by drifting clouds made it possible to see, but somehow the silvery sheen it cast only made the quiet of the gardens deeper and reminded Ella of the lateness of the hour. She enjoyed these hours of the night, enjoyed the play of the moonlight on the artful plantings and graceful sculptures scattered through the museum garden. She enjoyed that she'd survived the ordeal of the party and wouldn't have to do anything else so annoying for at least another three months. Until, as Bea had hinted, the next fiscal quarter.

Heart of Stone (The Stone Series: A Billionaire Romance)

Stepping aside, she gestured toward the ballroom doors. "Now, seeing how late it is, please allow me to walk you out. Tonight was a wonderful success for the museum, and I'm certain Dr. Lefavreau will express his gratitude to you the very next time he sees you. Shall we?" The first book in New York Times bestselling author Christine Warren sexy Gargoyle series about a beautiful young woman who uncovers a strong, stoic beast—who turns out to be the man of her dreams… Mr. Stanley, I'm not sure what you're suggesting, but it's very late, and the museum is closed." Her voice sounded more like a tortured croak than a confident dismissal, but she plunged ahead regardless. "Dr. Boucher and I have each worked a very long day, and I, for one, would like to return home now. Please let me go." In 2015, Dakota Willink published her first full novel, with it being a romance titled ‘Heart of Stone.’ The book would also become the first in her series ‘Stone,’ with the second, ‘Stepping Stone,’ being released the following year in 2016. She would later go on to write other series too, such as ‘Cadence Duet,’ along with a stand-alone in 2020 titled ‘The Sound of Silence.’

Hence, all the ribbing she took about being in love with Sir Arthur. The comments might have bothered her, if she hadn't dated infinitely worse male specimens.

Heart of Stone - Macmillan Heart of Stone - Macmillan

Ella liked to think the artist had seen him as she did—a fierce guardian, willing to battle evil on its own terms, determined to protect his charges against any harm. I admit I got a little bit of a scare from Mr. Stanley here," Ella said, her voice tight but determinedly cheerful. The last thing she wanted was some kind of nightmarish scene involving lodging a complaint about the lecher's behavior, or even worse, filing some sort of assault charge with the city police. "I didn't think there was anyone still here but you and me. He startled me." If anything, his fingers tightened, making Ella whimper involuntarily. "Oh, I don't think so, whore. I've got plans for you now. You're going to make a tasty little treat for—"When Ella's guests had scattered, Bea waved her over and introduced her to both Dr. Maurice Lefavreau and one of the museum's greatest benefactors. Even with her mental shields still up from interacting with the tour group, something about Stanley had slipped through Ella's defenses and convinced her that this was a man she'd much prefer to keep at the greatest possible distance in the future. Unfortunately, the hermit gig didn't pay much, and Ella was addicted to living indoors and eating regularly, so she had to work, which meant dealing with people on a daily basis. At the museum at least, most of the people she met were on their best behavior, and being surrounded by the art made the unwelcome company almost bearable. When she gave tours as a docent, she could concentrate on her speech and on the works she pointed out to visitors to the collection; when managing the gift shop, she could smile politely and use professionalism to keep people at bay.