Heart of Stone

I have struggled over this review, more than I ever have any others. I contemplated not reviewing it at all. Contrary to what some people believe reviewers/ bloggers don't like to be negative, but we also don't feel the need to give everything 5 stars. Which is why, in the end, I've decided to write this review, because I committed to it and I've always been honest and I hope fair, in my reviews.

Alexander Stone is a wealthy businessman who takes a shine to Krystina Cole, both have sworn off relationships but sex? They can do no strings sex, surely that's ok? Only Alexander has certain expectations when it comes to sex that Krystina may not be able to deliver. The chemistry they feel for each other is enough to make them question everything. Will they be able to overcome the odds and make their unconventional relationship work or will their secrets ruin things before they can really start?

I have to start by saying this story was not my cup of tea, the subject yes, but not the execution. I felt the story had great promise and at the beginning, I enjoyed it and thought it was a book I was going to love, it pains me to say that it didn't work out that way. I had so many issues with how certain elements were handled. That, of course, is personal opinion and I'm sure many will read or listen to it and enjoy it. It was well written and although I don't like to compare books, I will say that I think if you're a fan of Fifty Shades of Grey you'll like this book.

Alexander and Krystina literally bump into one another and the chemistry is there, they meet again and flirting ensues. Krystina needs a job and that job comes in the form of an offer from Alexander... with perks, he's a dominant not looking for love but a sub he can spend a few nights with. Krystina is not a sub, she's not a sub when he suggests it, and she's not a sub throughout the book, she's a woman mesmerised by a man who doesn't take the time to explain things to her properly; things he wants, things he expects, and then he gets upset when she doesn't act like a sub and questions him.

When I started listening to this book I liked Alexander but as the story progressed I took a dislike to him. He kept talking about trust like it was something that he could demand and Krystina would give, without question and without it being a two-way street. I'm sorry but it doesn't work that way. The more he demanded the more I started to dislike him. I didn't understand his need to keep his secrets so close to his chest, especially with someone he was falling for.
I liked Krystina, for me, she was a light in this story. She was sweet, yet strong, and knew what she did and didn't want. I did get frustrated a few times when I wanted her to be firmer and stand her ground. The reveal of her secret was a pivotal moment in the story and for her as a character and it touched my heart.

The relationship between them was baffling, it was like neither of them knew what they really wanted. So much happened, in such a short space of time, it was hard to keep track of all the ups and downs. The sex scenes were steamy, well written and played a pivotal role in the story.

Jeffrey Kafer was great in this book, his performance of Alexander was fantastic. He transitions smoothly from the male and female POV and really draws you into the story.
I enjoyed Lacy Laurel's performance of Krystina, I thought she had a great voice for her. When it came to Alexander I did have to increase the speed, but once I did I found I could enjoy it that little bit more. The part of the performance that really stood out for me was when Krystina was revealing her secret, the emotion and determination conveyed in the performance was beautiful.
However, the contrast between Lacy and Jeffrey is so stark that I feel the narration would have been better as a duet or if the book had only one narrator. Because Jeffrey has a deep baritone, so the switch between the two was so shockingly different that it took away a little from the story.