Heart of Stone (The Stone Series Book 1)

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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. Drinking wine and nibbling canapés might not sound like a year in a Stalinist gulag, but having to do it in the midst of five hundred elegantly dressed strangers while maintaining a polite smile in the face of their inane conversations and pretending to laugh at their lame jokes ranked even worse in Ella's mind. She'd rather volunteer for the hard labor.

Book Series In Order Dakota Willink - Book Series In Order

And something else, something that frightened Ella more than even the assault. It twisted his lips and carved lines into the surface handsomeness of his features, transforming them into a macabre mask of evil. 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." 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.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." The temptation of it shook her. Memories of what happened the last time she'd given in to the temptation flooded her. She recalled what it meant to stop fighting, when she'd been just a child and the energy battering at her had left her feeling overwhelmed, alone and hopeless, a freak of nature with a decidedly unnatural talent. 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. 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. 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 Stone Series | Dakota Willink

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.As time went on, she would further her brand as an author, finding what it was that she wanted to say in the field of romance. She would also become outspoken on a number of different subjects, from feminism to politics, always making her voice heard. Currently living in New York, she spends her summers with her family on the Great Lakes, always looking for her next big idea. This book is heartfelt, dealing with all its drama in the real-world, effectively reflecting it every step of the way. The story itself is engaging, and it’s easy to see why this series became so successful with its worldwide audience and following. Fully invested in the characters and their outcomes, the story has many twists and turns, constantly managing to surprise the whole way.

Heart of Stone Series (11 book series) Kindle edition

But when a thousand-year-old statue, complete with fangs and wings comes to life, how is Ella supposed to react? She’s never seen anyone more hard-bodied, deadly…or disastrously desirous than the male who now stands before her. Is everything all right out here? I thought I heard someone shout." Bea's voice was like a chorus from the heavens in Ella's ears. Not Your Ordinary Faerie Tale is a delightful read from the first word to the last. Christine Warren has created two amazing characters, given them an incredible plot and laced the story with witty conversations, lots of snark and a hefty portion of danger.” — Single TitlesFive minutes after the last guest of the Friday evening fund-raising gala had exited the front doors of Georgia House, the historic building that housed the main museum gallery, Ella gave in to the pressure she'd felt building all through the evening. She rolled her eyes, blew a raspberry, and thumbed her nose simultaneously. It was childish of her, but satisfying. Ella caught the final hate-filled glare the man shot her way and could just imagine what kind of suggestions Stanley would make tomorrow; first would be firing the museum's gift shop manager, but she'd have plenty of time to worry about that later. After she got a hold of herself. 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. His hand shifted on her throat, forcing her head up, angling it to the side until the moonlight caught and illuminated her features. His eyes glittered with lust and fury. 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.

The Stone Series by Dakota Willink - Goodreads

Béatrice Boucher, the only other staff member still present, said, "Now, Ella, tell me how you really feel about these little events." Don't be in such a hurry, Ella," he purred, holding her closely enough that she could feel the clammy heat of his breath against her cheek. "It's a beautiful night. Surely you can spare a few minutes to enjoy it. With me." She had met Stanley for the first time almost two years ago, shortly after she started working at the museum. He'd come out of a meeting with Bea and the director, Bea's boss, just as Ella was ending a tour in the mansion's front hall. 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. Pulses of restless energy battered at her weakened barriers, but she refused to let them overwhelm her. If they did, not only would she be unable to fend off Stanley's advances, but she'd also find herself barely able to function for days, if not weeks, to come.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. With people all around her, she could never predict what might happen, and the constant tension of holding on to her self-control made her head pound and her nerves fray. Being an antisocial hermit just made life easier. Stanley gripped her around her left upper arm and her throat, leaving her right hand conveniently free. She knew attempting to break his grip would be impossible; he was a good seven inches taller and fifty pounds heavier than she was, but her maneuver of choice wouldn't require strength, just accuracy and the element of surprise. Carefully, she crossed to the far side of the terrace to perch at the feet of her favorite work of art in the museum's entire collection. Its familiarity and looming presence comforted her, made it possible for her to think and be and regain her balance.