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Crazy Good #2
Set in Stone
There is something all too vague about second chances. What happens when your utterly perfect, first chance never really ends? What if it’s stolen?
Bull-nosed attorney Morganna Sterns knows what she wants. Self assured, powerful, and independent, she finds herself struggling to find balance between honoring what has been stolen, and deciding if her second chance is going to end just as tragically.
Steven Warner is a Navy SEAL with nothing to lose. His overt humor and charm paired with his lethal skill set make him a perfect catch--for the right type of woman. His world is littered with relationships, but only one stands the test of time. Competing with a ghost is hard. Especially when that ghost is a teammate: his brother at arms.
It’s not, “it is what it is.” It’s what you make it. What you, and only you decide it should be. Navy SEALs never make the same mistake twice.
Will Morganna?
*Due to sexual content and graphic language this book is intended for readers 18+*
Bull-nosed attorney Morganna Sterns knows what she wants. Self assured, powerful, and independent, she finds herself struggling to find balance between honoring what has been stolen, and deciding if her second chance is going to end just as tragically.
Steven Warner is a Navy SEAL with nothing to lose. His overt humor and charm paired with his lethal skill set make him a perfect catch--for the right type of woman. His world is littered with relationships, but only one stands the test of time. Competing with a ghost is hard. Especially when that ghost is a teammate: his brother at arms.
It’s not, “it is what it is.” It’s what you make it. What you, and only you decide it should be. Navy SEALs never make the same mistake twice.
Will Morganna?
*Due to sexual content and graphic language this book is intended for readers 18+*
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2015
80 people are currently reading
1185 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Robinson
29 books1,545 followersRachel grew up in a small, quiet town full of loud talkers. Her words were always only loud on paper. She has been writing stories and creating characters for as long as she can remember. After living on the west coast for many years she now resides in Colorado with her husband, two children, her hairless cat, and her dog, Polly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 28, 2015
Title: Set in Stone
Series: (Companion to Crazy Good)
Author: Rachel Robinson
Release date: April 9, 2015
Rating: 2.5-3 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
Morganna thought one man was her everything and always-until one day he couldn't be anymore. This is the story of finding love after a tragic loss. It's about finding the courage to explore what was hiding in front of her all along even though it may just resurrect ghosts and invite new pain into her life.
Steve is a Navy Seal just like the husband who lost his life years ago. (A little too much like him for Morganna's peace of mind.) He's her best male friend and understands her probably like no one else. But they drifted apart during her marriage. Her focus turned to her husband, and he became your typical male slut looking to fill the hole that she left inside him. She was the one. The one who meant everything to him and the one who got away.
Now that she's single again, it would seem his path is clear to the woman who eluded him his whole life. But it's not that easy. Stone may be gone, but he's never forgotten. His memory continues to hold onto the woman that will forever own a piece of him.
What didn't work for me:
My attention kept drifting, and my frustration and impatience with these characters was clearly overshadowing the flow of the book for me. Initially, I was sure that I would love this heroine. She's exactly the type I respect-strong, independent, bold, and mouthy. The hero is is flirty manwhore who uses humor to deflect his true feelings...also another type I've discovered I like. Seemingly a sure thing for me. So why were they frustrating me so much???
The first thing that seemed off to me was Windsor's absence. She and Morganna are best friends and were very close, but I found it strange that even though every character made an appearance from Crazy Good pretty early on...she didn't appear until the last 15% of the story. For me, it felt like their relationship was being downplayed in order to emphasize how close this couple has always been.
Secondly, the the multiple flashbacks were putting me off. We got a lot of flashbacks to when Morganna and Steve were young and we see the true dynamic between them. I enjoyed that, but what I didn't see the need for was the flashbacks between Morganna and Stone. This is just my personal preference, but I really don't care to read numerous sex scenes and special moments between them-I just don't want to focus on that. I want Steve and Morganna. Period.
And I have to say, both of them were badly behaved, if not immature several times.
These are pretty spoiler-ish...so read on at your own risk.
What worked for me:
These two were good together when they put their issues aside and became honest with themselves and each other. When Steve is allowed to let his true dominant nature loose on her, it was incredibly scorching hot and intensely passionate.
These two have the kind of understanding of each other's needs and bodies that only lifelong friends could share. There were moments that felt natural, real, and touched my heart.
Being with Steven is like being home--it's fire. I can't deny my feelings or his feelings. I never really could, but with him here...I'm addicted.
I liked the second chance/friends to lovers theme. I enjoyed seeing this whole group of characters again. Their sense of humor-the way they love and support one another, and how they can put a smile on my face. I liked the fact that the reveal of the stalker was someone I had not anticipated. It actually caught me off guard. And the last few chapters really capped the book off on a high note. Most especially the epilogue. I really loved that.
I really struggled with my rating but when it comes down to it, I still savored re-visiting these characters that I fell in love with last year. And it can't be denied that this author has the capability of wringing emotion out of you and making you feel for her characters. And just putting this out there: I would not be adverse to reading Cody's story. Just sayin'...
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April 5, 2015
★★★★ 3.5 Stars ★★★★
This is a companion novel to Crazy Good and so this review will contain spoilers.
For Morganna Sterns, she thought she had her happy ever after, but when life deals her a cruel hand, she is left with a huge whole in her heart that she is unable to fill.
She has been friends with Steve Warner since she was 12 years old, they were best friends right up until Morganna met Steve's Navy SEAL team-mate Stone and married him. Quite rightly so, she put her husband first, but Steve was always a part of their life, and was present when Stone took his last breaths on a mission that changed all of their lives forever.
It's been a few years since Stone was taken from her, and her and Steve have got into a routine where he helps her out around the house, and spend a lot of time together. If Morganna needs anything, Steve is there to help.
When Steve is home from a mission, he is either with Morganna or having a booty call with one of his three girlfriends. He hates to be alone and since he lost his chance for love when he was a young man, he figures he only needs a casual relationship to fulfil his needs. His team-mates however feel it's time to face reality.
Morganna is realising that her love for her best friend is turning into something else, but she is scared that she is attracted to him because of his similarities to Stone and she also is petrified of losing another person close to her.
This is a story of a woman brave enough to put her heart out there again and a man who has come to the realisation that fate has finally given him the woman of his dreams.
_ _ _ _
I really did enjoy this for the most part, Steve was a bit of a goof, he liked to make jokes, constantly. But he was also a typical alpha male that you would expect in a SEAL, so was sexy and serious when he needed to be.
We got flashbacks to the past, when he and Morganna were kids, and also when he was on missions with Stone which really added to the background of the story.
The reason I didn't rate this book a full 4 stars or more, was for the simple fact that we also got flashbacks of Morganna and Steve. I understand that some of the scenes were necessary but I didn't really want to experience the love and sex between the couple. This was Steve and Morganna's story and I found myself skimming those bits because I wasn't interested. I already knew how much they loved each other and were well suited because I had read it in Crazy Good. IF you were to read this as a stand-alone, then those moments may be beneficial.
This was quite an emotional story, it's quite clear that Steve has had feelings for Morganna for a long time and when she keeps pushing him away and insisting that she wears the trousers in their relationship, it was extremely frustrating and I really felt a lot sympathy for Steve.
The epilogue was so beautiful though, it made me cry and it was a wonderful conclusion to their long journey together.
Told in dual POV, I would recommend reading Crazy Good first.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
This is a companion novel to Crazy Good and so this review will contain spoilers.
For Morganna Sterns, she thought she had her happy ever after, but when life deals her a cruel hand, she is left with a huge whole in her heart that she is unable to fill.
She has been friends with Steve Warner since she was 12 years old, they were best friends right up until Morganna met Steve's Navy SEAL team-mate Stone and married him. Quite rightly so, she put her husband first, but Steve was always a part of their life, and was present when Stone took his last breaths on a mission that changed all of their lives forever.
It's been a few years since Stone was taken from her, and her and Steve have got into a routine where he helps her out around the house, and spend a lot of time together. If Morganna needs anything, Steve is there to help.
When Steve is home from a mission, he is either with Morganna or having a booty call with one of his three girlfriends. He hates to be alone and since he lost his chance for love when he was a young man, he figures he only needs a casual relationship to fulfil his needs. His team-mates however feel it's time to face reality.
"Alpha up, you pussy.
You've known her longer than anyone.
If anyone knows what you need to do to seal that deal, it's you."
Morganna is realising that her love for her best friend is turning into something else, but she is scared that she is attracted to him because of his similarities to Stone and she also is petrified of losing another person close to her.
"Is it because he reminds me of Stone?
Or is is real? I'm not quite ready to analyze the latter.
Nor is my heart."
This is a story of a woman brave enough to put her heart out there again and a man who has come to the realisation that fate has finally given him the woman of his dreams.
_ _ _ _
I really did enjoy this for the most part, Steve was a bit of a goof, he liked to make jokes, constantly. But he was also a typical alpha male that you would expect in a SEAL, so was sexy and serious when he needed to be.
We got flashbacks to the past, when he and Morganna were kids, and also when he was on missions with Stone which really added to the background of the story.
The reason I didn't rate this book a full 4 stars or more, was for the simple fact that we also got flashbacks of Morganna and Steve. I understand that some of the scenes were necessary but I didn't really want to experience the love and sex between the couple. This was Steve and Morganna's story and I found myself skimming those bits because I wasn't interested. I already knew how much they loved each other and were well suited because I had read it in Crazy Good. IF you were to read this as a stand-alone, then those moments may be beneficial.
This was quite an emotional story, it's quite clear that Steve has had feelings for Morganna for a long time and when she keeps pushing him away and insisting that she wears the trousers in their relationship, it was extremely frustrating and I really felt a lot sympathy for Steve.
The epilogue was so beautiful though, it made me cry and it was a wonderful conclusion to their long journey together.
Told in dual POV, I would recommend reading Crazy Good first.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
March 2, 2018
OK, first and foremost, even though this is a standalone, I strongly recommend first reading
I suggest this only for the fact that this story is intertwined with Crazy Good (CG), AND if you want the full experience of Rachel's brilliance, then read Crazy Good first, then Set in Stone(SiS).
I don't want to give anything away with this story; I'm sorry but I just can't do it!!
I BR'd this with the Canaries for my 101 hot seat and a few of them had not read Crazy Good, so based on my suggestion, this BR ended up being for both books :D
I can't tell you how happy I am that they read it; I do feel bad that I didn't BUT......by giving anything away, it would have completely ruined that book, as well as SiS.
Rachel Robinson is an author that I will definitely read more from.
This little duet is also something that I, with all my heart, recommend to readers who love Alpha Males, especially ones that serve our great countries :D
Well, that's it from me; if you haven't figured it out yet, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this duet!! :D
Thank you to all the Canaries that read this with me, I had an absolute blast ;x
Finally rating for SiS = 4.5*
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
I suggest this only for the fact that this story is intertwined with Crazy Good (CG), AND if you want the full experience of Rachel's brilliance, then read Crazy Good first, then Set in Stone(SiS).
I don't want to give anything away with this story; I'm sorry but I just can't do it!!
I BR'd this with the Canaries for my 101 hot seat and a few of them had not read Crazy Good, so based on my suggestion, this BR ended up being for both books :D
I can't tell you how happy I am that they read it; I do feel bad that I didn't BUT......by giving anything away, it would have completely ruined that book, as well as SiS.
Rachel Robinson is an author that I will definitely read more from.
This little duet is also something that I, with all my heart, recommend to readers who love Alpha Males, especially ones that serve our great countries :D
Well, that's it from me; if you haven't figured it out yet, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this duet!! :D
Thank you to all the Canaries that read this with me, I had an absolute blast ;x
Finally rating for SiS = 4.5*
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
September 7, 2014
Is this what I think it is because I already want to start crying!?!?
January 8, 2020
4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans
Even though this story can be read as a standalone I don't suggest doing that. There are many spoilers within this story about the couple from the first book as well as things that occur from the first book.
Video review available in Week 2 Jan 5 – 11 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
Even though this story can be read as a standalone I don't suggest doing that. There are many spoilers within this story about the couple from the first book as well as things that occur from the first book.
Video review available in Week 2 Jan 5 – 11 weekly book reviews.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
March 30, 2015
Review by Natasha Gentile
This has to be the most anticipated book ever. When
When I first started Crazy Good I fell in love with the
“take no prisoners, in your face Morganna.” I loved
everything about her. She was what I wanted to be when I
grew up. She seemed to have it all till tragedy struck and
she became a widow.
Well we have begged for this book. We, and I say we, but
really I have stalked this author to find out if she would
give Morganna the story she deserved and well, not only did
she give us a story she made me fall in love once more.
Perfection can’t last forever, though. It’s Murphy’s
Law, it’s the way of the universe. It’s one of those
things I just know.
Meet Morganna, top divorce lawyer. She takes crap from no
one. Self assured, powerful, and independent. She was
married to her soul mate. He was a navy SEAL. He was her
life. He was her heart. How does one continue without
their heart?
I lean my head back against the seat and watch the huge
trees fly by only interrupted by flashes of the pool blue
sky. I think this might be one of the most peaceful moments
of our relationship—just existing outside of everything
else. He’s magnetic. The positive to my negative.
So Stone was stolen from her life all to soon. Now she has
to survive, or has to learn how to survive. She is trying
to do the best she can. Thankfully she has her best friend
Steven Warner.
Steve is a Navy SEAL, with nothing to lose. He is a there
no matter what. What happens when your utterly perfect,
first chance never really ends? What if it’s stolen?
He guards his heart and throws out humor to shield himself.
He is the perfect catch.
You have to be down with the quickness to be a Navy SEAL,
but I’ve been quick my whole life.
Morganna and Steven have had a friendship since high school.
He was always her “go to person.” He was the reason
she met Stone. Now she isn’t sure that she even wants to
have a friendship with him. The memories and the pain are
too much for her.
When my husband Stone passed away, Steven was a bittersweet
reminder of everything. Good memories and tragic,
depressing memories always sneak in when I spend a lot of
time with Steven. Eventually, I decided that it’s worth
it to have his friendship and his humor included in my life.
So she lets him be her friend. It’s the only thing he
knows. He is there for her, whenever she needs it whether
it is to change a light bulb or sit down and talk. The
little thing is that Steven is in love with her, he has been
since high school. She has always been his heart. Now all
he has to do is make her see that he was always in her heart
too, she just wasn’t ready for him.
Why am I looking at him this way now? Literally after years
of placing him in the friend zone. Maybe I’ve denied
myself the privilege before. Maybe I shouldn’t, but I
can’t stop. The realization hits—I don’t want to
stop. The truth creeps out and penetrates the air around
me. My heart pounds in response, blood whooshing in my
ears.
The thing is Morganna; she fights him all the way to the
finish line. She wants to date the total opposite of
everything that he is. Until Steve pushes her, pushes her to
accept him. Pushes her to admit he is the one. Pushes her
to see that she needs him.
If you love something, don’t set it free. Hold on to it
tightly. Never let it go.
So they decide that this thing between them is going to
happen. But what starts out as friendship just might turn
into love. The only problem is how do you compete with a
ghost? You can’t, you just hope and pray that although he
is in her heart, that she has room for you also. It
doesn’t matter what is set in stone, it doesn’t matter
as long as there is room to add on that stone!
It’s not, “it is what it is.” It’s what you make it.
What you, and only you decide it should be. Navy SEALs never
make the same mistake twice.
I am so happy that Morganna’s story is out. I am so happy
that we got to know the hard nose lawyer and all her layers.
I loved the whole thing and can’t wait for more!
This has to be the most anticipated book ever. When
When I first started Crazy Good I fell in love with the
“take no prisoners, in your face Morganna.” I loved
everything about her. She was what I wanted to be when I
grew up. She seemed to have it all till tragedy struck and
she became a widow.
Well we have begged for this book. We, and I say we, but
really I have stalked this author to find out if she would
give Morganna the story she deserved and well, not only did
she give us a story she made me fall in love once more.
Perfection can’t last forever, though. It’s Murphy’s
Law, it’s the way of the universe. It’s one of those
things I just know.
Meet Morganna, top divorce lawyer. She takes crap from no
one. Self assured, powerful, and independent. She was
married to her soul mate. He was a navy SEAL. He was her
life. He was her heart. How does one continue without
their heart?
I lean my head back against the seat and watch the huge
trees fly by only interrupted by flashes of the pool blue
sky. I think this might be one of the most peaceful moments
of our relationship—just existing outside of everything
else. He’s magnetic. The positive to my negative.
So Stone was stolen from her life all to soon. Now she has
to survive, or has to learn how to survive. She is trying
to do the best she can. Thankfully she has her best friend
Steven Warner.
Steve is a Navy SEAL, with nothing to lose. He is a there
no matter what. What happens when your utterly perfect,
first chance never really ends? What if it’s stolen?
He guards his heart and throws out humor to shield himself.
He is the perfect catch.
You have to be down with the quickness to be a Navy SEAL,
but I’ve been quick my whole life.
Morganna and Steven have had a friendship since high school.
He was always her “go to person.” He was the reason
she met Stone. Now she isn’t sure that she even wants to
have a friendship with him. The memories and the pain are
too much for her.
When my husband Stone passed away, Steven was a bittersweet
reminder of everything. Good memories and tragic,
depressing memories always sneak in when I spend a lot of
time with Steven. Eventually, I decided that it’s worth
it to have his friendship and his humor included in my life.
So she lets him be her friend. It’s the only thing he
knows. He is there for her, whenever she needs it whether
it is to change a light bulb or sit down and talk. The
little thing is that Steven is in love with her, he has been
since high school. She has always been his heart. Now all
he has to do is make her see that he was always in her heart
too, she just wasn’t ready for him.
Why am I looking at him this way now? Literally after years
of placing him in the friend zone. Maybe I’ve denied
myself the privilege before. Maybe I shouldn’t, but I
can’t stop. The realization hits—I don’t want to
stop. The truth creeps out and penetrates the air around
me. My heart pounds in response, blood whooshing in my
ears.
The thing is Morganna; she fights him all the way to the
finish line. She wants to date the total opposite of
everything that he is. Until Steve pushes her, pushes her to
accept him. Pushes her to admit he is the one. Pushes her
to see that she needs him.
If you love something, don’t set it free. Hold on to it
tightly. Never let it go.
So they decide that this thing between them is going to
happen. But what starts out as friendship just might turn
into love. The only problem is how do you compete with a
ghost? You can’t, you just hope and pray that although he
is in her heart, that she has room for you also. It
doesn’t matter what is set in stone, it doesn’t matter
as long as there is room to add on that stone!
It’s not, “it is what it is.” It’s what you make it.
What you, and only you decide it should be. Navy SEALs never
make the same mistake twice.
I am so happy that Morganna’s story is out. I am so happy
that we got to know the hard nose lawyer and all her layers.
I loved the whole thing and can’t wait for more!
January 8, 2016
Few things bothered me but first thing first.
Briefly, Morganna Sterns is a widower of a Navy SEAL Stone Sterns. Stone died a long time ago in a military activity. Morganna was left behind with all of his SEAL friends who took care of her. Among them is Steven Warner her alpha BF who's is in love with her for ages even before she met his friend Stone and married him.
1. Truly and honestly I can't stand the name Steven. I can't recall any Steven in any book I've read who was a goof. No, this name is a nerd name, an ex husband name. An anti hero name. Not a hunky Navy SEAL hero who I have to fall in love with..
2. We didn't realy had to read about her sex with her late husband when we currently engaging in her new love story didn't we? This past/present play didn't have to be so frequently, It didn't help us to connect to the new hero in Morganna's life.
3. The goofiness of the hero was immature and resemble to the behavior of a fourteen years old kid not a SEAL alpha man.
Who got on my nerves by the way..
4. This hero thing with the three girlfriends is ridiculous and pointed to a man I would never trust. and what more ridiculous is when this steven hero talked with his friends to finally take a chance with Morganna (after all this years dude?!) and not be a coward pussy, what he say? "what, and loose the other girls??"
WHA ..?!
Douchebag.
I'm out.
P.S
I loved the first book CRAZY GOOD so much I read it twice.
Briefly, Morganna Sterns is a widower of a Navy SEAL Stone Sterns. Stone died a long time ago in a military activity. Morganna was left behind with all of his SEAL friends who took care of her. Among them is Steven Warner her alpha BF who's is in love with her for ages even before she met his friend Stone and married him.
1. Truly and honestly I can't stand the name Steven. I can't recall any Steven in any book I've read who was a goof. No, this name is a nerd name, an ex husband name. An anti hero name. Not a hunky Navy SEAL hero who I have to fall in love with..
2. We didn't realy had to read about her sex with her late husband when we currently engaging in her new love story didn't we? This past/present play didn't have to be so frequently, It didn't help us to connect to the new hero in Morganna's life.
3. The goofiness of the hero was immature and resemble to the behavior of a fourteen years old kid not a SEAL alpha man.
Who got on my nerves by the way..
4. This hero thing with the three girlfriends is ridiculous and pointed to a man I would never trust. and what more ridiculous is when this steven hero talked with his friends to finally take a chance with Morganna (after all this years dude?!) and not be a coward pussy, what he say? "what, and loose the other girls??"
WHA ..?!
Douchebag.
I'm out.
P.S
I loved the first book CRAZY GOOD so much I read it twice.
Read
April 9, 2015So, I'm not sure how to rate this book. It was an engaging read, but there was a major incident that didn't sit well for me. I had no problem with Steven having his arrangements while he was not yet "with" Morgana. I was rubbing my hands in anticipation when he would finally realize he needed to step up and pursue the hard-ass Morgana in earnest. The things Steven did, I expected from a manwhore of his calibre except one thing (and that was a result of that incident which I will put in spoiler.) It was Morgana I was underwhelmed with. Maybe that was the purpose of the book, show her softening, but I wanted her to be larger than life as she was in Crazy Good. I did like when they finally connected. Oh, I also did like when I found out more about their history and friendship. There was a slight drag in the middle of the book.
Okay, what didn't work for me and I think others might be okay with it.
I did like the resolution, and the suspense that happened in the end. And the epilogue, oh my.
Okay, what didn't work for me and I think others might be okay with it.
I did like the resolution, and the suspense that happened in the end. And the epilogue, oh my.
January 11, 2016
4.25 stars! I read Crazy Good quite some time ago, but I absolutely loved it. I remembered Morgana and Steve from that book but their story kind of fell off my radar. Last week I read the synopsis for the third book and knew I had to read it, but I wanted to read book number two first. I honestly didn't expect to love this story because it obviously deals with a tough subject, but OMG did it suck me in!! I wholeheartedly love Steven Warner! I couldn't wrap my head around how their story would work b/c up until this my heart was with Stone. I mean all of these characters are strong, alpha, crazy in your face protectors. Morgana had such a sad situation that she was dealt and even though she made some wacky decisions, I completely understood why did made them. I would have done the same had I been in her situation. All the while, Steve was her rock and while I read their story, my mind kept wandering back to Stone.... what a mess I was! That is, up until the very last few pages. I was happy for Steve and Morgana's ending, but I truly and honestly "got it" during those last pages. This book, although rather angsty and emotional was also incredibly sexy. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read Cody and Lainey's book. I actually can't wait and I intend to drop everything to read it!!
April 20, 2015
Waited so long for this book and the wait was definately worth it! The story was told in a really captivating way. Really loved Morganna ans Steven and how they came together. Need more from this author asap!
Morganna
Steven
Morganna
Steven
April 28, 2015
This book was okay. I had a hard time feeling their connection. The story had merit, but wasn't executed well. There were typos and a change in point of view mid paragraph that was very unfortunate. Sometimes readers demand an author give them more or another book about secondary characters. This booked seemed to be created to please readers rather than written because the author had the story and characters dying to get out of her brain. I didn't feel any heart.
April 18, 2015
First, the story itself was fine. It simply left me cold, it was so dry. While I could say it was well written, and I'm sure others will, it never made me care for either character or their romance. I've read many less technically correct books, that made me experience the passion or the heartbreak the characters felt. This book failed on that level.
January 3, 2016
Oh God, I cannot wait to read this book, it's going to break my heart, I just know it!!!
October 11, 2016
"Smile through the pain. Laugh through the grief. Thrive in the throes of emptiness."
It took me all night just to think and process this book. It touched deep... Too deep and I was an emotional wreck after finishing it. I read it with a heavy heart but the end, the end broke my heart completely and opened the gate for my tears to roll down.
It's not easy to choose life and to be happy after you lose someone so close to you. The easy way to deal with it is to let the black hole of sadness swallow you in and never get out. This is not how Morganna dealt with the huge loss of her beloved navy SEAL husband - Stone.
If you read Crazy Good, you know what happened to him.
Set is Stone takes place a few years after that horrible day. Morganna learns how to live her life without Stone. She has her career as a successful lawyer. She has all the amazing SEAL team by her side and she has Steven - her best friend since ever, Stone's teammate and the one who secretly in love with her since they were kids.
Steven... Oh, Steven... A manwhore with a capital M! He is so hot, so messed up, so not relationship material, but with everything's Morganna related - he decides that it is time to change.
They both struggle to manage their feelings to one another. Steven feels like he competing with a ghost while Morganna is torn between the one she lost and the one that is right in front of her.
Her struggle was my struggle. With every page that I read, her pain, Steven's pain had cut me open. I was torn just like them. I wanted to hug Stone's memory and never let go but at the same time wanted Morganna to find her happiness.
Like I said, this story touched me deep and Rachel knows why...
Just read it you guys! Start with Crazy Good, continue with Set in Stone and if that won't make you fall in love with Rachel's writing - the 3rd book Time and Space will do it for sure!
Thank you, Rachel, for your words, for touching me so deep and for all the money that you made me spend on batteries... LOL.
"Joy can't die when there is even the smallest spark to thrive. If you're lucky, the spark will turn into a flame and that fire will burn for long as long as you allow it."
It took me all night just to think and process this book. It touched deep... Too deep and I was an emotional wreck after finishing it. I read it with a heavy heart but the end, the end broke my heart completely and opened the gate for my tears to roll down.
It's not easy to choose life and to be happy after you lose someone so close to you. The easy way to deal with it is to let the black hole of sadness swallow you in and never get out. This is not how Morganna dealt with the huge loss of her beloved navy SEAL husband - Stone.
If you read Crazy Good, you know what happened to him.
Set is Stone takes place a few years after that horrible day. Morganna learns how to live her life without Stone. She has her career as a successful lawyer. She has all the amazing SEAL team by her side and she has Steven - her best friend since ever, Stone's teammate and the one who secretly in love with her since they were kids.
Steven... Oh, Steven... A manwhore with a capital M! He is so hot, so messed up, so not relationship material, but with everything's Morganna related - he decides that it is time to change.
They both struggle to manage their feelings to one another. Steven feels like he competing with a ghost while Morganna is torn between the one she lost and the one that is right in front of her.
Her struggle was my struggle. With every page that I read, her pain, Steven's pain had cut me open. I was torn just like them. I wanted to hug Stone's memory and never let go but at the same time wanted Morganna to find her happiness.
Like I said, this story touched me deep and Rachel knows why...
Just read it you guys! Start with Crazy Good, continue with Set in Stone and if that won't make you fall in love with Rachel's writing - the 3rd book Time and Space will do it for sure!
Thank you, Rachel, for your words, for touching me so deep and for all the money that you made me spend on batteries... LOL.
"Joy can't die when there is even the smallest spark to thrive. If you're lucky, the spark will turn into a flame and that fire will burn for long as long as you allow it."
March 31, 2015
Review by Natasha Gentile
This has to be the most anticipated book ever. When
When I first started Crazy Good I fell in love with the
“take no prisoners, in your face Morganna.” I loved
everything about her. She was what I wanted to be when I
grew up. She seemed to have it all till tragedy struck and
she became a widow.
Well we have begged for this book. We, and I say we, but
really I have stalked this author to find out if she would
give Morganna the story she deserved and well, not only did
she give us a story she made me fall in love once more.
Perfection can’t last forever, though. It’s Murphy’s
Law, it’s the way of the universe. It’s one of those
things I just know.
Meet Morganna, top divorce lawyer. She takes crap from no
one. Self assured, powerful, and independent. She was
married to her soul mate. He was a navy SEAL. He was her
life. He was her heart. How does one continue without
their heart?
I lean my head back against the seat and watch the huge
trees fly by only interrupted by flashes of the pool blue
sky. I think this might be one of the most peaceful moments
of our relationship—just existing outside of everything
else. He’s magnetic. The positive to my negative.
So Stone was stolen from her life all to soon. Now she has
to survive, or has to learn how to survive. She is trying
to do the best she can. Thankfully she has her best friend
Steven Warner.
Steve is a Navy SEAL, with nothing to lose. He is a there
no matter what. What happens when your utterly perfect,
first chance never really ends? What if it’s stolen?
He guards his heart and throws out humor to shield himself.
He is the perfect catch.
You have to be down with the quickness to be a Navy SEAL,
but I’ve been quick my whole life.
Morganna and Steven have had a friendship since high school.
He was always her “go to person.” He was the reason
she met Stone. Now she isn’t sure that she even wants to
have a friendship with him. The memories and the pain are
too much for her.
When my husband Stone passed away, Steven was a bittersweet
reminder of everything. Good memories and tragic,
depressing memories always sneak in when I spend a lot of
time with Steven. Eventually, I decided that it’s worth
it to have his friendship and his humor included in my life.
So she lets him be her friend. It’s the only thing he
knows. He is there for her, whenever she needs it whether
it is to change a light bulb or sit down and talk. The
little thing is that Steven is in love with her, he has been
since high school. She has always been his heart. Now all
he has to do is make her see that he was always in her heart
too, she just wasn’t ready for him.
Why am I looking at him this way now? Literally after years
of placing him in the friend zone. Maybe I’ve denied
myself the privilege before. Maybe I shouldn’t, but I
can’t stop. The realization hits—I don’t want to
stop. The truth creeps out and penetrates the air around
me. My heart pounds in response, blood whooshing in my
ears.
The thing is Morganna; she fights him all the way to the
finish line. She wants to date the total opposite of
everything that he is. Until Steve pushes her, pushes her to
accept him. Pushes her to admit he is the one. Pushes her
to see that she needs him.
If you love something, don’t set it free. Hold on to it
tightly. Never let it go.
So they decide that this thing between them is going to
happen. But what starts out as friendship just might turn
into love. The only problem is how do you compete with a
ghost? You can’t, you just hope and pray that although he
is in her heart, that she has room for you also. It
doesn’t matter what is set in stone, it doesn’t matter
as long as there is room to add on that stone!
It’s not, “it is what it is.” It’s what you make it.
What you, and only you decide it should be. Navy SEALs never
make the same mistake twice.
I am so happy that Morganna’s story is out. I am so happy
that we got to know the hard nose lawyer and all her layers.
I loved the whole thing and can’t wait for more!
This has to be the most anticipated book ever. When
When I first started Crazy Good I fell in love with the
“take no prisoners, in your face Morganna.” I loved
everything about her. She was what I wanted to be when I
grew up. She seemed to have it all till tragedy struck and
she became a widow.
Well we have begged for this book. We, and I say we, but
really I have stalked this author to find out if she would
give Morganna the story she deserved and well, not only did
she give us a story she made me fall in love once more.
Perfection can’t last forever, though. It’s Murphy’s
Law, it’s the way of the universe. It’s one of those
things I just know.
Meet Morganna, top divorce lawyer. She takes crap from no
one. Self assured, powerful, and independent. She was
married to her soul mate. He was a navy SEAL. He was her
life. He was her heart. How does one continue without
their heart?
I lean my head back against the seat and watch the huge
trees fly by only interrupted by flashes of the pool blue
sky. I think this might be one of the most peaceful moments
of our relationship—just existing outside of everything
else. He’s magnetic. The positive to my negative.
So Stone was stolen from her life all to soon. Now she has
to survive, or has to learn how to survive. She is trying
to do the best she can. Thankfully she has her best friend
Steven Warner.
Steve is a Navy SEAL, with nothing to lose. He is a there
no matter what. What happens when your utterly perfect,
first chance never really ends? What if it’s stolen?
He guards his heart and throws out humor to shield himself.
He is the perfect catch.
You have to be down with the quickness to be a Navy SEAL,
but I’ve been quick my whole life.
Morganna and Steven have had a friendship since high school.
He was always her “go to person.” He was the reason
she met Stone. Now she isn’t sure that she even wants to
have a friendship with him. The memories and the pain are
too much for her.
When my husband Stone passed away, Steven was a bittersweet
reminder of everything. Good memories and tragic,
depressing memories always sneak in when I spend a lot of
time with Steven. Eventually, I decided that it’s worth
it to have his friendship and his humor included in my life.
So she lets him be her friend. It’s the only thing he
knows. He is there for her, whenever she needs it whether
it is to change a light bulb or sit down and talk. The
little thing is that Steven is in love with her, he has been
since high school. She has always been his heart. Now all
he has to do is make her see that he was always in her heart
too, she just wasn’t ready for him.
Why am I looking at him this way now? Literally after years
of placing him in the friend zone. Maybe I’ve denied
myself the privilege before. Maybe I shouldn’t, but I
can’t stop. The realization hits—I don’t want to
stop. The truth creeps out and penetrates the air around
me. My heart pounds in response, blood whooshing in my
ears.
The thing is Morganna; she fights him all the way to the
finish line. She wants to date the total opposite of
everything that he is. Until Steve pushes her, pushes her to
accept him. Pushes her to admit he is the one. Pushes her
to see that she needs him.
If you love something, don’t set it free. Hold on to it
tightly. Never let it go.
So they decide that this thing between them is going to
happen. But what starts out as friendship just might turn
into love. The only problem is how do you compete with a
ghost? You can’t, you just hope and pray that although he
is in her heart, that she has room for you also. It
doesn’t matter what is set in stone, it doesn’t matter
as long as there is room to add on that stone!
It’s not, “it is what it is.” It’s what you make it.
What you, and only you decide it should be. Navy SEALs never
make the same mistake twice.
I am so happy that Morganna’s story is out. I am so happy
that we got to know the hard nose lawyer and all her layers.
I loved the whole thing and can’t wait for more!
October 5, 2015
Loved this follow up to Crazy Good. This book can be read as a stand alone or follow up to Crazy Good. Morganna is trying to move on from the death of her husband and Steven is looking to make a long time love a reality. I loved how these two came together. Set in Stone is not about replacing a love, but finding that life does go on. I enjoyed the fact this book shared some of Morganna story with her late husband as well as the love for Steven. This book is touching, sexy, humorous, and even has some suspense.
July 31, 2015
Sealed
Angst, humor, tears and sexy story. There is more to Steven and Morg that we didn't know in CG.
Im trying to write somewhat of a review but I can't bc im crying so much. I can only imagine how her heart was split into half.
Angst, humor, tears and sexy story. There is more to Steven and Morg that we didn't know in CG.
Im trying to write somewhat of a review but I can't bc im crying so much. I can only imagine how her heart was split into half.
April 12, 2015
3.75 stars
May 13, 2016
Moving! Well worth the read. Highly recommend.
March 10, 2018
There is something all too vague about second chances. What happens when your utterly perfect, first chance never really ends? What if it’s stolen?
If you've read the first part of the Crazy Good Series, you remember Morgana and Stone. If you haven't read it, that's just as well, as Morgana and Steven, mention what happens anyway, just in less detail as to the specifics, but in more emotional detail because its told by Morganna.
Morganna is the wife of Stone, Stone who died on his last mission saving his best friend's life, but losing his own. The book starts years after, with Steven and Morganna being friends, but her loss is still just as prominent. Steven is a close friend of hers and I just love their dynamics. He just has one secret, he has been in love with her for years. Way before Stone set his eyes on her, but that's fine, he was happy for his friend, but now.....
I really liked their story, love can take you so far... *wistful sigh* I voted for Steven, he deserved happiness as well, and the ending was just swoonworthy. Their love story is something else, and competing against a dead man is no easy feat.
I miss him every second he's not here, but life doesn't stop. Tragedy does not halt the future. It propels you into it with a brand new outlook. You suck it up. You smile. You go on.
If you've read the first part of the Crazy Good Series, you remember Morgana and Stone. If you haven't read it, that's just as well, as Morgana and Steven, mention what happens anyway, just in less detail as to the specifics, but in more emotional detail because its told by Morganna.
Morganna is the wife of Stone, Stone who died on his last mission saving his best friend's life, but losing his own. The book starts years after, with Steven and Morganna being friends, but her loss is still just as prominent. Steven is a close friend of hers and I just love their dynamics. He just has one secret, he has been in love with her for years. Way before Stone set his eyes on her, but that's fine, he was happy for his friend, but now.....
I yearn for Morganna. For her truths. For her lies. For all of her.
I really liked their story, love can take you so far... *wistful sigh* I voted for Steven, he deserved happiness as well, and the ending was just swoonworthy. Their love story is something else, and competing against a dead man is no easy feat.
April 6, 2015
This is book 2. Crazy Good is the first book and my review will contain some spoilers from book 1. If you've not read Crazy Good go now, it's a good one! ;)
This is story of new beginnings. Overall, it's a friends to lovers story of missed opportunities, tragic endings and second changes.
Morganna was married to the man she hoped would be her forever. She fell hard and fast for the irresistible Navy SEAL, Stone Sterns. However, after his death while on duty, Morganna closed herself off emotionally and threw herself into work.
"I think I always knew Thomas Stone Sterns wasn't permanent."
One constant in her life however were her husbands SEAL brothers. They made sure she was taken care of and continued to include her in the SEAL family fold. One particular "brother" has been Morganna's friend since childhood and the reason Stone and her met.
Steve loves Morganna and has for many, many years. He's Morganna's best friend and has helped he her throughout the tragic loss of her husband. Years later he's still in love with her but trying very hard to deny it. To battle these feelings, he looses himself in in non-emotional relationships. Steve reminded me of a big kid, in the best way possible. He has a great sense of humor, he's a loyal friend and overall a really great guy! The problem? He's a Navy SEAL just like Stone.
When Morganna decides it's time to date again, Steve knows he has to make his feelngs known. He can't miss his opportunity again and Morganna is more accepting than he had anticipated. In her mind who better to set herself free with than her best friend? She also has some deeper feelings for Steve that she keeps hidden. But he reminds her so much of her late husband and Steve feels he's being un-loyal to his late "brother." How will these two get past this? Will Morganna be able to open her heart up to another SEAL? Will Steve finally fight for the girl of his dreams? You'll have to read to find out! ;)
I must say that the back and forth of these two wore on my nerves a bit. Morganna's personality started out strong and I was really loving her but about 20ish percent into the book, she lost her shine. She became a bit too standoffish, selfish and cold for my tastes and it just wasn't working for me. I also didn't love the flashbacks with Stone and Morganna. There were a few to many and it made me lose the connection between her and Steve. But the epilogue, be still my beating heart!! It was really perfect and I may have shed a tear or two! Overall this is a fast paced, emotional journey with a love hardened widow and a sexy Navy SEAL!
This is story of new beginnings. Overall, it's a friends to lovers story of missed opportunities, tragic endings and second changes.
Morganna was married to the man she hoped would be her forever. She fell hard and fast for the irresistible Navy SEAL, Stone Sterns. However, after his death while on duty, Morganna closed herself off emotionally and threw herself into work.
"I think I always knew Thomas Stone Sterns wasn't permanent."
One constant in her life however were her husbands SEAL brothers. They made sure she was taken care of and continued to include her in the SEAL family fold. One particular "brother" has been Morganna's friend since childhood and the reason Stone and her met.
Steve loves Morganna and has for many, many years. He's Morganna's best friend and has helped he her throughout the tragic loss of her husband. Years later he's still in love with her but trying very hard to deny it. To battle these feelings, he looses himself in in non-emotional relationships. Steve reminded me of a big kid, in the best way possible. He has a great sense of humor, he's a loyal friend and overall a really great guy! The problem? He's a Navy SEAL just like Stone.
When Morganna decides it's time to date again, Steve knows he has to make his feelngs known. He can't miss his opportunity again and Morganna is more accepting than he had anticipated. In her mind who better to set herself free with than her best friend? She also has some deeper feelings for Steve that she keeps hidden. But he reminds her so much of her late husband and Steve feels he's being un-loyal to his late "brother." How will these two get past this? Will Morganna be able to open her heart up to another SEAL? Will Steve finally fight for the girl of his dreams? You'll have to read to find out! ;)
I must say that the back and forth of these two wore on my nerves a bit. Morganna's personality started out strong and I was really loving her but about 20ish percent into the book, she lost her shine. She became a bit too standoffish, selfish and cold for my tastes and it just wasn't working for me. I also didn't love the flashbacks with Stone and Morganna. There were a few to many and it made me lose the connection between her and Steve. But the epilogue, be still my beating heart!! It was really perfect and I may have shed a tear or two! Overall this is a fast paced, emotional journey with a love hardened widow and a sexy Navy SEAL!
July 27, 2017
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a sweet story about loss, some unrequited love, and finding love with a friend. I really liked the first book in this series Crazy Good, so it was a hard one to follow. I don't feel like this one was as good as that one, but it was still enjoyable.
Storyline: This is Morganna and Steve's story. We meet the two in the first book, but it is not necessary to read that one to get what going on in this book. Morganna and Steven grew up in the same small town and were best friends. They both felt a mutual attraction, but never crossed the line in fear of messing up their friendship. Morganna goes to visit Steve and meets his brother SEAL, Stone, who she ends up falling in love with and marrying. A couple years prior to when this story takes place, Stone was killed on a mission and Morganna is still struggling with her loss. With some encouragement from his other brother SEALs, Steve decides it is time to make a move and change their relationship into a romantic one. After some struggles, the couple confess their love and eventually find their HEA.
POV: This was in Morganna and Steven's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. No slow parts where I was skimming, and no instalove in this one.
H rating: 4 stars. Steven. I really liked him. He uses humor as a shield, so he is often the goofball in the group. I loved how fiercely he loved Morganna and my heart broke for him when he felt like his love wasn't returned.
h rating: 3 stars. Morganna. She was just ok. I didn't like what she did when he was on leave, and maybe because I did like him so much I had a hard time with her not expressing her feelings for him earlier.
Angst level: Moderate. I cried on this one, but I am a sucker for the unrequited love type feelings that were provoked in some scenes. I think I felt more angst with Steve's POV than with Morganna's ...maybe that's why I connected with him more...?
Heat level: Moderate. The couple do have some steamy times.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This did have an epilogue that gave us some good closure on the couple, and the letter just made be cry! I feel like they are on their way towards their HEA.
Overall Opinion: This was a sweet story about loss, some unrequited love, and finding love with a friend. I really liked the first book in this series Crazy Good, so it was a hard one to follow. I don't feel like this one was as good as that one, but it was still enjoyable.
Storyline: This is Morganna and Steve's story. We meet the two in the first book, but it is not necessary to read that one to get what going on in this book. Morganna and Steven grew up in the same small town and were best friends. They both felt a mutual attraction, but never crossed the line in fear of messing up their friendship. Morganna goes to visit Steve and meets his brother SEAL, Stone, who she ends up falling in love with and marrying. A couple years prior to when this story takes place, Stone was killed on a mission and Morganna is still struggling with her loss. With some encouragement from his other brother SEALs, Steve decides it is time to make a move and change their relationship into a romantic one. After some struggles, the couple confess their love and eventually find their HEA.
POV: This was in Morganna and Steven's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. No slow parts where I was skimming, and no instalove in this one.
H rating: 4 stars. Steven. I really liked him. He uses humor as a shield, so he is often the goofball in the group. I loved how fiercely he loved Morganna and my heart broke for him when he felt like his love wasn't returned.
h rating: 3 stars. Morganna. She was just ok. I didn't like what she did when he was on leave, and maybe because I did like him so much I had a hard time with her not expressing her feelings for him earlier.
Angst level: Moderate. I cried on this one, but I am a sucker for the unrequited love type feelings that were provoked in some scenes. I think I felt more angst with Steve's POV than with Morganna's ...maybe that's why I connected with him more...?
Heat level: Moderate. The couple do have some steamy times.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM:
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This did have an epilogue that gave us some good closure on the couple, and the letter just made be cry! I feel like they are on their way towards their HEA.
April 9, 2015
“Ole’ Steve Warner is a fucked up man
No One has a clue about his master plan
He’s been in love wit a woman for most of his life
And that chick has always been someone else’s wife.”
Set In Stone is the much anticipated follow up book to Crazy Good. Steve Warner has been in love with Morganna since the moment he met her in high school but has always just been a friend to her. While it killed him to watch her fall in love and get married to one of his seal buddies it was even worse watching her mourn Stone’s death. But time has passed and now he is finally considering giving up his playboy ways for the only girl that has even held his attention and brought him to his knees.
“Living without him is the largest challenge I’ve ever taken on. I miss him every second he’s not here, but life doesn’t stop. Tragedy doesn’t halt the future.”
Morganna though love was a once in a lifetime thing and she had that with Stone so she has been content to become the best lawyer she could be and spend time with her best friend, Steve Warner. What she never expected was a second chance at a happily ever after. But will the (figurative) ghost of her ex-husband haunt their relationship?. Could Steve ever measure up to Stone and can Morganna ever really move past mourning and start living her life again?
“Your lips brainwash a smart man, M. I want them.”
I love Steve, love love love him. He was funny and sexy. I enjoyed how his fun natured side had to battle with his confidence when it came to measuring up to a dead man. That seemed to be the overall theme of the book. Steve in the present measuring up to Stone in the past. While I enjoyed the constant flashbacks to both the high school years with Steve and the early years of Morganna and Stone, I do think that too many flashbacks with Stone at time made it harder to connect with Steve and Morganna. I would have preferred less with him . But this was not dramatic enough to think it should deter anyone from reading the story.
“We have been a long time coming, Morg. A long ass time.”
Overall, this was a fun, emotional and sexy story about a HOT book about a sexy Navy Seal and the only woman who has ever held his attention. I found myself laughing out loud often and holding back tears. The story was fluent and the writing smooth. I will definitely be keeping up with other books by Rachel Robinson.
~miranda
No One has a clue about his master plan
He’s been in love wit a woman for most of his life
And that chick has always been someone else’s wife.”
Set In Stone is the much anticipated follow up book to Crazy Good. Steve Warner has been in love with Morganna since the moment he met her in high school but has always just been a friend to her. While it killed him to watch her fall in love and get married to one of his seal buddies it was even worse watching her mourn Stone’s death. But time has passed and now he is finally considering giving up his playboy ways for the only girl that has even held his attention and brought him to his knees.
“Living without him is the largest challenge I’ve ever taken on. I miss him every second he’s not here, but life doesn’t stop. Tragedy doesn’t halt the future.”
Morganna though love was a once in a lifetime thing and she had that with Stone so she has been content to become the best lawyer she could be and spend time with her best friend, Steve Warner. What she never expected was a second chance at a happily ever after. But will the (figurative) ghost of her ex-husband haunt their relationship?. Could Steve ever measure up to Stone and can Morganna ever really move past mourning and start living her life again?
“Your lips brainwash a smart man, M. I want them.”
I love Steve, love love love him. He was funny and sexy. I enjoyed how his fun natured side had to battle with his confidence when it came to measuring up to a dead man. That seemed to be the overall theme of the book. Steve in the present measuring up to Stone in the past. While I enjoyed the constant flashbacks to both the high school years with Steve and the early years of Morganna and Stone, I do think that too many flashbacks with Stone at time made it harder to connect with Steve and Morganna. I would have preferred less with him . But this was not dramatic enough to think it should deter anyone from reading the story.
“We have been a long time coming, Morg. A long ass time.”
Overall, this was a fun, emotional and sexy story about a HOT book about a sexy Navy Seal and the only woman who has ever held his attention. I found myself laughing out loud often and holding back tears. The story was fluent and the writing smooth. I will definitely be keeping up with other books by Rachel Robinson.
~miranda
April 11, 2015
My Review: (ARC provided)
5 stars!
I loved Morganna from Crazy Good she was such a unique character. I loved Stone too, so going into this book I felt conflicted. I wasn't sure what to think about Steve and it wasn't until this book and their history that I understood exactly what their relationship was. I love a friends to lovers story and their story was awesome! I went through so many emotions while reading this book. I understood both perspectives and felt for them. They had sizzling chemistry and the great thing is she had it with Stone too. You get to see little glimpses into her and Stones past and know what they had was real. I think tackling the subject of death and finding love again is a hard one and I've noticed in other books with the topic a lot of times the author justifies the second romance in some way. I think it's a way to help the reader to move onto the next love interest but in this book it's not justified it just is. Morganna struggles so much with it and she never speaks ill of her late husband or finds reasons why maybe she didn't love him as much as she thought. I guess that's what I'm trying to say, that I feel sometimes after a death the character tries to find fault in their past relationship and she didn't. To me that speaks volumes for a writer when they don't brush off the previous relationship as being not as significant as we readers may have thought.
We get little snidbits of Windsor and Maverick in this book but this is Steve and Morganna's story. I love this authors humor too, she really adds it just when you need it.
Steve is known to bring light to anything but what happens when he needs it most? Steve is so in love with Morganna and has been for years but he let every opportunity slip by. Now its his turn, but will Morganna let him in? Morganna doesn't want to go through the pain and heartache she already has, she wants safe stability, but the person she wants isn't that. Will she be able to let go and be with him?
I just loved this book, loved the emotion, the characters and everything in between. Oh and there is a letter at the end that just killed me (perfect). I feel honored to of had the privilege to read and review this book. I can't wait to read Rachel's next one.
I highly recommend!
posted first on http://triciaciak.blogspot.com/
5 stars!
I loved Morganna from Crazy Good she was such a unique character. I loved Stone too, so going into this book I felt conflicted. I wasn't sure what to think about Steve and it wasn't until this book and their history that I understood exactly what their relationship was. I love a friends to lovers story and their story was awesome! I went through so many emotions while reading this book. I understood both perspectives and felt for them. They had sizzling chemistry and the great thing is she had it with Stone too. You get to see little glimpses into her and Stones past and know what they had was real. I think tackling the subject of death and finding love again is a hard one and I've noticed in other books with the topic a lot of times the author justifies the second romance in some way. I think it's a way to help the reader to move onto the next love interest but in this book it's not justified it just is. Morganna struggles so much with it and she never speaks ill of her late husband or finds reasons why maybe she didn't love him as much as she thought. I guess that's what I'm trying to say, that I feel sometimes after a death the character tries to find fault in their past relationship and she didn't. To me that speaks volumes for a writer when they don't brush off the previous relationship as being not as significant as we readers may have thought.
We get little snidbits of Windsor and Maverick in this book but this is Steve and Morganna's story. I love this authors humor too, she really adds it just when you need it.
Steve is known to bring light to anything but what happens when he needs it most? Steve is so in love with Morganna and has been for years but he let every opportunity slip by. Now its his turn, but will Morganna let him in? Morganna doesn't want to go through the pain and heartache she already has, she wants safe stability, but the person she wants isn't that. Will she be able to let go and be with him?
I just loved this book, loved the emotion, the characters and everything in between. Oh and there is a letter at the end that just killed me (perfect). I feel honored to of had the privilege to read and review this book. I can't wait to read Rachel's next one.
I highly recommend!
posted first on http://triciaciak.blogspot.com/
May 11, 2015
I need to recover before I can post a review
****UPDATED****
I wasn't sure how to write this review, to be honest. I don't think I can put into words how this book completely gutted me. Rachel reached in, gave my heart a squeeze, then a bit harder, then ripped it out, stomped on it, made me cry and patched me back up. It was like I was in the Red Room of Pain. I swear. Things you will need while reading Set in Stone:
* Alcoholic beverage(s) of choice (the stronger the better)
*Tissues - not the cheap kind *An understanding family (you will be unavailable and emotionally sensitive)
*Eye cream and cucumber slices (can you say puffy eyes?)
Let's continue... I love love loved Steven! He was your typical bad-ass military hero, mostly. But then you get something more. You see this man - this strong, focused, determined man - give everything he can to get what he wants, and there are moments where (no matter how much you are connected and understand Morganna) you just want to whisk him away and pour tequila down his throat to take away the pain. Having his POV was essential to the book, and I was so glad the author gave him to us. Hearing Steven's own words, understanding the depths of his pain and vulnerability was priceless.
Morganna was a woman's woman. Strong willed, smart as a whip, and broken to the core. Losing her husband destroyed her, but his team made sure she was taken care of - some just had different reasons than others. I loved how Morgalicious was a heroine you could respect, too. She wasn't just depressed and gloomy (although I'm sure she went through that period). Yes, she was still stuck on her husband - she sorta should be, I mean HELLO her husband DIED! No one thinks it will happen and no matter how prepared you are - SEAL wife and all - it still would horrific. But she still served her clients well, treating them with respect and considerate care. She was still a good friend and a demanding yet awesome boss. And when she finally tried to move forward, I was proud of her (well, not all of the time...) and was excited to see her thrive.
I have to say, Set in Stone was such a well thought out and written story, with strong characters and gripping scenes, I am going to have to place it in my Top 10 for 2015. Maybe even Top 5.
****UPDATED****
I wasn't sure how to write this review, to be honest. I don't think I can put into words how this book completely gutted me. Rachel reached in, gave my heart a squeeze, then a bit harder, then ripped it out, stomped on it, made me cry and patched me back up. It was like I was in the Red Room of Pain. I swear. Things you will need while reading Set in Stone:
* Alcoholic beverage(s) of choice (the stronger the better)
*Tissues - not the cheap kind *An understanding family (you will be unavailable and emotionally sensitive)
*Eye cream and cucumber slices (can you say puffy eyes?)
Let's continue... I love love loved Steven! He was your typical bad-ass military hero, mostly. But then you get something more. You see this man - this strong, focused, determined man - give everything he can to get what he wants, and there are moments where (no matter how much you are connected and understand Morganna) you just want to whisk him away and pour tequila down his throat to take away the pain. Having his POV was essential to the book, and I was so glad the author gave him to us. Hearing Steven's own words, understanding the depths of his pain and vulnerability was priceless.
Morganna was a woman's woman. Strong willed, smart as a whip, and broken to the core. Losing her husband destroyed her, but his team made sure she was taken care of - some just had different reasons than others. I loved how Morgalicious was a heroine you could respect, too. She wasn't just depressed and gloomy (although I'm sure she went through that period). Yes, she was still stuck on her husband - she sorta should be, I mean HELLO her husband DIED! No one thinks it will happen and no matter how prepared you are - SEAL wife and all - it still would horrific. But she still served her clients well, treating them with respect and considerate care. She was still a good friend and a demanding yet awesome boss. And when she finally tried to move forward, I was proud of her (well, not all of the time...) and was excited to see her thrive.
I have to say, Set in Stone was such a well thought out and written story, with strong characters and gripping scenes, I am going to have to place it in my Top 10 for 2015. Maybe even Top 5.
October 11, 2016
"Smile through the pain. Laugh through the grief. Thrive in the throes of emptiness."
It took me all night just to think and process this book. It touched deep... Too deep and I was an emotional wreck after finishing it. I read it with a heavy heart but the end, the end broke my heart completely and opened the gate for my tears to roll down.
It's not easy to choose life and to be happy after you lose someone so close to you. The easy way to deal with it is to let the black hole of sadness swallow you in and never get out. This is not how Morganna dealt with the huge loss of her beloved navy SEAL husband - Stone.
If you read Crazy Good, you know what happened to him.
Set is Stone takes place a few years after that horrible day. Morganna learns how to live her life without Stone. She has her career as a successful lawyer. She has all the amazing SEAL team by her side and she has Steven - her best friend since ever, Stone's teammate and the one who secretly in love with her since they were kids.
Steven... Oh, Steven... A manwhore with a capital M! He is so hot, so messed up, so not relationship material, but with everything's Morganna related - he decides that it is time to change.
They both struggle to manage their feelings to one another. Steven feels like he competing with a ghost while Morganna is torn between the one she lost and the one that is right in front of her.
Her struggle was my struggle. With every page that I read, her pain, Steven's pain had cut me open. I was torn just like them. I wanted to hug Stone's memory and never let go but at the same time wanted Morganna to find her happiness.
Like I said, this story touched me deep and Rachel knows why...
Just read it you guys! Start with Crazy Good, continue with Set in Stone and if that won't make you fall in love with Rachel's writing - the 3rd book Time and Space will do it for sure!
Thank you, Rachel, for your words, for touching me so deep and for all the money that you made me spend on batteries... LOL.
"Joy can't die when there is even the smallest spark to thrive. If you're lucky, the spark will turn into a flame and that fire will burn for long as long as you allow it."
It took me all night just to think and process this book. It touched deep... Too deep and I was an emotional wreck after finishing it. I read it with a heavy heart but the end, the end broke my heart completely and opened the gate for my tears to roll down.
It's not easy to choose life and to be happy after you lose someone so close to you. The easy way to deal with it is to let the black hole of sadness swallow you in and never get out. This is not how Morganna dealt with the huge loss of her beloved navy SEAL husband - Stone.
If you read Crazy Good, you know what happened to him.
Set is Stone takes place a few years after that horrible day. Morganna learns how to live her life without Stone. She has her career as a successful lawyer. She has all the amazing SEAL team by her side and she has Steven - her best friend since ever, Stone's teammate and the one who secretly in love with her since they were kids.
Steven... Oh, Steven... A manwhore with a capital M! He is so hot, so messed up, so not relationship material, but with everything's Morganna related - he decides that it is time to change.
They both struggle to manage their feelings to one another. Steven feels like he competing with a ghost while Morganna is torn between the one she lost and the one that is right in front of her.
Her struggle was my struggle. With every page that I read, her pain, Steven's pain had cut me open. I was torn just like them. I wanted to hug Stone's memory and never let go but at the same time wanted Morganna to find her happiness.
Like I said, this story touched me deep and Rachel knows why...
Just read it you guys! Start with Crazy Good, continue with Set in Stone and if that won't make you fall in love with Rachel's writing - the 3rd book Time and Space will do it for sure!
Thank you, Rachel, for your words, for touching me so deep and for all the money that you made me spend on batteries... LOL.
"Joy can't die when there is even the smallest spark to thrive. If you're lucky, the spark will turn into a flame and that fire will burn for long as long as you allow it."
April 17, 2025
3.5 Stars
Morganna Stone’s story was always going to be a tough one to tell. She’s a strong and determined character not to be messed with. She is adored by the brotherhood of SEALs and is a frequent guest speaker at their events. Emotionally hanging on by a thread, she maintains a steel outer shell of control, always the professional business woman and to the outside world she is a pillar of strength. Surrounded by the tight-knit Naval community, she continues her work as a divorce lawyer and manages to do so rather well with the assistance of her flamboyant assistant, Phillipe.
Now this is the time if you haven’t read Crazy Good, you stop reading this review and consider reading that book first. Crazy Good was one of my favourite books in 2014 and although I rated Set in Stone 3.5 Stars, it was neither due to the characters nor their story. The flashbacks to the past frustrated and took away from the beauty of the story unfolding.
Morganna Stone’s story was always going to be a tough one to tell. She’s a strong and determined character not to be messed with. She is adored by the brotherhood of SEALs and is a frequent guest speaker at their events. Emotionally hanging on by a thread, she maintains a steel outer shell of control, always the professional business woman and to the outside world she is a pillar of strength. Surrounded by the tight-knit Naval community, she continues her work as a divorce lawyer and manages to do so rather well with the assistance of her flamboyant assistant, Phillipe.
Now this is the time if you haven’t read Crazy Good, you stop reading this review and consider reading that book first. Crazy Good was one of my favourite books in 2014 and although I rated Set in Stone 3.5 Stars, it was neither due to the characters nor their story. The flashbacks to the past frustrated and took away from the beauty of the story unfolding.
February 5, 2017
There are books that you know will leave a mark on your soul. Ones that you know without a doubt you will love and read again and again.
This is one.
Morganna Sterns is probably one of the strongest heroines I've read about recently. She's smart, shrewd, classy, funny and an all around southern girl bad ass. You know you will get the blunt truth from her when it's needed and it's honestly refreshing. After losing her husband, she's picked herself up, dusted herself off and kept going. It doesn't mean that she's not still hurting because inside she's a mess. It just means you won't hear her whine or complain about her situation which I was SO happy about.
Then there's Steve Werner. Morganna's best friend since 6th grade. Her constant. Her rock. He's hot, sarcastic and deep down a good guy. He's loved her from afar for years now and has been by her side since her husband died. Watching over her, loving her and being there for her.
This book begins several years after Stone's death and we see that Morganna's to the point in her life where she's beginning to question being alone. She thinks it may be time to date again but isn't sure how to go about it and still honor her husband's memory. Slowly but surely we see these two people fall in love. They both fight it in their own way but it becomes a beautiful story about healing and moving forward with life.
Thankfully we get dual POV's in this book and some glimpses into the past that are perfectly placed and help tell this story. I was so heartbroken at the end of Crazy Good and I feel like Rachel Robinson delivered us an amazing story with Morganna and Steve. I didn't want it to end. I loved it.
This is one.
Morganna Sterns is probably one of the strongest heroines I've read about recently. She's smart, shrewd, classy, funny and an all around southern girl bad ass. You know you will get the blunt truth from her when it's needed and it's honestly refreshing. After losing her husband, she's picked herself up, dusted herself off and kept going. It doesn't mean that she's not still hurting because inside she's a mess. It just means you won't hear her whine or complain about her situation which I was SO happy about.
Then there's Steve Werner. Morganna's best friend since 6th grade. Her constant. Her rock. He's hot, sarcastic and deep down a good guy. He's loved her from afar for years now and has been by her side since her husband died. Watching over her, loving her and being there for her.
This book begins several years after Stone's death and we see that Morganna's to the point in her life where she's beginning to question being alone. She thinks it may be time to date again but isn't sure how to go about it and still honor her husband's memory. Slowly but surely we see these two people fall in love. They both fight it in their own way but it becomes a beautiful story about healing and moving forward with life.
Thankfully we get dual POV's in this book and some glimpses into the past that are perfectly placed and help tell this story. I was so heartbroken at the end of Crazy Good and I feel like Rachel Robinson delivered us an amazing story with Morganna and Steve. I didn't want it to end. I loved it.
April 24, 2015
OOOOMMMGGGG!!!!!
I give this book a 5+..... Cause it was AMAZING.
I fricken loved this book. Man I don't even know where to start. I thought crazy good was a great book, but this one, hmmm, not sure. Pretty much think it topped it.
Defiantly LOVE Stevey, lol. He was just amazing, pure fricken man. He had it all the biggest and most important, that every woman craves, his heart, HAHA, bet your mind was already in the gutter ladies. But yes he did have a very loving, patient heart, a great body, wonderful personality, and knew what to do to please a woman. I just really loved him.
I also liked Morganna. She was a wonderful person inside and out. When she loved she loved whole heartily. She had a great head on her shoulders, and the times I got upset with her, I knew she meant well. But they realized someone was being a peeping Tom, I knew it was him, the STD, lol. Didn't know that was the other husband though, but I still had that gut feeling.
I also loved Stone. I always did, even in Crazy Good. He was another wonderful, perfect, beast of a man. Not to many guys like them, for sure..
The epilogue, OHH wow. There went some tears, quit a few of them. But liking Stone as much as I did, that didn't surprise me. It goes to show you how great of a man he was, and knew what needed to be done.
I would recommend this book to anyone, it was a great read. It is defiantly one of my favorites.
I give this book a 5+..... Cause it was AMAZING.
I fricken loved this book. Man I don't even know where to start. I thought crazy good was a great book, but this one, hmmm, not sure. Pretty much think it topped it.
Defiantly LOVE Stevey, lol. He was just amazing, pure fricken man. He had it all the biggest and most important, that every woman craves, his heart, HAHA, bet your mind was already in the gutter ladies. But yes he did have a very loving, patient heart, a great body, wonderful personality, and knew what to do to please a woman. I just really loved him.
I also liked Morganna. She was a wonderful person inside and out. When she loved she loved whole heartily. She had a great head on her shoulders, and the times I got upset with her, I knew she meant well. But they realized someone was being a peeping Tom, I knew it was him, the STD, lol. Didn't know that was the other husband though, but I still had that gut feeling.
I also loved Stone. I always did, even in Crazy Good. He was another wonderful, perfect, beast of a man. Not to many guys like them, for sure..
The epilogue, OHH wow. There went some tears, quit a few of them. But liking Stone as much as I did, that didn't surprise me. It goes to show you how great of a man he was, and knew what needed to be done.
I would recommend this book to anyone, it was a great read. It is defiantly one of my favorites.
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