BOOKWORM REVIEW: Heart of Stone by K.K. Allen
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥
There is a song in Six the Musical of the same title as this read, and there is a line -- which I think is arguably the most poignant -- about the male character they're describing:
"You came my way, and I knew a storm could come, too. You'd lift me high, or let me fall."
I thought of that line, especially from Brooklyn Kennedy's perspective, when it came to Benson Bexley. Benson is back on Orcas Island after running away from his family, his problems, and his emotions. He is not so happy to be back, but he's here anyway to help his family until they can get back on their feet. But things get even more complicated when he takes a mixed media art class and Brooklyn comes back into the picture.
Brooklyn has had her share of heartaches, also. The biggest one involves Benson. Gone is the boy who used to write her bad poetry in high school, and he is now replaced with this overly confident rolling stone. But even the sweet, caring version of him left her disappointed and heartbroken, so this flirty, charming Benny definitely sets off the walls around her heart.
An emotional roller coaster could not begin to describe the journey K.K. Allen takes us on with this read. Benson and Brooklyn's arc as individuals and as a couple are so layered and complicated, and Allen does a fantastic job of navigating us through that.
Both characters' stories are so relatable and full of wonderful angst. I especially enjoyed the shift in how I viewed Benson from the beginning of the story to the end.
Their chemistry has been undeniable despite the animosity between the two (mostly from Brooklyn), and the tension that builds and builds? So much fun to read across chapters.
This is the third book in the Camp Bexley series, but it can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend starting with Book 1 to get the full experience, however.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to K.K. Allen and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for providing an ARC. **
ABOUT THE BOOK
Benson Bexley has a heart of stone.Apparently, nothing changes.
When he returns home after a decade gone, I recognize him right away.
How could I forget him?
He’s the same cocky flirt who slid dirty poetry to me in art class.
With the same stone-cold stare that shields his soul from the world.
And that same sharp-edged jaw that cuts straight through a heart like a dagger.
Fortunately, I see right through his arrogant charm.
Even better, he doesn’t remember who I am.
And I have no intention of reminding him.
After all, it’s only a matter of time until his nomadic life takes him away again.
When he relentlessly pursues me, I devise an evil plan.
Play along with his dirty, poetic charm.
And then give him a taste of his own medicine.
Revenge.
It’s not in my nature.
But Benson Bexley deserves nothing less.
It’s time for that heart of stone to shatter.
Get Your Copy (Free with Kindle Unlimited) ➡️ http://geni.us/HeartOfStone
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MEET K.K. ALLEN
K.K.'s debut romance novel, Up in the Treehouse, was named the Best New Adult Book of the Year by RT Book Reviews, an honor beyond belief. And she continues to take reader’s emotions on an epic ride every single time with real, layered, coming of age romance stories that will make you fall in love over and over again.
Born in Hawaii, raised in Washington, and currently residing in Florida, K.K. lives for laughs with her little dude, the great outdoors, watching football, dancing the night away, and her eclectic taste in music.
K.K. also loves connecting with her readers and attends signings when she can! You can find upcoming event dates and other information at: www.kkallen.com.
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