Stone

Carrera Family #1

by B.J. Alpha

A Dark Mafia romance.

They gave her to another. Now I'm taking her back...

Stone
My very existence was created on a lie. The man I believed I was doesn’t exist.
The only thing real in my life is her.
My sister.
When my obsession is about to be discovered, she’s taken from me and gifted to another.
I question my family’s loyalty and find it shrouded in secrets and lies.
What if they’re not my family after all? What if they’re the enemy?
I have a side to choose, and once again, I find myself not knowing who I am.
All I know is, I choose her.

Sienna
I’ve loved him from the moment I set eyes on him.
My family called him Stone because he was unfeeling, yet I saw beyond his solid structure and broke down his stone walls until he crumbled.
They stole me away from him, all in the name of La Familia.
But what if his very existence is shrouded in secrets and lies?
What if he’s not the man we know him to be?
What if he isn’t my brother after all?
Secrets have a way of surfacing. They can tear you apart from the inside out—break and destroy you—but secrets can also set you free.

This is a Dark Mafia Romance. Some scenes may be upsetting. Please see author website for content breakdowns.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark, Audiobook, Steamy, Abuse, Romance

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2025

Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Carrera is the bastard son of Benito, the ruthless head of the Carrera family. He exists to be a punching bag and cash cow for his father. The only bright spot in his life: his sister, Sienna.

Damn. Damn. Damn. This book was intense, emotional, and so hot with the forbidden/taboo element. After as many books of Becky’s as I’ve read, you’d think I would no longer be surprised at how effortlessly she weaves an edge-of-your-seat storyline with panty-melting smut. But I am always impressed.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩🫣🥵😳😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}

POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present • Past}

🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, New Adult

✨ Tropes: Amnesia, Family Saga, Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Hidden Identity, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime
 
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, “Good Girl”, It’s Always Been You, Pet Name, Scarred MMC, Secrets & Lies, Size Difference, Tattooed MMC, Tragic Past, Virgin FMC, Virgin MMC, “We’ll Make It Fit”

🔆 Character: Fighter, Illegal Enterprises, Mafia Princess

💋 Kinks: 🍑, Angel Wings, Breeding, Cum Jammer, Dirty Talk, Domination, Pearl Necklace/Spunk Art, Spanking, Spitting, Squirting

🤰🏻 Pregnancy: Epilogue

🚩 Red Flags: Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, MINE!

⛔️ Safety Squad: Rape (of MMC), Torture (of MMC), Trafficking (Not of FMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page, and in the past and present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📍 Setting: California

⚠️ Warning: This smutty read will have you DoorDashing batteries for BOB.

📣 Type: Stone is the first book in the Carrera Family series, but can be read as a standalone.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eek!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: taboo, amnesia
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

I have been waiting for this book for so long and it was everything I wanted it to be! This book is not for the faint of heart and if you are a sensitive reader, I This book is not for the faint of heart and if you are a sensitive reader, I would not suggest it. It's dark, twisted, and will completely gut you before it puts you back together again. Loved it!

[Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Tropes : taboo(implication of siblings (not real)), mafia romance, amnesia, J/P H, touch her and 💀, huge H x small h, false identity
Ending : HEA (had twins)
Triggers : torture, gore, violence, kidnapping, mention of SA, mention of human trafficking, murder, 💀
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Angst : 🔥🔥🔥/5
OM/OW drama : OM (h’s husband)
Celibate while separated: yes
Intimacy details: dual virgin, rough sex, anal, no condom, oral, breeding kink, spanking, hair pulling, cum jammer, slight exhibitionism, slight somnophilia, slight breastfeeding kink
Standalone/Series : part of an interconnected series

Hero : Stone/ Keenan O’Connell (24)
Heroine: Sienna Carrera (20/21)

Well… this got taboo vibe where Stone believed he was Sienna’s brother when in fact he wasn’t. I’m bot into incestuous relationship so after they knew they weren’t related and he still called himself her brother kinda bothered me a bit.

Then the fact that Sienna was married and then Stone kidnapped her from her new home there were no explanation as to when and how or even if she was divorced.

I wished for more depth to their romance and overall plot but it was just okay.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay read. Nothing memorable, the H is raped off page, the h marries another guy (she’s forced to).

To be honest, for a short book, it had a tortured Hero and a controlled by father heroine. I felt bad for both MCs for most of the book.

[Kayla.bookish26 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book is based on love, secrets and lies. Intense. Emotional. Raw. Unhinged. Stone lives up to his namesake until he begins to crack and his world starts splitting all around him.

Stone- Devoted, loyal, powerful, and in love with his half sister. He’s treated like filth and his father thinks him a bastard.

Sienna- Protective, caring and understanding. For Stone there is nothing that she wouldn’t do. She loves him and knows it’s wrong but she does not care.

When the family starts noticing that Stone and Sienna are getting closer, they put a plan in motion that keeps them apart.

If you enjoy dark spicy mafia romances, then this book is definitely for you.

Tropes include:
🖤Amnesia
🖤Taboo
🖤Mafia
🖤Slow Burn
🖤Found Family
🖤Dual Virgins
🖤Unhinged MMC
🖤Sexual Assault (survivor)
🖤Touch Her and Die
🖤Morally Grey

Narrated in duet style by James Cassidy and Desiree Ketchum. You will feel the pain, lust and all the emotions from these two awesome narrators.
Performance: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️

Thank you Pinup Audio and BJ Alpha for the great time.

[Heather Becht (fantasyromantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Secrets and Lies series years ago and this book felt like coming home in such a tortured and emotional way. I read this book in one sitting, so good!

[Nour Hane · Rating 1 out of 5]

ياخي مؤلفة كتاب ذا الله لا يوفقها سبق قريت لها رواية و عصبت من كمية العبث يلي كتبتها وقولت ما اقرب على كتبها ثاني لكن رجعت قريت لها ما اتوب 🤡
وذي اخر مرة لأنو مو صاحية اقسم بالله مريضة مالازم تكتب لازم تروح تتعالج

[Francheska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes
—————
Mafia
Found family
Abuse
V FMC
Forbidden love
Amnesia
Arranged marriage
Breeding


Stone … their missing link . Found as a teen . Battered bruised and abused almost until he lost himself . Made to fight to earn his keep . Treated like the outcast

Sienna . Only sister of the Carrera family :) his forbidden love … the only person he has ever loved and has loved him in return …

Lies , deception and secrets wind around these .. will they be able to make it to the other side ?? I love the O’Connell cameos also Cole and Jace … as always there isn’t a book of hers that I don’t absolutely adore 🥰

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 📱

It’s no secret that I love BJ Alpha’s writing and how she writes the most taboo scenes in a way that draws you in and forgets the taboo (or immerses you fully in the taboo 🤤) but Stone is 100% my new favourite character of the BJ universe!

Stone’s story was one of strength, resilience and courage whilst having the most incredible smut I’ve ever read!

I will forever be obsessed with how each character from the BJ universe shows up even in some small way in new books.

Thank you once again BJ Alpha x

[Flo₂₂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one , it was good even if i was really really sad for Stone. But the relationship and love between them was amazing, i didn't give the last star only because i needed more on page of them in the past and more of them before she went away. I just needed more to get even more attached to them.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I missed Stone when it was first released, but I’m glad I have read it now. It’s a bit more tragic, comparatively. Stone’s story was a sad one, but I liked him and the story, too.

[Stacy VJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in just a few hours, I honestly couldn’t put it down. The story grips you from the very first page, it’s dark & twisted & you become desperate to see Stone fight, to fight for his life, his love & their freedom.

Stone…..his story it utterly heartbreaking, he has endured terrible things & the one thing that has kept him grounded & holding on is her, his sister Sienna (don’t worry, they are not blood related).
After losing his memory, he’s raised as the bastard son of the Carrera family, treated lower than the staff. He’s beaten, abused, raped & moulded into who they want him to be…..a brutal lap dog that does there bidding but Stone knows this can’t be his real family, if only he could remember.

“Mmm, the reaper never claimed you, but I did.”

This is my first book by B.J Alpha & I really did enjoy it, I loved the way it was written, great characters, great sex & it really did bring out every emotion.

So glad these 2 got their HEA.

”Sometimes, we have to search inside us and follow the beat of our heart. If you listen hard enough, it can guide us home.”

[Kindle And A Cuppa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant instalment in the wider B.J Alpha universe!

[Pernilla Samuelsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just woah woah woah!!
If you love dark mafia romance with the forbidden kind this is the book for you! I litterly couldn’t put this done when I started to read it, and cussed work and other shores making me put it down 🫣😂😂

There is some trigger warnings like fake siblings, rape happened off screen and some other things incase it a sore subject for you.

From the moment I saw Stone and Sienna I just knew they were the perfect fit together.

The journey Stone takes us on is hard and gutwrenched, but as painful as it is it’s as amazing aswell. And he has Sienna to help him see the light on his darkness and protect him the best way she can even when they face the imposition apart aswell as together.

This story does end in a HEA ❤️

[Ashley Bolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has taken me days to explore the depths of emotion this story evoked in me. This book will take you on a heartbreaking rollercoaster of emotions. You cannot help but love this book and Stone. He was such a thought provoking and deep character. He goes through a lot of rough life traumas. Even with all his heart break and trauma, he never allows it to break him as a person. He still finds love and joy in Sienna. He meets her in some of his darkest times and she gives him the strength and courage to not only endure his abuse, but to overcome it in ways only he could. She loved him as much as he loved her. She was his one hope for a real future and they ripped her away from him. Little did he know his life would be forever turned upside down because of it. He found something he never knew he was missing. When he takes his revenge it is the ultimate payback. You could not help but love every second of this book. No matter how many times I shed a few tears the rollercoaster ride was well worth it. BJ Alpha is simply fantastic. She has some of the best characters, that you cannot help but fall in love with. They leave you wanting more and they never leave your mind. Stone will defiantly be at the top of my list of favorite books. The story was intriguing and thought provoking. It left you wanting more. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. BJ gave us a brief glimpse of what is to come and I seriously cannot wait. It cannot come fast enough for me.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Alc Review~
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶.5

~Stone~Carrera Family Book 1~BJ Alpha~

~Duet Narration~Desiree Ketchum & James Cassidy~

~Production~PinUp Audio~

"She married another man...but she's always been mine. I'm coming for you Sienna."

♡If BJ writes it I know I'm going to love it! Stone was so emotionally raw & intense with a slow-burn tension that kept me hooked until the very end. Stone & Sienna's love was forbidden & messy just the way I love it!

The duet narration for this audiobook was perfection! James & Desiree were the oerfect duo to bring this book to life! James Cassidy never fails to amaze me. He took Stone & truly became him with each and every word. Desiree was the perfect fit to bring Sienna to life. She captured Sienna's soft side while also giving her the fire a Mafia princess needs to survive!♡

~As Always Happy Reading~

~Thank you BJ & PinUp Audio for this Alc~

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was raw & ansgty and omg I absolutely devoured this. Stone's dedication & obsession with Sienna was so good, and I just loved Sienna too. The spice was just full of longing/love/passion/anger... SO good. The audio book was incredible. The narrators picked (James Cassidy & Desiree Ketchum) were absolutely perfect and they did well making me literally feel all the feels while listening to this. Thank you BJ for the ALC ♥️

[Anna Nenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/5🎧 for duet style audiobook - available on Everand, Storytel and a few other subscriptions! Desiree and James 🔥 🙌 - we all know why I listened to this one! 😜🤫🤭
3,5/5 ⭐️story
3,5/5 🌶️
No cheating, no sharing, MMC was heavily SA and abused & has amnesia- (they are supposed to be dual virgins) this is also portrayed as taboo but the FMC knows the truth!

[Kellyythoralabatalla · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐
Primer y último libro que me leo de esta autora. 🫠

¡Hay spoilers! También un resumen del libro.

Ni me acordaba que lo había empezado a leer hasta que revisé mis lecturas pendientes. Este libro se conecta con otra saga y me (nos) damos cuenta como en el 60-70% que él es el hermano perdido de los de la saga de Bren, Fin, Óscar, Con y Cal. Me llamo la atención que aquí el que ha sufrido es él porque en libros de mafia la que siempre se lleva la peor parte es la mujer.

Stone supuestamente es el hijo bastardo de un mafioso, lo trata como a un bien, lo mantuvo encerrado desde joven (él tiene amnesia y no recuerda quien es) en un complejo de esclavos donde su "papá" compraba personas donde los "entrenaban" para convertirlos en esclavos sexuales o en soldados privados. Stone ahí sufrió todo tipo de abusos: le pagaban, lo quemaban, lo apuñalaban y le echaban sal en las heridas, con una picana le daban descargar eléctricas, no le daban de comer, lo hacían comerse su propio vómito, lo violaban ( esto lo hacía la mano derecha del supuesto papá, Don O'Connell, el cuál lo violaba él mismo y después estaba Vector, otro torturador que lo violaban pero utilizando la picana), le daban esteroides y hormonas, y lo utilizaban para pelear y ganar plata.

Lo trataban como si no valiera nada y él se lo creyó, hasta los supuestos hermanos, Azrael (mientras yo viva Azrael tendrá un hater) y Czar, lo trataban horrible (de Azrael fue la idea de hacerlo comer su propio vómito). Todo el tiempo el prota y la prota nos dicen que Azrael es el sucesor y por eso tiene que actuar como tal y no entrometerse en las decisiones del papá PERO PUDO HACER EL COMO HE LEIDO EN OTROS LIBROS DONDE ÉL MATA AL PAPÁ O AYUDA A MATAR AL PAPÁ. Me pareció una excusa de mierda que Azrael odiando al papá, todo lo que hace y representa, nunca haga nada, es que ni siquiera la ambición de ser el jefe lo hace actuar cuando sabe cómo es su papá. Y Czar es igual a Azrael, les incomoda todo pero lo aceptan porque les va bien.

Bueno, el caso es que él cada vez que es herido es cuidado, en secreto, por su "hermana" que está enamorada de él. A ella la entiendo cómo actúa porque no tiene ningún tipo de poder por su padre, en cambio sus hermanos sí tenían poder pero no lo utilizaron para un culo. El caso es que hay atracción por parte de los dos pero está prohibido por ser "hermanos" pero más importante, porque ella es un bien que el papá planea usar para casarla con alguien y así sacar provecho. Y así, ocurre. A él lo mandan a matar a alguien y en esa semana a ella la casan con un man. Cuando Stone está vigilando para matar a su objetivo siente que algo anda mal y le dispara en el hombro y llama al 911 para no dejarlo morir. Y cagaste de risa, el objetivo resulta ser uno de sus hermanos, Óscar. Cuando Stone vuelve a la casa se da cuenta que ella se casó y se pone mal, se altera, algo que nunca pasaba porque se comportaban muy pasivo y sin emociones para que su "papá" no utilizara eso en su contra.

Pero la cereza del pastel es cuando el "papá" le dice que "reorganizó" el gimnasio donde él iba a entrenar. Cuando llega se da cuenta que todo está hecho mierda y en un cuarto encuentra a su entrenador (la única persona que él confiaba mínimamente, la que lo había ayudado) muerto y torturado, donde le habían hecho lo mismo que le hicieron a él por años. Ahí él finalmente despierta y se larga. Por dos meses se esconde y cuando decide hacer su movimiento vuelve al gimnasio y se encuentra con dos que entrenaban con él, les dice que necesita recordar y saber su pasado, y estos hacen una llamada y llegan dos hombres, sus hermanos. Que por cierto, si los otros dos, creo que se llamaban Jace y Tyler o algo así, sabían quién era él PORQUE NO LO AYUDARON ANTES?? Le hubieran ahorrado tiempo de sufrimiento.

El caso es que los hermanos le cuentan que se llama Keenan O'Connell y que cuando tenía 15 años fue asesinado, eso creían ellos pero resulta que el tío de ellos, Don O'Connell, la mano derecha de su supuesto papá, violó a una de las cuñadas de él y la mamá, y se voló. Pero ese señor también intentó matar al Keenan de 15 años porque se dio cuenta que estaba traficando con personas. De ahí que cuando no lo mato, le hizo creer a todo el mundo que alguien lo mató y de lo llevo donde su mejor amigo, a las instalaciones donde acordamos usar. Es decir que el propio tío fue el que lo violó el mismo, ya que las otras veces lo hacían con la picana. 🤮 Los hermanos le dicen que lo van a ayudar y él quiere quedarse con Vector para torturarlo como hicieron con él (cosa wie aplaudo, obviamente). Lástima de a don lo mataron mucho antes y no lo alcanzaron a torturar.

Stone aka Keenan, decide después de casi tres meses llevarse a su "hermana". Va s un restaurante donde la ve con su esposa siendo feliz, le da rabia porque ella es feliz, así que en el baño terminar teniendo sexo (por cierto, ellos tienen la primer vez de los dos (la primera vez de él porque nunca estuvo con mujeres desde que recuerda, o sea 15 años, y asumo que cuando tenía 15 años tampoco estuve con nadie más) con sexo anal para poder dejarla virgen pero antes dr que él se vaya para esa misión, los dos se quitan la virginidad). Él los sigue a la casa y casi mata a golpes al esposo y hace que ate a un asiento a una mujer que estaba ahí. Y para no alargar más las cosas, él está enojado porque ella se casó, no le dijo nada antes de irse y estaba siendo feliz con su esposo pero la realidad era que el esposa nunca la quiso y la mujer de la casa era la que Jeremy de verdad quería, la prota solo estaba de adorno. Stone nunca deja que ella se explique y es un poquito brusco con ella por atreverse a ser feliz sin él. Y termina siendo el hermano, Azrael, el que le confiesa que para tratar de protegerlos, a los dos, le arregló ese matrimonio porque sabía que no iba a sufrir, por lo tanto sabía que la hermana no se iba a costar con Jeremy. Ahí Stone sabe que es verdad que él ha sido con el único que ella ha esto sexualmente, que no quería a Jeremy ni el matrimonio, que fue obligada y que sí es verdad que lo ama a él.

Los hermanos de él los llevan a una casa y ahí llega Azrael y Vector a "rescatar" a la prota pero es una trampa. Azrael le dice que él no sabía quienes eran su familia y que él también odia a su papá y bla bla bla. Hacen un acuerdo con Azrael de fingir la muerte de Stone y la prota, y de quedarse con Vector para torturarlo y matarlo. Ahí los hermanos de Stones, Azrael y Stone bajan al sótano donde en una escena MUY gráfica torturan a Vector como lo hizo con Stone. Disfrute la escena por la venganza 🤷🏻‍♀️. De ahí pasan 6 meses donde ella está embarazada, están viviendo en una costa de Italia o algo así, y después de tanto tiempo él se ve por primera vez con la mamá y ahí recuerda todo su pasado. A lo lejos están los dos hermanos de ella viendo que todo resultó bien y lamentablemente uno tiene que seguir los pasos del papá, Azrael, y el otro se tiene que casar por conveniencia, Czar. En el prólogo muestran que tiene dos hijos, una niña y un niño, y que están teniendo una buena vida.Y fin.

La historia estaba fuerte pero justamente eso fue lo que me llamó la atención, fuerte por todo lo que le pasa a él y no a ella. Detesté a Azrael por ser un hijueputa que no sirvió a un culo y deja que el papá lo haga hacer cosas, aunque no mintamos, a él le gusta esa vida y por eso no hace nada para cambiarlo. Por otro parte, detesté a un más a Azrael al leer que a él le gusta la sumision y los esclavos sexuales, y por lo que habla al final con Czar, tiene una esclava sexual de la que está "enamorado" pero es prohibido. DISGUSTING!!! Y Czar estaba metido con una muchacha que era la nieta de la cocinera o algo así, y ese es otro repugnante.

Stone es un buen personaje y pasa por mujer y apenas que estaba enojado con la prota por todo, de todos modos no fue un atarban con ella porque estaba enamorado. A la prota si la encontré un poquito plata aunque ella no podía hacer mucho y lo entiendo.

En fin, no me gustó las historias y los temas que trata esta autora. Se ve que sus historias son una mierda y son las mujeres las que peor se llaman su parte 😡 *ajammisoginiainteriorajam*.

[Brandi-Lynn Weiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes, we have to search inside us & follow the beat of our heart. If you listen hard enough, it can guide us home.”

When I finished this book I had tears in my eyes. Everything that was taken f/Stone, & the unimaginable things that were done to him, it was all heartbreaking. This was one of Becky’s best books ever. Secrets & Lies will forever be my favorite, but Stone’s book had a different feel to it. It was raw, heartbreaking, emotional, angsty & you could literally feel Stone’s pain & heartache. My heart hurt for him when he found Elijah, I just wanted to jump in & hug him. And in the end when his memories came rushing back is when my eyes filled w/tears. I was happy to see this broken & scarred man get his HEA- & the start of his revenge to those who hurt him. But along w/all those emotions, there was also some pretty hot steamy scenes- especially when Stone wanted Sienna to “taste” them!
But of course no book f/Becky would be complete without an appearance f/some past characters! Finn & his iconic toothpick, Bren & all his broodiness, & my other favorite O’Connell, Oscar, w/his ever charming personality! I could just imagine how much he was cringing at being in Stone’s apartment!
I definitely, & highly, recommend reading the Secrets & Lies series, & The Brutal duet (Jace & Cole).
I’m so excited to see what Becky brings us next! I want Azrael & Czar’s stories so bad! And I’m looking forward to seeing Benito get a long & torturous ending!

[Nichole Loza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent!!!!!

Oh Ms. Alpha, Becky, oh thank you!!! Stone was magnificent, amazing, heartbreaking, heart healing, brutal, violent, emotional. I can be honest that I had some trepidation going in to Stone, I was not sure if I could read a super taboo book. But I do trust BJ Alpha, and her characters are always so well written and so real. I am so glad that I jumped in! Everyone who knows me, knows I love Bren, he is my most favourite character that BJ Alpha has imagined in existence. Well Stone has taken that spot. I love Stone, and I love who Stone becomes. BJ Alpha made me scream like a child on Christmas, especially when characters from my favourite Devotion series make a very crucial appearance. And when the O’Connells arrive like avenging angels, I knew everything was going to be okay. I loved Stone from start to finish, I hated having to the a responsible adult and put the book down to go to work!!! My heart broke and the brutality that Stone endured made me cry. Once again, BJ Alpha healed my soul and all is right in the world. Do not miss this book. I do recommend you read the Brutal Devotion series and the O’Connell series before reading Stone, you will not be disappointed!!!!

[Dawn Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bj Alpha sure knows how to keep you captivated ~ She has given us a book as hot as Hades 🔥🔥

You know those books that give you all the feels, introducing you to a group of new characters you know you're going to love? Yeah, this is one of them.
She also gives us some familiar faces to keep us updated on ~ Which I absolutely loved.

I loved this book and devoured it. It was definitely a page turner and made me feel so many things. It’s dark, packed full of suspense.
It left me feeling so many emotions.

Definitely check BJ’s website for triggers before starting Stone.

Stone is full of tragedy, heartbreak, sacrifice, longing, lust, and never-ending, soulmate-level love.
A story about facing your past, seeking redemption & finding love, solace & kindness against all the obstacles that stood in the way.

I’m so excited for more from this amazing series.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes for me

Stone

Sienna

Prologue opens with Stone in a semi coma with no
memory.

He’s treated as the bastard son and tortured horrifically.

This book is dark, DARK. I read dark romance and it was almost too much for me.

Writing is good.

[Kaylene Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was quick and action packed and I loved every second of it! It gets graphic, so check your triggers! But the ending had me crying (happy tears!) 🥹

[Fiatgal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Susan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Bj Alpha has again given an amazing book. I knew Stone was going to be Keenan O'Connell from another book where Bj gave bonus chapter for Stone. Man, does this book take you for a ride. This book was heartbreaking for what Keenan has endured after getting shot as a teenager and losing his memories. I cried while reading his story. Loved the part when Keenan, aka Stone, saw Con and Ma O'Connell for the first time. This book will tear your heart out for everything Keenan went through after he was taken away. Sienna was a strong fmc who did hide what she found out some truth about who Stone real was, but that came out of a place of love to protect him. This book was hands down a 5 star book.

[cuore__di__carta · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENG/ITA REVIEW

ENG
Another steamy, dark, addicting story by BJ Alpha will steal your heart in a whirlwind of passion, violence and revenge.

BLURB
Stone does not remember his past. He only knows torture and pain inflicted by his own criminal family. But there's also Sienna, his stepsister, the only light in the dark. They're obsessed with each other, but their love might endanger both their lives.

Every time I delve into one of BJ Alpha's books I just want it to never end. I want more of her carefully built characters and stories, which have a great plot, an amazing fluidity and so much steam that I feel like I'm flushing all over.

In this story we get the importance of a real family and the dangers of a fake one full of enemies. We also get to know Stone's sad past, his loneliness and wounds. That's why his love for Sienna is so sweet and redeeming. Together they're a force to be reckoned with.

Can't wait for all the other volumes!

RATE: 5/5

--

ITA
Come sempre, le storie dark mafia di BJ Alpha non deludono. Quella di Stone è un'avventura triste e salvifica di violenza, passione e vendetta.

TRAMA
Stone è come il suo nome, duro come la pietra e impenetrabile alle emozioni. Non ricorda niente del suo passato, ma porta sul corpo le cicatrici delle torture inflittegli dalla sua stessa famiglia, che lo tratta come un reietto. Tranne lei, Sienna, la sua sorellastra, la luce nel buio che rischiara la sua vita maledetta. E anche l'unica cosa che non potrà mai avere.

Adoro tutte le storie dell'autrice, perché non solo costruisce delle alchimie perfette e piene di passione, ma si dedica con impegno alla costruzione delle trame e di tutti i personaggi. Qui emergono sia la triste storia di Stone che l'importanza del legame tra fratelli. Ma il tema principale è la redenzione data dall'amore e, credetemi, in un mondo cupo come quello di Stone e Sierra, la felicità è una conquista inaspettata e sanguinosa.

Bellissimo, non vedo l'ora di leggere gli altri volumi della serie!

VOTO: 5/5

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really hoping for more story with this book. I was let down by the somewhat quick resolution to Stone's backstory. I was very intrigued with the premise given what I had read in the Secrets & Lies series and then the reveal was meh at best. Even the interactions with Stone & Sienna were just a vehicle for degradation and kink. We were told as readers there was angst and feelings, but we were never shown this. There was no character development at all and the interaction with his family(s) was pretty much non-existent.

Yes, I know what the tropes were and no, I don't read trigger warnings because I am not triggered in any adverse way other than pure disbelief and disappointment. Degradation is not a trope I am really into, but it doesn't bother me. What bothers me is that while there is a plot, it isn't explored or developed other than a few scenes that wrap it in a bow. The rest is just hard cocks and pooling panties. Seriously, how can an inexperienced young woman be aroused while her brother beats the shit out of her husband? Oh and that was after he took her a$$ with no preparation other than some spit and her arousal. I can suspend only so much of my belief and reality.

The best part of the entire thing might, might have been the bonus scene that is linked at the end of the book. Although, even with that I wish there would have been more.

Even the epilogues were not satisfying. I realize the one was a setup for the next book and as much as I would like to know Azrael's story, I just don't trust that we will really get his story. I suspect it will just be more of the same, assholes who like to degrade women and women who just take it.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone was a gritty and intense read! You will definitely want to check the TWs before you start it.

Tropes: Mafia. Forbidden. Betrayal & Secrets. Possessive MMC. Major Plot Twist.

Our MMC, Stone has suffered from years of abiding to the Don’s every command and sadistic punishment. This trauma has left Stone broken and nearly void of emotions. The only thing keeping Stone from breaking entirely are his feelings for his half-sister, our FMC Sienna.

Both MCs love and care desperately for each other, but also struggle with the forbidden aspect of their attraction.

As the story develops, the intensity and heat rises. The Don plans to marry Sienna off to another man and attempts to coordinate a “job” for Stone that would place his life in significant danger.

When Stone returns home, he discovers Sienna has been married off and sent away. This causes Stone to officially snap and leave to get Sienna back.

A major plot twist is soon discovered and with the assistance of a rival mafia family Stone finally gets his revenge.

If you have the opportunity to listen to the audiobook, do it! The performances by James Cassidy and Desiree Ketchum are phenomenal. Both truly brought the characters to life. In their performances, you could almost feel the pain and suffering Stone endured and the heartbreak Sienna suffers seeing Stone mistreated. Cassidy did a fantastic job portraying a possessive yet controlled alpha MMC. And Ketchum perfectly portrayed a sensitive yet strong FMC.

[Janelle Sequin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark mafia romance was intense, forbidden, and completely addictive from start to finish.

Stone and Sienna’s story is filled with secrets, obsession, and the kind of emotional tension that keeps you glued to every chapter. Stone is a character built on lies and loyalty to a family that may not even be his. As everything he thought he knew about his life begins to unravel, the only truth he’s certain of is Sienna. His need to protect her—and claim her—creates such a dark and gripping dynamic.

Sienna has loved Stone from the very beginning, seeing the man beneath the cold, hardened exterior everyone else feared. When she’s taken from him in the name of La Familia, their already complicated relationship becomes even more dangerous. As secrets about Stone’s past start to surface, everything they believed about their connection is called into question.

The twists, family betrayal, and forbidden tension made this story impossible to put down. If you love dark mafia romances with morally gray characters, obsession, and shocking secrets, this one definitely delivers.

The narration truly elevated the story. Desiree Ketchum did an incredible job bringing Sienna’s emotions to life, capturing both her vulnerability and strength. James Cassidy was the perfect voice for Stone, delivering that deep intensity and darkness that made the character feel even more powerful.

Together, they created such an immersive listening experience that made the story even more gripping.