Stone (Stone Cold Fox Trilogy Book 1)

Okay, can this writing group calling themselves Max Monroe write anything - yes, yes they can! I loved this book even though I do not love cliffhangers. This book starts in a town called Cold! LolL - Montana suffers an unimaginable tragedy 6 yrs previously at the hands of a serial killer. The town is reenacting this tragedy as part of a film that’s being shot. Levi knew the victims and now he must act as the liaison officer between the police department and the film crew. Ivy is the actress who will be playing the part of Grace who was not only one of the killer’s victims but she was investigating the case and was Levi’s partner at the time. They don’t care for each other at first but are also deeply attracted to each other. They don’t get off to a good start but they are unable to deny the chemistry between them. This book is full to the brim with shocking thrills, action, suspense, romance and hot scenes. I voluntarily received an arc of this book and purchased a copy because I enjoyed it that much i’ll Read it again. Can not wait for more!

This book is the beginning of a continuing trilogy of books set around a police officer and a Hollywood actress, Stone sees the story of Levi Fox and Ivy Stone begin.

Two strong-willed people, both with secrets to keep locked up within, both with pain and hurt in their hearts forced together in a circumstance Officer Fox is not particularly happy about.

The angst and interactions between these protagonists is frustrating at times - I just wanted to bang their heads together and knock some sense into them!! But the sweet and sometimes steamy moments between them make me turn the pages faster, and yearn for more.

The story builds the further in we get and with one final blow out - it ends. Stops. Ready for continuation in Cold, book 2, not out yet!!!!

Something very different from the normal romantic comedies we have come to love from Max Monroe and I am excited to see what happens next in the snow-filled Montana town where secrets of the dead are sure to be unravelled before long!

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS - Awesome premise for a book - Cold, Montana had a serial killer who hated love, a story they are now making into a movie. Officer Levi Fox was close to the case and his detective friend (possibly his girlfriend) Grace was murdered right when she had a pulse on solving the case. So Officer Fox is the obvious liaison to work with the actress playing Grace, beautiful Ivy. But he hates the idea of the movie and is taking it out on Ivy. "Red hair, green eyes, and a set of tits do not a Grace Murphy make." He is physically attracted to Ivy & they keep arguing and then making out. But a party in Grace's honor ruins everything for Levi as he feels like Grace is there showboating - totally false. So what does Levi do? Flirt with her twin sister Camilla and lead her on so much that she attacks his face one night in a steamy kiss, one that Ivy walks in on. I really loved the story but nothing really happened yet and boom, it was over.

Max Monroe just released part one of a Romantic Suspense trilogy...and nailed it.

Ivy is a Hollywood starlet who just rolled into Cold, Montana for her latest movie role based on true events of the town. When she decides to drive in her usual LA style, she is quickly pulled over by brooding police officer Levi.

Levi is the only person in Cold who is dead set against the movie being filmed in his hometown. Having personal connections to the film’s storyline, he hates that the world will see Hollywood’s interpretation of his dear friend Grace, and even more, hates the Ivy, who will be portraying Grace.

Ivy and Levi are forced to spend more time together than either like, and soon hatred turns into a slow burn of wanting. Ivy has millions of questions that Levi is not willing to answer, leaving the question of what really happened in Cold a mystery.

Part two comes out in a few short weeks, and I’m itching like crazy to see what happens next!

Shel: Many of us associate Max Monroe with hilarious romantic comedy and while there are definitely some funny lines, Stone is more angsty drama than anything else. It's what I refer to as the set up novel in a trilogy. Lots of background about Levi, Ivy and the town there in ...and hints of things to come. We get to see that Levi has some serious, serious depression and anxiety when it comes to the retelling of the story of his town. We see that Ivy is amazing and down to earth and as kind as she is sassy. And we get to see that this small town plays a definite role in their story--from the secondary characters to the location, it's like a character in and of itself.

Shel: Thinking of the second novel, I have some thoughts on what our plot twist may be and I can't wait to see if I'm right! In the meantime it'll be interesting to see how Levi makes up his (edit) ways in the next novel.

What was this? An obnoxious, jerk of a cop
Who behaves like a sociopath toward Ivy gor no apparent reason does not make a good H in a romance book.

I really wanted slap his freaking head to teach him a listen. It doesn't matter how good someone looks when there is no personality to back it up.

The dialogues were just as uninteresting as the H' s character. The language..... I've never read a book with such foul language. Seriously what was the author thinking? I am not talking about the F bombs.

Surprise- Max Monroe dropped a new series without telling anyone.
Surprise- It's angsty and dramatic and has so many feels.
NOT Surprise- It's pretty freakin awesome.

The story of Levi and Ivy is set in Cold, Montana, where a serial killer wrecked the town years ago. Levi is a cop with secrets and a past, Ivy is the Hollywood star brought in to pay tribute to the detective that brought the killer down.

Alpha Levi isn't fond of the reason Ivy is in town, and he doesn't hide this from anyone. However, there are some MAJOR sparks that fly with these two and I cannot wait to see them develop.

This isn't Max Monroe's usual romantic comedy routine, and that's ok. I still got hooked from page one and cannot wait for the rest of this series.

In 2010, the citizens of the small town of Cold, Montana, got their hearts shattered by a serial killer. Beloved women of their community were horribly slain by someone they trusted. A determined female police officer who saw through the killers facade, struck out with the proof she knew could take him down. It also ended her life.
Leaving behind a lifelong friend, love and partner...and a tortured soul.
Years later...they're coming to town and Hollywood wants to tell their story! An actress is chosen to portray the officer who feels the script in her very heartbeat. And for the man and cop left behind with the tortured soul this feels like a lightening storm.

Storm...meet your heartbeat!

ARC copy/truthfully read & reviewed
I recommend!

Holy crap. This book was outstanding. ivy and fox were amazing.
ivy is a Hollywood star staring in a movie about a small town murder case. she is trying to really make this story come alive and wants to do the character justice. but trying to do this she needs to get in the head of her character and reaches out to the deceased characters partner fox. however fox does not want anything to do with ivy, the movie and the memories. He tries everything to push her away because going back to those memories is to hard for him. Yes the chemistry is definetly there and the tension between the two is there and than the angst holy crap. This book is off the charts.
I highly recommend this book. I'm right now in a book hangover and can not wait to read the next book.

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS - Awesome premise for a book - Cold, Montana had a serial killer who hated love, a story they are now making into a movie. Officer Levi Fox was close to the case and his detective friend (possibly his girlfriend) Grace was murdered right when she had a pulse on solving the case. So Officer Fox is the obvious liaison to work with the actress playing Grace, beautiful Ivy. But he hates the idea of the movie and is taking it out on Ivy. "Red hair, green eyes, and a set of tits do not a Grace Murphy make." He is physically attracted to Ivy & they keep arguing and then making out. But a party in Grace's honor ruins everything for Levi as he feels like Grace is there showboating - totally false. So what does Levi do? Flirt with her twin sister Camilla and lead her on so much that she attacks his face one night in a steamy kiss, one that Ivy walks in on. I really loved the story but nothing really happened yet and boom, it was over.

Max Monroe just released part one of a Romantic Suspense trilogy...and nailed it.

Ivy is a Hollywood starlet who just rolled into Cold, Montana for her latest movie role based on true events of the town. When she decides to drive in her usual LA style, she is quickly pulled over by brooding police officer Levi.

Levi is the only person in Cold who is dead set against the movie being filmed in his hometown. Having personal connections to the film’s storyline, he hates that the world will see Hollywood’s interpretation of his dear friend Grace, and even more, hates the Ivy, who will be portraying Grace.

Ivy and Levi are forced to spend more time together than either like, and soon hatred turns into a slow burn of wanting. Ivy has millions of questions that Levi is not willing to answer, leaving the question of what really happened in Cold a mystery.

Part two comes out in a few short weeks, and I’m itching like crazy to see what happens next!

Shel: Many of us associate Max Monroe with hilarious romantic comedy and while there are definitely some funny lines, Stone is more angsty drama than anything else. It's what I refer to as the set up novel in a trilogy. Lots of background about Levi, Ivy and the town there in ...and hints of things to come. We get to see that Levi has some serious, serious depression and anxiety when it comes to the retelling of the story of his town. We see that Ivy is amazing and down to earth and as kind as she is sassy. And we get to see that this small town plays a definite role in their story--from the secondary characters to the location, it's like a character in and of itself.

Shel: Thinking of the second novel, I have some thoughts on what our plot twist may be and I can't wait to see if I'm right! In the meantime it'll be interesting to see how Levi makes up his (edit) ways in the next novel.

What was this? An obnoxious, jerk of a cop
Who behaves like a sociopath toward Ivy gor no apparent reason does not make a good H in a romance book.

I really wanted slap his freaking head to teach him a listen. It doesn't matter how good someone looks when there is no personality to back it up.

The dialogues were just as uninteresting as the H' s character. The language..... I've never read a book with such foul language. Seriously what was the author thinking? I am not talking about the F bombs.

Surprise- Max Monroe dropped a new series without telling anyone.
Surprise- It's angsty and dramatic and has so many feels.
NOT Surprise- It's pretty freakin awesome.

The story of Levi and Ivy is set in Cold, Montana, where a serial killer wrecked the town years ago. Levi is a cop with secrets and a past, Ivy is the Hollywood star brought in to pay tribute to the detective that brought the killer down.

Alpha Levi isn't fond of the reason Ivy is in town, and he doesn't hide this from anyone. However, there are some MAJOR sparks that fly with these two and I cannot wait to see them develop.

This isn't Max Monroe's usual romantic comedy routine, and that's ok. I still got hooked from page one and cannot wait for the rest of this series.

In 2010, the citizens of the small town of Cold, Montana, got their hearts shattered by a serial killer. Beloved women of their community were horribly slain by someone they trusted. A determined female police officer who saw through the killers facade, struck out with the proof she knew could take him down. It also ended her life.
Leaving behind a lifelong friend, love and partner...and a tortured soul.
Years later...they're coming to town and Hollywood wants to tell their story! An actress is chosen to portray the officer who feels the script in her very heartbeat. And for the man and cop left behind with the tortured soul this feels like a lightening storm.

Storm...meet your heartbeat!

ARC copy/truthfully read & reviewed
I recommend!

Holy crap. This book was outstanding. ivy and fox were amazing.
ivy is a Hollywood star staring in a movie about a small town murder case. she is trying to really make this story come alive and wants to do the character justice. but trying to do this she needs to get in the head of her character and reaches out to the deceased characters partner fox. however fox does not want anything to do with ivy, the movie and the memories. He tries everything to push her away because going back to those memories is to hard for him. Yes the chemistry is definetly there and the tension between the two is there and than the angst holy crap. This book is off the charts.
I highly recommend this book. I'm right now in a book hangover and can not wait to read the next book.

A different feel than any other Max Monroe book than I have read, Stone the first of a trilogy, grabbed my interest from the first page.
Five years ago a serial killer was stalking the small town of Cold, Montana. Now Hollywood is in town to make a movie about all that happened. Levi, a Cold native, has lived through the worst and is not happy that Hollywood has come to town. Ivy, the actress playing the lead, is determined to show the strength of the character she is portraying.
The heat and animosity of the main characters is amazing. As the reader I couldn't help but being drawn into the story. It ended with my emotions so engaged that I started reading it again. Can't wait until Cold comes out in April.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Another one bites the dust! I have read Max Monroe since they began, and I absolutely love their books! This one was different than their comedic romance books that I found hilarious and absolutely loved reading. This book was more serious, and hooked me line and sinker from the start. I was expecting a comedy but I got a whole lot more than I was expecting, in a good way. This story, Levi and Ivy was full of every emotion and I am sad to say that I finished this book and now have to wait for the remaining books in this trilogy. I can say that I know I will not be disappointed with this series. Their writing style and the emotions they pass to us through their art of writing is one of a kind! I absolutely loved this book from the bottom of my heart!

I cannot understand the "OMG" comments or how silly people sound raving about this book. I really liked the Billionaire Banker books, didn't care much for the two books following Max Monroe's first two hits.

But, this book? Can it be more wasted print, going in circles, rehashing guilt, pain, harsh anger, talking around and around? Oh my goodness! Two hundred pages of rehashed FEELINGS, over and over, in different contexts or environments, but still, SoS. I am disappointed in this. I expected better from you (two?) I forget how many of you make up Max Monroe. Never mind. I won't waste my time again. Your writing frustrates me. Badly.

Even though this book is so different than what they normally write, it’s equally as great. I couldn’t put it down once I got started.

I like how the story combines angsty romance with suspense. The plot is a non-stop roller coaster ride of emotions, one in which I was glad to be on. The book is well written, and even through all the angst, in true Max Monroe style, there are a few laughs.

This book introduces us to so much, and I can’t wait for the next two books in the series. There are many questions left unanswered, and while cliffhangers usually aren’t my thing, I couldn’t help but to fall in love with everything about this book.

Holy smokes! This is one of those books you won’t be able to put down once you pick it up. This is the first book of a trilogy series and I’m super ready for the next book!
We meet Levi and Ivy. Levi is a sexy cop that has a past that’s catching up with him and we meet Ivy, a gorgeous actress that is starring in a movie about something that happened in the towns history. I laughed in the beginning and had to put my kindle down during other parts to give myself a minute to chill.
I really enjoyed this book and if you are ready for something different and new then pick this sexy cop up and see what’s going on in Cold, Montana.

Oooh!! I devoured this! Levi is one sexy man! All kinds of alpha with a chip on his shoulder and an ax to grind.

Witty, off the charts chemistry and intoxicating words that will keep you riveted to your seat and craving more!

Cold, Montana is getting really hot with the brewing between these characters and I can’t wait to see where this is going to go. I’m craving the next book badly. So much angst and just wowza!!!

A unique wild ride you have to take!

You’re gonna love to hate this man as he melts the panties right off your body!

This was a surprise.

Max Monroe demonstrated that they can write rom-coms then completely go in the other direction and create dynamic, complex, broody characters.

Ivy and Levi were attracted to each other yet, they knew it wasn’t right. Levi, a small town cop in Cold Montana is hired as liaison for a movie based in some incidents that happened in the past. Ivy is the actress who has one last shot at making it into the big leagues.

This dynamic is ALL-CONSUMING. Every emotion is thrust into the spotlight. This is a great start to a trilogy that begs for more.

4 and a half stars! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️?
I have read and adored every Max Monroe book up to date. This one is no different in that aspect but is very different in the tone of their other works. Either way it is AWESOME and you don’t want to miss out!
Hot alpha cop with secrets galore ✅
Quirky loveable actress with a steel determination ✅
Small town recovering from under a cloud of a serial killer✅
Brewing white hot passion✅✅
Angst, push and pull attraction, emotions, emotions, emotions! ✅✅✅

I wasn’t ready for Ivy and Levi’s story to be over! Thankfully, it’s not and two more books are on the way soon! I can’t wait to find out what happens next ❤️

Received and Reviewed for Author:
Surprise Trilogy for Authors Max Monroe and I've got to say: AMAZINGLY wonderful, suspenseful - it's different from their usual books but you won't be able to put this book down. Stone Cold Fox ~ Levi is a local cop with more than a few demons and Ivy Stone is a Hollywood starlet trying to do right by the town of Cold, Montana. These two combust when they are together trying to show the world the awful murders that occurred here a time ago. The writing and story telling are top notch you will love and Levi - you'll see!

I just finished reading Stone, the first book in the Stone Cold Fox trilogy. Set in the rural town of Cold, Montana, we follow the story of Levi and Ivy, two people from two very different places, navigate a tumultuous relationship heightened by the continued sense of loss and danger. Levi, a Cold native and a member of the town's police force, continues to struggle with a past filled with sorrow, loss and guilt. Ivy, a Hollywood starlet with both feet firmly placed on the ground, is just trying to do her job with as much credibility and honesty as possible. Will her role in a film based on the town's infamous connection to a serial killer bring them together or keep them apart?

This series contains trademark Max Monroe content, including a sometime reluctant love story, tons of passion and some of the best did-they-just-say that lines produced in the industry. And while other Max Monroe series have included characters who are present through the duration of the series, Stone Cold Fox is the first to follow a specific couple from the beginning to the end. The more serious tone is a bit of a departure, but it is only a new facet of Max Monroe's writing that we get to enjoy.

Stone leaves you wanting more in the best way possible. Will Levi and Ivy battle through the darkness that threatens to taint their futures or will they ultimately acknowledge that they're better together?

The whole broken cop and bleeding heart is not my usual trope of choice. Not to mention the serial killer spin that's going on had me a little worried. I tend to be a romcom kind of girl. I find I'm too sensitive, and have a hard time "shaking off" more serious and emotionally draining reading. HOWEVER I'm so entranced with Ivy and Levi's story that their rawness is what I've been clinging on to. It's going to be torture waiting another month for part 2 but I'll be "one-click" purchasing "Cold" and "Fox" the moment I can! I give this baby 5 smooches for all the feels! ?????

#BombshellBookworm #fivesmoochapproval

I normally hate cliffhangers but with this book knowing it won't be long before the continuation I can take it. I can't decide if I hate Levi or if I love him and want to help him heal. I want to know all of the secrets he's keeping like now. He is such an alpha bad boy cop it's not funny. Ivy on the other hand is wonderful and I want her to be happy and make Grace proud from beyond. Can I make a time machine so time speeds up, please?! This is definitely a change from the usual books that Max Monroe writes so don't start this expecting Thatch Kelly as a hero.

Max Monroe did it again. This book is another page turner that I could not put down. The two main characters are Ivy Stone, an actress on location in Montana and Levi Fox, a police officer in the town. Ivy is there to shoot a movie about a women names Grace who was close to Levi and murdered by a serial killer that traumatized the town. Levi is not happy that this movie is being made . Ivy and Levi first meet when he pulls her over for speeding into town. They have many run ins where he is brooding and anything but nice to Ivy. The contention between the two eventually turn into something more.
This story has a lot of twist and turns and I can not wait for the next story!

This book is incredible! I could not put it down. It’s thrilling, fast paced and grips you in all the right ways. I’ve fallen in love with Max Monroe’s writing and they do not disappoint in this book either. However this is nothing like you have ever read from them! This angsty and thrilling romance has you laughing, crying, and turning the pages in record speed. Ivy and Levi’s characters are EVERYTHING.

Ivy the strong, confident woman we all love to read about. I was rooting for her from the first few words in the book. She’s fun, witty, and takes her work seriously. But everyone breaks at some point.... right?

Levi is everything in an Adonis that we dream of. Beautiful in every sense but broken inside. When he meets Ivy you feel his struggle. Can Ivy tear down his walls and get into his heart? You MUST read to find out....

I’ll be over here slowly dying until book two comes out in April. Believe me, it’s that good.

Seriously, I went on a binge recommending Max Monroe to people after I read their first book. It was hilarious and fun and romantic and moving, all in the right proportions. And they kept that up for a lot of books in a row...and they totally need to return to it because the last two books I've read are rapidly moving them off of my auto-buy list.

Please, Max Monroe, leave the angsty, tortured stuff to someone else because it's really not your forte.

While this isn't a BAD book by any means, it doesn't have the wit and polish of their earlier works. It's just like hundreds of other books out there so there's nothing special about it to make me highly recommend it to someone. Also, why oh why was it necessary to make this a cliffhanger series? Eliminate at least half of the emotional mental hand-wringing and you could easily fit everything into one book. Bonus: this reader won't feel as if you think I'm so stupid that I have to be bludgeoned half to death with the angst in order to get it.

I loathe this trend toward cliffhangers and I don't think I'm in a minority on this. Quit ticking off your readers by not giving us a complete flipping story or else make it VERY clear in the blurb that it's a cliffhanger. Your blurb mentioned at the very end that their story continued in the next book but that doesn't necessarily translate to a cliffhanger. If your going to commit that particular atrocity, at least be explicit about it.

This book definitely gave me all the feels with several highs and several lows. I loved all of the characters, and most of them were fleshed out pretty thoroughly; however, I felt that some of the decisions and reactions to other characters' decisions were a wee bit dramatical. It's all explained in the end, but the end is two books later, so patience (and having the 2 sequels lined up) is required. In summary, I loved the chemistry between the characters, and I believed in their happily ever after.

Wow! Not what I was expecting from Max Monroe but I sure loved the change of pace and move from romantic comedy (though more of that too.please!!). Its nice to have a favourite author provide a range of genres.

Levi and Ivy are not an easy going couple and you ride the rollercoaster with them. Hate and intense attraction provide ongoing pull between characters and keeps you turning the pages!!

The personal angst takes over at the end when you realise this couple still have quite a road ahead of them and you have to wait until their next installment is available.

Thanks Max Monroe for access to an ARC and a great page turning read. Now bring on Cold!!!

Wow raw emotion from start to finish! My heart is racing and omg I can’t even wrap my head around all the emotions! My heart hurts for Levi! He has so much bottled inside I couldn’t imagine all his demons and I know we have yet to see them all! Oh and Ivy gosh she’s such a spitfire and I love how strong she is, even when she doesn’t see it herself! I can’t wait for more on these two!

A surprise and amazing series from Max Monroe and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

Wow! This Series is something completely different from what we have all read from Max Monroe. Different but just as outstanding! From page one I was hooked and didn’t put it down until I was finished in the early hours of the morning.

The feels are intense! I have never wanted to hug and smack a main character as much as I did Levi. He is the alpha male we all know and love but obviously with a past that haunts him. Ivy is feisty and relatable despite being a famous Hollywood actress. There is so much to this story and it’s only the beginning. I can’t wait for books 2 & 3!

Get clicking everyone! Definite must read!

I

Stone was everything they said it would be and more! A very slow burn between Ivy and Levi and I cannot wait for their inferno. So many answers needed and obstacles they are fighting. Can't help rooting for them of course, but it is not an easy road. I couldn't put Stone down. The way these two make you feel...all the butterflies and soul capturing attachment.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest rating and review.
Countdown to book 2 Cold: just under 27 days...

Max Monroe took me on an unexpected ride with Stone! I was so enraptured with these characters that I couldn’t get enough!!! I LOVE Ivy and Levi. Levi makes me feel all the range of emotions…the guy’s a Stone Cold Magician.
This book was a departure for a typical Max Monroe book and I must say that I HIGHLY approve and I need more books like this from this author!!!!! I need all the stories. #GreedyReader
That ending though….emotional roller coaster much, Max Monroe?!

How to do this book justification in this review.
Let's start off by saying it's not your typical MM book but oh how great it still is. There is so much fire between Levi and Ivy. You don't get the backstory so it's all speculation but that's the best part. Assuming what you think happened in Levi's past to make him so angry. CAN. nOT. wAIT. For the rest of the series. I know MM will hit this out of the park. Can't wait to see what the next book brings.