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Crowne Point #2

Stolen Soulmate

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There’s a rule in Crowne Hall: never look a Crowne in the eyes.
It protects us more than them.
I broke it once, the night Grayson Crowne mistook me for his true love and stole my first kiss. I’ve regretted it every day since.
He hates me.
He torments me.
He won’t let me go, because that night he whispered a secret against my lips not meant for me. Grayson Crowne, heir to the Crowne empire and notorious playboy prince is… a virgin.
I signed a contract in my heart’s blood as much as ink: help him get back his love, repair what I broke. Give him my body, my soul, my heart, let him use all of me, so when the time comes to marry her, he won’t need me.
I shouldn’t need him.
But he’s my stolen soulmate, and I’m at his mercy.

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2020

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Mary Catherine Gebhard

25 books1,951 followers

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5 stars
1,717 (52%)
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3 stars
420 (12%)
2 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 709 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,742 reviews1,324 followers
February 27, 2020
***Available Now***

5 NOT OKAY CROWNS

I’m not okay. My heart aches in my chest. Literally, sitting here rubbing the place where my heart once was because Mary Catherine Gebhard ripped it out without regard to how she would leave me realing. That being said, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK.

From the moment I read Mary's books, I fell in love with her writing, her prose. Her style is just one that speaks to me, hits me right in the reader heart and mind. When she began writing the Crowne world, I knew we stumbled upon an amazing fictional family and environment, leaving me to beg for more. The more came in the form of Gray and Story, and I guess I should have been careful what I wished for because Gebhard didn't hold back any punches at all.

Gray is such a layered and complex character, a young man with the world on his shoulders, spending most of his life devoid of love. Somehow, though, Mary Catherine Gebhard was able to make me love this man. She was able to make me feel sympathy for the limitations and expectations placed upon him. She made me yearn for him to find away to experience real and lasting love, even when he is truly one of the meanest heroes I have encountered.

Story seems weak at times in this book, but she is a fighter. She fights for everything and sacrifices for those she loves. Seeing her rise and evolve through the story makes her a phenomenal heroine, and I can only imagine how she will continue to change and grow as we see more of her character.

This story is truly a tragedy, a story of star crossed lovers never meant to cross paths. Readers get to see the power of love as they try to resist each other, they get to see people chained to the expectations of the world they live, and they get to see the effects of people who give into their hearts in a world that doesn't value them. I still have faith that Mary is going to fix it all, but either way, I am here for it because Gebhard has entranced me with Story and Gray. I'll gladly beg for any morsel she wants to give me.

What a heartbreaking story, with just the right amount of metaphorical sunlight to make you think the fairytale could happen. Gebhard shows all facets of love in a cruel world, and I am here for every single moment of Story and Gray's romance.
------
What do I even do with my life right now? Still the hashtag is true... #imnotokay

BETA READ
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,837 reviews1,428 followers
February 17, 2020
Shattered and Numb. That's how I feel after reading Stolen Soulmate. Gray and Story's  tumultuous story rivaled Theo and Abigail's ride and honestly I am left shattered and heartbroken. This angsty af story was a slow burn of epic proportions but filled to the brim with sexy moments filled with tension that would make your toes curl. I absolutely live and breathe for Story and Gray. Their story was written in the stars and felt almost kismet. But with every love story there are tragic moments that completely leave you winded and filled with anguish. This is one of those stories.

What I love most about this novel was the unique plot. Gebhard did a fantastic job crafting a story that was so different and altogether magical. Grayson Crowne was the epitome of cruel and unforgiving. But beneath that hard exterior lived a wounded and selfless little boy who secretly put the needs of his family and close friends first. I loved the different facets of Gray and the depth to his character. He was SO different from who I thought he was in Heartless Hero that I'm left a little shocked and in awe. He found his perfect match in Story but with life's realizations, responsibilities and obligations sitting on his shoulder, cruelty and sacrifice sadly won out in the end.

GAH!!! This story was filled with so much angst and was a roller coaster of tragic proportions. I still can't breathe and can only hope to recover. But what an amazing ride! Bring on more Crowne Point amazingness!! I need more! 5 stars! ~Ratula 
Profile Image for Dawn.
530 reviews
May 21, 2020
Edited to add that I was wondering if I had been too harsh and decided to check out the next book, just in case it is somehow worth it. I won’t give very specific spoilers but want to mention a couple of things you may want to know before wasting your time. The author deliberately didn’t mention this was going to be a duet, that was bad enough, but now after months of actually calling it a duet it’s revealed (by ANOTHER cliffhanger ending I be a trilogy. This kind of bait and switch by authors is disgusting! The next this thing is major for me, but maybe won’t be for someone else. Its confirmed, both characters marry other people and are intimate with them (as in not a name only marriage etc). Supposedly the male lead is just doing it to be trying to be a good husband out of guilt, but to me that isn’t a good reason. The woman he married could have let him out of it, but she was selfish and wanted her for himself. Him showing loyalty to her is like a shop owner being loyal to someone that robbed them. She wasn’t a good person, so in my opinion he just looks dumb and like he has no balls. My personal belief is that the author saw this sold well, and needed to invent drama to make people willing to spend money on the third book. This may have worked if she didn’t have them cheat on each other and have Gray sacrifice to balls to another woman. Seriously though, my being pissed aside, if the whole premise of your book is to have an asshole hero, giving him a personality transplant seems like a bad idea if you want to sell two more books. That being said, it’s also a disappointment to see how much he is willing to do out of guilt towards a woman who is not the heroine, after he put her through hell. Maybe he should give a little of that to that chick? Long story short, I now know that at least I didn’t overreact in my first thoughts/ feelings, and I don’t have to feel guilty. This author just proved proved me right.
Nope

I loved the premise of this book. But I’m done with this author. I cannot stand authors who deceive their readers to make more sales. Nothing that I have seen about this book suggested that it was a duet. The other one wasn’t. It ends on a cliffhanger with him marrying his ex, and not in some “we made a secret deal” way (which possibly would have been the only thing to save this bull of an ending) but with the ex desperately in love with him counting down the hours until she gets him in her body. And since he used to love her, he has basically promised to give her a real marriage. Super. I’m sorry this wasn’t a good enough book to make this all worth it. Note to author, give your readers a choice. Be honest about it being a duet and let them make a choice as to whether to wait until they are both are out. I had some time today and NEEDED a mental break from a few things. I wanted to jump into a book and enjoy myself. Thanks for taking that away from me. Your time may not be valuable but mine is. You’ve lost me.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,458 reviews281 followers
February 25, 2020
How do you write a FIVE star review for a book that STOLE YOUR WHOLE HEART? This romance is aptly named I will say that. I adored Heartless Hero but this book, this book right here? ANOTHER LEVEL people. Wrong place at the wrong time, or was it fate? These two will have you questioning which team you are on every page... Should they or shouldn't they? Too much? Not enough? AAAAHHHH I swear Mary Catherine Gebhard majors in wrapping a reader up by the heart and tossing them around like a damn rag doll, in THE BEST WAY EVER. I can't even begin to explain how this book held me captive. Ms. Gebhard marked me with this heart-achingly torturous tale that was so far from your typical romance, yet blindingly sweet in the most fucked up of ways. Sometimes I seriously wonder about me, how a broken asshole of a hero can grab me by my reader balls and OWN me, Gray OH Gray...he did just that. Showing just enough real to make you crawl back for more. And more....that is all I want. READ THIS BOOK.
Profile Image for ♥️Dev♥️.
327 reviews366 followers
November 9, 2021


He is a prince. And she's just a maid.

5 "Snitch" stars!!!!!

Story, an innocent girl, who believed in fairytales and Prince Charmings. Until life made her a Cinderella and she had to live with the ashes.

And then she stole something. Something that wasn't hers. Something that was someone else's. Something that changed her life overnight. A kiss.

Gray, the playboy Crowne, a cold hearted prince. He had waited almost over 5 years for that night. For the one who he thought he loved. Until someone came barging turning all his hops and feelings upside down. The kiss that was meant for his childhood sweetheart was stolen.

But it's not the only thing that was stolen. His heart was stolen along the process too.

He is a prince. A prince who was betrothed. And she's just a maid. He is her tormentor and she is his stalker.

How can they be together when the world tries to tear them apart? How can they survive when there's no way either of them can get out of this hell alive? She might be Cinderella with the right shoe but sometimes, some Cinderellas are meant to be in the ashes.


“I can’t come up there,” I whispered. “I can’t do it. I can’t wake up in the morning and go back to being nothing.”
The thunderous roar of waves amplified the silence. I figured he had dropped the matter, and I let my vision blur in the glimmering crystals of his art deco chandelier above.
Then he spoke. “I can’t wake up tomorrow and not smell you in my sheets, Snitch.”


Holy freaking hell!!! I LOVE THIS BOOK SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!! I just couldn't. This whole story was fucked up, and twisted but jeez this book was just amazing.

The writing, the prose was so good...my heart fucking aches. Emotions bled through these words and I just couldn't handle. Never seen a love so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same times.

I absolutely loved Story. Love how the way she allow herself to be weak, love her determination to make her dreams come true even when she has nothing in this world, love her sacrifices even if it meant watching the man who gives you butterflies wooing another, love her goodness and kindness even if it meant that she should sacrifice her dignity and pride.
I love how she saw Gray for the real him.

All these characters felt real. Raw. Painful. No sugar coatings.

I loved him. ALOT! It's true I hated his stuck up ass in the first book but seeing and reading his story, I finally understand how it feels to be him. To have the weight of the world in your shoulders, to live with a family so cruel and forcing, to have your dreams and future chosen for you before you even start walking. I felt him. For real. And his obsession with his "little nun" was sooo...... ah I dont have words. His possessiveness, care, openness was swoonworthy.

They are such a beautiful couple I swear I'm tearing up right now.

And that fucking cliffhanger drove me to the edge,it was so heartbreaking, but the second book was worthy it all.

A beautiful story on love, pain, grief, loss, understanding, overcoming obstacles, care, finding the real you and heartache. Story and Grayson is couple that will make you swoon and make you cry a river.

Tropes

-Prince/Maid
-Anti Hero
-Second Best
-Sunshine/Grumpy
-Indebted
-Ex-dramas
Note: No cheating, cliffhanger, this book includes dark themes and violence.

Highly Recommended!!! Enjoy!!!

Profile Image for Kerri’s Reading Corner.
471 reviews51 followers
February 25, 2020
MY HEART. WHAT DID I JUST READ?!?!?!!? I AM NOT OK RIGHT NOW!!!


When I read Heartless Hero, Mary Catherine Gebhard sucked me in and proved her ability to write an anti hero that you will fall head over heels for. I thought there was no way she could top Theo and Abigail's story. Then Stolen Soulmates comes along and obliterates my heart. I was so intrigued by Grayson in HH and I couldn't wait for his book. Story and Gray are pure magic. A Cinderella type story except when you're a Crowne, happy endings don't exist.

Grayson Crowne is heir to the Crowne Empire. He has it all. Money. Power. Looks. The one thing he doesn't have is the girl he wants, and that's because his decision on who he marries is based on what will benefit the Crowne business, not his heart. Grayson is has so many layers and I loved watching every one unfold. He is so cruel and calculated. And yet, his interactions with Story that showed he has a vulnerable, caring, possessive side... I LIVED for them.

“I tell you my deep secrets, my dirty pieces of me. I can breathe when I talk to you. With you I have no weight on my shoulders."

Story is a wonderful heroine. She sometimes appears to be weak but she's actually very strong. She's witty and fun and I absolutely LOVE the fact that she stands up to Gray when he needs to be put in his place. She's the only one who speaks her mind to him and doesn't treat him like royalty. She's a girl a just want to give a big hug to. She loves freely and fiercely, without restraint.

"I wanted to tell him everything , give him everything, be everything for him. It was a darkness, a need I’d never known before."

Stolen Soulmate is an angst fest of epic proportions. Its is heartbreaking. Soul searing. Mind blowing. Unforgettable. Books like this one are the reason I love reading so much. My heart is broken and i'm still CRAVING more. More Story and Gray. More Crowne Point. Your head and heart aren't ready but you definitely don't want to miss out on this masterpiece.

“My love story began when it ended. With a savage kiss and a confession whispered in the dark that wasn’t meant for me.”

Grab your copy now, it will be live 2/27/20:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PoFOZo
Apple Books: https://apple.co/37solWH
Nook: http://bit.ly/3aHsvfm
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2TWK05G
Profile Image for C.L. Matthews.
Author 43 books1,790 followers
February 27, 2020
One of the best books of my existence. When my veins stop bleeding emotions, maybe I'll have a worthy review.

EDIT
___________
You know those stories that punch you until you're within an inch of life and the scars last forever? That's Stolen Soulmate, and you definitely want the beating.
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,120 reviews13.1k followers
February 22, 2020
4.5 STARS

When you look at a Crowne, they ruin your life. When you cross a Crowne…they make sure you wish you’d never been born.


*pats head to make sure I have any hair left*
*takes deep sigh*
*pats head again to double check*
*goes to pour self all of the alcohol*
OH MY GOD. NEVER has a book infuriated and fascinated me equally like this one did. It was angst to the OOOMPF degree. I have anxiety, heart burn, and the shakes all at once. GAH. Seriously. It's a wonder my kindle survived the entirety of the story because I wanted to chuck it at the wall so many times. Almost as many times as I wanted to punch the hero in the baby maker. SO MANY TIMES. He was INFURIATING. And I loved him so much. What the hell is wrong with me? Wait! Don't answer that. Rhetorical question, okay? GOD. But I digress here.

This was my first book by this author and DAMN. Am I kicking myself for not reading her sooner. If y'all know me or been following my reviews for a hot minute then you know I love me some angst. And this book? BROUGHT ALL OF THE ANGST. Oh my GAH. In my typical fashion of doing things back asswards, I read book two without having read book one. I'm sorry, OCD squad. It's just how I roll. The good news is that I was able to get sucked into this world immediately. But I also ran to grab book one immediately after finishing this one and plan on rectifying my mistake ASAP.
His words were a jagged growl, and my heart pounded and ached from them. I was drunk, I was needy. He vibrated in my soul and clouded the air.

Now if you don't like alphaholes that are thorny, broken, and cruel, back away from this book slowly. No seriously. Grayson Crowne will give you an aneurysm. But if you're like me and salivate for the man with every mean thing he says because you know that deep down is a broken shell of man that uses his cruel facade to hide a vulnerable center? Welcome to your next addiction.

Grayson was one of those heroes that you just love to hate and hate to love. He was infuriating. He's cold, callous, and downright vicious when he wants to be. He has the world at his feet but happiness has always been beyond his grasp. He lives for duty and his family legacy. What they say go, and a marriage of the right degree that solidifies his family's presence even more has never been a question. Until a woman turns his word upside down. Story Hale is a servant in his family's estate. It's all she's ever known. And when she accidentally stumbles into Grayson's hands, she doesn't realize what she's in for. An agreement is born, a contract is signed, and everything is on the line, including her heart.

GUYS. This book. OMG! I can't even. I read it in one sitting. Grayson made me absolutely livid in parts and broke my heart into a million pieces in others. His and Story's romance is not sunshine and butterflies. It's cruel, it's painful, and it's utterly addicting. It's the train wreck that you can't seem to look away from. You know it's doomed, but you can't tear yourself away. What kept me going was the small glimpses into the man Grayson really is. The one he hides behind his cold mask. The one I was ravenous for even the smallest piece of.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to rock myself in a dark corner somewhere until the next book in this series. Preferably with all of the wine. Because GAH. That is all.

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

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Profile Image for Pavlina Read more sleep less blog  .
2,434 reviews5,107 followers
February 26, 2020
4 -4,5 STARS

I finished it in one sitting that means something right? There was something in this story that I couldn't put it down.The romance is not your usual type. The story is raw, original and hot!

description

The hero is a jerk and I like him a lot!!The chemistry between them was something else, I could feel the passion and the intensity!

The author did an amazing job, I find the story captivating and unique.


 


  
Profile Image for Vanessa (When Vane Reads).
655 reviews247 followers
February 20, 2020
OMG !! I'm dying slowly, I cannot breathe, I cannot think, my tears do not stop falling, my brain can't function properly, I feel completely devastated, numb and my heart is torn apart, completely annihilated. The intense angst wrecked me to the depths of my being.

Story and Gray are pure fire burning all around them, they are deep angst that leave you breathless, they are deep emotional connection, and they are absolutely perfect together, I swooned so hard with their scenes.
Their path is not easy, my soul hurts for them and the pain that they have to face.
Gray ... sigh ... is a lonely and misunderstood boy, even though he is cruel and sometimes I hated him, I loved his possessive and sweet side. And Story is his perfect complement, so brave, so loyal. Gahhh, I love them!!

I don't have enough words to explain how much I love this story, even though half of the time I wanted to throw my tablet out of the window, my mind keeps spinning around of the characters, I'm insanely obsessed with them.
Stolen soulmate was such intense roller coaster that I obliterated all my senses, I still feel it so deep under my skin, in my blood, I don't think I'll ever recover. It's a ride of epic proportions that will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on my heart.
Profile Image for Shaikha.
125 reviews37 followers
September 27, 2021

4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve discovered that I l o v e books with a maid/rich boy trope. I particularly love how these maids shamelessly and seamlessly go from making the hero’s bed to warming it. The only plot development that matters. I want to be a maid when I grow up. 🤩

Wishful thinking aside; this author can write!!!! What a beautifully written, sublime book!

The MCs *chef’s kiss*. The plot *chef’s kiss*. The A N G S T *chef’s kiss*. And GRAYSON CROWNE *agressive chef’s kisssss* 😠😘😠

The equal power dynamic between Story and Gray was just 😙♥️

For me, in romance books, the heroine either breaks or makes the book for me. I can’t stand it if she’s too doormat-ish, or if she tries too hard NOT to be doormat-ish that she comes across as too pretentious and snobby.

Story however was neither too doormat-ish nor trying too hard NOT to be doormat-ish. She was soo… subdued, for lack of a better word. Never once did she annoy me. So naturally I had to go and read the one star reviews to see if I’d suddenly become too generous and forgiving. Surprisingly, I had. 😗

“She threw her head back on a laugh.
Gray couldn’t stop watching her, and I couldn’t stop watching Gray.”



Gray’s name matched his personality. He was intimidating but in a quirky kind of way. And he was soo

Possessive

“I chewed my lip and he froze, eyes locked on the action. The air ignited.
“You’re mine now. Anyone who bothers you answers to me.”


And considerate

“My stomach rumbled again, and I turned to finally go get a real meal when I was stopped by Ellie. She held a plate of food, and gestured for me to take it.
I stifled a laugh. “Ellie, have you lost your mind? I can’t eat up here.”
“This isn’t from me.” She looked around, looking more freaked out than me.”


And dirty-mouthed

”I want to know what your face looks like when you stretch around my dick,” he said. “The sounds you make taking me in.”
“What about Lottie?” I whispered.
Something flickered in his eyes. Guilt?
His jaw tensed. “Maybe I’ve started rooting for you to fail.”


And a beautiful liar

“Do you think you’re my friend, Snitch? You’re nothing to me in private; you don’t exist to me in public.”
“Liar,” I breathed.
He froze, eyes hard.”


And loyal to a fault *snorts*

“More of your cock, more teeth, more—” Grayson slammed into me, and I broke off on a scream. He covered my mouth.
Because he had to.
Because his wife was walking down the aisle—to an empty altar.”


Fidelity? Um, what’s that?



Profile Image for Chelé-----4 The Love of Books .
767 reviews58 followers
February 27, 2020
I have a love hate relationship with Mary Catherine Gebhard. Meaning, I LOVE her books but HATE her!

"I wanted to tell him everything , give him everything, be everything for him. It was a darkness, a need I’d never known before."

I kid of course, I could never hate her but she does torture your WHOLE soul. Right now, I'm not sure I can even write a review that makes sense, I am so broken emotionally.

“I tell you my deep secrets, my dirty pieces of me. I can breathe when I talk to you. With you I have no weight on my shoulders."

Grayson. My God. His cruelness sends shivers down my spine but his truth, his vulnerable moments? Give me GOOSEBUMPS! He and Story have a up hill battle to say the least. It's so tragic that you want to look away but the times that they're together are so addictive and intense that they pull you in.

“I don’t want us to be something that only exists in the dark, in the cracks, in the places people don’t want to look or talk about.”

SS is not for the faint of heart, it's wicked and frustrating in the best ways.... it's mind blowing and sensual, it is 100% unputdownable and it will RUIN you! Don't say I didn't warn you!

"I’d always read that soul mates were beautiful, pretty things. They fixed you, made you whole. But that doesn’t make sense to me. Souls are ugly, twisted, and dark."
Profile Image for Abby J Capps.
413 reviews34 followers
February 20, 2020
"Grayson Crowne is the cruelest person in the world, and I'm hopelessly in love with him, but his love only bloomed in the dark."

My heart hurts so bad. It's a bleeding physical ache that I haven't been able to shake. As soon as my mind drifts back this book, I feel that physical pain squeezing my heart and my eyes will water.

I could have never anticipated this book latching onto me the way it has. There is so much to both Gray and Story. Everything about them is so much more than what you might see at surface level. Story is so kind, resilient, with a sassy streak. I rooted for her every step of the way against the cruel beautiful Grayson Crowne.

Grayson, is definitely cruel and beautiful. But what you see isn't what you always get. In the dark, he's vulnerable, passionate, and has desires. He likes green pens and sucks on lollipops for-- reasons. I love him so incredibly much, but I also hate him in the same capacity.

There are so many factors at play in their story that wants to keep them apart. So much more than just their social standing. It's stolen moments, heated passion, hate, love, and pain-- soul crushing pain. I will never forget this book. It's a definite top read! Mary did a brillant job pulling me in and making me feel every single thing Gray and Story felt. I love them so freaking much. Top read! Must read! Read it!


(edit is mine. pictures from pinterest)
Profile Image for Rose.
312 reviews33 followers
November 11, 2021
"You are my poetry, Story. You gave voice and power to my love, before and without you I am numb and empty. You’re my soulmate. My shard matches your shard. You’re my piece. My puzzle. I bleed with you.”

I absolutely loved the poetic words and love of Grayson and story. The author had a great way of telling their story in a gripping way.

Stolen Soulmate, tells the story of the rich crown heir Grayson who falls madly in love with his servant, Story. It began when Grayson was trying to confess his feelings to another rich heiress, but mistakenly kisses Story, his servant.. Their story began in a hate/love because Grayson believed that story stole his fate... but when he gets to know her... his feelings develop Into more deeper raw feelings.

Of course, because of his status and hers, they are faced with a great deal of problems that will separate them and force them into marriages they don't want to.

"Our love will always have a stain Story...let me save you... I won’t be able to live with myself otherwise....I can’t be your husband, but I’ll be your everything else. I’ll be your protector, your guardian. I’ll make sure you’re cared for. You always have everything you need. I’ll be your best friend.”

I absolutely loved the first book. The second and third books dragged the story and in some way ruined the (love story) that was in the first book. Cheating occurred later on, even though they love one another. I won't mention who did it, but it kind of just ruined the feels I had for the first book.

All in all it was an enjoyable read.

Rating 4.5 🌟 💕
Profile Image for Nikki ღ Navareus.
1,015 reviews407 followers
April 24, 2020


Whew!! What an angsty ride this story was. This story churned out every angsty emotion I could possibly ask for!! This author has such an amazing gift for putting the reader in Story's shoes, and helping them to feel all of her doubts, unworthiness, desires, heartache and devastation Story felt within in this heartbreaking relationship, as if the reader was experiencing it themselves.

I adored the entire ride. May can't come soon enough so I can get my hands on the sequel to this baby.
Profile Image for Rumi.
222 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2020
***5 STOLEN CROWNES***

I’ve now read this book twice, and I still cannot – for the life of me – get over this couple and their story.

You first meet Grayson “Gray” Crowne and Story Hale in Heartless Hero (Abigail’s and Theo’s book). From the glimpses we got of them together in HH, there is no way I would’ve been able to predict the events of Stolen Soulmate. To say their love story was unexpected is an understatement.

Their story is romantic, yet equally tragic. What should’ve been an unlikely pair that would not have worked on paper, or otherwise, are so damn perfect together I just want to weep thinking about them. Sweet moments. Heart-breaking moments. Oh-my-god-that-did-not-just-happen moments. And let’s not forget all the sexy AF moments. Stolen Soulmate has these in spades, and more.

“You’re my girl, Story. I can do whatever the fuck I want to you.”

I thought Theo was a grade A alpha-hole, but Gray takes the cake in that department. Cruel. Crude. Possessive. Yet through the cracks is a softness reserved only for Story and (deep down) his sisters.

Story is the only one unafraid to challenge the playboy prince. The submissive exterior forced upon her by circumstance hides the intelligent, affectionate, sassy woman that lies beneath. I was almost taken aback by the shear strength of her character.

I said Heartless Hero was my favourite read of Mary’s and 2019. But Stolen Soulmate has just topped it.

I’m literally chomping at the bit for what MCG has in store for us! EEEEEEK.
Profile Image for eli.
292 reviews193 followers
February 27, 2020
*arc provided by candikane pr*
I have to stop requesting arcs of authors I don't know nothing about, but in my defense the first book was in my tl too much, so I was interested in this series.
Stolen Soulmate is such a strange book, first you can't stop reading because the dark aspects of the story and characters are so interesting, but this just didn't work for me.
1. the guy is a jerk, which I was expecting because this is dark bully romance, but the fact that he's always pushing her and leaving her behind in the floor when she's crying it's disgusting, like, her knees must hurt so much
2. there's a scene where the guy fingered another girl in front of her, knowing her feelings towards him and after they kinda started the relationship, and the reason why he did it? he was mad because she didn't want to tell him what they were, like how is she going to tell you if you treat her like shit????
3. there's really not development of the characters at all, she had a crush on him and she never fights back, not even at the end, and him is a piece of trash and he changes for like a paragraph and that's it.
and what I liked:
1. I really love the vulnerability he showed sometimes, but it doesn't matter because in the next chapter his progress gets ruined
2. Story has potential as a character and I really wish that this author gives her a better arc in the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for CHAMPAGNE.
302 reviews179 followers
October 19, 2021
4.5 ✨angsty✨ stars

the bruises my heart received just now has never felt more satisfying.


This was soo good my heart is weeping. I'm getting tortured and I love it soo much (might sound a little kinky — in this context unfortunately, not what I mean 😆).

The push and pull, the angst, ahhhh... I love Grayson so much! He's so cruel and cold and mean, but at the same time he's so sweet and caring and loving. Bad and good boy at the same time... Can I get one of him, please? Thank you 😘

Though, I was a little annoyed by the heroine. Nothing major, but I was frustrated as to how she can never say no. Just once, I want to see her say “no”.

There were a few issues and tropes I'd probably find intolerable in other books. Surprisingly, I don't mind it much in this one. So that's good.

I had a blast and I'm glad I have the next book ready because I cannot wait.

Ps. ngl i feel kinda bad for Charlotte 🤷
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,415 reviews85 followers
March 4, 2020
***5 "More... & Why you???" stars***

#NOW AVAILABLE!



"My love story began when it ended. With a savage kiss and a confession whispered in the dark that wasn't meant for me."

Mary Catherine Gebhard just forced me to walk upon this earth with a tattered heart...
Why did you do that to me??? To every one of us???
This book was a slowly death, a field full of intense emotions, with angst to be the star in its most pure form...
As i was witnessing the heroes struggles, my heart and soul was fighting a lost battle...
Why??? Why??? Why did you do this to me????
And how am i supposed to live without knowing???

"I'd always read that soul mates were beautiful, pretty things. They fixed you, made you whole.But that doesn't make sense to me. Souls are ugly, twisted and dark.
It makes sense when you finally found yours, the torture is equal to what lurks inside."


God, this was my first book of this author and of course, i'm beating myself for not reading Heartless Hero before, but i will fix it soon enough... That i can promise!!!
Honestly, i wasn't expecting to love this story so much... To enjoy it i was pretty sure, but that it would touch my soul so deeply, it was unexpected...
This was a beautiful story that had broken my heart in million pieces, and can the author find a way to glue the broken pieces back in one???

"Grayson Crowne is the harmless crush you know you can never have. It doesn't matter if he's wrong for you in every way, because he's unobtainable. Rock stars, book boyfriends, and movie villains all fall into the same category.
So what happens when the unobtainable becomes in reach?
How do you deal with that?"


Is it possible to find your soulmate in the wrongest place??? Under strange circumstances and with a person that you couldn't never imagine???
I think that it is possible and this story proved that to us...
Fate has making her own plans and we just follow her lead....
That happened to Grayson Crowne...
He was so sure for his soulmate, but an intruder had stolen their fate and she took her place....
That person was Story...

"This moment didn't belong to me, but I was going to steal it anyway."

"If you tell anyone..."
"Even if I tell, no one will believe me."


An unexpected mistake brought Grayson and Story in each other's path...
He was the cruel, untouchable prince and she was just a servant...
He got mad for stealing of him his fate and he decided to torture the poor girl...
But that forced intimacy brought true, unexpected feelings between them...
But can a prince and a servant be together when the prince is carrying the weight of the whole world upon his shoulders???

"It was like she'd been made for me, and someone switched up the shipping labels."

"Each time he showed me a scrap of affection something inside me grew. Something bad. Something that shouldn't be."


Honestly, i can't say more to you about this story...
Grayson wasn't like everyone was expecting him to be...
And Story was more that the eye could meet...
Together they built something great and unique...
They could understand each other's souls and together they could be something beautiful...
Only if they were other people....
Only if there weren't so big obstacles standing between them...
Will Grayson and Story will defy the odds and earn their happily ever after????

"You're born to be seen, and because of that, you hide your heart. I was born to be forgotten, and because of that, I wear my heart on my sleeve. I don't think it's working out so well for either of us."

"No matter how many friends or family or just people surround us, we all have that thing we can't tell somebody, a jagged shard of glass cutting our soul. You know?...
So we bleed silently. Alone. But... if you're lucky, you might find someone who has a similar piece of glass to your own. So then you don't bleed alone. That's what's so addicting about loneliness. The hope against everything that maybe one day you won't be alone...'
"Have you found someone, Snitch?"...
"Are you bleeding, Grayson?"


Well... I loved Grayson and Story very much!!!!
They were perfect for each other and i was wishing for a miracle to happen for them... They deserved to be together... They deserved to have the world on their feet...
Grayson wasn't the man that he was appearing to be, even though many times, he let his cruel side to get out and play with Story...
But deep inside, his heart was made of gold, but unfortunately, in his world, he had to protect his heart and he had built big fences full of thorns...

"Story was heroin, pure and simple. A traitorous high not to be trusted. A black sludge I would rip out of my veins no matter the cost."

"An Atlas carrying a world of expectations and responsibilities. A lonely prince who pretends he doesn't cares so much he's isolated.
I see the only person who sees me back."


Story was a lovely girl who had hidden herself under ugly clothes in a way to protect herself and to not draw the wrong attention...
Unfortunately, her wish didn't grant. She catched the eye of the most unexpected man and her traitorous heart was refusing to back down...
Her noisy side and loud mouth brought her trouble, but great pleasure as well...
She managed to succeed the impossible... To earn Grayson's heart! But for how long???

"Piece by piece I hid parts of myself. Hide my body. Hide my soul. Hide. Because they can't take what they can't find."

"Grayson Crowne is the cruelest person in the world, and I'm hopelessly in love with him, but his love only bloomed in the dark."


These two had so many obstacles standing in their way...
Obstacles that were very hard to overcome.
What will happen after all???

"You have the biggest heart of anyone I know, so why do you keep acting like you don't?"
"Because everyone I've ever known just wants to rip it out.... Until you."

"With you, I don't have to lie. You see me. I can't lose that. I can't lose you."
"You're the only person with whom I've ever had to lie."
"What?... Why? Why are you lying?"
"Because from that very first moment we kissed, I knew if I didn't watch out, you could destroy me."


Can i tell you a secret??? Honestly, i can not understand this mighty family!!!
And i hated many behaviors that had to do with its members...
Also, why the hell in the modern world, everything seemed so oldfashioned??? Yep, the atmosphere was a little bit mysterious, it seemed like they were living in another time and that fact confused me for a while in the beginning...
Overall, i can wait for the next book!!! And i want it to come very soon.
Do you hear me Mary Catherine???

"The only thing wrong with Crowne Hall are the Crownes. We are like ghosts to you, but you? You are monsters to us. We tiptoe around you and pray we never wake you."

***I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review***
Profile Image for My Little Book Nook .
279 reviews26 followers
March 2, 2020
*came back and upped my review to a 5 because I can’t get this book out of my head*

Wtf.

Edit- Ok. I’ve had time to calm down and think. Here’s my honest review:

Wtf.

Seriously. Wtf. This book is an emotional roller coaster. I didn’t read the blurb; I just signed up because I knew it was Grayson’s story and I was hella curious. Since I went in blind, I was, unsurprisingly, blindsided, but in the best way. Towards the end I couldn’t read fast enough. I devoured this. Scarfed it down. Gobbled it up. It consumed me. Wtf ever. This book. Wtf.

This is star-crossed lovers on crack. ON CRACK.

Grayson Crowne is not what I expected. Like, at all. In Heartless Hero I hated him. In Stolen Soulmate, well, I still kind of hated him. But I also loved him and ached for him and wanted to give the dude a giant bear hug.

God, and Story. I want to give that girl a hug, too. The turmoil and pain she endures is....whoa.

Let’s just get one big healing group hug that includes everyone EXCEPT Tansy and Beryl because I HATE THEM and want to PUSH THEM OVER A ROCKY CLIFF.

I just can’t. Gah.

At times the plot was a little ott and got bogged down in the Bermuda Triangle of miscommunication. I tripped over a few repetitive phrases, and got a little confused and had to backtrack a few times, but lord jeebus I’m itching for part two. Wtf.

4 stars, but I might come back and change it to 5 if I’m still thinking about this book in a few days.

Wtf.
Arc provided in exchange for an honest review.

CW: ow/om conflicts. Fuckin cliff hanger

Get Stolen Soulmate here: https://amzn.to/2VgHgAr
Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].
675 reviews1,378 followers
November 2, 2023
I honestly have no words. This book was everything I wanted and more. Grayson was an asshole but, those rare moments when he would show his vulnerable side, his good side, I felt for him. Story definitely had her strong moments, especially for someone in her situation, though I wish there had been times (before he fell for her) when she wouldn't come back to him so quickly cause it's one of my pet peeves when the h keeps coming back to the H, even though he would treat her like she's nothing.

I was anticipating this and it definitely didn't disappoint! I ended up loving it so much. One thing I wish I knew beforehand was <3
Profile Image for Meredith Wilson.
383 reviews39 followers
February 27, 2020
Jesus. I have no words. Nothing that can adequately describe how my poor heart feels. I felt everything these characters were feeling. My heart raced, my chest ached, and my eyes cried big ugly tears. This book is every angst lover's dream. It had me hooked from the start and still hasn't let me go. The thoughts and feelings, it's so much, too much. I am completely and utterly wrecked.

Gray is one of those heroes that I hated as much as I loved. He was complex, callous and cold. But underneath that cruel façade was a decent and selfless man. One who always put his family first. And Story? I loved her. She was strong, brave and resilient. She was so full of heart and truly his perfect match. But their relationship is put to the test when he must follow through with his familial obligations.

Stolen Soulmate has it all, steamy hot moments, angsty goodness, a sexy alphahole, a strong heroine and a flipping unique and terrific plot. There was never a dull moment. I was completely captivated the whole way through. Gebhard has a way of building these imaginary worlds that just suck you in. You can picture everything so clearly, it's like living in the book. This story is the best. I absolutely loved it and hope that you give it a chance. 5 stars and more for Gray, Story and Stolen Soulmate!

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Profile Image for Martha.
70 reviews26 followers
Read
February 29, 2020
I don't even know why I read this author books, I fell with all those 5-star reviews, but lesson learned. 🤦‍♀️
The first book of this series, Heartless Hero, was so bad, in fact I hated it, I felt zero empathy for the characters, that book made me feel disgusted and angry.
And then Again I pick this one , and it reaffirm my feelings about these seies, and now I can say that I will not read another book by this author again.

This is not romance, the H is an idiot, and I do not understand how authors glorify and idealize this kind of behavior, the hero humiliates her, despises her and treats her like shit but that's fine because he really loves her, agggg nooo Stop romanticizing violence.

And the fact that the author advise readers that “ Stolen Soulmate is the second book in the Crowne Point universe. You do not need to have read Heartless Hero to read Stolen Soulmate, though it is recommended. It will enhance your reading experience as you will catch easter eggs and the timelines overlap” , but conveniently forgot to say that the book has a second part, this ends in cliffhanger, when nothing implied that the book was a duet, but yeyyyy surprise, now you have to buy the other book to see how the story ends, well im out.
Profile Image for Bookjunkie_Anne.
1,097 reviews
February 17, 2020
Wow.

I'm blown away...

My heart was ripped in two.

It's very angsty... bully romance, between her boss and the help. Bot your typical cinderella story though. I've always loved some good old love triangle in this case, love square. I don't know what it's called...

My heart was hurt for Story. I hope she accepts West's help, rebuilds herself and drive Gray mad jealous... like really angry jealous. He deserves more for breaking her heart like that. I hope West rises to the occasion, that he really does love Story sincerely... The next book will be a much bigger plot twist than the first.

There's so much I want to say but I'm afraid to give the story away... and I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for chris.
202 reviews6 followers
October 25, 2021
5 “Honesty. Bloody, raw, jagged truth." Stars.

🥀"Story was heroin, pure and simple. A traitorous high not to be trusted. A black sludge I would rip out of my veins no matter the cost."🥀

Mary Catherine Gerbhad is her own rival. When I finished Heartless Hero, I was so sure that bully romance and angst was spoiled for me and that I could never find another book as good as that one. But MCG outdid her own self. I really don't want to jinx myself since I got more 2 books left from this book but fuck me, this series has got to be one of the best series I've read this year!

🥀“No one admired Story Hale.
I wasn’t the girl you looked at; I was the girl behind the girl.”
🥀

Initially when Story was first introduced in the previous book, I found her name odd and slightly...ridiculous. But her name definitely grew on me. I find it so cute now. Another thing that's cuter is Woodson Hale calling Story, storybook. I never thought I would find the nickname storybook so cute.

🥀“We’re just connected by
a secret I was never supposed to know.”
🥀

The push and pull between Grayson and Story was satisfying on a whole nother level. The chemistry that they both have was outerwordly.

Their love was only accepted in the dark and forgotten by the time the moon disappeared and the sun appeared. Their situation was heartbreaking but oh so wonderful to read about.

🥀“I know what it’s like to have the world on your shoulders and have no one
see the weight.”
🥀

This book gave other unexpected perspective to Grayson Crowne. The same brother who made it look like he couldn't give a rats ass about his sister Abigail in the previous book. The same brother who was labelled as a playboy. The same brother who people assumed had a wandering heart. He was cruel, hid behind harsh words and cold exterior but so different once you actually peel those heartless layers off him.

Story was another amazing character. I loved how she first gave me the impression that she'd be docile but later on she went on to have a smart mouth with quite a good virgin jokes on her sleeve.

I just wished Charlotte wasn't so sweet and understanding. I wanted her to be an evil bitch so I could peacefully root for Grayson and Story without feeling guilt.

West De Lauc was a disgusting character but everytime he came into the picture I got to see jealous and possessive Grayson and this is the only reason why I tolerated his ass and will tolerate for some more time if he decides to show up in the next book.



some what of a spoiler ahead I guess

With the way the book ended and with the way how Grayson and Story parted ways after having unprotected sex I can mildly smell the secret baby trope in the next book. I fucking hope I'm right.
Profile Image for nikki.
791 reviews99 followers
May 26, 2020
I have no words, which is probably just as well because I don’t want to give away a single moment of this book. Just know that if you read HEARTLESS HERO and know who Grayson Crowne is, then you NEED to read STOLEN SOULMATE. I am so in awe of Mary Catherine Gebhard right now; Gray and Story were incredible. I already want to read it all over again.
Profile Image for Diana.
651 reviews175 followers
September 10, 2020
goodreads2

HEARTLESS HERO (CROWNE POINT #1)
STOLEN SOULMATE (CROWNE POINT #2)
FORBIDDEN FATE (CROWNE POINT #3)

It’s Hard Out Here For A Snitch
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*

WHAT DID I JUST READ
description

“You're not mean, you're just born to be seen
Born to be wild
A little party never hurt no one, that's why it's alright
You want in but you just can't win
So you hang in the lights
You're so Art Deco, out on the floor
Shining like gunmetal, cold and unsure.”

Art Deco – Lana Del Rey

What’s this book about? (I'm trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
Story doesn’t want to be seen. She wants to do her job and get by, survive. One night, Grayson Crowne mistakes her for somebody else and he notices a snitch in his ranks. They enter an agreement that isn’t looking that rosy.

This is my second Mary Catherine Gebhard read. I read Dirty Law earlier this year, thus I know this lady can write EXCELLENTLY. This is a five-star read to me even if it’s not my type of read (because I don’t like Cinderella-type of reads or basically reads where leads have Story’s jobs, but that’s just me). So I’ll get you through all the parts that I liked because I don’t think there was any part that I didn’t like. It was a fast-paced, fun, steamy, entertaining and at times dark read. Gebhard is an emotional terrorist. She knows how to push the readers’ buttons and she once again did it so BRILLIANTLY. This story handed out so many feels, I couldn’t take it. Story was a lovely leading lady with lots of passion yet also submission. Her attitude throughout the novel was admirable and I can say that I rooted for her. She was a lowkey girl, sticking to how she entered the story. Her chemistry with Grayson Crowne was immense. LET ME JUST GET THIS OUT: The moment I got to know Grayson Crowne a little better, I felt like this is the direction Vaughn Spencer should’ve gone in. Mean, weirdo, cruel but still redeemable somehow. Grayson is a MASTER of dirty talk. His bad mouth was GLORIOUS. Grayson and Story had a heart-breaking romance.
I recommend this read to people that love undeniable chemistry between two leads that have all the odds betting against them, dirty talk for DAYS, MONTHS, AEONS and all the tear-jerking feels.

“I know that getting you alone isn't easy to do
With the exception of you, I dislike everyone in the room
And I don't wanna lie, but I don't wanna tell you the truth
Get the sense that you're on the move
And you'll probably be leaving soon, so I'm telling you.”

Stop the World I Wanna Get Off With You – Arctic Monkeys

description

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Profile Image for My Introvert Bookish Life.
661 reviews38 followers
February 28, 2020
BEAUTIFULLY CRUEL. HEART-WRENCHING. PERFECTION.

OhMyGahhhhhh... don’t mind me gushing over this book!! Mary Catherine Gebhard what have you done to me???!!!! You have ruined me, wrecked me completely for ALL books to come this year!!

Cruel and beautiful should never go together but this...THIS!!!! Stolen Soulmate is beautifully cruel and PERFECT in every way!!
I have been throughly #wreckedbygray and it hurts so freaking good. Sure enough the author had me hooked on her every word, made me fall in love with Grayson Crowne, and twisted the dagger in mr heart making my very soul bleed out.

I thought Heartless Hero was all the things... but this. THIS, OhMyFreakinGawdddd is going in my all time favourite reads EVER!

“You’re starting to take up too much space inside me. I don’t think there’s any other way to get you out.” ~ Grayson Crowne, Stolen Soulmate.

This is so much more than a bully romance. MCG penned an unforgettable heart wrenching and sensual story that bled into my very soul; stealing my every breath; ruining with me with her lyrical and poetic words. I felt EVERYTHING, the emotions, the chemistry, the inner turmoil... I want to write a book on how I feel.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️NO AMOUNT OF STARS COULD RATE THIS BOOK!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Snow.
2,241 reviews688 followers
February 26, 2020
Damn...

i honestly can't say that I liked this story...

it was complexed, complicated, even emotionally twisted and too god dammned messy for my likings, I guess.

I just couldn't get pass the first encounter the main characters had, and their "real reasoning" for the messed up relationship, cause I really didn't see the point of that little detail.

So I struggled to get pass that and the more I read the more confused and messed up I became just as the story did...

It ends in a cliffy...and now, I can understand why LOL

the writing is superb, just like I expected it to be BUT the tangled mess of these encounters was just that, too fucking messed up for me to enjoy in it...it made all of them miserable and I ended up being miserable too :/
Profile Image for Keri Loves Books.
1,243 reviews192 followers
February 29, 2020
Star-crossed lovers that tempted fate. She was the unworthy servant. He was practically royalty. He was her cruel employer hidden behind the mask he crafted. This story is angsty overload and will shred your heart. A love that was forbidden, becomes all-consuming.

Story was never supposed to be in that room with Grayson. A case of mistaken identity changes the course of their lives completely.

The Crowne family builds connections. They are wealthy beyond your imagination. They control everything. A marriage is just another way to cement their status.

Grayson has loved Charlotte du Lac his entire life. She was always meant to be his future, until the servant girl unintentionally stole his heart.

And so a complicated struggle begins. Grayson is more than the public sees. He hides behind the walls he built to protect himself from the predators surrounding him. Story sees him. The lowly servant girl knows more than anyone else who is part of his life. Slowly she becomes the obsession he can’t live without.

The Crowne family does not take kindly to those who try and derail their plans. Bribery and manipulation are par for the course. A Crowne’s future is decided by the family long before the heart gets a say.

Get swept up in this intense and angst-filled love story. Heartache and loss will just about break you. Story is honest and a breath of fresh air in a world of fake facades and deceit. Grayson is more than he wants people to see, but he holds the responsibility of the future on his shoulders. Their connection and heat is why we believe in fairy tales. I was utterly consumed with their struggle and their love. The author took me on a journey I did not expect and she stole my heart.
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