Release, Excerpt & ARC Review: Stone Princess (Clifton Forge, #3) (formerly Tin Gypsy, #3) by Devney Perry

 

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Blurb

Presley Marks has just become a cliché: the jilted bride. Wearing a white dress, standing in front of her friends and family, she announces that her fiancé—according to his text—has forgotten about the wedding.

Humiliated and angry, she hides from the world in the mundane routine of her life. Working at the Clifton Forge Garage isn’t glamorous, but it’s safe from the spotlight.

At least it was, until Shaw Valance comes to town.

The notorious Hollywood actor is starring in a movie based on the town’s infamous murder. When he’s not on set, Shaw hovers at the garage, watching as they build his custom motorcycle and irritating her with his handsome smile. He was supposed to leave once filming wrapped and go back to his fancy life, not buy the house next door.

But Shaw might regret that purchase once Presley’s ex-fiancé returns, bringing with him a war between old rivals that could burn both their houses down.

 

 

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Review

5 stars!

Another stunningly romantic story from Devney Perry! A celebrity romance with a touch of drama and intrigue, this book completely swept me away, and I loved Presley and Shaw’s story.

This is the third book in the Tin Gypsy series, and I would absolutely recommend reading these books in order. Though the story is about different characters, the overarching storyline continues from previous books, and this one contains massive spoilers for the earlier two books in the series.

Presley Marks is the office manager at the Clifton Forge Garage. We have seen her in previous books – very much an adopted part of the ‘family’ that the boys of the garage have formed. She’s been through hell in her life, but has clawed her way back to stand on her feet and found her place in the quiet country town. But her life has taken another dramatic turn when she is jilted on her wedding day. The boys at the garage never liked her fiancé, and sure, he wasn’t perfect, but his very public rejection leaves her humiliated and alone once again, so she retreats to her small little life and the comfort that it brings.

But things in Clifton Forge are about to get interesting with news that big Hollywood heavyweights are moving in to film a movie about the town’s infamous murder – the very same that was an underlying storyline in the first two books of the series. And while it may be an attention-grabbing story, it’s Presley’s life, and the story of people that she cares for deeply, and she’s immediately infuriated by the news. Which makes things super awkward when Hollywood’s hottest star, and the movie’s leading man, Shaw Valance, walks into her garage.

It’s hate at first sight for Presley. She wants nothing to do with the charming, infuriatingly gorgeous heartthrob, and she does her best to let him know that. But Shaw feels very differently. He is immediately attracted to Presley, and is intrigued by the quirky, feisty girl who seems to want nothing to do with him. But with the boys building Shaw a custom motorcycle, and him keen to explore the true story behind his movie, he takes every opportunity he can to keep hanging around.

OMG, this is such a fun set up! Here we have this gorgeous movie star with a heart of gold who can have any woman he wants, and snarky, bad-tempered Presley who wants nothing to do with him. It’s funny and so entertaining, and with each and every encounter you can feel the chemistry building.

“Presley Marks, would you go to dinner with me?”
“This sounds more and more like a date. And my answer is still no.”
“But you still haven’t given me a good reason.”
She shrugged. “I think you’re ugly.”
My laughter filled the room.
Christ. When had a woman called me ugly? … “Liar”.

Shaw is a sensational romantic hero! He’s confident but not cocky, he’s a down-to-earth sweetheart who hates being in the limelight and just wants a simple life, and he’s one determined alpha as he fights hard for the girl that he wants.

Their romance develops beautifully and realistically. They slowly open up to each other, and things naturally progress. It’s sweet and fun, and sexy as all hell, and I could feel the emotion building between them. They aren’t perfect, and though the relationship is functional and honest (which I love), mistakes are made, but those hurdles work to provide a great base for them to build on, and create an epic love story that completely owned my heart.

The fight wasn’t won. Yet. But I’d walk away the victor. I’d win Presley Marks.
She was my anchor.
She was my heart.

Despite all the fun banter, flirtation and sexy times, there are some truly emotional moments in this book. Presley’s backstory is heartbreaking, as is the story behind Shaw’s movie. Her heartache over her loss, and the tender way that past events are talked about are really emotional, and it’s a big part of the story as Shaw comes to realise that his movie is so much more than just a story. There’s also drama and suspense as danger from Presley’s past threatens the happiness that she is so desperate to claim. It’s not as intense as the previous books, but it works well with the story, and leads into the next book really well.

Of course, Presley’s surrogate big brothers, Dash and Isaiah are there supporting her the whole way, and I feel like we get to know the two remaining boys from the garage – Leo and Emmett – a whole lot better in this book, and I’m really excited for them to have their stories told. But next up is new Police Chief, Luke, and based on what we know of him and his love interest, it’s going to be a wild ride!

I loved this book! Presley and Shaw are fantastic characters and their romance is gorgeous and heartfelt with just the right amount of drama. And that epilogue…. Swoon.

I’m loving this series, and can’t wait for more!

5 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Clifton Forge series (previously Tin Gypsy)

         

Steel King (previously titled Gypsy King) (#1) (Dash & Bryce)
Review
Buy:  Amazon  Paperback Audio

Riven Knight (#2) (Isaiah & Genevieve)
Review
Buy:  Amazon  Paperback  |  Audio

Stone Princess (#3) (Shaw & Presley)
Review
Buy:  Amazon  Paperback Audio

Noble Prince (#4) (Luke & Scarlett)
Review
Buy:  Amazon  |  Paperback Audio

Fallen Jester (#5) (Leo & Cassie)
Review
Buy:  Amazon  |  Paperback Audio

Tin Queen (#6) (Emmett & Nova)
Review
Buy:  Amazon  |  Paperback Audio

 

The original covers (and titles) to the books are below.
Paperbacks are still available to purchase on the author’s website.

        

 

 


Excerpt

My realtor would have earned a higher commission if she had mentioned that the woman who lived next door was Presley Marks. “Isn’t this a surprise?”
“Is it?” Presley asked, frowning as I descended my steps and crossed the lawn, meeting her in her driveway. She raised a dark blond eyebrow. “Because it sort of feels like stalking.”
I chuckled. “I swear I had no idea you lived next door.”
But what a bonus. I wouldn’t have to make excuses to stop by the garage to see her. She could tear that insurance waiver to shreds. Presley had to know I didn’t give a damn about that bike they were building for me.
“You bought this house?”
“Yeah.” I reached for the grocery bags she had in her hands. “Here, let me help.”
She twisted away. “I’ve got them.”
“Come on.” I stepped forward and she took a step back. Wait, did she really think I was stalking her? “I’m just trying to help. I mean, I’ll probably start writing down your daily schedule so I can make sure our paths cross at least once a day. But that’s normal, right? For stalkers?”
“Are you being funny?”
My smile flattened. “I guess not.”

 

 


About the Author

Devney is the USA Today bestselling author of the Jamison Valley series. She lives in Montana with her husband and two children. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her kids. She loves reading and, after consuming hundreds of books, decided to share her own stories. Devney loves hearing from readers!  Connect with her on social media.

 

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