I got this book not noticing at first that it was book number 4 in a series. I started in it and first got the other books. Hooked, immediately. Give me a mage, Alice Worth, her totally adorable werewolf Sean and some vampires and you get a kick ass series. I read all the books, couldn't stop myself. Really really good.
Disclaimer: I got this book in the Librarything Early Reviewers. ( )

Heart of Stone by Lisa Edmonds is the fourth book in the Alice Worth series. The book follows Alice, a mage private investigator Alice Worth who escaped her grandfather’s organized crime syndicate. Now, her grandfather’s war with has drawn her out of hiding and has pitted her against two crime lords. This isn't a stand alone novel so you need to have read the other three in the series.
I loved seeing Alice's growth and especially enjoyed seeing her and Sean;s relationship blossom. Lots of big reveals in this book which, which I'll keep to myself. Love surprises. The showdown with Alice's grandfather has just started and I can't wait to read more. Urban fantasy at it's best, can't wait to read more.

I really like this series. Characters are enjoyable and just enough drama to keep you entertained even if it is slightly predictable. I look forward to the next book in the series. ( )

actual rating: 3.5

I probably could have done without the relationship drama aspect of this book, but the rest of it was pretty good. The relationship drama wasn't awful by any means but I feel like they were so slow to figure out something so obvious and it's kind of frustrating that now that Alice and Sean are good with each other then we have to dive into other people having a problem with Alice. Still, I continue to enjoy this series overall and think it has very interesting world building and a good magic system. Also I love how it's like 4 books in and she just casually throws in that Alice is bi and Malcolm is gay [or possibly bi as well?]. Excited to see more of !!!SPOILER AHEAD!!! Malcolm's new ghost boyfriend in the next book ;) ( )

Heart of Stone is the fourth in the Alice Worth urban fantasy series by Lisa Edmonds. Alice Worth is a mage and a private investigator. Five years ago she escaped her grandfather, the head of a powerful criminal cabal of mages. Now he is trying to take over the territory of the local crime boss and Alice is afraid he will discover her new identity. At the same time, she is investigating the disappearance of a young boy with a rare magical ability. The case soon becomes more dangerous and complicated. Things are not going smoothly with her relationship with Sean Maclin, the alpha of the local werewolf pack. There are others who object to the alpha taking a human as his consort and will do anything to break them apart, including endangering Alice’s life.
I have been enjoying this series more and more. The author has become more confident and skilled even as her main character grows and changes. The world that the author has created with the politics and intrigue of the shifters, vampires and mages, is interesting. In this installment we are introduced to a witch and learn how witchcraft differs from the magic that Alice practices. The other characters in the series are interesting as well and I am curious to learn more about them. I appreciate a strong woman protagonist. Alice is powerful and smart, but has her vulnerabilities too. The romance is important to the story, but doesn’t interfere with the action and plot. There is some sexual content, but not excessive. Although it is possible to read this novel as a stand-alone, the author does fill in some of the past events, I would recommend reading the whole series. ( )