I am glad to see this series continuing on after the passing of Stuart Woods. There will always be more ladies for Stone and more people wanting him dead. This book was no exception. Fires, stolen art, a man with a score to settle against Stone. It's all here.

Original this series was written by Stuart Woods. Now the new author Brett Battles takes on the challenge.
Barrington the playboy is alarmed when someone starts stealing his mother's art. He gets on the case with his friends.
Thanks to GP Putnam Sons and to NetGalley for the ARC.

Book #65 in this series as Brett Battles assumes the adventures Stone Barrington inevitably finds himself in. Battles continues the series in the fan favorite manner of Stuart Woods, if you've read the previous books, you'll love this one too.

Another good book from Stuart Woods. You can always count on a good adventure with Stone Barrington.

Smolder by Brett Battles is part of the Stone Barrington series created by Stuart Woods. This book was the last book Mr. Woods was working on when he passed, but, Mr. Battles does an absolutely AMAZING job keeping Mr. Barrington true to form with all the high end stakes and elaborate high jinks. In many ways Mr. Barrington is very similar to a modern day James Bond, but much more relatable as the readers are able to feel a bond (pun intended) with him that they aren't able to make with Mr. Bond. I've read a couple of the early Stone Barrington books, and when I saw Smolder up for review, I had to request it as this was Mr. Woods last book. If you're not a huge reader of Mr. Woods books, you will never know Mr. Battles completed the book for Mr. Woods., that is how similar the the writing is for this book, and Mr. Battles needs to be congratulated for a truly remarkable job well done!

The latest Stone Barrington Novel is what you have come to expect of a Stone Barrington Novel! Brett Battles does an excellent job of keeping the series going, and if you love this series you will enjoy this latest chapter. Pure fun!

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

I wasn’t sure there would be any more Stone Barrington books but Mr. Battles has done Mr. Woods proud.

Stone is in Santa Fe for some R and R. But of course, he can’t get away from trouble.

Someone is out to ruin him. Or kill him. Either one is fine. Since his home is Fort Knox, they go after his mother’s paintings. Certain that will destroy him.

And a merry chase ensues.

All our favorite characters are here and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Glad to have Stone back!

NetGalley/ G.P. Putnam and Sons June 04, 2024

Despite the passing of Stuart Woods, we are fortunate that his characters live on thanks to the superb writing of Brett Battles. The basic theme of this novel is revenge by a businessman who was twice bested by Stone Barrington in legal proceedings. All of the characters from prior novels are present in this book (some to a larger degree than others) and the repartee among them is outstanding. Of course, Stone manages to find a woman to share his bed and to be an integral part of this interesting and intriguing story.
I thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

Stone Barrington is back, and this time, he gets involved with a woman who is hot on the trail of a ring of art thieves. Never one to pass up the chance to help out a pretty woman, they travel from Santa Fe to L.A. and it turns out Stone has a vested interest in the case, when the thieves seem to be targeting works by his late mother, Matilda Stone. Although this is part of the Stone Barrington series, like all of the other books in the series, it can be read as a standalone. There was plenty of action from the beginning to the end, to keep the story interesting, and Stone was as charming as ever. If you enjoy a good thriller, you should definitely check it out.

Thank you to Brett Battles for continuing this series. This is the first book that Mr. Battles has written on his own. And the transition is seamless. I adore these books because they are easy to read and enjoyable. It’s always fun to see what Stone and his friends are up to next. I never tire of their escapades and frequent trips around and about. It is actually possible to read this book as a stand alone and not be lost due to prior engagements. Looking forward to the next book in the series—and the next and the next. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

I think if you’re a major fan of this series you’ll notice a difference in the writing style but it doesn’t deter from it continuing in a way that it’s still good. I’m glad to be still reading about Stone Barrington and these characters. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

Stuart Wood’s Smolder is the latest novel in the long running Stone Barrington adventures. This is good news to the reader-fan of the series, as the author, Brett Battles, presents a satisfying and entertaining entry into the series.

Former police detective, now lawyer and wealthy businessman there is a lot to enjoy in the novels and Battles does a fantastic job at bringing in the various points into this one book. A mystery, romance, politics, Hollywood, and the art world all contribute to making this well rounded story an enjoyable one.

The basic mystery surrounds a group of people who steal art by making it appear that the pieces they take are destroyed. Add a character who wants revenge on the protagonist by finding art pieces he desires and destroying them is at the heart of the story.

For those familiar with these novels, it is enough to say that the usual support characters are in this tale. The writer does an excellent job at copying the plotting and writing style of the late Stuart Woods, making this story a seamless continuation to the canon.

With so many Stone Barrington books in the series, one might be hesitant to pick up this latest as their first, but that reader will not be disappointed. Any backstory, including relationships are adequately explained so the reader easily knows who is who.

Reading this series is a guilty pleasure for me, and Stuart Wood’s Smolder gives me hope that the Stone Barrington novels will continue to provide reading enjoyment and satisfaction!

Stone Barrington is back, in a fast-paced, light page-turner with an original premise. Stone's nemesis wants to get back at him by stealing his mother's paintings. Stone's entourage is well equipped to handle this challenge. With a lively cast of characters including the familiar. and the novel, this book can be read by diehard series fans or as a stand-alone. A fun, satisfying read.

Stuart Woods has been a staple in my reading and I was uneasy about someone else writing the Stone Barrington books. But there was no need for that. In fact, I had to check to be sure that this wasn't just a book that had been mostly done by Woods. The writing style and the story style are all reminiscent of Stuart Woods.

All of that being said, Stone Barrington and Dino Baccheti are two characters who are bigger than life and almost caricatures of wealthy powerful men. Much of what happens seems implausible - but I think that's what keeps me reading the Stone Barrington books. I don't have to think. I don't have to figure anything out. I just have to read and escape and enjoy.

In this story, Stone has just won another lawsuit against a wealthy and seemingly powerful man - a vindictive man who is determined to best Stone in some way and make him miserable. What better way to do that than to torture Stone with the destruction of his mother's paintings that Stone has been anxious to add to his collection. And that's when the fun begins. Paintings are being stolen and the thief tries to pull one over on the buyer (Petry). The thief are a bit of bumbling idiots. Retribution seems to eat at Petry and cloud his vengeful judgement. Oh, and Stone is a man seemingly driven by his bedroom acrobatics.

This is not a serious novel but it is a book that will hold your interest and keep you reading. It is definitely escape reading and enjoyable. I recommend reading this for that alone.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Stuart Woods' Smolder by Brett Battles is a thrilling addition to the Stone Barrington series, marking the 65th novel with a gripping narrative that seamlessly blends suspense, art, and high-stakes drama.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Santa Fe, the novel opens with Stone Barrington enjoying a rare moment of tranquility. His respite is short-lived, however, as an art exhibit attendance with a close friend leads him into the path of an enigmatic woman on the hunt for art thieves. Stone, ever the gentleman, offers his assistance, and thus begins a journey that stretches from the artistic enclaves of Santa Fe to the bustling streets of Los Angeles.

Battles' writing is sharp and paced, with a knack for creating tension that hooks readers from the first page. The plot is a labyrinth of twists and turns, each chapter peeling back layers of a complex mystery involving rare artworks, particularly those of Matilda Stone, Barrington's mother. The personal connection to the protagonist adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making the stakes feel higher and the antagonists more menacing.

The author's portrayal of Stone Barrington is consistent with the character's legacy—charming, resourceful, and unyielding in the face of danger. Yet, there's a sense of evolution in Barrington's character as he navigates through old grudges and vindictive threats that test his limits.

"Smolder" stands out for its exploration of the art world—a setting that provides a rich tapestry for the narrative. The inclusion of art theft adds an intriguing dimension to the series, offering a fresh angle that will delight long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Brett Battles has done a commendable job of continuing Stuart Woods' legacy while infusing his own flair into the series. The novel is a testament to Battles' skill as a storyteller and his ability to maintain the essence of the beloved series while propelling it forward with new energy.

In summary, Stuart Woods' Smolder is a must-read for those who enjoy a well-crafted thriller with a protagonist who is as suave as he is smart. Battles delivers a story that is both a homage to the past and a bold stride into the future of the Stone Barrington novels.

I definitely enjoyed this Stone Barrington book. As always, Mr. Barrington is quite the ladies' man. Mr. Battles has done a phenomenal job in carrying on the Stone/Dino series.

I began this novel with some hesitation, I've been reading these books since New York Dead and my greatest fear was that since Stuart Woods had passed, my guilty pleasure wouldn't be the same. I am so pleased to be wrong! The banter between Stone and Dino was, as always like two brothers who enjoy screwing with one another. And the exchanges with Joan are my favorite, if she were real I'd do my utmost to hire her away from Stone. I can see from this amazing story that Stone and company will be in good hands moving forward. Stone has an amazing penchant for pissing off bad guys, while at the same time romancing beautiful women, including the president. Dealing with the problems of the rich and famous is a great escape and being able to continue to enjoy their suffering is a blessing. I'm thankful that Stuart's passing didn't mean the end of his most prolific creation. I am happy to remain a fan and look forward to reading much more like this.

“Stuart Woods’ Smolder” by Brett Battles is a fun easy read. It is the first book written by Mr. Battles on his own and the transition is smooth and can be read as a stand alone if you are not familiar with the series. In this fast paced story Stone is the target of a man who lost in court to the famous attorney. He is trying to harm Stone by destroying the one thing he holds most dear, the artwork of his famous deceased mother. It is fun to have the whole crew back from past books and the uncomplicated plot is very engaging, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Stones books can always be counted on to have plenty of action with the bad guy always getting what he deserves. Since Woods death the author who has taken over the series has done a good job holding true to the characters and plots. This series can always be counted on to be entertaining. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Visiting Santa Fe, Stone goes to an art gallery where he meets a woman who is investigating a rash of art robberies. Stone offers assistance when the leads go to Los Angeles and he was planning to go there next for business. There Stone, joined by the investigator Monica and his friend Dino uncover clues that lead to someone trying to make Stone suffer for what the man feels was done to him by Stone even tho it was his own doing. Fires, robberies and murder follow.