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She’d lost control of her life, but now she was taking it back.

Megan Connelly's time in prison for killing her tormentor is over. Now, she’s determined to put the past behind her. Living at Second Chance Ranch won’t be easy, especially with sexy Killian McKinley in charge. He’s everything she both desires and fears. How can she stand her ground when faced with a man who makes her feel weak in the knees?

Killian McKinley uses control to get what he wants. It hasn’t been easy being the youngest son and living in the shadow of his siblings. To the world, he’s decisive, opinionated, and dominating. But is that really him or just an act? At Second Chance Ranch, he’s established himself as a world-class horse trainer, instilling fear in those around him ... including the pretty, young ex-con that has his mind spinning. She’s not what he expected but everything he wants.

When it comes to love, can Killian and Megan relinquish control long enough to open their hearts?

190 pages, ebook

Published June 1, 2016

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About the author

Kelly Collins

173 books1,075 followers
International bestselling author of over 30 novels, Kelly Collins writes with the intention of keeping love alive. Always a romantic, she blends real-life events with her vivid imagination to create characters and stories that lovers of contemporary romance, new adult, and romantic suspense will return to again and again.

You can learn more about Kelly at www.authorkellycollins.com.


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5 stars
211 (58%)
4 stars
114 (31%)
3 stars
32 (8%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,190 reviews1,769 followers
May 31, 2016
My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

“Would I ever feel like I wasn't a scab on someone's arm?"

"Mickey didn't need to defend her man. It was obvious he treated her well. Hell, when she smiled she had all her teeth. The man was obviously a gem."

"I reminded myself that many bad things started with men: menstruation, menopause, and mental illness, to name a few. I continued the list in my head - meningitis, menacing - but damn if I didn't get too distracted by the stallion tattoo etched into his chest to think of more."

"I hope you get tested often. That girl is a walking petri dish."

"One thing I knew from my time in prison was that the way to a woman's heart was through her children, or, if there were no children involved, through chocolate."

"Yes there were other women before you, but there will never be another. You're it for me. What you have to decide is if I'll be too much or not enough for you."


My Review:

Oh swoon - those McKinney's are breath-stealing. The newly released ex-con in this installment is as wounded as the rescued horses on the ranch and requires much the same type of special treatment to trust again. But not every one is as they seem or would have you believe. Some reputations are earned and some are planted intentionally. Ms. Collins comes through with another heart squeezing, humorous, and sweet love story laced with her special brand of steamy goodness. Oh my, I'm already ready for Parolee #4.
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,085 reviews107 followers
June 3, 2016
M & M Ranch is and will be a safe haven for five female ex-con friends to regroup and recharge while adjusting to society. Mickey and Kerrick had their story told in book one and book two starred Holly and Keagan. In book three we meet Megan who has spent three years in prison. She is cowed, apologetic and on a mission to find out what her future will hold. She meets a number of men who are delightful and will no doubt eventually show up in future books in this series but the third brother, Killian McKinley, is the one who will find his happily ever after in this book.

I enjoy this series because second chances are deserved by all of the women I have met in each of the books and though they have been in prison they definitely have potential for a bright future. The McKinley brothers are ruggedly male and oh so tender even when they have to let off steam from time to time…great book boyfriends!

Sweet, sometimes sad and always entertaining I recommend this book to those of you who like a happy ending for two deserving characters.

Thank you to the author for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Suzy  (readaholicmom).
1,065 reviews19 followers
March 24, 2017
4.5 ⭐️'s Best book in the series for me so far. Killian McKinley is the quiet moody brother of the three. Only one night stands and absolutely no relationship. He has enough to deal with on the ranch training horses and taking care of business. Until Megan's fragile self takes refugee in the cabin across from his. She is broken in ways putting back the pieces may take a lifetime. Killian's biggest accomplishment will not only be to break his horses, but to also break Megan and earn her trust. His bad boy personality takes a back seat in order to show her his soft side. How can you not fall for a guy that will put your needs first! This book was amazingly beautiful to read and the characters couldn't be any more perfect for each other.
Profile Image for Riet.
64 reviews
June 14, 2016
A battle of love and control
I read an ARC of Set in Stone in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Set in Stone by Kelly Collins. Megan Connelly, just out of prison, is extremely frightened and feels like she doesn’t have any control about her life. Then she meets Killian, a hot-looking cowboy who has control all written over him. They are attracted to each other, Killian taking the lead and control but by doing that he gives Megan control over his heart. I loved the book as I said before, I absolutely adore the second chance series of Kelly Collins. The series are heartfelt and written in the perspectives of both heroine and hero and a lot of insight in the feelings of an ex-con, coming into the world after they have done their time. The blurb of Set in Stone

She’d lost control of her life, but now she was taking it back. Megan Connelly's time in prison for killing her tormentor is over. Now, she’s determined to put the past behind her. Living at Second Chance Ranch won’t be easy, especially with sexy Killian McKinley in charge. He’s everything she both desires and fears. How can she stand her ground when faced with a man who makes her feel weak in the knees? Killian McKinley uses control to get what he wants. It hasn’t been easy being the youngest son and living in the shadow of his siblings. To the world, he’s decisive, opinionated, and dominating. But is that really him or just an act? At Second Chance Ranch, he’s established himself as a world-class horse trainer, instilling fear in those around him ... including the pretty, young ex-con that has his mind spinning. She’s not what he expected but everything he wants. When it comes to love, can Killian and Megan relinquish control long enough to open their hearts?
Profile Image for Karen Voitik.
3,205 reviews
June 1, 2016
>Book Review – Set In Stone –

>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the third in the Second Chance series and ends in an HEA. The third McKinley brother, Killian is the star of this story. Megan is the newest guest at the M and M ranch. She was in an abusive relationship which ended up with her in prison for vehicular manslaughter. I am not sure how she was convicted as her abusive boyfriend was in a truck chasing her, but the trial and outcome were in the past.

>I especially love the horses in this story. Lucky and Sunset were major characters in the book. This book didn't have any suspense, as the last two stories did, but the addition of the horses as major characters was welcome. Seeing Killian flounder as he is rejected by a woman for the first time was both endearing and hysterical. There wasn't a lot of interaction between Megan and the other two women. Megan used her 'girl' time to speak with the horses.

>I loved the HEA, but thought the ending was abrupt. I also wanted more scenes in the shelter. The characters there seemed interesting. Even given the small amount of time spent in the shelter, had me invested in their stories.

>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 5 stars. There aren't any more McKinley brothers left, but there are two more women. The next book should be interesting.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,021 reviews158 followers
June 7, 2016
Sometimes circumstances beyond an individuals control force them to make rash decisions. Kelly Collins' Second Chance series is about people who are seeking redemption despite actions and choices that cost them greatly. I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Set in Stone in exchange for an honest review. One split second, cost Megan her freedom and threw her world into chaos. Now faced with the opportunity to rebuild a life away from the confines of prison, she must come to terms with her lot in life and forgive herself in order to move forward. Have not read many stories from Ms. Collins and Set In Stone would not have been a story I would have taken a look at normally. However, neither character was what they seemed to be. Yes, Meghan was an ex-con but there was more to the reason behind what lead her to commit such a desperate act. Killian was a piece of work in many ways but his feelings stemmed from insecurities. Set in Stone is a story that has heart and gives hope to every person who has struggles that are hard to overcome. Turns out Ms. Collins surprised me with this under the radar contemplative novel. 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Gina Smith.
466 reviews10 followers
June 5, 2016
This is the third book in a series of stand alone romances with some characters appearing in multiple books. Megan was released form prison after serving three years for vehicular manslaughter. She had been driving to the hospital for an emergency and ended up hitting her boyfriend's car, killing him. Prison was a relief for her in some ways. because she was being abused. Now that she is out, her friends Mickey and Holly are there to pick her up and take her to the Second Chance Ranch. Mickey is the owner and besides breeding and training horses they also take in rescue horse. It is the perfect place for Megan to start healing. Megan meets one of the ranch hands Killian, who she instantly is attracted too. He has been the love 'um and leave 'um type but could he be the one to show her that she can trust a man? The horses are key in healing Megan to heal. This author's novels are delight to read. The words just flow nicely and hold your attention.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Stacey.
968 reviews12 followers
June 12, 2016
this is an ARC review given in exchange for an honest review .
also i got this on KU due to the fact it is a late review due to my life and health .
anyways so what happens when you have a sexy cowboy who turns your world and heart yet treats you with care but everyone seems to think he is into something he isn't . and what if a sexy vixen enters into your life and makes you question everything you have ever thought . when you need control but what if the woman you wont be controlled can these two come to an understanding of joint control or will they lose each other due to their pasts and wants that can make them lose each other .
and stay tuned for the box set review .
and look for later on Set Up not sure which story it will be with Cole or Tyler or one of the other McKinley's siblings with Natalie or Robyn or could Roland be part of the process . find out by checking in on when Set Up is available ,
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews18 followers
June 14, 2016
A woman with a very rough past and scars that will not show for it. A man who likes control but not the way you think. He likes to control his life and everything and one in it. But what will happen when these two are thrown together?
Megan has many many scars that people just don't know about. Or the real reason for her charges for that matter and why she is in prison. She wants to be her own woman and make her own choices. So when she gets that second chance at love too will she take it by the reins? Or will she just run away?
Killian is an in your face kinda guy. He has a player rep a mile long and a bunch of ladies to prove it. But people are always assuming things about him whether he likes it or not. But when it starts to interfere with his new love interest and I mean possible marriage, babies, and a white picket fence. Things will get rough before she will take him serious. Can he get her to trust him?
2,794 reviews18 followers
June 19, 2016
This is the third book in this series. You do not have to read
them in order but I would because the main character from book
1 Mickey is in every book.
Well now this book is about Megan and Killian.
Megan has just got out of jail and Mickey was picking her up
to take her home to the second chance ranch which Mickey own.
This is where she met Killian who is Mickey's brother inlaw and works with
horses.
When Killian first met Megan he could tell she was scared of live and because he
has work with horses he new he had to take things slow with her.
Will Megan learn to trust Killian or will she let all the bad things that have happen
to her get in the way of the love she fills for him.
Be prepared to go through a lot of different emotions in this book it is a fantastic journey
to take with this couple. You are going to fall in love with this one.
Received this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Keith.
206 reviews
Read
May 30, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

I have loved this series from the start, this book being the 3rd. Megan has been released from prison and is helped by her former cell mates to adjust to life on the outside. Mickey has brought Megan back to Second Chance Ranch where she meets the 3rd McKinley Brother. While Killian has a "wild"reputation he soon wants to change his ways for Megan.

Kelly's writing let me feel every bit of vulnerability that Megan showed and how she was determined to not let any man control her again. Many battles are fought within each character and they have to learn to trust and accept others for who they are.

I hope there are some more stories to come.

I have read lots of Kelly's books and haven't been unhappy with one of them
Profile Image for Kim.
933 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2016
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. I loved reading this book and I have loved reading this series as well. You will love reading about Killian and Megan. She has gone through a whole lot in life to get where she is at now. She has just been released from prison to find out her "I'll wait for you" fiancee has been cheating on her. Mickey gives her a cabin to stay till she can get on her feet. Killian is a very controlling and dominating man. He uses it to bring out Megan's passion and boldness but he gets a little more then he asked or though he wanted. Will he be able to bring Megan's true side out? Will she knock the big and tough Killian down a notch? I so can't wait to read more to this series and find out what happens to the girls as they each get out of prison.
Profile Image for Maria.
892 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2016
Magan's time in prison is over and she is starting her new life at the Second chance ranch with her two best friend she meet in prison. But Magan is hounded from her past a live in living hell and living next door to the dominant sexy Killian isn't making it easier. Can Killian make Magan forget her past and is there hope for the two of them ?
Set in stone is the third book in the series and it is just as amazing as the other two. I really liked Killian and Magan and my heart was bleeding for magan's past. Killian is just the right man for her. It is a fascinating story so sad but also full of hope. Once agin I couldn't put the book away and I can't wait to read the next book. Kelly Collins are an amazing author that I can highly recommended
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,122 reviews52 followers
March 13, 2017
I'd fallen a little in love with Killian the second he set foot on the ranch so I was already invested in his story before this book even started. I was engrossed and I wasn't setting this book down until I was finished. Meagan drove me a whole lot batty, though. She's been through things that no one should ever have to experience and so she was rightfully reluctant to trust. I loved watching her grow and own her voice, but by the end I thought her expectations of Killian were very unfair. I adored watching the psychology major realize just how little he understood about certain aspects of human behavior. I think it fantastic that we get extended epilogues of the previous stories in new one that comes along.
Profile Image for Tracy Banach.
103 reviews
May 28, 2016
I received a copy from the Author in return for an honest review.

Set in Stone is a great read. Megan and Killian's story is entertaining and interesting. I love me a cowboy. Killian is hot and a great book boyfriend. This was my first read of a Kelly Collins' book and it won't be my last. I enjoyed her style and characters. I don't like to write reviews with spoilers so I will say this book has all the ingredients for a fabulous romance. It has angst and relationship growth. I really enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,323 reviews21 followers
May 30, 2016
Another fine addition to the series. This book was just a sweet love story between Megan and Killian (the last single McKinley living at the Second Chance Ranch). There is no additional drama in this book (book 1 had Mickey's ex and book 2 had Holly's career) it is just the story of an abused woman trying to take control of her life and the man that helps her. Once again the whole gang at the ranch are around for support (though they are most absent in this book). I received Set in Stone from the Author in return for an honest review (I purchased the first two books in this series).
9 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2016
I received an ARC of Set in Stone in exchange for an honest review. This is the third in the Second Chances series, and I absolutely loved the first two. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Megan's journey to overcome her abusive past and how Killian's strength helped her on the path, but I felt it was a little more predictable than the first two. I loved the chemistry, the friendship between the girls, and the story behind the whips (great twist). I would definitely recommend this series and CANNOT wait to see what happens when the next girl gets her second chance!
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2016
Received from the author for an honest review.

Loved this book!!! This series has been a real treat from the beginning and this book did not disappoint. The sisterhood experience between these women is something to celebrate.

Megan is a survivor, this is the best title for this young woman.

Killian has struggled with trying to control all aspects of his life. He has hidden depths that his own family is unaware.

If these two come together will their issues keep them from exploring a relationship or push them further apart. Trust is the one thing they will both need to develop.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,290 reviews20 followers
June 8, 2016
It was beautiful watching Megan change from a very frightened young woman to someone that is confident and taking control of her life with the help of the youngest McKinley brother, Killian. She is the second ex-convict friend to join Mickey on her Second Chance Ranch. With Killian, looks can be deceiving. I loved the emphasis that was given on the horses in this book, and how Megan and a couiple of the horses could really relate with each other. Wonderful Book and wonderful Series! I received this book from the author in return for an honest review. I am looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Juliana Ignácio.
1,096 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2016
I received a copy from the Author in return for an honest review.
I love this series of Kelly Collins, and this could not be otherwise. I couldn't put the book down until finish reading.
I loved Megan and how she became strong throughout the history, and how Killian, even seeming like a controlling person, was sweet enough to allow Megan to find herself before she could give a chance for their love.
I love the characters interactions and with the animals as well.
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Lorena Tucholke.
389 reviews7 followers
June 2, 2016
I love this Second Chance Series,
Megan was so vulnerable, she only knew pain in the past. So is pretty hard to her to finally get her chance to find real love. And she found herself in that ranch, she healed, she found a friend's and family. And she found Killian. Oh those McKinley boys are the sweetest thing around that ranch. And Killian is a big Teddy Bear, he's good and kind, and he understand Megan better than anyone.
Really good book!
October 14, 2017
So far, each story is better than the last. Set in Stone is now my favorite. Killian the horse trainer has to use every skill he possesses to overcome the fear and low self-esteem that Megan has suffered with for years. Fear and low self-esteem which were a result of nasty abuse. As Megan takes up residence at the Second Chance Ranch after serving time for manslaughter, she knows she can't continue in the way she's has in the past.
Profile Image for Laura Watson.
427 reviews4 followers
June 7, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book the story was beautiful. It was nice to have an alpha male who is all about control show is vulnerable side. Megan though she was weak but it turns out she was stronger than she realized. I loved reading about her journey of self discovery. This was a beautiful book that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Kirsty Cochrane.
109 reviews
June 27, 2016
I am hooked on this series. The characters, the storyline, the setting. As book 3 in the series, Set in Stone lives up to the standard set previously. Megan is released from jail and joins everyone on the ranch. Immediately sparks fly and Megan learns what it is to experience love and friendship.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
3,201 reviews97 followers
February 21, 2017
Starting Over

When you gave been mistreated, beaten and told you are worthless and have the scars to prove it. It's hard to trust. But you trust the women you were in prison with, but now you need to found your voice and trust again. But with the help of friends, a abused horse and a good man you can find it.
Profile Image for Jolene Huber.
874 reviews10 followers
May 15, 2017
Let the healing begin

This is the story about Megan. She was in cell block C with Micky and Holly from the 2 previous books. From what I have read they can be read as standalone books. In this book we learn about Megan and the terrible things that led her to her prison term. This book goes to show how a person and an animal can help to heal eachother.
Profile Image for Lynn Smith.
2,682 reviews8 followers
October 17, 2017
Set in Stone

Getting released from prison, Megan was going to be in control of her life. Once she got over her fear of men. Killian kept control over all aspects of his life. Can these two learn to trust each other.
Wonderful series of books. Plenty of romance and lots of real life.
221 reviews
May 26, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book and loved it. There is so much depth to the characters in this story, I love how she shows the relationship between Killian and Megan and how Megan is able to heal and find herself though Killian's love
Profile Image for Marie.
371 reviews
June 5, 2016
Which is Killian? Chivalry is hard to except when your taught to fear men, Can she overcome and tame his heart? Wonderful story of bad choices turned to good.
Can't wait for the next two girls to arrive at Second Chance....
I received this book from the author in exchange for this honest review.
Profile Image for LaGina.
1,996 reviews40 followers
March 20, 2017
I love the flow of this series as it highlights each of the characters with their own story. It is so nice to get to know them so much more this way. This is a series that is so easy to read that you dont even know you are down until you hit the last page. Cant wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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