This book was so juicy! And my goodness, would I never want to meet Bea in real life for fear of how much she would judge me. But she made for a very entertaining narrator.

This book was clever and just a bit suspenseful in all the right places. I loved the New York City setting, the glamorous families and houses that Bea's story takes place in, and the timeline that jumped back and forth between now and when she was a child with her mother.

I saw a few of the twists coming, but I really was surprised with the last few pages of the book and how it wrapped up.

I think that readers who liked Who Is Maud Dixon? and Bitter Orange would be interested in this one!

I think this is my new favorite thriller debut in a bit. Like I did not think I could root for this character and yet, here I am.

This book was compulsively bingeable and so much fun! Catty women, rich people drama, scheming and scamming? Sign me up!

The story is told entirely from the first-person POV of Bea, so it felt like there was more telling than showing sometimes. Yet I didn't mind at all because she's just so damn cool and her voice is simply entrancing. Being privy to her innermost thoughts was really enjoyable.

I love the dual timelines of past and present, watching social and family dynamics at play, and how well-written the relationship between Bea and her mother was. I never knew how the story would end and was thus kept on tenterhooks the whole time, but let me tell you that I absolutely LOVE how it all unfolded.

What a fantastic debut! I can't wait for what the author comes up with next - a sequel, a new standalone, I'll read anything she writes!

I was in a bit of a reading slump, but this book cured it! I loved Bea and her whip smart game play. Sure, she’s crazy and manipulative, but in the best way. I loved trying to figure out her secrets and what Gale was up to. I loved the fast pace and how the storyline progressed. I thought the ending was a bit rushed and a little confusing, but overall, it was such an entertaining read.

Bea wants to be someone. She wants to be someone rich and is willing to do what needs to be done to get there. She sets her sights on Collin Case. Collin is rich and has a successful family business to work at…the perfect husband.



Stone Cold Fox is an amazing psychological thriller. Bea is working to be someone, and the other woman is working to stop that from happening. There are lies told, secrets revealed, so many twists and turns that I could not stop reading. I was not always sure that I wanted Bea to come out the on top, but I knew that I did not want the other woman to win.



Rachel Koller Croft’s debut book is phenomenal. I will be on the lookout for her next book. This book kept me reading, turning pages, and wanting more. It started out as a gold-digger story and turned into so much more.



Thank you Berkley for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was a wild ride! Bea is an antihero that I loved despite her cold, hard heart. She has a goal in mind and nothing will stand in her way, not even Gale, her new nemesis. Gale is the bestie of the man she has set her sights on, and as soon as they met, the game was ON. Bea soon learns that Gale might just be a formidable foe. She’s got to keep her head in the game and make sure Gale doesn’t bring her past back to haunt her.

This book is so good! It’s told in first person and I found myself flying through the pages wanting to know what Gale would come up with next and how Bea would counter it. So much (nail-biting) fun!

I think this will be a bit of an unpopular opinion, but this was only an okay read for me. It started out strong with a devious, manipulative, and maybe unlikable heroine, Bea. She's about to marry Collin Case and join one of the wealthiest families in NYC. But Bea has a past, including a dysfunctional relationship with her mother who scammed, and used Bea to scam, wealthy men from coast to coast.

I do love a good con and appreciated Bea's quest to be a better person than her mother by settling down with a single man - albeit an extremely rich man who she manipulated for her own end. It was fun watching the cat and mouse games between her and Collin's best childhood friend Gale. Gale Wallace-Leicester, that is. It was kind of annoying that that's how Bea always referred to her. I guess it was to emphasize the ridiculousness of aristocratic families. Maybe? I also liked Collin's assistant Syl and Bea's budding friendship with her. It was the only time Bea really showed a flash of humanity.

I know a lot of readers will love this story. It had some good twists with a touch of humor, and I appreciated the dual timelines where we learn more about Bea's mother and their history together. However, I thought the ending was weak and didn't make a lot of sense. It felt a bit rushed and anticlimactic and tried to wrap things up neatly, which I'm not sure it accomplished.

A solid four-star entry in the "manipulative woman infiltrates high society" genre. Bea (not her real name) is in her mid-twenties, and she's decided it's time to settle down with as secure a nest egg as she can find. And what's more secure than marrying into NYC's upper crust? Sure, there's a prenup, but Bea's not planning on stealing any cash and escaping into the night. She's in it for forever: she'll be the best wife possible to Collin. She just needs to make sure no one ever finds out the truth of her past.

Unfortunately for her, she's got a rival in Gale, Collin's childhood BFF. Gale has been in love with Collin forever, and if she can't have him then she's going to at least make sure that whoever he falls for is a Good Person. At first, Bea enjoys their rivalry. But soon enough she realizes that Gale has some inside knowledge that she shouldn't have. With shades of "You" and "Gone Girl," this is a fun thriller for everyone who roots for the bad girl once in a while.

Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft was a stellar and thrilling read.

Bea is a women who wants it all and knows how to get it. She learned from the very best (her mom), so why wouldn’t she use it to her advantage. When Collin Case asks her on a date, Bea knows it may not be love, but at least she’ll have the wealth and security that comes along with his family’s old money. However, Collin’s best friend, Gale Leicester Wallace is doing everything she can to stand in Bea’s way, always reminding Bea can and will never be part of their rich, old money crowd. But soon, it becomes more than that. Gale seems to imply that she knows about Bea’s shady past and insinuates that she has the evidence to prove it. Using the tactics she learned from her mother, Bea tries to outsmart Gale, but somehow Gale is always one step ahead of her. Will Bea get the wealth and security she’s always dreamed of, or will Gale Leicester Wallace get in the way of happily ever after?

Overall, this is a highly engaging, page-turning novel. I’m devoured it quickly, always wanting to know what was going to happen next. As a character, Bea was rather unlikable, but as I read more about her past, I understood more about why she is the way that she is. There was also a couple of twists - one I had guessed something similar and one took me completely by surprise. All in all, this was an excellent read.

Fun! Unputdownable! Those were my first thoughts after finishing this debut thriller.

This was a solid 4 stars for me, meaning, I would recommend this to every thriller lover! And it is FUNNY. The author has a sarcastic wit that I loved. (And the opening line of this book is one for the ages!) A smart, beautiful con woman out to marry into one of New York's wealthiest families, Bea was an unforgettable (if not a little unlikeable!) main protagonist.

Bea has her scheme to marry Collin Case all mapped out. She has been aiming for this big catch and the only person standing in her way is Collin's best friend Gale. Bea thinks Gale has always been in love with Collin and hoped that she would marry Collin one day. But Gale is no match for Bea. Their game of cat-and-mouse was so FUN.

The story really kicked in for me when we began to read alternating chapters from Bea's childhood living with her cold, narcissistic con artist of a mother. Bea's mother spent her life going from one wealthy man to another, and Bea spent her childhood trying to please her mother. Even now, with her marriage to Collin on the horizon, she still wonders whether Mother would approve.

"Confidence is always the key, Mother says. Believe you are who you say you are, and they will, too."

Will Gale uncover Bea's true past and her real identity? And will Gale tell Collin his fiancée is a complete fraud before their wedding? It is a lot of fun finding out! I loved Bea's real thoughts about all the upcoming wedding festivities:

"...the last thing I wanted to do was spend a free hour with a bunch of idiots I had to look at all the time anyway. The hideous event was essentially a pseudo–bridal shower wherein I was bestowed with midlevel to upmarket wines, gift certificates to department stores and a fair amount of tacky household items I’d never use, like coffee mugs or pillowcases, etched with MR. & MRS., BRIDE or TAKEN. And I had to sit there and smile with a miniature veil atop my head in the middle of the day like an absolute loon."

This book is nothing too heavy, but the twists were lots of fun and I can't wait to see the TV adaptation!

(Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)

This wasn’t what I was expecting, but boy was it a wild ride. Bea had a hard life and is working to climb up in status and marry rich so she will never worry about money again. She is unrelenting in her belief that she deserves everything she wants and will stop at nothing to get it. Told mostly in the present day, but with flashbacks to her rough childhood.

I really thought everyone was a little unlikable in this one, but I had some guesses as to what was going on pretty early on in the book and just had to know if I was right. And I was mostly right in my guesses, but not always for the right reason.

Bea ends up in quite the cat and mouse game with Gayle due to Gayle’s connection and love for Bea’s boyfriend. And that cat and mouse game escalated to epic proportions throughout the book. I really enjoyed watching the Bea and Gayle trying to get the upperhand.

I can’t wait to see what Croft comes up with for her next novel.

“The bi+ch of back and we’re both in heat.” ~Bea

As I’m reading this debut novel, I keep thinking of the song by Kanye West called, “Gold Digger.” For those who don’t know it, here is a sample of his lyrics:
"...Now I ain't sayin' you a gold digger, you got needs..."

We meet Bea who is a self-proclaimed “user” and Collin Case will be her greatest and last mark. Her damaged, harsh, and exceptionally cold upbringing by the best female con artist is non-other than her mother. She learned what is like to fight for money, how to con men out of it, and always travel light. Any gifts from men, make sure those things can be sold at a moment’s notice if needed. Bea knew enough to always keep her earned money in bank accounts, foreign and domestic, and in the stock market. Have a light footprint when it came to material goods. Never attach meaning to anything at risk of not being permanent. That is how Bea had always lived her life and it has served her well.

Her nemesis: Collin Chase’s family which includes Collin’s parents, Hayes, and Haven, his two siblings, Chloe and Calliope, and his very best friend, who also happens to be female and in love with Collins, Gale Wallace-Leicester.

So if Bea is the vixen who is supposed to be the “uber” bad villain, why is it that I am so drawn to her when I should rightfully be rooting for Gale? Oh, the matching of the hostile verbiage and constant besting each other when those two are within inches of each other… riveting! Somebody, get the scratching post out!

I felt the book was witty, engaging, and exceptionally entertaining.

Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Writing Style: 4/5
Predictable and full of cliches: Great twist at the end 4.5/5
Entertainment - 4.5/5
Recommend: 5/5

I have to confess, this debut novel by this author was truly a joy to read. I did not think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did but it was spellbinding. I ripped through it and wanted more! Please, sequel!!!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Berkley Pub for my digital copy.

I could not turn the pages fast enough! #StoneColdFox is a brilliant debut that is soapy and will be guaranteed to be a perfect spring break read sitting on a beach. Even better the rights for this book already sold and it’s being optioned for the screen and I cannot wait to see it!
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Bea grew up as a tool in her mom’s cons, making men fall in love with her and open their homes and wallets. Bea doesn’t follow her mom’s game plan exactly, but she does have a plan and her plan is to marry Collin, one of the most eligible bachelors and practically American royalty.
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Collin’s best friend Gale senses something amiss and engages in a cat and mouse game with Bea. I don’t want to give to much away because I was totally surprised by one aspect and I love to be surprised.
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I loved how the chapters alternate between a current timeline and her mom’s past cons which really highlights how Bea became the woman that she is. Also, side note I was super amused with the shoutout to Peaches for Prom dresses and getting flowers from Jewel, which is such a Chicago thing and I loved that attention to detail!
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I really cannot wait to see what she writes next! Thank you
Huge thank you to @berkleypub @berittalksbooks @thephdivabooks @dg_reads and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

A solid suspense novel - I wanted a little more in terms of the "why" she was doing it, but overall I was entertained and invested in the plot. A solid "con" novel - I would've loved to get more details on her exact motivations and more backstory (especially her older years). 3.5-4 stars

Bea is a carefully curated persona. She has a good career and her next move is secure herself a husband, and not just any husband, but one with an old family legacy and extraordinary wealth. She succeeds in Collin Case, who is absolutely besotted with her, while his family - and one particular friend - are decidedly less so.
Bea’s past is not one that she wants known, and we see glimpses of it in chapters spread throughout - a mother who barely classifies as one, a Black Widow who left bodies in her wake as she dragged her daughter from home to home, changing names every time.
And yet, despite all of Bea’s care in the years since she escaped, it seems that her past can never truly be buried.
Bea is the epitome of calculating and I found myself rooting for her throughout, terrified that she’d be ousted from the position she’d secured for herself by sheer willpower and determination. Full of unlikable characters, secrets, and schemes, Stone Cold Fox is thrilling to the end.

Thank you Berkley Pub and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was really impressed with this debut novel by Rachel Koller Croft. I'm excited to see this story on tv! Things I loved about this book:
*Bea's manipulative character. You just love to hate her.
*Conflict between Bea and Collin's best friend, Gale Wallace-Leicester.
*Cat-and-mouse games between Bea and Gale.
*ALL the suspense and twists!
Stone Cold Fox was so dark and fun to read. If you're a thriller fan --- go pick this one up now!

I love reading about cold, calculating women who successfully manipulate men. Rachel Koller Craft establishes a strong opening to Bea's story, as Bea has already clawed her way into a wealthy family's graces by way of dating the oblivious Collin. The narrative zips along quickly, and it's easy to cheer for Bea and her ambitions, but some of the threads and the payoff feel too easily attainable or don't get resolved well. (The ending feels particularly elusive.) Regardless, it's a fun way to pass the time, especially for those looking for something like The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft is a riveting and addictive read! The intense rivalry and psychological warfare between the characters had me hooked from the beginning and left me wanting more.

Reading this novel is like indulging in one’s guilty pleasure. I so enjoyed this popcorn read that I devoured it in 2 days! The main character Bea and her mother are well, let’s just say, intriguing con artists!!! Both prey on men by using their beauty and body to get what they want. When Bea was old enough, she ran away from Mother, intending to sever their toxic ties and forge her own path. Years later, she wants to “retire” from her conniving ways and has set her sights to marry Collin Case, an eligible bachelor from old money. For her, Collin equals security and stability. What she doesn’t expect is that her past will come back to haunt her… because Mother never really leaves!!!

This book has so many unlikable characters but it’s just so entertaining to read! I especially enjoyed reading Bea’s thoughts. I was rooting for her right from the start!
She’s unapologetic about her beauty and brains, using them to her advantage. But while she’s ruthless, she’s also just operating on securing a stable future for herself, something she didn’t get while growing up with Mother. I laud her for trying her best to avoid becoming like her Mother. It just goes to show that we always have a choice, despite having the tendency to fall back on our old ways.

If you enjoy stories about con artists, manipulative and ambitious women, then do pick this up. I swear you’ll be thoroughly entertained to bits!

Thanks to @berkleypub and @netgalley for my ARC. Another winner book IMHO!

I LOVED this book! I loved everything about it! The characters were deceiving, flawed and unlikable. The plot was fast paced and entertaining. And I have to add that this one is a debut!

Bea was raised by a con artist, but Bea doesn’t want that life. She wants to marry Collin, a man from a very rich and prominent family. Bea is determined to get what she wants. Everything is going according to plan until his best friend, Gale, finds out Bea’s past…

If you enjoy rich people behaving badly, scandals, and cat and mouse games between catty women then you will love this one!