Book Review: Release Me by J. Kenner

Title: Release Me
Series: Stark Trilogy, Book 1
Author: J. Kenner
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: library
Published: January 1, 2013 by Bantam

An erotic, emotionally charged romance between a powerful man who’s never heard “no” and a fiery woman who says “yes” on her own terms.

He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.

Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.

Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.

But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

Reviewed By: Laura

Why I Read This Book: On the recommendation of a library friend, I picked up this book. I must admit that the description sounded a bit obsessive & creepy at first, but I was dying to know what the secret was! (I’m usually a sucker for books where someone has a secret that might ruin it all.) Even more enticing was that the main character Damien was described in such a way that it made me think of a specific actor (Colin O’Donoghue if you must know) and after that I was a goner!

What I Liked: I liked that Nikki didn’t immediately fall for him. She truly is a damaged young woman and while I don’t like books where the main character needs someone to fix them, it worked for Nikki and Damien. And it wasn’t just that they “needed” each other. They were still works-in-progress themselves and by allowing someone else in, they explored more options and faced more issues than they probably would have on their own. Also, the steamy scenes were well written and gave just the right amount of vulnerability and strength to make sure each partner had equal footing.

What I Didn’t Like: I’m rather tired of the “billionaire playboy” routine and this book was no exception. I mean, he offers her a million dollars to pose nude for a portrait. Seriously?! The opulence is part of the seduction, but after a while, all the money slinging can get a bit tedious. Also, I was not a big fan of Nikki’s friends. Her roommate (the wannabe actress who screws anyone) and her “best friend” (he’s an engaged philanderer) honestly made Nikki’s unconventional relationship seem rather tame & normal. Although that might be my twisted moral compass.

Overall Impression: Release Me is definitely a keeper. The story actually had depth and kept me reading for more than just the sex scenes, so it definitely ranks better than I expected. It’s not the most unique situation I’ve seen in a book, but the supporting cast (for the most part) makes it worth it to me.

Laura’s Rating:

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