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    Release Me: A Novel
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    Release Me: A Novel
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    Release Me: A Novel
    Audiobook12 hours

    Release Me: A Novel

    Written by J. Kenner

    Narrated by Sofia Willingham

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    An 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.

    Release Me is intended for mature audiences.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateJan 1, 2013
    ISBN9780385393003
    Unavailable
    Release Me: A Novel
    Author

    J. Kenner

    J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Though known primarily for her award-winning and internationally bestselling romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and #1 internationally, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, "chicklit" suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit. JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a "flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations" and by RT Bookclub for having "cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them." A four time finalist for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

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    Reviews for Release Me

    4/5

    277 ratings23 reviews

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    • 3/5
      This wasn't terrible or amazing. I was constantly distracted though by the names Stark and I swear they mentioned a Rhodes. Basically it became a weird iron man fanfic for me minus the sweet suit.
    • 5/5
      I really liked this book, actually the whole series. At first glance you can see the similarities with FSoG, but who doesn't dream of a hot, hot, hot bazillionaire that has a single minded purpose to have the woman that intrigues him? While he has his own demons to slay, so does Nikki. They help each other slay those demons together, each focusing on the other while at the same time, walking through the fire that has held them back for so long. Excellent story. Sizzling sex scenes. Great story line. I recommend this whole series to anyone that wants to read a book that will stay with them long after the last page has been read.
    • 4/5
      I love the authors ease at which she tells the story and her use of contemporary vocabulary. The narrative doesn't seem forced or glossed over. I found myself completely under Damien Stark's spell, and wanting to be as strong as Nikki. I could not put this book down. It made me giddy with excitement to read this novel. I love that Nikki is not intimidated by Damien. She is intelligent and has a mind of her own. I love the complexity of their characters and how the author depicts both of them with physical and emotional scars that match their inner turmoil. It’s not a story of the knight in shining armor saves the princess, but how two damaged people can come together and try to fill in each other’s cracks. I appreciate the fact that there isn't a bunch of back and forth with the romance.
    • 3/5
      Full Review to be posted soon:


      Quick thoughts and mini review:
      3 and half stars
      This is another romance with the bazillionaire and heroine who falls under his spell romance with BDSM overtones. While it was not unique and it is very similar to the Crossfire and 50 Shades series, I did enjoy the romance between Nikki and Damian which did have a good buildup in tension. The love scenes were also sexy and well written but nothing really stood out for me. However I did like the take on their past which, yes was tortured and angsty but I like how it led to the themes of control and how that related to the BDSM element and that was well done. Fans of Fifty and Crossfire books will lap this up.
    • 4/5
      Nikki meets Damien Stark (Billionaire), for the 2nd time in her life, she doesn't believe he remembers her from a few years back in a pageant she was in and he was a judge for, however he does. Little does Nikki know he has been following her ever since not literally but keeping track. He is finally ready to take her for his own. So their tango of a romance begins. Very erotic scenes with a good back story.
    • 4/5
      For some reason most of these erotic type books are all the same. Wealthy man seeking companionship and makes not so well off girls "his" for a certain amount of time. That is the only reason I did not give this book 5 stars.This book drew me in. I like Nikki's character. She has been through some struggle in her life and is trying to overcome it. She is also aware of herself sexually. She may not have had a lot of experience, but she knows what she likes and plays right along. Damian Stark is the dark and mysterious sexpot. I like how the author is still leaving us in mystery about this charactor. We dont really know much about him..makes you want to read more to learn more.The character development is so well written you can imagine these charactoes. The sex scenes are so erotic you cant help but crave more! A MUST READ!!!!
    • 4/5
      A dominate male that is after the stubborn younger female-
      Let the chase begin.
      This book is all about the chase and peeling back the layers of these two complex individuals.
      At first I was ready to scream at Nikki for not giving into Damien it was just taking to long for the envidable even know I could clearly see her reasons for doing so. Lots of hot Sex. There is some BDSM but not like Fifty Shades, very very mild at this point. It was a page turner that I couldn't put down. The ending left me hanging enough to know there HAS to be another book coming soon.

      Read more reviews on my blog iloveladyporn.com
    • 2/5
      I found Damien to be a bit underwhelming. He is all to familiar: the current generic and overly saturated dominant obsessive sexually aggressive billionaire. He lacks charisma, charm and wit leaving him not all that likeable. Sexy, yes, endearing and sweet- not a bit. Having even shreds of innocent kindness or light charm might have humanized him and made him more sympathetic.Some of this book is genuinely sexy and provocative- especially in the beginning. But, ultimately it lacks true romance and skews a bit over the top.Borrow only.
    • 2/5
      I couldn't get into this story because there was so little action. The first quarter of the book was one nights dinner party and I thought the heroine was rather weak. I started skimming and eventually gave up. Rich and powerful Damien is attracted to software company assistant Nikki.
    • 4/5
      Yes, it's similar to 50 shades. Let's get that out of the way right now. In the way that 99% of romance novels are similar to other romance novels. There are clear patterns and formulas in almost all genres of romance books. They give us what we want.

      Do I love reading about a hot, rich, alpha male that is absolutely infatuated with a woman? Absolutely. It's an escape, it's hot, and I love it.

      Now, to this book. It's hot. Period. Damien is sexy as hell. He's smart, rich, hot, kind and accepting.

      Nikki is SMART, love that! She is freaking smart as hell! She is no pushover...but she is damaged. And so is he. Together, they absolutely ignite fire.

      It's a sexy read that left me wanting more, fore sure. I can't wait for the next book!

    • 5/5
      I would definitely compare it to the bared to you series and 50 shades series. It was definitely worth the listen. Now on to the next book!
    • 5/5
      Good book! Can't wait to read the sequels! J Kenner
    • 5/5
      I can't believe I passed up this book for almost 3 years. I'm glad that I finally gaved it a chance.
    • 1/5
      To say I didn’t like this story is an understatement. I have to say that there were things that just didn’t ring true to the characters presented and even the dialogue was way over the top.


      “He’s tall and so handsome that the word is almost an insult. He is Jason and Hercules and Perseus – a figure so strong and beautiful and heroic that the blood of the gods must flow through him, because how else could a being so fine exist in this world?”

      Seriously?! Description like that only makes me laugh. I’ve seen many men in my life and I never thought to describe them in such “prose”.

      And who really says this?!


      “His mouth is at my ear, his voice so carnal, so full of lust, it makes my clit throb. “I’m going to fuck you, Nikki. Pleasure? We’re going to blow the roof off pleasure. I’m going to make you beg for it. I’m going to claim you. I’m going to tease you. I’m going to torment you. And you’re going to come for me like you’ve never come in your life.”

      No one. Ever! I’ve never read ‘Fifty Shades of Gray’ and I probably never will (I did see the movie!), but I think it must have been better than this story.

      Sometimes it’s good to read a bad story to appreciate all the good ones you’ve read. However, if you’re into erotica, I have a feeling you just might like it.

      Melanie for b2b

      Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
    • 3/5
      I was not really impressed by this book. I really believe there could have been more to the storyline and passion. I felt no connection to the characters, especially Damien. He is the power, her strength, I want to see more of his ability to control. It also kind of creeped me out with the knowledge he had about Nikki.

      The concept was similar to my favorites 50 shades and Bare to you, but not as powerful. I do believe if I would have read this book first, I would have loved it.

      The second story, which is presented at the end of the first book, looked very intriguing. I will read all three books in series because I can not leave a book series unopen.

      Yes, this book falls under the predictable of Billionaire men, who want what they want, have a contract to obtain it, show their power, lead with fear, and are surprised by the feelings that are acquired during the contract.
    • 4/5
      The book is steamy to say the least

    • 4/5
      This is the first book of a trilogy about Damien Stark and Nikki Fairchild. Damien is a former tennis pro that turned his earning into profitable businesses that make billions. Nikki is a former beauty pageant contestant who wanted more out of life than a beauty crown. They met years ago when Damien was a judge at the one of Nikki’s contest and apparently he liked what he saw and kept tabs on her over the years. They meet at an art exhibit and are drawn to each other. He wants Nikki but she has secrets that she doesn’t want him to know about. Damien has two sides to him and she never knows which one he will show her. He offers her a million dollars to pose for a nude portrait. She accepts the deal but they each add conditions and his is that he wants her to be his in every way. Nikki thinks that he will no longer want her once he realizes that she is not perfect. However, once Damien learns her secret he only wants her more. Nikki now wants to learn Damien’s secrets from the past so that she can help him face his demons and heal.The author really makes you feel the pain that Nikki has gone through and you want to root for her to find happiness. This is a steamy romance where they could not get enough of each other. If you enjoy hot erotic romances then this book is for you and I highly recommend it. Looking forward to the second book, Claim Me to see what happens between Damien and Nikki.Rating-4Heat Rating-HOTReviewed by Donna McClaugherty, My Book Addiction Reviews
    • 1/5
      I was looking forward to this series; however, was very sadly disappointed. If the first in the trilogy was this bad, I am taking the next two off my to-read list.

      Definitely lacking, no connection, dull --as though no one was actually communicating – more like someone in a dull voice speaking or reading a report.

      There are so many great books and talented writers out there today, I do not want to spend any more time on a series which does not bring substance to the table. I had to force myself to hurry and finish to make sure there were no hidden goodies - sorry to say NO..do not waste your time with this one. I am not a fan of Fifty Shades of Gray, nor this series – I look for great writing and a story with a takeaway.

    • 4/5
      This was a very enjoyable read for me. It does have a lot of similar aspects to Fifty or Bared, but toward the ending is where I feel that the author really starts give this story a life of its own and break away from the Fifty/Bared feel. I do like how Nikki has a dark past and still has issues dealing but she is pretty much an open book from the beginning, but Damien... now he has some deep seeded secrets that just start to reveal themselves at the end, making a nice opening for book 2, Claim Me. I did it enjoy it though and I would recommend this book to anyone, whether they have or have not read Fifty or Bared, simply because I do think that this series is going to go in a different direction and I for one am already hooked and HAVE to know Damien's secrets!
    • 2/5
      This book is really a 1.5, but I decided to be nice and give it 2 stars. Damien is controlling, Nikki is.. *sigh*, Ollie is a cheating douchebag who should get his own shit together and stop cheating on his fiance before he tries to start giving Nikki romantic advice, and Jamie is kind of skaggy.
    • 4/5
      As usual I was hesitant because this book was advertised for people that loved FSoG. But since it way always advertised for Fans of Bared to You, I had a 50:50 chance of enjoying it and that’s what happened.

      With the abundance of sexy billionaire books that don’t know the word “no”, it’s not always easy to find unique books. Release Me made the topic its own with different, believable and quirky characters and an interesting plot. For me there’s no need to compare it to either of the other two billionaire books.

      The writing was vivid, as well as fluid and I had no troubles picturing anything the author told us. The chemistry between Nikki and Damien was easy to spot and I thoroughly enjoyed their dialogues and interactions. Some scenes between them are seriously steamy and fans of hot sex scenes won’t be disappointed. I just couldn’t help it but love their dynamic.

      I like the way Nikki is portrayed. She has a hard past despite which she doesn’t come off as weak. She wasn’t your typical virgin sacrifice but a strong, independent woman in her own right. She stands up for herself and tries to overcome what happened to her – she fights and that’s what counts for me.

      ”A fiery woman who says “yes” on her own terms.”
      Damien comes across as intense and extremely confident, but his past bears demons as well. I found it interesting that the author gave him a physical attribute that should take away from his perfectness but it definitely didn’t, it only enforced his appearance in my imagination.

      The plot focuses on their relationship, you won’t find any major twists that will shock you to no end and I hope that will change a bit in the second installment. While I enjoyed reading about Nikki and Damien’s relationship, I’d also like a little more.

      One more thing, while Damien certainly has a dominant and kinky side to him, he’s not a Dom but that definitely didn’t take away from the steamy for me – it was still hot.

      So with that 4 solid stars and I’m looking forward to get my hands on the next installment.
    • 3/5
      I received a copy of Release Me courtesy of NetGalley and the publisherNikki is new to LA, and one of her first assignments of her new job is to snag Damien Stark's interest in helping fund her company's new product. Although Nikki had a brief encounter with Damien 6 yrs ago, she's sure he doesn't remember her, but oh does she remember him. How could she not?! She describes him as a Roman God, and the images popping thru my head were along the lines of the same men I pictured as Christian Grey! Yowza! Lucky for Nikki, Mr Stark is very interested, at least in her. The two explore their passion, as well as open up to each other with some of their deep, dark, buried secrets. Release Me has been compared to Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You, and for good reason! I was a little hesitant to start this trilogy, because I wasn't sure I wanted to read another copy cat book, with just the characters names changed. And although there are similarities between the books, Release Me holds its own! I want to find out Damien's big bad secret (although I'm pretty sure I know what some of it is) and see where Nikki and Damien grow. When we leave Release Me, the two are enjoying the carnal attentions of the other, but a new threat looms just as the closing music cues. (yes, I sometimes get closing music in my head when I know I'm at the end of a book. Blame the audio books for that one) I can't wait to read the next book!
    • 4/5
      ABOUT THE BOOK:For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes 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.Release Me is an erotic romance intended for mature audiences.REVIEW: This was my first book by J. Kenner and it definitely won’t be my last. I am bound by my honesty to people following my reviews, so I’m going to give it to you straight.I was a bit leery heading into this seeing as it has had so much comparison to 50 Shades. It’s not like I didn’t like 50 Shades, cause I did – to a point, but more so because there seem to be a LOT of books coming out right now all claiming the same thing. This book is very similar to all those books; however, it is written very nicely and much, much better than the original.That being said I took off a star as there seemed to be a few things missing from the character development in the story, but I’m hoping all of it will come back in book 2, as the ending simply gives that fact away. At least I hope so…too many ties are left undone at the end.The romance and erotic scenes between these two were very hot and I love how Damien has been able to break down the self-conscious tendencies she seems to have from the beginning of the story. I would love to see more depth of the characters instead of so much sex, but still it was all very well written and did keep me on the edge of my seat, much like Hurricane Sandy did.I give it four out of five stars for a job well done and look forward to adding J. Kenner to my stalking pile.