Review: RELEASE ME by J. Kenner

RELEASE ME
(Stark Trilogy #1)
by: J. Kenner
Published: January 1, 2013
Publisher: Bantam

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:

Wow, this book is really like FIFTY SHADES meets THE CROSSFIRE series. It's like a happy medium in that there's not as much domination and submission and it's not quite as dark as CROSSFIRE. RELEASE ME definitely holds its own in the world of erotic romance, and the relationship between Damien (oh so hot Damien) and Nikki is certainly an intense one with plenty of secrets, pain, and insecurity to keep the reader entranced. The damage that both of these characters have experienced is pretty raw and in many ways makes them a perfect and natural fit. Personally, I think it's a healthier match than either Christian and Ana or Gideon and Eva. 

While some elements of the story are what one might consider typical, (wealthy self-made man, badly damaged and insecure woman, deep dark secrets that could tear them apart) I found that it was a believable story that I really invested in emotionally. I could relate to Nikki and her fears and even understand her motives, which really made me like her. She's not a weak character although she doesn't believe that at times. 

Now, I do not usually quote from books; however, I am making an exception for this one with my favorite Damien quote.

"This isn't just heat, it's a goddamned conflagration. Not chemistry, but nuclear fission." (RELEASE ME pg. 112)

I think that sums up the relationship between Damien and Nikki pretty well. It's pretty damn intense and sexy. Very, very sexy. If you enjoyed FIFTY SHADES by EL James or BARED TO YOU by Sylvia Day, I strongly recommend RELEASE ME. I mean, Damien Stark can tie me up with red silk any day!

Buy Release Me 

Random House
Amazon (print)
Amazon (kindle)
Amazon United Kingdom
Barnes and Noble (print or Nook)
Books-A-Million
Kobo
iBooks
Indie Bound

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THE SPACE BETWEEN by Kristie Cook: BLOG TOUR + GIVEAWAY

Bestselling author Kristie Cook, with over 200,000 books sold, brings you another New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix

*****

When Life Falls to Pieces, Answers Lie in the Space Between

After a month-long dance tour through Italy, 20-year-old Leni Drago returns to Georgia to care for her great-uncle, only to find him gone, the home they shared empty and any evidence he ever existed wiped out. All that’s left is a journal she can’t open.

Jeric Winters has been searching for a piece of his past for over a year, only to reach a dead-end in Georgia. When an urgent and magnetic pull draws him out of his hotel room, he comes face-to-face with the beautiful dancer who’s been haunting his dreams day and night.

Jeric’s one to stay away from—a bad-boy, hit-it-and-quit-it type—but Leni can’t escape the fervent feelings between them. As their own existences begin to crumble around them and shadowy forms that are more monsters than men attack, they realize there’s more to the connection between them than physical fascination.

To solve the riddle their lives have become, they must embark on a journey that requires them to face their pasts and release their true souls. And they must do it fast—dark ones from another world are closing in, intent on killing them. Permanently.

**Mature Content** Recommended for ages 17+ due to sexual situations and language.

*****

REVIEW:

Kristie Cook has always been wildly and amazingly creative, and The Space Between is no different! She's taken the classic idea of soul mates and added her fantastic spin that takes the connection to a whole new level. It's a love story on steroids with a supernatural foundation, and I loved every second of it.

The book alternates between the POV of two couples separated by over two decades. The characters are so real and each one has his or her own flaws which plays a pivotal role in the story and the characters' history. Kristie did an amazing job making these characters and the events believable which I sometimes find is difficult within the supernatural/paranormal genres.

This isn't one of those books that I read and felt like, "hmmm, haven't I read something like this before." Not at all! The story was so fresh and new, and I absolutely cannot wait to find out what happens next!

*****

PRAISE FOR THE SPACE BETWEEN

“A completely unique story with a paranormal twist . . . the perfect blend of romance and mystery with a phenomenal plot that will keep you guessing.” ~ Jessica, Confessions of a Bookaholic

“I loved this book! The characters, the romance, the plot, the originality! It had everything to make it an amazing book!” ~ Kendall, Book Crazy

“This is a completely new twist on the idea of a timeless love story with a paranormal twist unlike any other. The connection between the two characters is bone deep and resonates beautifully. I will never forget this novel.” ~ Heather McCorkle, Author of the fantasy Channeler series

“Kristie has done it again! Her Soul Savers series is my favorite by far and yet The Space Between is easily the best book she’s ever written! It's dangerous, suspenseful, and smokin’ hot.” ~ Marissa, Comfortably Read Book Reviews

“The Space Between is an amazing story of life, love and fates. Author Kristie Cook has you hanging on the edge of every page. This book stays in your head well after the last page.” ~ Mindy, Forbidden Reviews

About Kristie Cook:

Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/contemporary fantasy, with the first four books, Promise, Purpose, Devotion and Power available now and the next book coming in June 2013. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, currently available. Over 200,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with Promise peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category.

The Space Between kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix.

Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three teenage sons, a beagle and a puggle. She can be found at:

Author's Website & Blog: http://www.KristieCook.com

UK Fan Site: http://www.kristiecookfansite.co.uk

The Book of Phoenix Website: http://www.TheBookofPhoenix.com

Soul Savers Series Website: http://www.SoulSaversSeries.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorKristieCook

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kristiecookauth

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Blog Tour: BELONG TO YOU by Vi Keeland

Name of Book – Belong to You

Author: Vi Keeland
Publish Date – 4/4/13

Sold on – Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ibook, Smashwords, Kobo and Sony.

**Warning: This is an adult read and contains explicit language and sexual scenes that are not suitable for everyone. Recommended for 18+.

Summary  

My honeymoon was almost everything I dreamed it would be, a tropical paradise, turquoise water, romantic walks on the beach, and loads and loads of mind shattering sex. The only thing missing was the groom.

After seven years of coasting through a relationship with Michael, my senses were numb. A week of passion with a stranger was just what I needed to clear my head and take back control of my life. But how do you move on when the man that was only supposed to be a fling somehow seeps into your soul and steals your heart?

******

REVIEW:
Well, I seem to be on a roll lately! I'm definitely adding BELONG TO YOU to my top favorite books list! I fell in love with this book the moment I started reading it and finished it in less than 24 hours, much to my husbands annoyance I believe. I mean, there was just something about a woman being on her "honeymoon" with her best girl friend and of course, there being a completely mouthwatering stranger with heart-stopping green eyes. 

COM. PLETE. LY. MOUTH. WATERING! *giggles* As you all know, I'm a sucker for a hot, domineering fictional man and Jack fits that to a T! His character was just so endearing and well developed and he just stole my heart right along with Syd's. This is an amazing love story, with great characters and some HOT sex.

BELONG TO YOU ends on a major cliffhanger, and I am so psyched to find out what happens in the next book. I have absolutely NO IDEA how I am going to wait for it! I'm in definitely need of  more Jack and Syd. Go pick this one up ASAP!

******

Links

Goodreads giveaway

Author on facebook

Author website

Author Bio from goodreads:

I was born and raised in New York. I've been told I have a New York accent, on more than one occasion. It is pronounced cawfee, not coffee, right? But of course, being a true New Yawka, I believe everyone else has the accent.

I am one of six children, and come from a family of "steps, halves, ours, theirs and his" children. Even though the oldest of the six is only 48, we have given my incredible mom 17 grandchildren. I have three children, two girls and a boy. My son is the oldest and is a godsend. The girls, well, they are tweens and make me drink too much wine on occasion.

I am an attorney by day, and a romance author by night! I published my first book in 2013, First Thing I See and was thrilled at the overwhelming success! My next book, Belong to You, is due out April 4, 2013, and I have the hots for the man on the cover.

I consider myself a romance author, but my books definitely have steam in them, so I guess I am technically a romance-erotica author. I am also a HUGE reader and love Sylvia Day, Kristen Ashely, and EL James.