Book Review Tuesday...Claim Me- Stark Trilogy #2 by J Kenner

Let's get a little steamy, a plot is thickening as the blood starts to boil.

Are you ready to jump into a budding romance that will make your toes curl?

This is the 2nd Tuesday that we are unveiling a Book Review and since I started this day with a trilogy, it seemed fitting to discuss book #2 of the Stark Trilogy Series by J Kenner. 

As I previously stated, the first book, Release Me, was a little hard to get into.  I really felt like I was reading so many of the other books out there, but, once I was able to dive in, I was hooked.  I finished the first book and with stealth, moved right onto the next book, Claim Me. 

This book is well written. I really was able to connect even further with the characters, Damien Stark and Nikki Fairchild.  It was like watching their relationship unfold further and further and getting inside of Damien's head. 

Quick Question: Is Damien a Good Guy or a Bad Guy in your opinion? 

I bring this up because at book #1, I was getting a weird vibe.  I wasn't sure if he was a cheater, if this was just a "game" to him or if he was dark and dangerous, like so many other millionaire sex machines out there. 

Book #2 was watching Damien evolve almost.  He was proving to be sincere, the love was sweating off of his persona and it was like you could feel his emotions, even though he wasn't speaking words. 

My opinion (and given, I have NOT started Book #3 yet- just for this reason) is that Damien is a good guy.  He is like a saviour in a lot of ways, always giving and helping. I know there is a twist and I am totally NOT trying to spoil it for those who are just getting to book #2 (you will have a disclaimer for next week and book #3 though!) but events are happening that are leaving me on the edge of my seat and wondering questions like 'really?' 'could it be?' and other little things are going on that are just placed in such a way that I have to keep reading!

Book Synopsis

For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You comes the second novel in the erotic, fast-paced trilogy that started with Release Me. This sexy, emotionally charged romance continues the story of Damien Stark, the powerful multimillionaire who’s never had to take “no” for an answer, and Nikki Fairchild, the Southern belle who only says “yes” on her own terms.

For Damien, our obsession is a game. For me, it is fiercely, blindingly, real.
 
Damien Stark’s need is palpable—his need for pleasure, his need for control, his need for me. Beautiful and brilliant yet tortured at his core, he is in every way my match.

I have agreed to be his alone, and now I want him to be fully mine. I want us to possess each other beyond the sweetest edge of our ecstasy, into the deepest desires of our souls. To let the fire that burns between us consume us both.

But there are dark places within Damien that not even our wildest passion can touch. I yearn to know his secrets, yearn for him to surrender to me as I have surrendered to him. But our troubled pasts will either bind us close . . . or shatter us completely.

  [from Random House Books]

What others are saying about this book: 

I love this series!,

April 23, 2013

By 

LuciaCalwen

This review is from: Claim Me: Book 2: Stark Trilogy (Kindle Edition)

Sexy billionaires have never been my most favourite topic (shocking, right?) but Nikki and Damien grew on me in Release Me and I fell in love with them even more in this book. Nikki and Damien are hunted by ghosts of the past while facing the pressure of society and paparazzi in the present. But the beauty of this book is the fact that besides their problems, Damien and Nikki found peace and solace in each others arms. But besides serious issues, readers will get plenty of steamy ones too.

Story pics up exactly where first book ended. Things between Nikki and Damien look pretty good right now, but Nikki is worried that while Damien desires her and her body, he does not need her as much as she needs him in her life. Also, in previous book we learnt that Damien has his secrets. In this book he finally opens up and gradually reveals them all. Moreover, I really love how possesive and passionate Damien is in this book. Also, he is able to admit his mistake and be reasonable. And THAT is very sexy combination... If you did not fall for him in previous book, you will fall for him in this book for sure.

Writing in this book has a poetic feeling. As well as the story itself, writing was sensual, tantalizing and very enjoyable. Storyline flows easily and I really liked this intelligent-like style of writing. The relationship between Nikki and Damien is extremely sexual. But I found refreshing the fact that they do not use sex as a make-up tool, the act of making love helps them to overcome problems from outside and it helps them to feel grounded and safe.

Story may have been a little bit slow paced at the beginning but I never mind. I got to love main couple so much that I just simply enjoyed their sensual and emotional journey in this book to the bits. Cannot wait for final instalment in this series and see how things are going to develop for Nikki and Damien!

 [book review from Amazon.com]

5.0 out of 5 stars MOVE OVER GIDEON AND EVA!!!, April 24, 2013

By 

D. Nekarda "dd87" (NY.N.Y.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Claim Me: A Stark Trilogy Novel (The Stark Trilogy) (Kindle Edition)

OMG!I didn't think there were books that could rival Christian & Anastasia, Gideon & Eva, but the Stark Trilogy just rocks!
Kudos to J Kenner for these rapturous chapters. Each page in both Release Me & Claim Me held me captive from the beginning, I couldn't put these books down. Read both in a 24hr period.
The chemistry between Damien & Nikki ignites the soul from the beginning, and you can't help but get caught up in them. The other characters are equally as entertaining and lend a great supporting cast to Daimien and Nikki.
July can't get here soon enough with Complete Me, I can wait for this last book to come out.

 

  [book review from Amazon.com] 

If you get the opportunity to read this series, give it a try.  I know the first book will be tough to get through at first, but once your in, it is HARD to put it down!

I am onto book #3- Complete Me!  Check in next week to see my review and others.  Be note that it will BE a SPOILER alert!

 

Until then...

~KEL~

 

Marriage Monday...Marriage is not for ME...

Marriage is not for ME!

Now, before you get your panties in a bunch, or run off and tell my Hubby (which I have discussed this topic with him) - there is a point to this topic.  

Hubby and I were watching a tv show and the kid said he was terrified to get married. I turned to my Hubby and said, "We're you scared to get married?" His reply was a shocking, "Hell Yes!" I must've looked at him funny.  It wasn't like we had just met. We had been together five, long, drawn out years.  We had even already purchased a home together. I really didn't know.

Then he went on to tell me that all the stories that you hear, horrific stories about marriage and having a Wife, it doesn't exactly scream, "Hey, I want that, Let's jump into that."  And to tell you the truth, from a guy's perspective, I can totally see that. It makes sense. 

So, thinking about marriage and the fears that guys have, I think it might be a frame of mind.  As a Guy, (and this can totally apply to a Gale too) - are you getting married for You? 

If you said Yes, you are thinking about Marriage ALL wrong.  Marriage is not about you. Marriage is not about ME.  This is something that has literally taken me six years to unearth.  I walked down the isle, proud, happy and exicited. I had not a clue what marriage really meant, just that I was going to be with this Guy for the rest of my life. I expressed my fears to him, sure.  Marriage is a sacred thing to me, I come from two people, who are still married, whether they should be or not, and although their marraige works, it has also helped me see what I did not want in my own marriage. I had lived with my Hubby, and knew that our marriage would be different and I wanted that for the rest of my life. 

Do you see all the I's in that statement? 

I was young and naive.  To think about marriage now, and all the reasons TO get married, I think you need to think about it like this: 

Marriage is really simple.  You don't marry for your own happiness, you marry to make someone else  happy. This Marriage is not for ME, I  married for my Family. I didn't marry my Hubby for the sake of having in-laws or relatives, but instead for our children that we would make together. I married because of the Dad I saw him to be, help with raising them, with making an impact in their lives.  Therefore, I can say that Marriage is not for me. It is not even about me. It is, however, about my Hubby, being that he is the person that I chose and vice-verse. 

I know that this is a strange way to think about this subject, but putting into my own perspective, I married for L O V E yes, for the bond that we create, totally, but I also married because I felt something in my heart, I looked at this Man, who asked me, choose me, to be his Wife and I could see our children that we would one day have, I could see our life and how at the end of each day, I live for him and he for me. (Of course, now, there are 2 other little bodies that we also live for.)

I also think that it is important to say that a true marriage and true love is never about you, it is instead about the person that you love. You job, to understand their wants, needs, hopes and dreams. Your job is to find out what you can give, how you can help and without selfishness.

Today, I can look back and realize that Marriage is about Family.

Yes, it really is that simple. I love my Hubby, I will do anything to make him smile, to brighten his day and to ease his life in any way that I can muster. To me, he is my family. Our children are what we created as a family. It was done out of love and selflessness. Nothing more. 

So I can say that Marriage is not for ME. It is for others. 

[Our wedding day, 11/11/2006]

Say WHATTT?? - - its Sunday..

Say WHATTT??

I can't believe its already Sunday...

Why do the weekends go so fast for me? Do they for you? I feel like it takes so darn long to get to Friday.  Saturday ends up being a blurrr and then BAM it is Sunday late afternoon and time to get shit* ready to start a new week. 

I think particular weekend has been very fast, due to the SICK bug invading our house right now. We had a trip to the Doctor's on Thursday, which resulted in an Antibiotic and a very sick, lethargic five yo. She has really been calm, but yesterday, she must've been feeling a little better and was a little more active and apparently, her listening ears are BROKEN due to this infection. 

This morning, she must've been feeling really good because she has been in trouble almost ALL day!  So far she has lost all her frozen stuff, her baby dolls stuff and just recently her American girl Baby Doll.  She is so exhausted, I think, that she cryed herself to sleep. I have NO IDEA why she is being a devil child today but when I asked her many times what the heck was going on, all she tells me is that she wants to do what she wants... Really.. I swear, if I am having these kinds of conflicts at age 5- can  you image what the heck I will be dealing with at 16- lord help me!

Last night my 2 yo didn't want to stay in bed, she was god awful tired! Then, finally, around 9:30p she snuggled back in, for the tenth time, and started coughing, the same dang cough that her sister currently has- SAY WHATTT??

[pinned image]

I was trying SO hard for her not to get sick, (Lysol, you are my best friend and if you need an endorsement, right here- HOLLA!) but I think it was inevitable.  She plays with my 5yo's toys, snuggles in her bed, and is around her, no  matter how hard we try to keep them at a distance. 

Now, I have a cranky, just took a nap but still going to cry my heart out because I want my Mommy (even though I am RIGHT here!) kid and all I am asking for is a prayer! Please sickness, go away. 

Having sick kids is for the B I R D S. I can't take all this crying and coughing- it is just heartbreaking.  I don't think that little ones, under the age of, say 10, should be able to be sick- it is just rotten!

[Pinned image]

So, for my SAY WHATTT Sunday, I just want to see how many of you out there are dealing with sickness right now- of yourself or your kiddos?  Are you dancing in the realm of insanity within your house? The words I so hate are, "Mom, I getting sick from my Sissy."  - quoted from a 2 yo.

 WAHHH.. I want to cry now too- join in on my pity party!!!

Praying this is the end of all these darn germs- LYSOL take them all - ALL away, PLEASE! (I beg!)

Until Tomorrow...

~Kel~

P.S. Quick Tip-  If you kiddo has a sore throat, give them some marshmallows.  They were first developed to cure a sore throat, and yes, as an Adult, it really does work! Give it a try...

P.S.S. Quick Tip-  If your kiddo has a cough, that is keeping everyone up at night- Rub Vicks Vapor Rub on your kiddos feet and it will help them get a better nights rest without coughing. We rub this on as soon as we see a runny nose and really does work its magic. We have really pasted the could and flu season with our little one, until this last bout and I was not putting the Vicks on her feet during this- that'll teach me- right!

[pinned image]

Fuming Friday....What do you do with a B A D Friday?

Its Friday... I should be jumping up and down, screaming, happy as can be, right? Instead, I am fuming. I am depressed.  I am on the verge of tears. 

[pinned image]

Today has been less than what I expected. Work is the culprit. Darn you, Work.  I was supposed to leave on a happy note. It was jeans week after all. Instead, I get this cryptic email from my boss, with a little too much sassy pants and an underlined note that has me less than thrilled. I am just trying to go my job to the best of my ability and it is ridiculous that she is going to question my motives, like I did something wrong.  She wasn't the first today though, it started from a Supervisor under her demanding my emails ensuring that I sent documentation where it needed to be due to having been a second request and still not showing in the imaging software. Really! It is just frustrating as all get out. 

Then there is the constant reminders that my head is on the chopping block from, everyone, in the office. Makes me feel wonderful, let me tell you.  I wish if they were going to fire me, they would get on with it already. I am tired of giving them 150% to feel so unappreciated each and every day. 

It sucks because moral is terrible. Communication is even worse. I am so busy and strapped to my desk each day that I don't even have time to figure out a way to boost either within the department. The funny thing is, I have been boasting about the demands of the job and the exceedingly endless workload and it falls upon deaf ears. 

Yesterday I had to leave early, due to having a sick kid, and I get a song and dance act from the boss. I never take time off, especially for my kid, but with a temp at 102*, I am a Mom in that instant, first! That put a sour taste in my mouth. It wasn't even like I was taking off, leaving all my work, I completed all my work and used time that I have earned after five long years of employment. 

Oh well. I need to "let it go" and move on. Just very bothered. 

[pinned image]

Then, to top it all off, my sick kid, who I took to the doctor's yesterday morning, was prescribed an antibiotic, is still under the weather, with a temp sticking at 100*. As a Mom, I am so bothered, stressed and miserable by this fact. That is my baby, after all. 

[picture from website]

On the way home from a day with her Papa, all she wanted (and has for three days  now) is McDonald's. So, of course, this Mom stopped! I even picked something up for Hubby. We got home, the girls ate (and did a fine job indeed!) and I woke Hubby up. I went back downstairs, he sat up after all, and noticed our Sick Kid's antibiotic sitting on the counter.  Said Antibiotic was to be refrigerated, from which Hubby got it from in the first place. I had specific instructions from the pharmacist about this! Needless to say, last straw for my temper and I yelled! 

Who comes down but Hubby- asking what my problem was, I tell him (as I am dialing the Pharmacy) that he left the antibiotic out of the fridge and my tone was not nice at all.  He stomps back up the stairs and slams our bedroom door. 

I eat by myself. (a fact that has me pissed because I always eat by myself!) 

Finally, it is time for him to leave, and I have NOT seen him at all, nor have our children. He says nothing to me. He says his goodbyes to the girls, tell me he has to leave, to have a good night and gives me a peck. I was moping! Jerk.  Sorry, but I had a bad day and then he completely ignores me, doesn't even have a minute for me or asks me what is going on. Burns my britches is what it does. And I had to give the stinky dog a dang bath.. grrr..

Now, my kid if really feeling bad. I got her tucked into bed but her coughing is keeping her up. Darn you sickness- go away and take this god forsaken snow with you!  My little one is up and Adam and so tired that I think she missed her mark for sleep!  It is going to be a LONG night. 

[image from website]

I need UV's.. I have had enough. The saddest thing is that I completed my first copy write project today and its DAMN good- if i may say so myself! I am so over the moon, proud of myself! I can/will do this and I will be great at it!

[PINNED IMAGE]

Now, to cure my stress... I know a good stress reliever, but I don't know if Hubby will be on board since he is so stressed out himself and not letting me in to work as a team. I hate feeling so alone in the world and so disconnected. It really affects me in a negative way. 

[pinned image]

Solution: WORK AT HOME- God, our lives would be so much better. It would benefit myself and him in so many ways and help our relationship at the same time. I think it is more than the right time to make this happen. 

I know God has put this opportunity in my lap and keeps me nestled in the right direction. I just keep staying dedicated and putting my best foot forward to learn the materials and strive to do my best! I have to do this, for my family and for me. 

[pinned image - THIS IS ME!]

 

 

 Now, I MUST unwind.  Let out my steam and move on with the rest of my evening. Chocolate and my DVR are happening!  

Until Tommorrow, for Tomorrow is another day..



Kel~

Throwback...Thursday... --going way back to 2003...

2013- in my eyes...

Take yourself a step back in time.. The year is 2003... what where you doing and why?  How were you doing it and why is it so significant that when you think of the year, it takes you back there?

 

The year is 2013, I am 23 years old.  (you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out) I am attending the University in my area Full time, in my last semester, Ever!

I am panicking a little, trying to make sure I have all my ducks in a row.  I went shopping with my Mom to find my graduation dress.  It is red, goes to my knees with a little ruffle hem and a floral pattern all around. 

I know the date is: May 10th and it is Graduation Day! and I am nervous!  I am all dressed, ready to go.  I am waiting on my family to arrive, before we head to the ceremony. I really did NOT want to walk, but my Grandpa, who has terminal lung cancer, is here and wants to see me do this.  This is important to him, so therefore, it is important to me. 

My Boyfriend is here also.  (Yes, this is my Hubby today) and we all head to the ceremony, he drives me and him, while my family follows. My gown is on, my cap is in my lap.  Reality is my worst enemy, as I am getting more and more nervous, the closer we get. 

At last, we arrive.

Ready or not, I, somehow, find my place. (These moments are kind of a blur)

I see a few people that I have met along my journey. I line up, nerves full blown. I sit and wait. Trying to not fall asleep. I am surrounded by strangers.  At last, my name is called.  I walk acrossed the stage, smiling, not tripping, remembering to grab with this hand, shake with the other.  

I did it!

[below: Graduation Day- 2003  - Me getting a Citizen Watch! What time is it?]

Wacky...Wednesday. Wait, did somebody say...H U M P Day.....

Wacky Wednesday - - -  2/19/2014

*Please note that I have a visitor today... a Curious, Can't keep her hands off everything on my Desk- 2 1/2 Year Old. 

 I wanted to have a little fun today, since it is Wednesday and a pretty wacky one at that!

I get a phone call first thing this morning that my Hubby got stuck on his way taking our kids to my Parents house for the day.  There were some issues on his commute and he cut down a side street and the snow proved to be, yet another, obstacle!

He, obviously, wasn't having a great day...

Our weather is rather crazy too!  It actually got up to 41* today- which is a huge difference from the sub-zero crap that we have been dealing with!  Let the great THAW begin!

So, I came acrossed some random facts that YOU might not know.. bet you wanna though, don't ya!  Well, lets check it out... Ready...

#1 )  Did you know that if you mix up a Captain and Diet Coke you will get more Drunk, than with that regular Coke?
#2) If you love chocolate, yes, me!  If you eat that Chocolate Cake you love...for Breakfast, you will lose weight.  - crazy huh!

[is your mind blown yet? Were just getting started!]

#3)  Have hiccups?  If you have an Orgasm, Hiccups are instantly cured!  (right on!)
#4)  Eating Pizza once a week helps to reduce your risk of esophageal cancer.
#5)  The average male will ejaculate about 7,200 times during his life. (Glad I am glad I am a girl)
#6)  If you are in total darkness for more than 3 days, you can become permanently blind.
#7)  Approximately 80% of a child's intelligence is acquired from the Mother.
#8)  Glycoprotein and selenium is found in human semen which helps reduce breast cancer in women by almost 50%.
#9)  Keeping cats can increase chances of developing mental illnesses and cause suicidal behavior in women.
and, finally,
#10)  The Bible is the MOST shoplifted book of all time.

I know, I know, you are all speechless, right!  I was really trying to keep my inappropriate comments to myself but some of that is interesting, right!  I mean, who knew Sperm could help reduce breast cancer.  I am tucking that little tidbit away, and thanking God I have a Hubby.  I love pizza, and it benefits me too, win-win!

 I have come to find out that I love the randomness of Wednesdays, and getting my Blog organized- took me long enough, right!

On a random rant, I also am dealing with a sick five year old.  She has had this terrible cough for a few days, yesterday it was hurting her chest and today it is still the same but she is also feverish.  She had a fever this morning, then nothing.  Tonight she had another fever, 102*, then back down to 100*.  On top of it all, she won't eat and is whiny as all get out.  She has been resting all day and even wanted to go to bed at 6:30 p.m.   A record for her- and yes, I am recording this on the blog- hopefully you read this one of these days, Ms. Five YO- this is crazy.  I feel so bad and she has a doctor's appointment tomorrow that her Dad is taking her too.  I just hope she gets better.  Breaks my heart.

Ok, off of my randomness that no-one cares about!  (Hey, I am writing this blog to be able to show my kids one of these day... maybe.. :)

Well, that is all for tonight..  Happy Wacky Wednesday, or as Ms. Five Year Old says....

[pinned image]

Book Review Tuesday....

Book Review Tuesday

Book Title:   Release Me by J. Kenner  (Stark Trilogy)

Ok, this is where my Hubby is like, "What ya reading?"  and I'm like.. "A Book."  He instantly knows it's Christian Gray -like.  His term is, "Another Smut Book."  Which I usually laugh, because these books benefit him too.  Then I get the lecture about Magazines vs. Books and my argument is- PICTURES, hello!  His argument is, no faces, just actions. RIGHT... Men..  

Anyways, I loved Christian Gray.  I loved ...loved... loved Gideon Cross. (He was my fav in Sylvia Day's Crossfire Series)  and my Friend told me about the Stark Trilogy- which she said was her fav.  So I dived in, months ago!  I just picked it back up (because reading IS important) and finished the entire book in 2 days. (kind of slow for me)  It was good.  It was a little played out with the other trilogies and all, but I dove into book 2- so something new is there.  I really like the Characters.  I like the story line- although I do find some things where I am like- Ok, not really reality.  I mean, geez how many Millionaire Hotties are there in this world? But all in all, it was a hook, line and sinker. 

Characters:  You have Damian Stark -Mr. Hottie Millionaire.  He is broken.  Then you have Nikki, ex-pageant beauty with cutting issues and a bunch of skeletons from her past.  They come together and reading their story unfold is a little far-fetched at times, but all in all, it works. 

By NO means is this a Favorite.  As I mentioned above, Gideon and Eva are my favorite characters of them all.  The story is compelling and I literally read all three books in one weekend.  
Fifty Shades was much of the same.  I really connected to the story line. I would actually say that I loved the story more than the sex and that would be honest.  The story was amazing and how it all came together was brilliant. 
This series, not so much the same.  There is a lot of sex, which I don't mind, but the story is not moving as fast as the other two series.  I don't want to knock it to bad because in all fairness, if I hadn't read exhibit A and B before this, it probably would have been good.  But, by comparison, it just isn't creating any new ideas in my head. 

I am reading book 2- hope to have that completed by next Tuesday, to share my thoughts.  Book one was kind of drawn out, but book 2 does seem to be moving a bit faster!

More details to come..