Thursday, May 16, 2013

Review: Claim Me by J. Kenner




Claim Me By J. Kenner
Contemporary Romance, Erotica
Stark Trilogy #2



I had some serious issues with the first book in this series, Release Me, primarily that it was tough to distinguish it from the Fifty Shades and Crossfire series. And, when I read it, there was no mention that it was part of a trilogy…very frustrating when you reach the end of a book and it doesn’t end. Lastly, the erotic elements of that story weren’t all that inventive.
Because of the incomplete ending, I was committed to giving the series at least one more book for redemption and it was a really good decision. It didn’t take long for the story to start moving down its own path, creating an identity all its own. 
 
It starts where the last story ended, with Nikki continuing her arrangement with Damien, although by this time, the two of them are completely aware of the depth of their emotional connection. As much as Dom Damien makes claim on Nikki, she’s got just as much of a command of him. He’s still not opening up as fully with her as she’s been with him, but Damien makes it absolutely clear about what holds him back and what he’s doing to overcome it. I liked that there was balance in the relationship, both putting themselves at risk.

The storyline wasn’t predictable, meandering down its original path building intrigue and introducing new characters in the mix that begin to explain the enigma called Damien. Not everyone who’s supposedly close to these two is necessarily committed to their well being, which kept me engaged. I loved that I wasn’t certain where the clues would lead and the climax was startling but made sense, as much as it can without more details. The ending left me in a really good place and I’m excited to get to the final chapter.

Oh, and if the sexual encounters in the first story felt ho-hum or redundant, Kenner turned the heat up and created an inferno in this one. I will NEVER be able to look at or think of chocolate fondue the same way again. Damien didn’t lack creativity here and it was….you’re just going to have to read it for yourself.

Bravo for a really good turnaround in this series! I liked the story, the developing Damien, the bright, intelligent and interesting Nikki and loved their intimate moments that challenged my imagination. It’s worth the time. You won’t be bored and, if you’re like me, you just might learn something.








(I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review)

7 comments:

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    1. I'm really glad this book was a game changer for me.

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  2. I've had my share of disappointments with this trend, I'm glad you found this a lot better than the first, I was looking at it and almost got it, maybe eventually I will give the trilogy a shot. I do have to mention tho. I was quite surprised by, If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones, and the second book is really, really good _ Again, same case with that one too, it ended in the middle of scene..LOL...Must be part of a trend...Not a good one I might add.
    Thanks! Great review.

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  3. great review. I share a lot of the same feelings you did w/ book one. It's good to know that book 2 takes its own turns. I'll have to add it to the tbr :) Book Savvy Babe

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    1. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised! I know I was.

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