Hi, book buddies :-) How is life going? I hope it's moderately good, and that new releases are giving you some much needed boost ;-) Just like PLEASE ME, which is a good title if you ask me :-D
From New York Times Bestselling author J. Kenner comes PLEASE ME,
a new novella in her Stark Ever After Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights!
MY OPINION
It's good to be back in the arms of Damien Stark.
Domestic bliss is a rose never without its sharp thorns when it comes to Nikki and Damien. I loved reading her perspective as she counts her blessings in family life, work and her hot, devoted husband. I envied her even! :-)
Adding a bit of an edge, there is a shadow that's creeping over her happiness. She tries to persuade her preoccupied husband to confide in her, but something is preventing it. It was so easy to be consumed by this couple’s life. I enjoyed their deep connection, their escapade, their unstoppable sensuality. Then, wow, a mindblowing bomb puts their bond to the test. It seemed impossible to survive it, yet the author manages to shake their trust and reinforce it at the same time with a good plot twist and some very beautiful words.
I'm really satisfied with this novella. It adds yet another layer to this thoroughly crafted world of Damien and his soulmate Nikki.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner comes a new story in her Stark Ever After series…
Each day with Damien is a miracle, each moment with our children a gift. And yet I cannot escape the growing sense that a storm is gathering, threatening to pull me away, to rip us apart. To drag me down, once again, into a darkness to which I swore never to return.
I have to fight it—I know that. And I am waging the battle with of all my heart. But it is Damien who is my strength, and we both know that the only way to push away the darkness is for him to fold me in his arms and claim me completely. And for me to surrender myself, once again, to the fire that burns between us.
ENJOY AN EXCERPT:
I’ve just popped a cube of Wisconsin Cheddar into my mouth when my phone chimes, signaling a call from Damien. “Hey,” I say through a mouthful of cheese. “Are you in the car?”
“Actually, I’m stuck here. It’s been one of those days.”
“Oh.” Disappointment crashes over me, along with the fear that my plans for a long weekend are going to be swept away in a flood of work crises. I draw in a breath and catch Jamie’s eye, her expression sympathetic. “Well, Jamie’s here. She can watch the kids, and I could come stay the night at the Tower Apartment.” Stark International is based in Stark Tower, one of LA’s downtown high rises. Damien’s private office takes up half the top floor, and his—now our—private apartment takes up the other half of the space.
“That’s tempting, but no. I need…”
As he trails off, that knot of worry in my stomach starts to tighten. “What?” I whisper, hoping that now, finally, he’ll tell me what’s the matter.
“I need to deal with this.”
“Damien, please—”
“I’ll be home as soon as I can. I promise. I love you. Kiss the girls for me. And I’ll see you later tonight.”
I hesitate, waiting to hear those familiar words: Until then, imagine me, touching you. But there’s only silence, and I swallow rising tears. “I love you, too. Do you want to talk to La—” I begin, but he’s already clicked off.
I draw a breath and stare at my phone before lifting my head and meeting Jamie’s eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she says. “But honestly, Nicholas, the man pretty much runs the entire known universe. Of course there’s stuff on his mind.”
She’s right, and I draw in a breath, suck it up, and force myself into a good mood as we change into swimsuits, then take the kids onto the back patio.
TRAILER!!
ABOUT THE MASTERMIND
Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner and J.K. Beck) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,”
J.K. writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures.
Her most recent trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries.
J.K. lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and several cats.
Enjoy your reading week, book buddies :-)
