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c7s24's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
devansbooklife's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars. Review may contain spoilers:
I really wanted to fall in love with this series. But this book failed to grab me. While, I really enjoy the writing style, the story itself was predictable and lacking. I ended up feeling like there should have been something more.
Let me start with Nikki, who hates to go by Nichole. She is the only character that had any substance. She is the only one that I really knew anything about. Since the book is told from her point of view only, it is normal. But even when she is prying information out of Damien I felt like it was just the basics. She learned very little about him after her original Internet search. Another thing I really never understood was her cutting issue. Was it because she needed some type of control? I can't imagine living a life that was so structured and negative, however, I don't really understand why it resolved into cutting. Losing her sister was tragic and of course the pain from that could lead to such destructive tendencies. But in the grand scheme of things I didn't feel like she had it horrible. That the cutting was placed in the story in haste.
Damien sounds delicious. Yummy in every way. But I don't understand him. I know he protects Nikki. I know he spends a lot of money on Nikki. But I don't understand his feelings or drive behind the relationship with Nikki. I would have preferred to have been given more insight into his heart, his feelings, and his desires.
The remaining characters in the book Ollie and Jamie for instance, I know virtually nothing about. They seek to be thrown about in the story to be fillers. Ollie and Jamie hook up and it destroys Nikki for about an hour, then it's swept under the rug? What is the reasoning behind Jamie's sexual ways?
All in all I was left asking Why? And what was the cause of..... A lot. The book is steamy! There are some fantastic sex scenes. And I really feel like this could be a great series if there was more information given.
I really wanted to fall in love with this series. But this book failed to grab me. While, I really enjoy the writing style, the story itself was predictable and lacking. I ended up feeling like there should have been something more.
Let me start with Nikki, who hates to go by Nichole. She is the only character that had any substance. She is the only one that I really knew anything about. Since the book is told from her point of view only, it is normal. But even when she is prying information out of Damien I felt like it was just the basics. She learned very little about him after her original Internet search. Another thing I really never understood was her cutting issue. Was it because she needed some type of control? I can't imagine living a life that was so structured and negative, however, I don't really understand why it resolved into cutting. Losing her sister was tragic and of course the pain from that could lead to such destructive tendencies. But in the grand scheme of things I didn't feel like she had it horrible. That the cutting was placed in the story in haste.
Damien sounds delicious. Yummy in every way. But I don't understand him. I know he protects Nikki. I know he spends a lot of money on Nikki. But I don't understand his feelings or drive behind the relationship with Nikki. I would have preferred to have been given more insight into his heart, his feelings, and his desires.
The remaining characters in the book Ollie and Jamie for instance, I know virtually nothing about. They seek to be thrown about in the story to be fillers. Ollie and Jamie hook up and it destroys Nikki for about an hour, then it's swept under the rug? What is the reasoning behind Jamie's sexual ways?
All in all I was left asking Why? And what was the cause of..... A lot. The book is steamy! There are some fantastic sex scenes. And I really feel like this could be a great series if there was more information given.
samanthameyer's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mostlyfated's review against another edition
3.0
3.75 stars for Release Me by J. Kenner.
Overall, the book is very similar Bared to You by Sylvia Day in both characters and context. It doesn't have the snappy pace (and panties melting dialogue that Day is known) but I would say this is a close second to Ms. Day.
At times I felt there was too much description of what Nikki was doing, thinking (blah, blah, blah), and not enough dialogue that propels the story as well keep the reader entertained.
Overall, the book is very similar Bared to You by Sylvia Day in both characters and context. It doesn't have the snappy pace (and panties melting dialogue that Day is known) but I would say this is a close second to Ms. Day.
At times I felt there was too much description of what Nikki was doing, thinking (blah, blah, blah), and not enough dialogue that propels the story as well keep the reader entertained.
kckburns's review against another edition
4.0
Quick read. Loved the author's writing style. Will absolutely be reading her other books. Would've given it 5 stars but it was way too similar to fifty shades
niarastitt's review against another edition
2.0
This book was extremely derivative of the Crossfire Series by Sylvia Day. And it wasn’t better.
texcare1's review against another edition
5.0
Wow what a first book. Love Nikki she's been through some stuff but she's strong. Damien he's a mystery haven't figured him out yet. Very HOT book hope the second one is Hot like this one was :)
judithdcollins's review against another edition
1.0
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.
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.
kieraz's review against another edition
Pure smut but a book’s a book for that 2023 goodreads book count what can I say
laura_devouring_books_crumpets's review against another edition
3.0
Meh.....
I wouldn't put this on fire with Cross or 50 shades....
Damien - The author made this character too secretive..... It really seemed he had no personality whatsoever due to this....
Nikki - She was interesting... Maybe a little shallow at times... a girl getting over her pageant days by cutting herself... As that seems to be the Main issue than rather the loss of her sister. She happily accepts all the gifts Damien showers her with... and seems happy with him.
There is non of the edge of the seat feel to this book others had to offer.... Was it great? ... Was it Bad? Also no.... it was just a mid line read for me... 3 stars
I wouldn't put this on fire with Cross or 50 shades....
Damien - The author made this character too secretive..... It really seemed he had no personality whatsoever due to this....
Nikki - She was interesting... Maybe a little shallow at times... a girl getting over her pageant days by cutting herself... As that seems to be the Main issue than rather the loss of her sister. She happily accepts all the gifts Damien showers her with... and seems happy with him.
There is non of the edge of the seat feel to this book others had to offer.... Was it great? ... Was it Bad? Also no.... it was just a mid line read for me... 3 stars