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A review by meeks3
Release Me by J. Kenner
2.0
I am always game to read whatever new erotic novel series is out there, but I am getting really tired of the whole “high powered billionaire being overbearing on the young girl who just completely bends to his will” plot. How about we write a woman with some backbone? This is not to say that "Release Me" is a terrible book. It has the makings and basic outline of a good story, but unfortunately the follow through is not there.
My biggest issue with the book is that none of the characters are held responsible for their actions. Nikki finds out that Damien has been stalking her since she was 16? She gets angry, marches over to his place for an explanation, brings up his ex instead of the stalking, they talk about that for five seconds, and then have sex. Nikki finds out that Damien had her ex fired from his job, oh well who really cares? Nikki finds out that her two best friends had sex. Let’s be disappointed in Ollie for a few minutes before going back to being exasperated by his big brother attitude. And let’s not even bother talking to Jamie about it because well they’re besties so it doesn’t matter. These are legitimate conflicts which end up being meaningless because the characters (mainly Nikki) choose to use things like sex to make everything better.
I do wish Nikki would have been a stronger female protagonist because in some respects she is a strong female character. She was controlled by her mother growing up and learned to stand up for herself. Like many people, she suffers from a mental illness and while for the most part her self harming tendencies are under control it is something that she continues to deal with. Nikki is a woman who wants to make a name for herself in the male dominated tech world of computer coding and app creations. All of these give her a great backstory and the ability to be a phenomenal female lead. Unfortunately, though, Damien makes her lose so much of that. It’s disappointing to me that for someone who fought so hard to break free from her mom’s control, Nikki is more than willing to let Damien do it. He wants to be controlling in the bedroom? Fine, but he should not be allowed to do whatever he wants just because he’s a billionaire and used to getting his way.
Overall, this book was very “meh.” I doubt I will continue reading the series mainly because I did not care enough about the leads to want to follow their story any more.
My biggest issue with the book is that none of the characters are held responsible for their actions. Nikki finds out that Damien has been stalking her since she was 16? She gets angry, marches over to his place for an explanation, brings up his ex instead of the stalking, they talk about that for five seconds, and then have sex. Nikki finds out that Damien had her ex fired from his job, oh well who really cares? Nikki finds out that her two best friends had sex. Let’s be disappointed in Ollie for a few minutes before going back to being exasperated by his big brother attitude. And let’s not even bother talking to Jamie about it because well they’re besties so it doesn’t matter. These are legitimate conflicts which end up being meaningless because the characters (mainly Nikki) choose to use things like sex to make everything better.
I do wish Nikki would have been a stronger female protagonist because in some respects she is a strong female character. She was controlled by her mother growing up and learned to stand up for herself. Like many people, she suffers from a mental illness and while for the most part her self harming tendencies are under control it is something that she continues to deal with. Nikki is a woman who wants to make a name for herself in the male dominated tech world of computer coding and app creations. All of these give her a great backstory and the ability to be a phenomenal female lead. Unfortunately, though, Damien makes her lose so much of that. It’s disappointing to me that for someone who fought so hard to break free from her mom’s control, Nikki is more than willing to let Damien do it. He wants to be controlling in the bedroom? Fine, but he should not be allowed to do whatever he wants just because he’s a billionaire and used to getting his way.
Overall, this book was very “meh.” I doubt I will continue reading the series mainly because I did not care enough about the leads to want to follow their story any more.