Review of Release Me (Stark Saga #1) by J. Kenner
Release Me is the first book in the series The Stark Saga.
Nikki Fairchild has come to L.A. for a new start and a chance to be herself. A few days into her first job in the tech industry, her job assignment at a cocktail party is to entrance Damien Stark. He's enigmatic, powerful, secretive, handsome, and irritating. But just as she was supposed to draw him in, he draws her.
Damien Stark wants Nikki and has no intention of allowing her to deny him. But Nikki has her own secrets that she intends to protect. Damien has his. Will secrets destroy them both?
Trigger warning: self-injury and discussion of child abuse.
This is an erotic romance in the same vein as Fifty Shades. It's the same tropes, the same subjects, but done very differently. I find this book infinitely more likable and enjoyable. Nikki is a strong woman who knows her own mind, and she's not opposed to expressing her opinions. Damien is a powerful man not used to hearing the word no.
I found Nikki to be a relatable main character who had a tragic past and a hopeful future. Her dreams were admirable, and her plan solid. She needed no hand up from a billionaire. Damien is haunted, but the past is a mystery. He's closed off but warm and caring. He turns Nikki on with a look, and he can take her to places no one has.
Both characters were layered, and while we didn't see much of Damien's layers in this book, it's clear he has them even if he's keeping his secrets. His desires as a Dom weren't as heavy as I expected in a BDSM book, so this was not as intense as Fifty Shades. I enjoyed the painting that brought them together and how it solidified Nikki and gave her confidence.
The novel felt like it was telling the story of two characters in flux, right on the cusp of something. This was especially true with Nikki, but Damien grew in the novel, too. I enjoyed both their growth and development.
Descriptions in the novel were good, and I could picture where I was and what was happening at all times. Dialog was also good—expressive and little cheese.
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more.
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