Release Me

Stark Trilogy 1

By: J. Kenner

Narrated by: Sofia Willingham

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

The first in an irresistible, erotic, emotionally charged romance trilogy for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You of a powerful man who's never heard 'no', a fiery woman who says 'yes' on her own terms and an unforgettable indecent proposal...

He was the one man I couldn't avoid. And the one man I couldn't resist. Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me. Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past - and risk breaking us apart. But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him - and us - for ever.

©2013 J. Kenner (P)2013 Random House Audio

Good Start To The Series

When I finally got to read this book I was very excited. I know that I was going in with an open mind and the idea that I would find an original and different story. Well, that wasn't necessarily the case. Like many other contemporary Erotica Release Me presents characters and situation that are pretty common in most the erotica coming out lately. As far as the plot, it was interesting but not different from others in the genre. Release Me follows somewhat the same path as Fifty Shades of Grey, a hot, young and intellectual man who has control issues based on childhood scars. However, I find it a bit refreshing that the female main character wasn't innocent at all; she was witty and had playful personality that I enjoyed very much.

Damien is possessive, sexual, and overpowering. As a child his father pretty much controlled his life and he was forced to follow other's commands. As an adult he found release in his control. Everything and everyone around Damien always did what he wanted and when he wanted. I like that in a way, because it shows his determination and dedication to the things he believed in. What I don't like however, is his lack of communication and explanations for his reasoning and actions. I like Damien but I can't help to compare his character to Christian of Fifty Shades of Grey.

Nikki is funny, smart and believes in individualism. I like her personality but I disagree how she handled her relationship with Damien. Nikki first met Damien during a beauty pageant that Damien was sponsoring; however he didn't give her a second thought and moved on. While for Damien she was just another young participant, for Nikki meeting Damien was a dream, even when she only saw him for a few minutes. He made an impression on Nikki and stayed in her mind ever since. I like the way Nikki's strong personality handled certain situations in her professional life, however her infatuation with Damien didn't seat well with me. Nikki was more preoccupied on saving Damien, than saving herself. Her inability to confront her demons (mother) brought me border line mad. I believe in strong women and though Nikki was professionally strong, as a person she was somewhat weak. I thought she would be able to stand up for herself and put her mother in her place.

What I liked about the story, the sex, the passion, the games, the pampering. Damien is a sex god and knows how to make a woman moan. Nikki wasn't afraid to show Damien her need and desire for him, she took delight in their encounters and even encouraged him to go out of the ordinary. Sexually they were matched made in heaven, emotionally not so much. Both characters have issues to handle and both characters need more than just the sex; however they use it as a coping mechanism and a way to find connection. These two characters rocked the bed, the walls, the car and the window. I enjoy those scenes and I think the author did a pretty good job describing them and crafting the scenes.

What I hope to see in the next book: I want to see a more open relationship between Nikki & Damien; I want to see more participating from Nikki, really just laying there isn't fun in sex lol. Though Nikki enjoyed Damien's protection I also think she felt overwhelmed. Damien needs to open up about his feelings, about his childhood issues and his daddy issues. I want to see Nikki tell her mom off, I want to see Nikki more concern about her life professionally. The sex in this story rocked, it was good and it was detailed, overall Release Me is a good story, but not a five devils story. Readers who enjoy Fifty Shades of Grey will enjoy Release Me.
Sofia Willingham did a good job with the delivery of the story.

Release Me

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved reading this series but I also loved having it read to me. The narration is good, with a steady pace and good diction.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love both the main characters in this series, but I could identify at certain times with Nikki.

Have you listened to any of Sofia Willingham’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to the entire series of this book and find Sofia is a very skilled narrator.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole book moved me.

Any additional comments?

It would actually be nice sometimes if both male and female characters were portrayed by male and female instead of the trying to sound like the opposite sex.

Oh My Mr. Stark - Smile Smile

Any additional comments?

The synopsis has it right, Release Me is PERFECT for fans of Fifty Shades of Grey and Bared to You. Release Me is a powerful and erotic romance novel that is sure to make romance readers sweat, sigh and swoon. Damien Stark managed to convince me that he belongs with some of the greatest (Perfect Alpha Male) fictional characters. Damin is definitely the whole package - Mr Hot and Hard Spiced up Sex - This is a well written book that depicts relate-able things which certainly helps make it a touching read. It's a four wine glass toast, and I bet some of you will truly enjoy the art connection as much as I did. I honestly don’t know what else to say but this book was good, very good and definitely worth the listen. Oh Yummy :)

Slow to start

I felt the narration was slow to start and a little frustrating but the story itself is good.

Will move onto Claim Me as I'm eager to find out what's next.

Meh!

Someone said that this is similar to Crossfire. How wrong they are!

Damien Stark is rather delicious but he is no contender to Gideon Cross.  He has secrets and is obsessed by the heroine who has secrets of her own which by the end of  book #1 you get an inkling of but so far as a story, this is sadly lacking. A girl meets a boy and they just have sex all the time. That's it.

The good news - no cliffhanger so I will not be continuing with this series.

Good listen

Good little listen to pass the time, bit far fetched at times but decent

i slept threw it all

this was such a waste of money, time and internet data. it was BORING!
Damien sounds weak and pathetic.

Stark and Fairchild are awesome!!

Absofreakinlutely loved this book, would highly recommend it, I have it on audible, ebook and signed paperback, a truly wonderful start to the Stark Trilogy, you will not be disappointed.

Excellent

the book very good, the voice realy good, the interpretation very good and the story interesting.

"DAMIEN STARK"

What made the experience of listening to Release Me the most enjoyable?

you never lose your page haha

What did you like best about this story?

Damien understood Nicky

Which scene did you most enjoy?

the first time she had to strip for the nude painting

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes & i did

Any additional comments?

love all the Stark international