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Stark Saga #3.1
Take Me
I’ve long dreamed of my fairy tale wedding, but it wasn’t until I met Damien Stark—who captured me with his kisses and undid me with his touch—that I began to believe it was my destiny. Though we both carry secrets and scars, our shared passion heals us, binding us together. We have surrendered to each other completely, and our mutual ecstasy is the brightest light in my life.
But darkness still snakes through the cracks in our armor. Ghosts from our past have moved in, bringing fresh pain that cuts deep and threatens to destroy everything we hold dear.
Damien is my anchor to this world, and I am his. But if we are going to keep each other, we have to fight the shadows of our pasts to move forward into our future.
But darkness still snakes through the cracks in our armor. Ghosts from our past have moved in, bringing fresh pain that cuts deep and threatens to destroy everything we hold dear.
Damien is my anchor to this world, and I am his. But if we are going to keep each other, we have to fight the shadows of our pasts to move forward into our future.
3 pages, Audiobook
First published December 3, 2013
291 people are currently reading
10536 people want to read
About the author
J. Kenner
189 books10.4k followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 623 reviews
August 15, 2017
★★★★! Stark Trilogy, book 3.5 (3.5). The last piece of the puzzle! The conclusion of multi-billionaire & kinky lover Damien Stark’s & Nikki Fairchild’s saga!
“Kiss me,” he says. “Ride me.”
The Stark Trilogy is the whirlwind romance between former youth tennis-pro and self-made multi-billionaire Damien Stark and recent College graduate and former beauty queen Nikki Fairchild. On the outside they are both strikingly beautiful, but on the inside they are two broken, flawed and tortured souls. This is their story of secrets, painful pasts, revenge, lust, control and surrendering it all for love!
Book 1: Release Me
Book 2: Claim Me
Book 3: Complete Me
Book 3.5: Take Me
In previous books we followed as Southern belle Nichole Fairchild, Nikki was propositioned by the elusive billionaire entrepreneur and master-of-his-universe, Damien Stark to pose for a nude painting. Their attraction and connection has been intense and undeniable from the first moment, but much has stood in their way. They have explored sexual submission and control while maneuvering through haunted pasts, envy, jealousy, deceit, lies and other set-backs all under the watchful eye of the hounding paparazzi.
Take Me (book 3.5) picks up 3 months after the ending of book 3. Damien and Nikki have an important event to plan (read blurb if you want details). But again they are faced with set-backs; jitters, mishaps, villains and the paparazzi. Look to Damien to save the day with mind-blowing sex and a firm grip on the situation!
Six words to describe Damien Stark: Captivating, intense, ruthless, enigmatic, commanding and unforgettable.
“I have no regrets for the past, Nikki. And when I’m with you, the only thing I can see is the future.”
I was a bit disappointed, after reading the whole trilogy, that Nichole Fairchild, Nikki still hasn’t grown a back-bone. On the other hand she is a Submissive and towards the end she did redeem herself somewhat. Six words to describe Nikki: Smart, vulnerable, broken, resilient, conflicted and determined.
“Pleasure and pain, Damien, and you’re the only one I trust to give me both.”
The Stark trilogy has been nothing short of a roller-coaster. This epilogue/novella,Take Me was the perfect ending to Damien and Nikki’s saga! Interesting plot! Compelling and captivating hero, Damien Stark! Sizzling sex scenes! A very enjoyable read!
“I do, and see him looking not at me, but at the juncture of our bodies. I am watching his face— watching the passion build— and when he moves his gaze and meets my eyes, the storm I see building there nearly does me in.”
***
Hero rating: 5 stars
Heroine rating: 3 stars
Sex scenes rating: 5 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 4 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: 4 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars
Would I recommend this series: Yes.
Would I re-read this series: Maybe later.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
March 21, 2017
After traveling around Europe, Damien and Nikki start planning their wedding but now, just a few days before the big day, everything seems to go the wrong way.
And, surprise surprise, Nikki's mother will be their bigger problem.
“That day when you asked me to pose for you—I never expected it to end like this.”
“But it hasn’t ended, Mrs. Stark. This is just the beginning.”
This book is a really short one but it's still a sexy endearing one. One more time they fight their problems together and still end up getting better at it.
“There is no one else who has the power to tear me apart the way you do, Nikki. No one else who can reach in and squeeze my heart. You are my world, Ms. Fairchild, and I love you desperately.”
So yeah, two dumps up for this one !
And, surprise surprise, Nikki's mother will be their bigger problem.
“That day when you asked me to pose for you—I never expected it to end like this.”
“But it hasn’t ended, Mrs. Stark. This is just the beginning.”
This book is a really short one but it's still a sexy endearing one. One more time they fight their problems together and still end up getting better at it.
“There is no one else who has the power to tear me apart the way you do, Nikki. No one else who can reach in and squeeze my heart. You are my world, Ms. Fairchild, and I love you desperately.”
So yeah, two dumps up for this one !
October 30, 2014
4 Sexy Stark Stars!
I just found out yesterday that this book existed. And I’m glad I found it because I always felt the last book on Stark series was lacking a proper ending and this book completely makes up for that.
Starting after the end of “Complete Me” it follows Nikki and Damien in their walk to the wedding. They both have a few ghosts to battle but now that they’re together, things are suddenly easier to deal with.
It was nice to read a little more about them... and I'm always happy to have a little more of Damien Stark! ;)
For the fans of the “Stark Trilogy” this is a novella you can’t definitely miss.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
I just found out yesterday that this book existed. And I’m glad I found it because I always felt the last book on Stark series was lacking a proper ending and this book completely makes up for that.
Starting after the end of “Complete Me” it follows Nikki and Damien in their walk to the wedding. They both have a few ghosts to battle but now that they’re together, things are suddenly easier to deal with.
It was nice to read a little more about them... and I'm always happy to have a little more of Damien Stark! ;)
For the fans of the “Stark Trilogy” this is a novella you can’t definitely miss.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
January 4, 2015
This novella is all about Damien and Nikki's wedding...or at least about Nikki trying to plan the wedding and Damien coming to the rescue...as always.
I still really enjoy these two and I like them together. If you've enjoyed the books, you might be interested in reading how things progress for the couple.
However, the problems are still there...too much sex and Nikki still needing to be destructive. I wish I could say there is some growth for them as a couple but I just don't see it. I really wish Nikki was better instead of using Damien as a crutch, or "anchor" as she calls him. And I think these two could do much better than sweeping things under the rug...or throwing cash at their problems.
The actual wedding was wonderful though. I'm happy it worked out that way.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “Holy crap,” Jamie says, “do you travel in packs?”
♥ “There is no one else who has the power to tear me apart the way you do, Nikki. No one else who can reach in and squeeze my heart. You are my world, Ms. Fairchild, and I love you desperately.”
♥ "If this is about inviting the Raven men to the wedding, I’m going to exercise my veto power.”
I still really enjoy these two and I like them together. If you've enjoyed the books, you might be interested in reading how things progress for the couple.
However, the problems are still there...too much sex and Nikki still needing to be destructive. I wish I could say there is some growth for them as a couple but I just don't see it. I really wish Nikki was better instead of using Damien as a crutch, or "anchor" as she calls him. And I think these two could do much better than sweeping things under the rug...or throwing cash at their problems.
The actual wedding was wonderful though. I'm happy it worked out that way.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “Holy crap,” Jamie says, “do you travel in packs?”
♥ “There is no one else who has the power to tear me apart the way you do, Nikki. No one else who can reach in and squeeze my heart. You are my world, Ms. Fairchild, and I love you desperately.”
♥ "If this is about inviting the Raven men to the wedding, I’m going to exercise my veto power.”
July 20, 2014
”That day,” I whisper, my heart full to bursting.
“That day when you asked me to pose for you – I never expected it to end like this.”
“But it hasn't ended, This is just the beginning.”
Damien & Nikki have not had an easy road, both have been haunted by the ghost of their past and battling their demons did not leave them without scars. But together they fought harder and together they survived. This is the epilogue to their story that we desperately needed.
J. Kenner gives us the final piece of their journey in true Stark fashion. Damien is just as strong as he’s ever been, but for the first time Nikki’s strength shines through. As I read this novella it completely brought me back to every moment experienced in the trilogy. I felt like some cheesy montage was running through my mind showcasing their journey to this point.
The writing and the story stayed true to the series and we even get the brief introduction to one Evan Black, who is the Hero of the soon to be released, Wanted. The story ends on such a beautiful note and cements these two characters as two of my favorites. Both so damaged and broken but yet finding something in one another that gives them the ability to heal each other.
July 29, 2024
Here Comes the... Mother of the Bride?
4.5 stars - Nikki and Damien give whole new meaning to the words sizzling and explosive! Their relationship is as solid as ever and the chemistry continues to shine on the pages. As they embark on the legal joining of their partnership, hiccups continue to occur but together they can conquer anything - even Nikki's horrible mother (and she IS horrible) - and have the wedding they both want.
UPDATED 5/2022:
This is the second time, I think, that I've read this. Well, really, this time I listened. But alas, it's the last audio in the series that my local library has on offer so I'll be switching to my books (they're so pretty on my shelf).
I really do love how Damien and Nikki have formed a partnership. Sure, she's not always 100% upfront with him about how the wedding planning is going - at the same time, that's never been his MO either - but they read each other well and find a way to be there when it counts.
I've mentioned this in the other three books of the series but I shall repeat myself. Sofia Willingham sounds EXACTLY as I've imagined Nikki all of these years. She does a good job with Damien but it's not as I expected him to sound.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
UPDATED 7/2024:
I always love everything Nikki and Damien! 💙
4.5 stars - Nikki and Damien give whole new meaning to the words sizzling and explosive! Their relationship is as solid as ever and the chemistry continues to shine on the pages. As they embark on the legal joining of their partnership, hiccups continue to occur but together they can conquer anything - even Nikki's horrible mother (and she IS horrible) - and have the wedding they both want.
UPDATED 5/2022:
This is the second time, I think, that I've read this. Well, really, this time I listened. But alas, it's the last audio in the series that my local library has on offer so I'll be switching to my books (they're so pretty on my shelf).
I really do love how Damien and Nikki have formed a partnership. Sure, she's not always 100% upfront with him about how the wedding planning is going - at the same time, that's never been his MO either - but they read each other well and find a way to be there when it counts.
I've mentioned this in the other three books of the series but I shall repeat myself. Sofia Willingham sounds EXACTLY as I've imagined Nikki all of these years. She does a good job with Damien but it's not as I expected him to sound.
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
UPDATED 7/2024:
I always love everything Nikki and Damien! 💙
December 3, 2013
4.5 Stark Stars
Aw…I really enjoyed this final installment in The Stark Series.
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Nikki is in her final stages of wedding preparations with their wedding set for this Saturday! Nikki has to handle the photography and the band falling through as well as an uninvited guest’s arrival just days before the wedding. Will the pressure be too much for our couple?
”Pleasure and pain, Damien, and you’re the only one I trust to give me both.”
Damien and Nikki are still really hot and heavy in and out of the bedroom in is this novella and I loved how they had each other’s back the whole journey to the altar.
”I have no regrets for the past, Nikki. And when I’m with you, the only thing I can see is the future.”
Readers shouldn't miss this sweet ending to the series.
Aw…I really enjoyed this final installment in The Stark Series.
[image error]
Nikki is in her final stages of wedding preparations with their wedding set for this Saturday! Nikki has to handle the photography and the band falling through as well as an uninvited guest’s arrival just days before the wedding. Will the pressure be too much for our couple?
”Pleasure and pain, Damien, and you’re the only one I trust to give me both.”
Damien and Nikki are still really hot and heavy in and out of the bedroom in is this novella and I loved how they had each other’s back the whole journey to the altar.
”I have no regrets for the past, Nikki. And when I’m with you, the only thing I can see is the future.”
Readers shouldn't miss this sweet ending to the series.
December 14, 2013
Rating: 4.5
It's Damien Stark! Of course I loved it.
It's not the walk down the isle that matters -it's the man waiting for me when I get there
This book including HOT scenes!!
It's Damien Stark! Of course I loved it.
It's not the walk down the isle that matters -it's the man waiting for me when I get there
This book including HOT scenes!!
December 4, 2013
Basically, "Take Me" is the perfect Christmas star atop the biggest, fattest, fullest, best decorated Christmas tree ever that is the Stark Trilogy.
Yes, I just compared "Take Me" to frigging Christmas. That's how serious I am about this. Really.
I was lucky enough to get to beta this for Julie and loved every minute of it (of which there weren't many because I couldn't put it down, ahem).
The novella centers around Damien Stark and Nikki Fairchild's impending nuptials and the sequence of events leading up to them. Wedding planning, bachelorette and bachelor parties, wedding dress debacles, cake tasting, all with a sexy twist that no one but Julie Kenner can pull off while making you giggle in between gasps at the hotness of it all.
And yet Damien makes no move to satisfy me. He is content to tease and torment, and as he slowly traces the shape of my navel with the tip of his tongue, I moan in both pleasure and frustration.
“You like that?” he asks.
“Yes,” I murmur.
“So do I.” His voice is low and reverent. “You taste like candy.” “Candy is bad for you,” I tease.
“In that case,” he says with a low growl, “I like being bad."
I don't know how she manages to do it, but Julie ends this series (and along the way she introduces us to our next book boyfriend, Wanted's Evan Black) perfectly.
I wasn't sure how I felt about a couple like Nikki and Damien involved in a marriage-themed novella, but Julie pulled it off seamlessly.
So go ahead, give yourself an (really frigging sexy) early Christmas present and just click order already, okay? Okay then.
August 16, 2014
I was pretty critical of the final book in the trilogy, feeling there were missed story opportunities. Against my better judgment, I decided to listen to this novella, believing it would complete what was missing, moving the relationship to the next level. Unfortunately, 2/3 of it was consumed by sexual romps with very little story or other action. I won't be continuing with the spinoffs.
December 8, 2013
This was a great ending to an amazing series. It was one of those books you enjoyed but didn't necessarily need.
I did get teary at the end but only because I won't see Damien any more. I wish somehow this could go on forever lol
I am looking forward to the series/book about Jamie though, maybe we'll get some Damien tid bits in there lol.
I did get teary at the end but only because I won't see Damien any more. I wish somehow this could go on forever lol
I am looking forward to the series/book about Jamie though, maybe we'll get some Damien tid bits in there lol.
December 9, 2013
It’s not the Epilogue I was expecting.
I LOVE this series. The ending of the book 3 is unsatisfying for a fan of the series. So when I saw this I was expecting “building a family”, you know what I mean.
This novella is good. I mean GOOD. The thing is I think it’s a deleted part of Complete Me.
@gleekidMC
I LOVE this series. The ending of the book 3 is unsatisfying for a fan of the series. So when I saw this I was expecting “building a family”, you know what I mean.
This novella is good. I mean GOOD. The thing is I think it’s a deleted part of Complete Me.
@gleekidMC
June 17, 2016
“Close your eyes. Let me give this to you. Let me show you just how well I know you. How intimately I know your body. Because it’s not just yours—it’s mine, too. And I intend to show you how very well—and how very thoroughly—I take care of what is mine.”
Read
February 25, 2014Full review and rating to come soon....
October 18, 2025
4 Stars for Take Me: Stark Saga, Book 3.1 (audiobook) by J. Kenner read by Sofia Willingham.
This short story was a great way to check out this series. Now I want to see everything that went on between this couple to get them to their wedding day. There was one glaring detail that seemed to be missing at the wedding though. There was no quartet playing music for the ceremony. How can you have a wonderful event like this without music?
This short story was a great way to check out this series. Now I want to see everything that went on between this couple to get them to their wedding day. There was one glaring detail that seemed to be missing at the wedding though. There was no quartet playing music for the ceremony. How can you have a wonderful event like this without music?
February 25, 2016
Take Me: Stark Ever After
The Characters:
Damien Stark
Nikki Fairchild
The Story:
I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of these two. I expected their wedding to be nothing less than spectacular and Ms Kenner didn’t let us down. I really love the way Damien and Nikki take care of and support each other. I also really loathe Nikki’s mother, excellent villain writing.
The Random Thoughts:
4 Stars
The Characters:
Damien Stark
Nikki Fairchild
The Story:
I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of these two. I expected their wedding to be nothing less than spectacular and Ms Kenner didn’t let us down. I really love the way Damien and Nikki take care of and support each other. I also really loathe Nikki’s mother, excellent villain writing.
The Random Thoughts:
4 Stars
July 8, 2014
4.5 solid stars! ;)
December 21, 2013
This novella was really good and it remineded me how much I like the characters!
I think I´m goona re-read the series shortly :)
Pick it up guys...it´s great!!
Our (Aly´s & mine) pick for Damien - your welcome-:
I think I´m goona re-read the series shortly :)
Pick it up guys...it´s great!!
Our (Aly´s & mine) pick for Damien - your welcome-:
February 15, 2015
The trilogy was very boring but this one was absolutely fucking hot and awesome!
Glad I read it :)
December 5, 2013
***3.5 I'm-kind-of-torn-how-to-feel-about-this-novella-but-I'm-happy-to-read-Damien-Stark-again Stars!***
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April 13, 2015oh, it's an epilogue")
January 11, 2014
This is a 4.5 series for me. I absolutely ADORED Damien. God did I love him! I also enjoyed the fact that none of the books left you with a cliff hanger, but they did leave you wanting more of their story. Damien was very damanaged, but Nikki was even more so in my opinion. I enjoyed the fact that they saved each other. I also enjoyed all the hot, steamy scenes :). I rated this series 4.5 stars instead of 5-6 simply because although I enjoyed this series, several sections I caught myself skimming through and I couldn't put my finger on why. Also, I would have liked the novella to wrap up their lives a little more. Overall though, this series was fantastic and I would 100% recommend it! :)
Want to read
November 2, 2013If she corrects two items i think she can redeem herself....1, the sex has to not feel like every other second/scene as opposed to plot development, and 2, she can NOT remind us of characters/thinking every other paragraph (I can just see it now - a full paragraph 5 times in this book each time Giselle is mentioned, or each time Jaimie sleeps with someone) the repetition has to stop - yes, i know you have to do it at least once in a new book - but it was overwhelming in book 3, and seriously made me think twice about ever reading this author again.
January 16, 2014
Finally an end. I was disappointed with the "ending" after reading Complete Me all those months ago. Now I'm happy that she gave Stark fans a proper end to a beautiful love story. However, I would have liked more. Yes, call me greedy and hard to please but I wanted a better HEA....like them having babies. I'd have loved a Stark baby thrown into their happily ever after. But I guess we can't always get what we want. Lol!
Can't wait to get me some Wanted and some Evan!!
Can't wait to get me some Wanted and some Evan!!
February 19, 2014
OMG!!!! Absolutely the PERFECT ending to the Stark series. I am a HUGE fan of Damien Stark. He is the perfect combination of Sexy sweet man and alpha male. And boy he LOVES Nikki. I have LOVED watching these two grow and fall in love together. I enjoyed this short novella. I only wish it had been longer. J. Kenner has given us readers everything we hope for in not only the series, but the characters. Absolutely FABULOUS novella. 5 glorious glowing stars!!!!
November 5, 2013
I was lucky enough to get a beta copy of Take Me from J. Kenner. I cannot express in words how much I LOVE this book. I love it for so many reasons!!!!! A full review to follow closer to publishing date!!! Add Take Me to your TBR list and read it as soon as it releases. You will not regret it. Promise!!!!
January 16, 2014
2.5 Stars
I hate to give a low rating but I had to. I skipped through much of this novella, as it was mostly an explanation of what we already had read. Nothing exciting, no loose ends tied up. I really don't know what the point of it was, and I wish I could get my money back. I believe my rating is generous. Nuff said.
I hate to give a low rating but I had to. I skipped through much of this novella, as it was mostly an explanation of what we already had read. Nothing exciting, no loose ends tied up. I really don't know what the point of it was, and I wish I could get my money back. I believe my rating is generous. Nuff said.
December 6, 2013
What a perfect ending to the series for Nikki and Damien. The story starts a week before their wedding and ends on their wedding day. For a short story there was lots of drama thrown in and another one of J Kenner seriously hot and steamy scene in the back of Limo. We also get to meet Evan who is getting his own trilogy story next.
December 3, 2013
More Damien and Nikki. My man is back. I felt as if I got the epilogue I wanted so much. 101 pages of amazingness
January 13, 2014
Perfect ending to a beautiful series. Review to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 623 reviews